T h i r t y
d e g r e e s
luxury maga zine
Zermat t
THE AIR-KING A tribute to the golden age of aviation in the 1930s, featuring a prominent minute scale for navigational time-readings. It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.
OYSTER PERPETUAL AIR-KING
Zermatt Bahnhofstrasse 4 | bucherer.com
T h i r t y
d e g r e e s
luxury maga zine
E di tor i a l R
espectively standing 324 and 56 metres tall, the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa may be iconic landmarks, but they come up no higher than the ankles of the Matterhorn. Soaring to 4,478 metres above sea level, it towers majestically over the Vallée de Zermatt, while its unmistakable snow-topped pyramid features on more postcards and posters than the whole of the Himalayas put together. While not the tallest peak in the Alps, when it comes to climbing it is the range’s holy grail. Scaling it is an achievement that separates the genuine mountaineer from the rest. Lying at its foot is the village of Zermatt, which is at one with the soaring peak and basks in the aura of a timeless backdrop. Under the violet dusks of January, and beneath the burning skies of summer, the chime of horse-drawn sleighs and the gentle hum of electrically powered vehicles (the only ones allowed in Zermatt) sound in unison with the creaking of proud wooden buildings. With venerable Alpine hamlets, gentle rides on trundling mountain trains and unobstructed vantage points on the 38 peaks of over 4,000m that surround the resort, Zermatt cannot escape its fate: it is condemned to please the senses forever more.
In the winter months, when the weather closes in and wraps the Valais Alps in a snowy shroud, the landscape takes on the appearance of the Far North. It is a treasured setting, and one to which 30° devotes its attention in this prestigious special issue, which we hope reveals both the inner and outer beauty of a place that encapsulates the very best that the Alps have to offer and which was named Best Ski Resort of 2016, and all this at this most magical time of year. In it you will find timeless images and all the things that make Zermatt what it is: virtuoso hotel and restaurant owners, whose efforts have been rewarded by a blizzard of stars; store fronts showcasing luxury that is as authentic as it is discreet; festivals; the most captivating of ski touring outings; and a host of other magical moments that only the festive season can bring. On behalf of everyone at 30° luxury magazine, I wish you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Christian Bugnon P u b l i s h e r & E d i t o r- i n - c h i e f w w w. 3 0 d e g r e s . s w i s s
Contents News 14
Extr aor dina ry Ch a lets The secret peak of luxury at Zermatt 19
Interv iew Jean-Claude Biver 30
HIGH JEWELLERY A bejewelled wonderland 34
Tr ends Watches 40
Cervo A new type of chalet 46
Shops Timepieces 50
portfolio David Carlier 52
r estaur a nt the omni a A Michelin star and a natural source of inspiration 62
fr eer ide Around the matterhorn 64
Unplugged A festival with a view 69
Zer m att Trekking 70
W ith schlossberg Sweet dreams 73
Cur ed beef of the Va l a is Totally seductive 75
Sport trends 77
News 80
chez v ron y The art of simplicity
Design Trends
60
82
Lu xury m aga zine Zer m att w inter 2016-2017 I IMPRESSUM 30° degr ees (since 2002) Editing, administration and adversiting CB Communication sàrl I Rue du Simplon 20 – Case Postale 386 I 1001 Lausanne - Suisse I info@cbcommunication.swiss I www.cbcommunication. swiss I Tel: +41 21 312 41 41, Fax: +41 21 312 41 11 Editor-in-chief Christian Bugnon: christian@cbcommunication.swiss Assistant Mélissa Hertzeisen: melissa@cbcommunication.swiss Writers (in order of appearance) Claude Hervé-Bazin, Nathalie Cobos, Guy Michel, Laurent Grabet, Sophie Dorsaz, Frédéric Rein, Christian Bugnon Photographers (in order of appearance) David Carlier, joe@rockzermatt.com, Michael Portmann, Yves Garneau, Daniel Lopez-Paullada, Fred Merz, Diode SA, Marian Gerard, Christian Pfammatter, Michaël Portmann, Bruno Augsburger, Jeremy Bernard/swatchskierscup.com, Leander Wenger, Rob Lewis, Stefan Schlumpf, Denis Emery Graphic design Florian Blanchard: florian@cbcommunication.swiss I Sophie Cattin: sophie@cbcommunication.swiss I Christian Bugnon (DA): christian@cbcommunication.swiss I Johann Terrettaz English translation Simon Till, Paul Subrenat, Laurène Cabaret German translation Sabine Dröschel Photo-offset printing Images 3 Publicity Ralph Elkhuizen: ralph@cbcommunication.swiss I info@ cbcommunication.swiss Copyright © 2014-2017 30° degrees magazine all rights reserved. All text and images published are protected by copyright. Unauthorized duplication/copying of all or any part of this magazine is strictly prohibited without the express prior permission of the rightful owners. 30° magazine, a media partner of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) I Magazine printed on FSC-certified paper. This issue is also available free of charge on the iPad and on www.30degrees.tv | Cover: Photo David Carlier | Next issue: June 2017
n e ws David Carlier
winter 2016
A passion for freeride w w w.alpincenter-zermatt.ch
Will you Saycheese?
http://zermatterhof.ch/enjoy/restaurants-bars/saycheese/?lang=en
Everyone who dines here leaves with a smile on their face. Not because they’re having their photo taken (although they may well wish to capture the moment) but due to the quality of the cheeses, exclusively from Valais, served in the new Saycheese! restaurant, discreetly located in the basement of the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. On the menu, naturally, are local dried meats, raclette and fondue dishes, perfect with an outstanding Fendant wine. The Zermatterhof, with champagne and cepes mushrooms (or winter truffles) is already close to legendary. And as for the setting, the contemporary adds spice to the traditional, with an open kitchen, old wood, stone and elements of mountain decor, alongside a thoroughly contemporary fireplace.
LDD
Zermatt is something of an El Dorado for the finest skiers and snowboarders. It offers 38 km of yellow runs (if they can be called runs!) with deep carpets of ungroomed snow, accessible by ski lift and marked out for avalanche prevention. Areas such as the Rothorn, Schwarzsee and Triftji-Stockhorn present a succession of steep corridors and ledges reserved for the most daring. From the Stockhorn, at an altitude of 3405 m, riders can look forward to a run with an amazing 1200-metre vertical drop. Those who are bored of black slopes but won’t dare tackle anything yellow can be supervised by the high mountain guides of Alpin Center Zermatt, who know every little bump on these slopes!
The Backstage luxury chalet, a 100% V IP ex perience w w w.backstagehotel.ch
joe@rockzermatt.com
LDD
Nestled close to the Backstage Hotel, the architect, designer and artist Heinz Julen has created an exceptional eagle’s nest in contemporary style: the Backstage luxury chalet. This fivebedroom complex, composed of larch wood and glass, sits proudly above the village, allowing spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding mountains – including from the open space kitchen! Cosy evenings in, which you’ll never want to end, can be spent flitting between the fireplace, home movie theatre room and hydraulic whirlpool which rises up through an opening in the roof! Unforgettable. For a 100% VIP experience, chef Ivo Adam cooks for guests on the spot, and an entire team of staff look after daily management.
RIFFELHAUS,
THE RIFFELH AUS: IN THE HEA RT OF IT A LL w w w.rif felhaus.ch
PARTY TIME
Dom Pérignon P2 w w w.domperignon.com
The unique ageing process undergone by Dom Pérignon’s vintages is not linear but involves a series of transformations called “plénitudes” or “stages of evolution”. It is in these special moments that the wine reaches the high point of its maturation. The second plénitude of a Dom Pérignon takes place after no fewer than 16 years of ageing, all of which results in a superlative champagne with an incredibly intense aroma. The P2 comes in a tone-on-tone bottle housed in a deep matte brushed aluminium box.
LDD
Perched high up in the Zermatt ski area at 2,548 metres above sea level, the 112-year-old Hotel Riffelhaus is looking decidedly perky for its age. Europe’s highest four-star hotel with spa, the iconic Riffelhaus boasts an outdoor jacuzzi, where the very best of backdrops is provided by the Matterhorn. The iconic mountain is also visible from some of the rooms, which are now lined in wood from head to toe. It’s the ultimate ski in & out hotel.
n e ws winter 2016
NEW
SNOWSHOEING ROUTE w w w.zermatt.ch/en/w inter-hik ing-snowshoeing/Snowshoe-trails
Michael Portmann
A new snowshoeing route will be marked out between Täsch and Randa just as soon as the first heavy snowfalls of the season occur. Taking around two hours to complete, this relatively easy route is ideal for families. Running through snow-covered meadows and woodland, it features the odd gentle climb and descent, with walkers having the option of making the return journey by taxi or the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.
The new
improv ed Skiguide a pp http://app.matterhornparadise.ch
Zermatt Bergbahnen AG’s free Skiguide app has some new features to help users find their bearings: avalanche bulletins for freeriders, directions for getting from A to B, and an option for concealing closed runs and lifts. Users can also take part in the SkiTrophy competition. The interface has also been upgraded and the app is available now for iOS and Android.
LDD
A speedy new chairlift
A new look
betw een Ga nt a nd Bl auher d
for Hotel Wa lliser hof
w w w.matterhornparadise.ch
w w w.walliserhof-zermatt.ch
Links between the Gornergrat and Rothorn sectors have been upgraded, with the old cable car between Gant and Blauherd being replaced by a six-seat state-of-the-art chair lift, raising transport capacity from 1,000 to 1,800 passengers per hour. Two kilometres apart, the journey time between the two points is now a little over three minutes and 30 seconds. The old cabins were all sold in the space of five days last winter, with two of them now taking pride of place at the Cervo Hotel and Mont Cervin Palace.
Founded in 1896 and sitting on the Bahnhofstrasse, right in the heart of the village, Hotel Walliserhof is one of the Valais resort’s landmarks. Targeting a youthful clientele, it has been completely refurbished and will reopen its doors on 1 December. Its 23 rooms and suites now boast a truly contemporary style – not least the Family and Village Suites which are panelled in light wood from head to toe. A new restaurant has also been added – Theodors Stuba –, serving up timeless Swiss mountain dishes.
We speak Chinese
w w w.matterhorn-diamonds.com w w w.stoked.ch
In response to Zermatt’s increasing popularity with Chinese visitors, the Matterhorn Diamonds and Stoked ski schools are now offering private skiing lessons with Chinesespeaking instructors.
L É M A N
G R A N D
B L E U
Inspired by the romantic beauty of Lake Geneva, the new Leman Grand Bleu will surprise as much as it dazzles. Finely engraved waves, magnified by a translucent blue varnish, call to mind all the splendour of the crystalline waters. Available as a fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint and mechanical pencil. Caran d’ Ache. Swiss Made excellence since 1915.
GENEVA − Place du Bourg-de-Four 8 • Rue de la Corraterie 10 • ZÜRICH −Löwenstrasse 19 carandache.com
E x t r aor di na ry C h a l ets The secret peak o f l u x u r y a t Z e r m a tt
It‘s been a long time since Zermatt has had a project of this magnitude. Located in the very heart of the resort, a seven-chalet complex, appropriately named Seven Heavens, redefines the very nature of luxury. At the helm: a Julen, of course (Mario, as it turns out). Auspiciously facing the peak of the Matterhorn, each chalet offers the same majestic combination of stone, wood and light, while simultaneously setting itself apart with its own unique style. Each chalet, baptised with the name of one of the seven highest summits in the world, was created by a different designer. In the line of sight: Elbrus and Aconcagua.
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It’s hard to imagine a cosier nest than the large balcony of the Elbrus chalet from which to take in views of the town at night, with the Matterhorn reigning in the background.
E Chalet EL B RUS
T e x t Claude Hervé-Bazin l P Hotos Yves Garneau
S
even chalets make up the Seven Heavens collection, set along the river very close to the Sunnegga lift. The Elbrus, with its 4 floors and “modest” surface area of 565 m2, is not the largest among them! This supremely elegant place with amenities of the rarest quality, has an alpine style all its own. Its interior design was awarded to the Comina interior design firm from the Valais. Their goal? Place Elbrus squarely in the 21st century, while giving room for the resort‘s resolutely mountainous spirit to breathe through its rooms and décor. The result? More wood, striking images of mountains and bears, shaggy cushions, hangers engraved with the profile of the Matterhorn, cuddly reindeers in the children‘s bedroom, etc. In the chalet‘s entrance, set between the ski room and the professionally equipped kitchen, an elevator leads to the first and second floors. Here, every detail exudes comfort, from the mattresses with their multitude of pillows, to the thick towels and fabrics, to the (faux) furs draped over languid chaise longues on private balconies. On the upper level, the silky parquet matches the master pillars of the large living room, centred around a contemporary fireplace roaring in its glass cage. Its foundation? A single slab of unfinished stone. On the wall, a grandiose black and white impression of the incomparable Matterhorn appears to weigh up two large mountain silhouettes, one photographic, and the other a simple electrocardiographic line. These hang the length of the large table around which the chalet‘s residents gather at meal times, under a graceful luminous sky. Its counterpoint: a panoramic terrace from which to better take in the cool evening air and starry skies. Contrast. In the spa lies the pièce de résistance: a giant Jacuzzi set on anthracite, and an adorable sauna enclosed in glass. There, the third floor truly reaches up to the seventh heaven. www.7heavens.ch
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1. A few touches of red invite Christmas into the very private inner sanctum of the bedrooms, softly infused with light and aged wood. 2. An extra-wide bed, rich fabrics, and the comfort of extra-long sofas set the tone for afternoon naps and cuddly nights.
Under the bright wooden arches of the large cathedral-like sitting room, everything reflects the mountain, from the works of art, to the rough hewn stone foundation of the modern fireplace, to the fire that burns within.
To the right, a dining room for meals with friends, plus a bar with statues sculpted by lights – the perfect place to start and end the evening.
The lights, curtains, even the rug seem to come to life with the gentle movement of the beams of light that cross the space of their elegant domain – supreme luxury in a room abounding with warm tones.
A
Chalet Aconcagua
T e x t Claude Hervé-Bazin l Ph o tos Yves Garneau
F
orget “luxury“, or even “ultra-luxury“. At the summit of Aconcagua, “art“ is a more apt description. The space acts as a window into an imagination that transcends space and time to define a new identity. It‘s a marriage of the most enchanting and timeless materials (wood, stone) fused with contemporary conceptualizations. And that‘s just the start. As Le Corbusier once said, Architecture is about formulating problems with clarity. At the Aconcagua chalet, not only does the architecture reflect precision and meticulousness, but it is above all rooted in an unending quest for beauty, balance, and harmony. Its earth brown tones and elegant off-whites are reminiscent of ancient woodwork, with touches of silver, ceramics, and wall sections in deep matte black, which conspire together to accentuate light with unusual intensity. More than simply utilitarian, the light defines and sculpts the space itself, bringing its works of art and carefully selected furniture to life, such as these fantastic Italian hanging lights adorning the dining room, like a bouquet of stalactites. The design goes beyond attention to detail. Each element is a detail. Each room, each wall, each picture window reflects a master plan long in the making, and fulfills a vision dedicated to bringing to life each of the chalet‘s 550 square metres and accentuating its opulent cosiness. The technical and technological expertise embedded into the chalet are likewise staggering. Do they have an equal on this planet? One may have doubts after visiting the kitchens, which are so well designed that Michelin starred chefs (invited to the chalet by the Haute Montagne management), were falling over each other to show off their talents! TV room, sports room – nothing has been forgotten. Certainly not the spa, perched at the top of the chalet, with its large mosaic Jacuzzi and its intense jet-black hammam. There‘s no question that the mission entrusted to German design firm Diesigner was a huge success, and sets a high new standard in the design of large luxury chalets in the Alps. www.7heavens.ch
While space is often a rarity in the mountains, there is no lack of it here. From the sitting room to the dining room – a feast of endless details.
Dining under the extravagance of Italian chandeliers is rather like preparing for walking along rooftops bordered with stalactites of ice.
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1. A (cosy) room. A (vast) balcony. The Matterhorn. The trilogy of luxury. 2. Shadows and objects combine perfectly to create a sensual space, further softened by the luxurious touch of its fabrics and linens.
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1. The wellness space of the Aconcagua chalet combines alpine wood with drapes and metal panels crafted with touches of the Orient. Rest and calm guaranteed. 2. Soak in the dark, steaming hot comfort of this large jacuzzi, and soothe muscles sore from a good day on the slopes. What could be better than that?
TRIBUTE TO BLUE Bucherer has gathered some of the world’s most refined watches under one prestigious roof since 1888. Together with our partners in time, we are introducing the Bucherer BLUE EDITIONS. This collaboration has opened doors to new levels of creativity and originality. Discover exclusive timepieces in blue: an inspired colour for watches that are truly unique.
Available exclusively in Bucherer stores
BUCHERER.COM
Daniel Lopez-Paullada
Jean-Claude Biver is extremely fond of Zermatt, where he spends time both winter and summer doing sport, relaxing and admiring the Matterhorn. In Zermatt he manages to get away from it all, and leave behind his busy life as a successful businessman.
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Bi
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Interview
A businessman and tireless entrepreneur, Jean- Claude Biver is a key player in the watch industry and one of the most visible of ambassadors for Swiss culture and tradition. The head of LVMH’s Watch division, the president of Hublot since 2004 and the CEO of TAG Heuer since late 2014, Biver is a man who is always on the move. And whenever he needs to recharge his batteries, he makes a regular beeline for Zermatt, a place especially close to his heart. We spoke to him about his passion for the resort.
BASELWORLD.COM
The one unmissable trendsetting show for the entire watch and jewellery industry, where all key players unite to unveil their latest creations and innovations. Be a part of this premier event and experience passion, precision and perfection in action.
MARCH 23 – 30, 2017
T e x t Nathalie Cobos
You have a special relationship with Zermatt. Can you explain why that is and tell us more about it? I’ve always had a huge amount of admiration, respect and love for the resort of Zermatt, for all the reasons above, which is why I’ve spent so many hours there skiing, ski touring, running and walking.
and traditional too. The magnificent views you get of the Matterhorn all the way up are just the icing on the cake. It’s magical. Through Hublot, you’re partnering with Zermatt bergbahnen AG. Why? The Bergbahnen are part of the history of Zermatt and give millions of visitors the chance to discover the mountain and its most magical spots and vantage points. For the last three years, Tag Heurer has partnered with la Patrouille des Glaciers, a race that links Zermatt with Verbier, another resort you have strong ties with. Can you explain the thinking behind that? Verbier is a resort that attracts a young, connected and trendy clientele, which makes it very receptive to the Hublot brand. As for La Patrouille des Glaciers, it perfectly encapsulates the slogan of TAG Heuer: ‘Don’t Crack Under Pressure’.
Do you have any childhood memories of Zermatt? No, but I do have memories from my teenage years, when we spent our time dreaming of the mountains. The Matterhorn and Zermatt were our icons. They still are for me. Zermatt crops up quite a lot in your instagram posts and you often holiday there. What is it about the resort that attracts you to it? I love Zermatt so much. I love the countryside and the welcome you get and I’ve got a lot of friends there too. That’s why I go to Zermatt as much as I can, and for all the reasons I’ve just given you. What’s your favourite place in Zermatt? I adore the hamlet of Findeln and I love going up there for an early-morning run in the winter and in summer. It’s so typical of the area and it’s so authentic, charming
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Fred Merz
Mr Biver, the brands you run (Hublot, Tag Heuer) have more than a few ties with Zermatt. Why is that? Zermatt is Switzerland’s leading mountain resort and it’s unquestionably the best in the entire Alps. It’s a resort that respects nature, tradition and all the authentic things in life, while also adapting to the needs of 21st-century tourism. And then there’s the fact that it boasts nature’s most iconic emblem: the Matterhorn. It’s for those very good reasons that our watch brands reflect the majesty of Zermatt.
A Bej e w elled wonderland
“The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder,” wrote the English poet G.K. Chesterton a century ago. Richly alluring and inventive, high jewellery strives to instil desire and wonder at first sight. In unveiling a new section where dreams and beauty are the order of the day, we invite you on a journey into an intimate world of unique pieces, of the highest craftsmanship. Few maisons possess the know-how needed to design, develop and create high jewellery. By their very nature, every stone and every design make each piece truly unique, imbuing them with a history all of their own. Creations that appeal to our senses and arouse our emotions. Let’s listen to what they have to say.
CARTIER
CA RTIER’S M AGICIEN COLLECTION, THE QUETZA L NECK L ACE Cartier has mastered the art of playing with light. With the Quetzal necklace, the Parisian maison has revived an Aztec deity; the feathered serpent. A serpent that winds seductively around the neck, with diamonds set into its scales and feathers. The tips of some of the feathers have been dipped in black lacquer, and seem to quiver and flutter as they shimmer with light. The quetzal takes flight, as if by magic.
CARTIER
Chanel
Chanel
CA RTIER’S M AGICIEN COLLECTION, THE QUETZA L Bracelet
CH A NEL’S LES BLÉS COLLECTION, THE “FÊTE DES MOISSONS” NECK L ACE
CH A NEL’S LES BLÉS COLLECTION, THE “FÊTE DES MOISSONS” Ring
Light flickers and sparkles, accentuating the rich colour of the two sugarloaf cabochon-cut rubellites that adorn the Quetzal bracelet, while the fluid lines and depth sketched by black lacquer bring the inanimate to vibrant life. Reptile-like curves picked out by diamonds and black lacquer set patterns and colours ablaze as art works its magic: that’s the genius of the Cartier Magicien collection.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel made wheat one of her lucky charms. Chanel has now given new life to this timeless symbol in the shape of a high jewellery collection that celebrates regeneration, prosperity, good luck and endless creativity, with the “Fête des Moissons” necklace recalling wheat sheaves dancing in the breeze.
A stirring ode to the sun, the “Fête des Moissons” ring shimmers warmly in the light. Set with diamonds, ears of wheat joyfully flank a rectangular yellow diamond, mounted above a clutch of smaller yellow and coloured diamonds. Symbolising abundance, this is a creation that pays tribute to summer’s most precious offering.
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VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
BULGARI
BULGARI
ÉMER AUDE EN M AJESTÉ COLLECTION, THE EMER A LD TWIST BR ACELET
SER PENTI COLLECTION, THE SER PENTI NECK L ACE
SER PENTI COLLECTION, THE SER PENTI Bracelet
Intensely colourful and deeply luminous, the ever mysterious and intriguing emerald is the subject of this alluring homage by Van Cleef & Arpels. Inspired by the torque bracelet, the Emerald Twist borrows from its bold aesthetic, marrying lines and colours in a twist of violet sapphires and diamonds, each end culminating in cabochon emeralds, which pair off to stunning effect.
Both an object of veneration and a symbol to be feared, the serpent captivates and bewitches with its very form. Bulgari pays it vibrant homage by highlighting the power of its gaze through emeralds that sparkle like twinkling irises. A motif used by Bulgari since the 1960s and 70s, the serpent takes the form here of an enchanter, arranged for the first time as a pendant. Set with diamonds, the hexagonal scale motif recreates the natural beauty of the reptile’s skin. The selfsame motif can be found at regular intervals on the gold chain along which the serpent’s head extends.
As if in a hypnotic embrace, the Serpenti bracelet coils itself around the wrist. Its highly delicate diamond -set structure makes this a flowing and timelessly elegant piece. Captivating emeralds only enhance the design, drawing you deeper into the serpent’s gaze, a mirror of the soul.
Watch m a k ing The art of uniting time and beauty
Let us whisk you away to the enchanting world of luxury watchmaking adorned in all of its loveliest finery. Cleverly designed cogs are united with the most precious stones, breathing life into creations that are both timepiece and jewel. Yesterday, today, tomorrow... what matter the seconds that pass as we admire such beauty? Time suspends its flight in awe. Here are five superb models that are as beautiful on the inside as on the outside. A true feast for the eyes.
OMEGA
VOUTILAINEN
Immediately recognisable by the star on its dial and the “claws“ on its bezel, this exclusive model is a member of the Omega Constellation collection. The small star is the epicentre of a pattern of mother-of-pearl and diamonds that evokes a supernova. This latest incarnation of Omega’s poetic creation shines with new elegance while retaining its timeless beauty. One step closer to the stars.
A marriage of high jewellery and the grand tradition of watchmaking, the Scintillante puts on the warm shades of autumn for a walk through a world of expertise and fine craftsmanship. The sides of the case are encrusted with stones with sparkling shades of yellow, orange and red. Rubies are centre stage, bringing to life the curves of the crown, bezel, and lug ends. A manufactured manual movement beats in the heart of this truly one-of-a-kind timepiece.
CONSTELL ATION
SCINTILL A NTE
AUDEMARS PIGUET
Hublot
GR AFF
DI A MOND FURY
BIG BA NG IMPACT BA NG
PRINCESS BUTTER FLY
Rebellious, powerful, provocative – the Diamond Fury is made with the spirit of a warrior. It adorns the wrist like a protective talisman in a shell of diamonds. In the purest tradition of mystery watches, the structure of the Diamond Fury hides a secret panel that opens to reveal its dial. Dazzling at all times whether worn as a bracelet or watch, it leaves no-one indifferent in its wake.
The interminably-named Big Bang Tourbillon Power Reserve 5 Days High Jewellery Impact Bang conceals a creation whose explosive design evokes the Big Bang. The tourbillon enclosure gives birth to an explosion of diamonds which create a mosaic of stones of different shapes that interlock with each other perfectly, with a stunningly bold effect. Nonconformist? Absolutely. A limited edition of only 50 pieces.
Like a butterfly delicately settled on a bed of diamonds, the Princess Butterfly only reveals its secret to the initiated. It transforms from bracelet to watch with a single press, unveiling its mother-of-pearl dial. Strands of diamonds intertwine around the wrist, sparkling with the lights of a thousand fires. You’ll find yourself catching your breath for fear of disturbing this lovely creature. Captivating!
THE FINEST BED LINEN Schlossberg Boutique Zermatt l Bahnhofstrasse 7a l 3920 Zermatt Mo - Sa: 9:30 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 19:00 l www.schlossberg.ch
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T R e n ds watch e s by guy michel
Cartier Drive
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Pure mechanical beauty! A gold cushionshaped and slightly angular case, with a polished bezel and smooth edges, houses a white dial with guilloche engraving and Roman numerals. With its domed crystal, 6 o’clock sub-seconds dial and bolt design winder pin, it has a feel of the automobile world about it. Under the hood, it has the automatic self-winding mechanical movement 1904-PS MC, and displays hours, minutes, small seconds and date. Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt.
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
PIAGET
OV ERSEAS HEUR ES DU MONDE w w w.vacheron-constantin.com
LIMELIGHT STELL A
A traveller’s companion, the Overseas houses an automatic movement which tells the time in 37 time zones. Its 43.5 mm stainless steel case (waterproof at 150 m) is nicely set off with a soft iron casing circle which keeps the watch safe from magnetic fields. A detail not to be sniffed at by anyone who frequently goes through airport security control. So, when do we leave? Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt.
Piaget dives into the seventies by revisiting the design of its popular women’s model, the Limelight. The Stella is the watchmaker’s first complication timepiece exclusively designed for the fairer sex. Its self-winding mechanical movement ticks elegantly away in all circumstances as the moon-phase complication on the dial flirts with the stars amid a halo of diamonds to make any wrist shine. Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt.
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Panerai
Rolex
radiomir 1940 gmt 3 days
oyster perpetual air-king acier
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w w w.rolex.com
Why make things any more complicated than they need to be? Or so seems to be the thinking behind the Radiomir 1940 GMT 3 Days, featuring a second time zone, date and 72-hour power reserve. The dial is incredibly easy to read, especially in the dark, with its luminescent numbers. And, for the sake of style and in the name of good taste, the dial features a Clous de Paris design. Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt.
As trendy as it is timeless, the new Oyster Perpetual Air-King has a feel of the 1950s model to it, and pays tribute to aviation pioneers and the Oyster’s role in the exploits of flying. It has a solid link Oyster bracelet, 40 mm steel case and the traditional black dial featuring large numbers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock for the hours and minute markings placed clearly in the foreground. Available at Bijouterie Bucherer – Zermatt.
PATEK PHILIPPE R EFER ENCE 5327
M A RINE CHRONOMETER A NNUA L CA LENDA R
ULYSSE NARDIN
HERITAGE BL ACK BAY
Tudor
ANONIMO
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Calatrava fans have something to celebrate! A highly desirable new, automatic perpetual timepiece, makes its entrance into the Patek Philippe collection. Its grey gold case with finely carved clasps displays appliqué Breguet numerals set against a deep sunburst blue dial. For the case back, the watch’s owner can choose between a sapphire or filled in base, both are interchangeable. Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt.
This watch brings a whiff of sea air with it. Featuring a fluted bezel, a screw-crown to ensure total water resistance, and a full lug which makes it admirably stable on the wrist, it has everything a respectable seafaring instrument requires. As for the mechanics, the generous 43 mm case displays a yearly calendar, date and chronograph, and is surprisingly easy to read. Perfect for counting the days until your ship comes in. Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt.
With its domed crystal, prominent winding crown, luminescent coating and matte burgundy aluminium crown, the Heritage Black Bay ticks all the boxes on our wish list for diving models (200 m). This watch comes with a fabric strap which matches the colour of the bezel, infusing a hint of vintage into it. It has a 70-hour power supply - meaning you don’t have to wind it all weekend! Available at Bijouterie Bucherer – Zermatt.
These days wearing a bronze watch is a sign of good taste. Anonimo has a long-standing reputation in this regard, and brings us further proof of it with the Militare Chrono. It is the ultimate blend of Italian sports style elegance and Swiss precision, packed into a bronze case featuring a black dial and a black calfskin strap. Add to that the strong personality of this reference timepiece, and you have a recipe for success.
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MILITA R E CHRONO
2 7 t h S A L O N I N T E R N AT I O N A L D E L A H A U T E H O R L O G E R I E G E N E VA FROM 16 TO 20 JANUARY 2017 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY 20 JANUARY Prior registration required via sihh.org
sihh.org
EXHIBITING MAISONS | A. LANGE & SÖHNE | AUDEMARS PIGUET | BAUME & MERCIER | CARTIER | GIRARD-PERREGAUX GREUBEL FORSEY | IWC | JAEGER-LECOULTRE | MONTBLANC | PANERAI | PARMIGIANI FLEURIER | PIAGET | RICHARD MILLE ROGER DUBUIS | ULYSSE NARDIN | VACHERON CONSTANTIN | VAN CLEEF & ARPELS CARRÉ DES HORLOGERS | CHRISTOPHE CLARET | GRÖNEFELD | H. MOSER & CIE | HAUTLENCE | HYT | KARI VOUTILAINEN LAURENT FERRIER | MB&F | MCT | RESSENCE | RJ-ROMAIN JEROME | SPEAKE-MARIN | URWERK
T R e n ds watch e s by guy michel
Hublot
BIG BA NG ZER M ATT w w w.hublot.com
OMEGA
Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-A xial M aster Chronometer w w w.omegawatches.com
Switzerland’s most famous peak - the Matterhorn - is tucked neatly inside this Big Bang model destined for great heights. The mountain sits in a circular nook at 9 o’clock, delicately engraved but clearly present, as if to deliver a message to fans of both the brand and the famous mountain: the legend is at your fingertips. Available at Hublot Store – Zermatt.
This diving watch is waterproof at 600 m and has achieved Master Chronometer certification delivered by the highly exacting Swiss Federal Institute for Metrology. It has a helium escape valve and beats to the rhythm of its 9900 movement, which can be seen through the transparent case back. The blue ceramic diving bezel turns one way, with a Liquidmetal © diving scale, and is mounted on a rustproof 45.5 mm stainless steel case. Available at Omega Store – Zermatt.
AUDEMARS PIGUET
Tag Heuer MONZA w w w.tagheuer.com
T-Touch Ex pert Solar NBA Édition spéciale w w w.tissotwatches.com
Audemars Piguet’s endless quest to explore new watchmaking territories pays off with their unique, forward-looking creations. The Royal Oak Carbon Concept, the first ever watch to feature a carbon case and movement, is no exception to the rule. Its tourbillon and chronograph provide an inkling of the watches of the future. Its motto - A horizon of excellence, passion worthy of man.
Can a watch be named after an F1 track? And can that watch become as iconic as the race itself? Seemingly so, with Monza, TAG Heuer’s legendary chronograph, whose 2016 reedition is set to beat all reference times. Its cushion-shaped case features a pulsometer and a tachymeter scale, while its perforated calfskin bracelet is both retro and chic. Definitely worthy of pole position!
This timepiece’s bold, sporty design pays tribute to Tissot’s biggest ever partner: the American NBA. The T-Touch Expert Solar NBA Special Edition offers a glimpse of the innovative technologies that Tissot will be bringing to basketball, with this new-look and extremely accurate watch boasting impressive tactile functions (compass, altimeter, and even the weather forecast). Available at Tissot Store – Zermatt.
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Tissot
BE SMART - BOOK ONLINE. In the web shop of Zermatt Bergbahnen AG
All-in Web one shop Ski : pass es Eve nts Ski renta l Ski cour ses
matterhornparadise.ch/webshop Enjoy the runs on up to 360 kilometres of pistes with a spectacular backdrop of mountains between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia. Thanks to our web shop you can book your holidays in Zermatt from the comfort of your home and get on the piste without waiting in line. Furthermore, web shop customers benefit from limited special offers for even more fun on the slopes in the Matterhorn ski paradise.
T R e n ds watch e s by guy michel
IWC
Without fail, every single survey in Europe and the United States since 1914 reports that blue is the people’s favourite colour. It’s also Bucherer’s hue of choice. So, they asked watchmaker brands to make them limited series featuring a flourish of blue! Available at Bijouterie Bucherer – Zermatt.
PORTUGIESER CHRONOGR A PHE BLUE EDITION
JAEGER-LECOULTRE M ASTER ULTR A THIN DATE BLUE EDITION w w w.jaeger-lecoultre.com
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The quest for ultra-thinness is to watchmaking what the race to space is to aeronautics: the Holy Grail. Teaming up with Bucherer, Jaeger-LeCoultre hits hard with this Master Ultra Thin Date with a case thickness of just 7.45 mm. How have they done it? By paring down the functions and display to the bare minimum. Worth noting are the beautiful midnight blue dial and the piece’s understated total purity; it’s poetry in mechanical motion.
Designed in 1938 for two Lusitanian business men, IWC’s emblematic Portugieser collection plunges us into the history of nautical instruments of precision used by sailors as they explored the world. The model designed for Bucherer further adds to their adventurous spirit with a blue dial inspired by the sea. Its pink gold case contrasts nicely with the chronograph’s white sub-dials.
AUDEMARS PIGUET
CARL F. BUCHERER M A NERO PERIPHER A L BLUE EDITION
H A PPY SPORT BLUE EDITION
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What makes this Bucherer special edition Royal Oak so special? No amount of waxing lyrical can do justice to this watch which is a festival of aesthetic and mechanical superlatives. The tapestry-design deep blue dial catches the eye before the gaze lands on the ultimate complication at 6 o’clock: the tourbillon. The case, a blend of steel and pink gold, provides a decidedly masculine touch.
This petrol blue - the colour of the brand’s home town, Lucerne - is simply perfect. Behind the Manero Peripheral’s seemingly classical appearance with sharp lines and soft curves, alternating between the steel case’s polished and matte surfaces, is some very modern engineering; it is powered by an automatic self-winder which works both ways, fitted with a peripheral oscillating mass. It is mounted on a blue alligator skin bracelet.
Elegance and audacity: those are the two watchwords for women. With this in mind, in 1994, Chopard introduced a diamond that floated freely around the dial of a watch. This idea of roaming gems gave rise to the Happy Sport collection. The Bucherer Blue Edition revisits the manufacturer’s iconic model in a 30 mm case featuring automatic movement, roaming sapphires and a blue bracelet. So chic!
ROYA L OA K TOUR BILLON ULTR A THIN BLUE EDITION
CHOPARD
Christian Pfammatter
Even if the Cervo has been decorated in a highly contemporary fashion, the deer antlers hanging on the wall are there to show that the concept was based on a traditional hunting lodge.
E V C RO A new type of chalet
This 5-star hotel, carefully designed as a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Swiss mountain chalet, is a lap of luxury tinged with cosy charm. Not to mention offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn! Divine.
Te x t Claude Hervé-Bazin
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ur skis are still on as the small door opens to this large chalet flanked against the forest in the heights of Zermatt. Upon entering, the sweet smell of wood crackling in the hearth and the warmth of its fire exude an immediate promise of well-being. We soon discover the chalet‘s large terrace, which directly faces the emblem of the resort – if not that of the nation itself – the Matterhorn. Boasting all the amenities of a 5 -star hotel, the Cervo (deer in Italian) was voted best establishment across all categories by the SonntagsZeitung in 2014, but nevertheless retains that charming chalet spirit from which it draws its inspiration. A strong emphasis is placed on local traditional materials (felt, stone, wood, loden, etc.), while the decor includes vintage objects and antlers hanging on the walls. “We wanted this to feel like
a traditional hunting lodge. The idea was to preserve the look and feel of a home rather than a hotel, while at the same time providing a high international standard of service. Luxury with the charms of home.” Thus Cervo is described by its owner, Daniel F. Lauber (together with his wife Seraina), himself a hunter in his spare time. It stands as an example of a traditional atmosphere expertly fused with modern style and comfort. Wa r m a nd cosy lu xury
Set around the original chalet, where the lobby is located, are 6 other chalets designed by local architect Roman Mooser and his co-worker Roger Bächtold. Built between 2009 and 2013, they house a total of 36 rooms and suites, ranging in size from 22 to 82 m², including the recent addition of a huge 240 m² suite, the largest in Zermatt!
Christian Pfammatter
Christian Pfammatter
Christian Pfammatter
MichaĂŤl Portmann
From the smallest bedroom to the biggest suite, the Cervo is invitingly warm and cozy. Far from the facelessness of big hotels, the Cervo invites guests into a chalet full of personal touches.
Christian Pfammatter Christian Pfammatter
Christian Pfammatter
When hunger sets in the choice can be difficult: raclette or fondue at the Ferdinand, a casual New York brasserie-style eatery, or a gourmet meal at the Cervo Puro, proudly rated with a score of 14 in the Gault & Millau guide?
But large or small, with a fireplace or without, all the rooms exude that cosy je-ne-sais-quoi that invites you to relax in a welcoming, elegant setting. “Our aim has been to reinterpret the mountain chalet in the spirit of our modern times,” explains Daniel F. Lauber. “In fact, that’s why we designed the hotel so guests must leave their chalet to reach the main building.” On the other hand, each chalet has its own spa with a sauna, sanarium (steam sauna), beauty care and massage rooms. Just the ticket for winding down after a day on the slopes, without the crowds found at larger hotels. It almost makes it hard to venture back out onto the slopes! But the outdoor Jacuzzi beckons us to once more cross over into the picture-perfect world outside. The Cervo Puro, the hotel’s signatur e r estaur a nt
Rather theatrically, the curtains open onto a bright room set with wooden tables lit by antique lamps aligned along the wall. Last year, the Puro was redesigned to fit the theme of the hotel, and features a warm and inviting Alpine decor with an ethereal cosmopolitan vibe. But’s that’s not the best thing about it. Perusing the menu, a quote by food critic Hugh Johnson catches the eye: wine lovers are good looking, intelligent, sexy and healthy... Large, rounded wine glasses clink, as the tables slowly become laden with
stylish shallow bowls and wooden platters. The quality and freshness of the ingredients delight the nose before rejoicing the taste buds. The cuisine is understated but perfectly executed, elaborate but not chaotic, and brings out the essence of seasonal produce, which mostly comes from local and sustainable sources. Delicious fragrances herald the arrival of winter and the aromas of Savoy cabbage, fennel, and wild garlic, Zermatt mountain honey, Piedmont nuts and Parmesan, and cranberries fill the air. It’s all unmistakeably local, with subtle hints of Northern Italy adding a transalpine tinge. The verdict has been declared: the influential Gault & Millau guide awarded the Cervo Puro the extremely respectable score of 14. The Fer dina nd, a new sty le of eatery
In 2014, and at Daniel Lauber’s beckoning, the Ferdinand left the ephemeral wooden chalet it occupied at the site of the Zermatt Unplugged festival to set up at the foot of the Cervo. The aromas in the air at mealtimes are unmistakable: the menu announces a penchant for local specialities, with raclettes and fondues figuring heavily on it. “There is the Vacherin cheese fondue, and the almost half and half one (60%-40%), served with seasonal products (truffles,
tomatoes and thyme, etc.), the Ferdinand special or one with onions, bacon and beer!” Not forgetting AOP cheese raclettes, barbecues, and cold meats. “We wanted to promote local Valais products, including wines”, adds Daniel Lauber. The large blackboard listing the dishes available is itself a perfect example of the restaurant’s ethos: 100% pure, made in Switzerland. The Ferdinand is more casual than the Puro. “It transposes a New York brasserie style to a looser concept of a fondue restaurant, both synonymous of a laid-back setting and atmosphere. We have used warm materials to create a sleek, contemporary, younger theme”, explains Daniel Lauber. The end result is hard oak flooring and high, white wooden ceilings nicely set off by a wrought iron fireplace, walls adorned with etchings and portraits of weird and wonderful animals, a zinc bar and windows offering a wide view of the panoramic backdrop. “Fondue restaurants are often rustic, tucked away in a cellar with no view” observes Daniel Lauber. Not here! The restaurant opens out onto an inviting après-ski deck, with plump cushions scattered across wooden benches, where musicians perform regularly. www.cervo.ch www.ferdinand.ch
Shops TIMEPIECES
The Bahnhofstrasse is in Zermatt what the Champs-Elysees ave nue is to Paris: the showcase of Swiss luxury and know-how. It is therefore not surprising that the most important watch brands have chosen to exhibit their products in the main street of the resort.
Omega mov es to Zer m att w w w.omegawatches.com
Decidedly, the Bahnhofstrasse is the place to be. Omega opens its new boutique at number 30a this December – its 8th outlet in Switzerland. In 70m² of luxurious serenity, four collections of Omega watches sit and sparkle in elegantly lit display cases, amid champagne-coloured windows, red leather chairs and stools, and ribbed zebrawood counters, columns and walls. They are kept company by jewellery and leather goods. And, as one may expect, a multilingual team is on hand to cater to the needs of an eminently international clientèle.
Schindler, not just one, but thr ee boutiques w w w.schindler-zermatt.ch
Inaugurated in 1978 by the watchmaker-repairer Kurt Schindler, the house with the Matterhorn logo showcases the most beautiful timepieces and jewels to be found in this part of the world. The flagship store located at number 5, recently revamped in bright and welcoming tones with armchairs and a fireplace, echoes two complementary sites. The creations of brands TAG Heuer and Zenith can be found at number 14, while Patek Philippe’s prestigious watches and the works of German jewellers Wellendorff – made famous in the late nineteenth century by their rope necklaces and coloured rings – are exhibited at number 15.
A ch a let for Hublot at number 27 w w w.hublot.com/en/ boutique/suisse/zermatt
Be it in Gstaad, Lucerne or Geneva, Hublot’s shops have the chic to settle where you want to go. Inaugurated with great fanfare last year under the patronage of three-time world champion Maria Höfl-Riesch and skater Stéphane Lambiel, the Zermatt boutique is more than a simple retail outlet. Set up in a chalet - with geraniums at the windows in summer – it grabs the soul of the resort with its warm, sober and elegant blend of wood and black ceramics. There’s also a white cow on the counter and a discreet carnotzet in the basement to welcome privileged guests.
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Dav i d Ca r l i e r portfolio
five revelatory moments
Clouds of snow billow around the north face of the imposing and majestic Matterhorn, seen from the foot of the Hรถrnli ridge.
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1. The Matterhorn and the Mont Rose massif rising in the distance, seen from the foot of the Dent Blanche early one winter morning. It’s an unusual view. 2. Room with a view in a bivouac 3,800m up on the east face of the Dent Blanche. The sun sets on the Matterhorn on the left and the Dent d’Herens on the right. 3. Beneath a sky that foretells the arrival of the foehn, the Mont Rose massif rises like a fortress.
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The sun’s rays shroud the Matterhorn in a mysterious veil.
Emerging from the clouds as if by magic, the 4,000m peaks surrounding Zermatt bask in the sunshine late one winter’s afternoon. In view are the Rimpfischhorn (4,199m), the Strahlhorn (4,190m) and, in the foreground, the Obergabelhorn (4,063m).
This little Matterhorn rising up out of a blanket of snow is a perfect example of David Carlier’s playful photography...
An adopted Valaisan, David Carlier took some time to find his calling as a photographer. A staunch admirer of Zermatt and the Matterhorn, he spoke to 30° about his unusual career path, which has seen him go from being a budding mountain guide to an eminent photographer and an authority on adventure sports. Te x t Laurent Grabet
Even as recently as ten years ago, being a professional photographer seemed like an impossible dream to me,” says David Carlier, who has been on non-stop photo assignments ever since. Outwardly shy but as personable as they come, he is an eternal teenager, and pitched up for our interview on a longboard. An adopted son of Valais, the 44-year-old Carlier tells us about the five revelatory moments that have helped take him to where he is now. From the Silk Roa d to the Outdoor Ga mes
Photography is a family affair for the Carliers. “I got my first little camera when I was eight,” explains David. “When I was 14, my father allowed me to use his reflex camera on a visit to a transport museum. Then my grandfather gave me his camera: a Nikkormat with a 50mm lens that I still use today. I love looking at life through its viewfinder.” That gift was his first eureka moment. On his 18th birthday came an impromptu meeting with the travel writer and adventurer Ella Maillart outside a Chinese railway station, a chance encounter that led to him travelling the Silk Road, the second sign of where his future lay. “My love of reporting and photographs that tell a story was born on that trip,” says David, whose dream at the time was to pursue a career in photojournalism. Voicing his praise for the inspirational
P hotos David Carlier
Maillart, he says: “She’s a rolling stone. She might be over 80 now, but she’s still travelling the world today with her husband, their dog and her camera. When I was a teenager I was fascinated by her pictures, her Nikon FM and her safari-type Land Rover.” David’s third revelation came when he discovered mountaineering with his friends during his time at university, where he studied economics. “We often skipped class to head to the mountains,” he explains. In 1997, after two years working as a trader, his passion began to take over. Dispensing with his suit and tie, he moved to Zermatt, where he ran the Hotel Bahnhof with the Lauber family and took a mountain guide course. Though he never got his certificate, he began building up a network of contacts in the mountain world and honed the technical skills that he now puts to use in accompanying experienced athletes such as Géraldine Fasnacht and Gilles Sierro on their exploits. At the start of 1999 he launched a website design company with a friend and then a communication company with his wife. Five years later he co-founded the Outdoor Games with Nicolas Hale-Woods, an event that was the fourth revelatory moment of his life and which convinced him that he was born to take photographs. M a k ing it
After working as the communication director
of the Outdoor Games and then the Freeride World Tour, David began to devote more and more time to photography. It was at a workshop in the USA in 2010 that he took a photo of a kayaker plunging down a waterfall in Idaho, a picture that would launch his career when it reached the finals of the prestigious Red Bull Illume photography contest four years later. And that was his fifth and final revelatory moment. Now backed by Nikon, David shoots for a wide number of publications and has several contracts on the go with major watch brands and destinations such as Valais. In 2015, the canton commissioned him to shoot the documentary 13 Faces of Valais. That same year, around 100 of his images – on the theme of water in the valleys of Valais – went on display at the Milan Expo. “I sometimes regret starting out so late in photography,” says the forty-something. “It took me a while to realise that my dream of becoming a photographer was a realistic one, though I’ve always loved telling stories with light, images and nature. I love the impact that a simple and totally natural photo can have. I’m devoting more and more of my time to photo-reportage now and to getting out of the adventure sports bubble. I want to express myself on other issues close to my heart.” www.davidcarlierphotography.com
The Mont Rose hut (2,883m) stands against the dizzying north face of the Liskam, in a scene reminiscent of the Himalayas.
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Sam ANTHAMATTEN Freerider / Mountain guide
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– Photos : © Jérémy Bernard - Semaphore.
THE FIRST GOGGLE THAT’S JUST AS COMFORTABLE GOING UP AS DOWN.
Ch ez V ron y THE ART OF SIMPLICITY
The snow is back and ushers in a new season in Zermatt. Vrony and Max Julen mark its arrival by reopening the doors of Chez Vrony, their celebrated Findeln restaurant sitting on pastureland 2,100 metres above sea level. Offering superlative views of the Matterhorn from the terrace and fine, locally sourced gourmet cuisine, it is a popular haunt for diners from around the world.
T e x t Nathalie Cobos
Vrony Julen, how is the 2016/17 season looking? Things are looking very good. The snow has come early this year, and we were able to open on 26 November, in a real fairy-tale setting. My husband and I are raring to go, like the rest of our 30-strong team. We’ve got some new people on board and we’ve had to train them up. It gives us work, but it’s exciting too. What’s new at Chez Vrony? We’ve changed the decor a little and given the place a facelift, with new cushions and a different colour scheme. We’ve reorganised things a little too, replacing the high tables with corner tables for groups. And, of course, we’ve been making all the necessary repairs while we’ve been closed. We’ve made a few changes to the menu too. We’re offering more vegetarian dishes and we’ve added a few new ones as well, including one in which foie gras takes pride of place and one with Merlot-braised Valais lamb shanks and parmesan polenta. I can assure you, though, that bestsellers, such as the Vrony burger and our dried meat, still have a very prominent place on the menu. We also have a specialities menu,
P ho t os LDD
which changes every two weeks and which includes our tartare, for example. As for the rest, we’ve stayed loyal to our philosophy of cooking traditional recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation, while reworking regional dishes with an international influence, all using local, organic produce. In short, its cuisine that’s simple and traditional and yet gourmet all the same. You’ve been in the business for years. What is it that motivates you when you get up in the morning? I’ve been working in the restaurant trade for 30 years now. I started with my parents when I was 21. To begin with I just wanted to help them out for a season, but I loved the atmosphere, the place and the people so much I decided to stay on. In 1997, I took over the restaurant with my husband Max and we made a few changes, reorganising the place and changing the kitchen and the menu. I’ve never regretted the choice I made, though there have definitely been times when I’ve asked myself why I didn’t do this or that. In my heart, though, I know that I’m where I belong. I have a very emotional connection with the restaurant. It’s a wonderful place in a stunning setting where every day
is different, which goes for the landscape and the jobs you have to do. Something special happens every day. I’m right at home here. Do you have any nice stories to tell us? We’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed a lot of very special moments. There are people who’ve met here at the restaurant, become friends and who come back every year to meet up. They’re unique, emotional moments. We’ve also had some wonderful recognition for our cuisine. We were selected by SWISS to take part in the Swiss Taste of Switzerland culinary programme from December 2013 to February 2014. Passengers travelling in business class were served Chez Vrony dishes. Then, for November 2015, we were invited by Jelmoli to cook in the restaurant of their Zurich store. This year we’ve taken part in the Excellence Gourmet Festival and we also cooked for 120 people aboard the Excellence Queen, alongside leading chefs such as Andreas Caminada. They were all amazing experiences and they’ve helped push us on. Vrony and Max Cotting-Julen, Findeln, Zermatt Tel: +41 27 967 25 52, info@chezvrony.ch
Sourcing his ingredients and inspiration from nearby nature, Klemens Schraml puts a lot into presentation: every dish is a minor work of art, a rainbow of colours mirrored by flavours that burst on the tongue.
A MICHELIN STAR AND A NATURAL SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
R E STAU R A N T
T H E OM N I A
Now a byword for fine cuisine, Zermatt is attracting an ever-growing number of discerning gourmets. Housed in the hotel of the same name, The Omnia was aw a rd e d a M i c h e l i n star in October, putting it in esteemed com pany with the similarly starred Ristorante Capri and After Seven, two of the resort’s most prestigious eateries.
T e x t Nathalie Cobos
P ho to s Bruno Augsburger
P
erched on a mountainside, 45 metres above the roofs of Zermatt, amid tall, snow-covered pines, The Omnia Hotel seems to stand guard over the resort, poised almost to launch itself in the direction of the Matterhorn. Accessing it involves walking through a tunnel that leads to a lift which takes you up to the foyer. Famed for its idyllic setting and the warmth of its welcome, it also boasts a much-frequented restaurant. The man who runs its kitchen is 25-year-old Austrian chef Klemens Schraml, who takes his inspiration from nature in creating stylish cuisine that is full of poetic nuances. The neighbouring fields and forests are his playground, where he ventures every day to source the ingredients for his recipes, such as Alpine herbs, pine needles, nasturtiums and field mushrooms – the little extras that make all the difference on the plate. Conceived as artworks, his dishes are a delight to behold, compositions that combine the finesse of their ingredients and the harmony of their colours. There is plenty for the palate to savour as well, with the flavour of outstanding, seasonal and very often local produce being captured to perfection. The Omnia pursues a philosophy that is very much focused on sustainable development. “We called on local carpenters to create the building’s architecture, using wood from nearby forests,” said Philippe Clarinval, the restaurant’s general manager. “We apply the same principle to the restaurant, by giving pride of place to what nature has to offer us.” Schraml shares those values and is very much at home at The Omnia. A nature lover himself, he has a wise head on his young shoulders, an asset he acquired at a very early age thanks to his restaurateur parents, who brought him up to respect Austria’s culinary traditions. Hailing from a family of farmers and distillers, he has a taste for local produce and likes nothing better than to savour new experiences in his ongoing quest for fresh, undiscovered flavours. That’s why you’ll find glacier-salt crusted trout on the menu at The Omnia. Schraml hand-picked it himself and uses it instead of salt, on account of its minerality and the hint of earth that it brings
to the dish. In his hands, meanwhile, pine needles are transformed into oil for dressing salads, lending them a hint of wood. The Michelin star awarded to The Omnia is its second, the restaurant having earned its first in 2015, when Stephan Kriegelstein was head chef and Schraml was his sous-chef. Having been in charge of the kitchen since the end of October 2015, the young Austrian has earned a much-coveted star with his own efforts. Two other restaurants in Zermatt also have one to their names: Ristorante Capri, at Mont Cervin Palace, and After Seven, at the Backstage Hotel Vernissage. A hotspot for food and drink, Zermatt consolidates its position at the pinnacle of the culinary world with every passing year. At the last count, its 19 restaurants boasted a total of 254 points in the 2017 Gault&Millau Guide, giving visitors yet another compelling reason to frequent the resort.
Schraml‘s array of surprising specialties include glacier-salt crusted trout.
F r e e r i de around the matterhorn
The legendary pyramid of the Matterhorn has a tendency to overshadow the surrounding area. But Zermatt has many other assets, not least some amazing off-piste excursions. It is, after all, the highest freeriding resort in the Alps. Fresh snow, far from the crowds – this is a unique experience, to be undertaken in the company of local guides.
Zermatt freeride’s ace in the hole: (almost) wherever you ski, the jagged profile of the Matterhorn will offer itself as backdrop.
Michael Portmann
Jeremy Bernard/swatchskierscup.com
Slopes deeply blanketed in powder and a burning desire for first tracks are all you need to enjoy the Zermatt freeride ski domain to the full.
T e x t e Sophie Dorsaz
T
he emblematic Alpine resort of Zermatt offers an extraordinary mountain panorama, with some 38 peaks higher than 4,000 metres, including the Matterhorn. 360 kilometres of marked-out slopes zigzag between summits and glaciers. Not bad, but there’s even more. Zermatt, although not so well known for it, is also a huge playground for freeriding enthusiasts. Intrepid skiers take to non-secure, off-the-beatentrack slopes, where the laws of the mountain prevail. It is therefore advisable only to venture to these places in the company of professional guides, with all the appropriate safety equipment (an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, as well as the essentials for crevasse rescue). To the east of the resort, there are several good options around the Stockhorn. From the cable car stop, at 3,405 metres, under the imposing face of a rocky peak, an initial run is easily accessible after a quick crossing of the north flank. Further along, continuing to Stockhornpass, a second descent can be seen under the Monte Rosa Massif; it passes over Findel Glacier, on gentler slopes than the previous option. Both routes lead to Gant, offering a final 1,200 metres of skiing through wild terrain.
On the other side of the resort, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car, stopping at an altitude of 3,883 metres, carries freeriders to the vast whiteness of Theodul Glacier, which stretches out at the very foot of the famous pyramid of the Matterhorn. The first part of the descent takes place on a marked-out run, as far as the Italian border at Testa Grigia, before reaching Theodulpass. The classic route follows the left bank of the glacier, although experienced freeriders will love the alternative path along Triftji Glacier, which is a steeper and more athletic descent. Both runs culminate in a gorge which has plenty of snow in high season, but which must be crossed on foot when the powder is in short supply… Far from the busy slopes and ski lifts, these off-piste trails immerse skiers in the true atmosphere of highaltitude mountains, under the watchful gaze of the lord of the manor. For those not put off by an hour-long trek with skins on their skis, the Schwarztor route guarantees another sensational experience. From the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, following the glacier under the Breithorn, this descent is in many ways reminiscent of the Vallée Blanche in Chamonix. A whopping 2,000 metre descent will take you back to Furi! The orientation and altitude of the runs ensure snow conditions which are often exceptional. From the east to the west of the resort, under the Monte Rosa Massif and as far as the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt offers breath-taking spaces of true freedom. www.alpincenter-zermatt.ch (Zermatt guides office) www.meteosuisse.admin.ch http://map.geo.admin.ch/ (topographic maps) www.slf.ch (avalanche reports)
CERVO Mountain Boutique Resort www.cervo.ch
Leander Wenger
U n plug ge d A festival with a view
First launched in 2007, the Zermatt Unplugged festival is the only one of its kind in Europe dedicated to acoustic music. No electronics or fireworks here. Nothing but the pure sound of instruments and voices, just like the pure air of the Valais peaks. T e x t Claude Hervé-bazin
uzanne Vega, Chris de Burgh, Alanis Morissette, Billy Idol, Lionel Richie, Jason Mraz, Stephan Eicher, Katie Melua, Marianne Faithfull, Simple Minds… the list of internationally renowned artists who have performed at the Unplugged Festival over the years is impressive indeed. What is it that attracts them to this place? Unplugged is a festival like no other. First, the setting. Artists perform both indoors and outdoors, under big tops, in bars, in hotels, and on six new talent stages which welcome a multitude of newly emerging European groups (free concerts, available on a first come, first served basis). Better yet: of the 13 stages scattered throughout the village and beyond, one is set up at the Sunnegga Station, at an altitude of 2,288 m, and another at the Gandegg hut, at 3,030 m! “It’s another world!” recalls the singer Polly Gibbons, who performed daily for five days alongside Ronnie Scott’s All Stars jazz players at the festival in 2014. An exceptional setting warrants exceptional measures: the piano for the quintet was airlifted to the stage by helicopter. Another characteristic seems to resonate with musicians the world over who love their audiences. Everything is played live, acousti-
cally. It’s the quintessence of lyrics and melodies, come sunshine or come snowflakes. Unplugged is not a fizzed-up and sterilized festival. No technical battle of the bands here, no stress induced by a plethora of impatient spectators. Artists relax and make the music last for the sole pleasure of sharing with their listeners. The smaller venues, the physical proximity, the small size of Zermatt itself, all contribute to an extraordinary intimacy, a different relationship between artist and audience. “The connection is deeper,” affirms Katie Melua. The 10 th Unplugged Festival will be held as usual at the end of the season, under the springtime sun, from April 4 to 8, 2017. On the agenda : 5 days, over fifty concerts running from noon to midnight, and a huge party on the last night. The line-
up will be announced on December 14, 2016, with ticket sales beginning 5 days later. Zermatt Unplugged Club members (membership fee is 100 francs/person or 185 francs/ couple) have access to pre-sales the day before for the opportunity to choose the best seats! Members also receive other benefits, including access to the reception tent and after-show parties. www.zermatt-unplugged.ch
Simple Minds spent weeks working on the arrangements for their concert at the Unplugged 2016 festival. A surefire hit!
Rob Lewis
S
Z e r m at t trekking
Already familiar with Zermatt’s skiing area? Then why not set out on an adventure around the Matterhorn and discover the area’s natural side in the company of a mountain professional? A pair of skins on your skis and a little physical effort are all you need to get up close and personal with the f our-thousanders.
T e x t SOPHIE DORSAZ
S
urrounded by 38 summits exceeding 4,000 metres in altitude, it’s easy to understand why Zermatt attracts so many visitors. These are skiing enthusiasts above all, thanks to its 360 kilometres of markedout slopes, but also those who appreciate peaks in their natural state. In the interests of safety, heading out to the backcountry requires solid experience or supervision by a professional guide. Join us for a preview of what the highest resort in the Alps has to offer… Sitting majestically on the outskirts of the ski resort, at a height of 4,164 metres, the Breithorn offers an ideal starting point. However, despite its reputation as an “easy 4,000er” and its proximity to the slopes, this is nonetheless a high-mountain route, crossing glacial terrain. Leaving from the Klein Matterhorn, which can be reached by ski lifts, 300 metres remain to be conquered before making the summit, with its view over the 4,000ers of the Zermatt arc. For their descent from here, skiers have two options: returning to the Klein Matterhorn to rejoin the skiing area, or going back down to Furri via the impressive Schwärzegletscher glacier. This will involve 2,000 metres of skiing, never very steep but through an impressive Alpine setting, not unlike the famous Vallée Blanche in Chamonix. At a lower altitude and less populated, Torre di Castelfranco is accessible via the Stockhorn lifts, east of the resort. Amid the
P ho t o David Carlier
Monte Rosa Massif, this summit will take your breath away with its panoramic view of the valleys of Zermatt and, on the Italian side, Anzasca. And if the 200-metre altitude difference between the end of the ski lift and the summit is not enough, the journey can be combined with an ascension of the neighbouring peak, the Cima di Jazzi. The vast glacial plateau of Findel next brings the skier to Fluhalp, then back onto the slopes. Flanked by two magnificent four-thousanders (the Rimpfischhorn and the Strahlhorn), the Adlerpass, perched at a height of almost 3,800 metres, can be climbed in the course of a day. Leaving from the services at the Stockhorn (3,400 m) or the Unterrothorn (3,104 m), the most experienced can even come close to the 4,000 mark by continuing on to Strahlhorn. From the pass, skiing down the tracks left by the ascent, the way back to Zermatt is clear. But it is also possible to take the Saas-Fee Valley route to reach the Britannia Hut, some 800 metres further below. Beautiful and wild, this option works perfectly in combination with an ascension of the Allalinhorn early the following morning.
Prepare your trips with: www.alpincenter-zermatt.ch (Zermatt guides office) www.meteosuisse.admin.ch http://map.geo.admin.ch/ (topographic maps) www.slf.ch (avalanche reports)
The ascent of the Hohlichtgletscher provides a magnificent panoramic view of the Zermatt valley, with Monte Rosa in the distance. In the foreground stands the Ă„schhorn, well known by powder lovers for its heli-sking.
Militare Chrono Chronograph Bronze case Automatic movement 43.4 mm diameter Swiss Made
www.anonimo.com/store-locator
W Hotel Verbier Rue de MĂŠdran 70 1936 Verbier
Alpine Ski School Zermatt Metzggasse 9 3920 Zermatt
Saegesser Bijoux Rue Centrale 60 3963 Crans-Montana
w i t h Sch l ossbe rg Sweet dreams
Luxury, tradition, expertise and a dash of innovation: Schlossberg and Zermatt hold the same values. The Swiss family business, located near Zurich, is specialised in high-quality bed linen and towels, printed with patterns specially created by in-house textile designers. T e x t Claude Hervé-Bazin
A
flurry of spring flowers drift across a snow-soft bathrobe. A flutter of exotic birds’ feathers flit over a satin quilt. Buttercups and dewdrops flourish in lush greenery; pretty snapdragons, bougainvillea, roses and daisies abound over Schlossberg’s designs. Elsewhere in the collection, various shades of subtly-hued creeper weaves its way across the fabric, along with autumnal ginkgo leaves, geometric shapes, mosaics, tweed checks, and billowing wisps. Whether elegant, poetic or artful, the designs created by Schlossberg’s five full-time artists and designers all bear the same hallmark of careful precision and remarkable finishes. The company occasionally commissions other artists, including some well-known names. That was the case in the early 1990s, with Jean Tinguely, and, more recently, writer Peter Stamm, the author of a bedtime story printed on to a quilt… It sta rted w ith a rose
“We spend almost a third of our life in bed” points out Thomas Boller, the CEO. So we might as well do it in style! Esteemed linenmaker Schlossberg was founded in 1833, at the site it still occupies today in Turbenthal (ZH). More than half a century ago, it specialised in printed bed linen and towels, and has since forged itself a prestigious reputation.
P ho t os Stefan Schlumpf
It all began with a discreet little rose featured on soft, lightweight cotton sheets which rapidly replaced the stiff, heavy bedding of our grandmothers’ time. Terms such as satin noblesse, jersey, terrycloth as soft as cashmere used to make towels, extra fine and/or organic cotton, and Micro Modal (a fibre made from beech wood) steadily worked their way into the Schlossberg lexicon. Aided by new techniques, the range constantly evolves to include new textures, hues and shades.
on huge work benches! When the fabric finally comes out of the press, it is checked by the designer, then every square meter is closely examined to make sure it is flawless. Schlossberg in Zer m att
Each season brings a new collection, new motifs, new dreams. The playful theme for Autumn-winter 2016-2017 is Alice’s Wonderland. It is available in Schlossberg’s Bahnhofstrasse shop (no. 7a) where you will also find a rather special innovation: the first ever illuminated bed linen set, made from satin with LEDs subtly sewn into St Gallen embroidery!
The designs, which are produced using watercolours, reflect the variety of the palette. But how can the original colours and their infinite nuances be transferred to fabrics? That’s where the Schlossberg technicians step in - they have www.schlossberg.ch become masters in the art of silkscreen printing - a process reputed for the intensity of colours that it can achieve. However, it often takes them weeks at a time to compose the exact mix of inks they need. Imagine: a motif can contain up to 14 colours, positioned by hand during this stage, The entire collection of bed linen, bathrobes and towels can be found in the Zermatt one after the other, Schlossberg boutique, with a range of nearly 20 colours.
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C u r e d be e f of t h e Va l a i s totally seductive
T e x t Frédéric rein
Her passion red colour encapsulates a world of hidden pleasures. After the first bite, all resistance is futile. A true taste of tradition and temptation.
H
er curves, clearly more slender and tapered than before, hint at a herculean feat. This assumption is confirmed the moment she is placed on the scale, which shows she has shed 40 to 50% of her original weight. More ravishing than ever, her taste is as rich and full as can be. After much preparation, she is ready to delight with the quintessence of her savours. The passion red that clothes her figure expresses her true nature. Valais cured beef is an irresistible seductress; only vegetarians are immune to her powers! It bears explaining that she has long prepared for her rendez-vous with her admirers/tasters. It is a journey that begins with the thighs of Swiss bovines. These are first coated with a mix of salt and spices. The recipe both ensures the unique expression of each individual farmer’s expertise, passed on from generation to generation, and is a means to create specific kinds of cured beef. Next, the meat is hung and dried for 5 to 16 weeks, depending on the size of the piece. But don’t assume that it is abandoned to a lonely fate! The farmer will check up on it daily to ensure the curing process is following its course and the flavours are developing properly. Finally comes the pressing stage, which plays two important roles. It allows the pores of the meat to breathe, and it gives the cured beef its rectangular shape once it has passed under the cleaver. From the 14th Century to the pr esent day
Exploring this process of preparation inevitably takes us back in time. Historical research has found traces of dried meat in the Valais dating back to the 14th Century. This process allowed the locals to stock durable stores of food which could sustain them during lean times or poor harvests. The combination of sun, dry climate and wind in the
P ho tos Denis Emery
Rhone valley made it possible for the meat to be stored in barns or granaries without having to smoke it first, as was traditionally done elsewhere. This ancient heritage has earned the cured beef of the Valais its own protected geographical indication (IGP) which certifies that at least one stage of the production process of this high quality Swiss speciality was performed in its place of origin. Clothed in this certification, as in a lovely dress, this cured beef, encapsulating a unique terroir and canton, makes heads turn and hearts skip!
A staple of the Valais gourmet platter Valais IGP cured beef is a proud member of the assortment of delicacies that must, without fail, make an appearance on any respectable Valais platter. To its side lies Valais cured ham, slices of dried sausage and cuts of traditional bacon. In addition to this selection of meats, one will also find cheese, particularly the Valais AOP raclette, as well as Valais AOP rye bread. The cherry on the cake? Butter, gherkins, and small onions.
Wine | Dine | View
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TO ENJOY DAY AND NIGHT —
Pure Swissness | 20 steps from Sunnegga
Sport TR e n ds Winter by christian bugnon
POC
SKULL LIGHT WO w w w.pocsports.com Designed specifically for the female anatomy, the Skull Light WO weighs only 500 g. Inspired by POC racing helmets, it includes a semi-rigid shell and EPP foam, designed to withstand the hardest impacts. Plus comfortable detachable ear muffs, a detachable chin strap, an adjustment system for a perfect fit on the head, and... a lovely candy pink colour! Ready for some steep downhill?
JULBO
EL A R A w w w.julbo.com Concerned about your look on and off piste? Julbo was thinking of you with these goggles that combine stunning design with high performance. They can be fitted with four different technical lenses – all of which are spherical, ventilated, and have anti-fog coating – which adapt to ambient brightness: Cameleon (polarizing), Zebra (ultra-responsive to changes in brightness), Snow Tiger (anti-glare), or Zebra Light (low light). They are also ultra comfortable thanks to an anatomically designed frame and double-density foam.
Dakine
Poacher 36L w w w.dak ine.ch The compact, stylish backpack is fully ready for a big day in the back country. Skis can be attached diagonally or sideways in an “A”, while a snowboard or snowshoes can be attached vertically. It can also carry your helmet and has a lined pocket for your goggles. The Poacher 36L is compatible with the DK Impact back protector (sold separately). Also available in a smaller size (26L), and with the Removable Airbag System (Poacher RAS).
PEAK PERFORMANCE SUPR EME MEGEV E BR ASS w w w.peakperformance.com
The brass colour of this jacket is all the rage this year. With its sporty, snug style, goose down filling, and a wool-blend outer layer, this woman’s ski jacket guarantees unparalleled warmth and comfort. It also has an extra-large adjustable collar (with emergency hood), two zip hand pockets, ski pass pocket on sleeve, inside pocket, wool shoulder patches so snow doesn’t stick, and a stretch powder skirt. Ready for anything!
Sport TR e n ds Winter by christian bugnon
ELAN
RIPSTICK 96 w w w.elansports.com No sooner had it been released, than it scooped an ISPO award! Replacing the Spectrum, the Ripstick 96 firmly secures its spot as the last word in the freeride-touring range. It has inherited its predecessor’s distinctive feature – the skis are specifically designed for the left and right feet, rather than being interchangeable; this is what’s known an Amphibio design. Everything else is new: its shape and ultralight construction using wood and carbon (TNT technology).
K ARI TR A A
w w w.chrissports.ch Still a hidden gem at our latitudes despite being quite famous in Scandinavia, Kari Traa is making its mark as one of the top women’s sports clothing brands offering goods for cooler climates. It is named after the ski moguls champion at the Salt Lake City Olympics who was also named “sexiest woman” in Norway in 2002! Her creed: a design created by women for (active!) women, that combines functionality and efficiency while not neglecting style and femininity.
scarpa
ARC’TERY X
freedom sl w w w.new rocksport.ch
CERIUM LT JACK ET w w w.arctery x.com
Designed for freeride, but also works great for touring and on-piste skiing, the Freedom SL stands out with its overlap design, its two sets of interchangeable insoles, and its asymmetric spoiler. Its Carbon Core technology, based on a carbon core that stiffens the lower shell, prevents any twisting and ensures unparalleled transfer of power. Its Thermo Intuition Liner provides excellent comfort on the way up.
The Cerium LT Jacket and Cerium Hoody, for men and women, are more durable, warmer, and 10% lighter than the competition. By what miracle? That of an ergonomic cut that guarantees excellent freedom of movement, thinner sleeves and strategic distribution of the down to the places most sensitive to the cold, and synthetic insulation where humidity is likely to accumulate.
Limited Edition
Exclusively available in our shop Bahnhofstrasse 5 - 3920 Zermatt zermatt@atelier-shopping.com
n e ws winter 2016
LDD
GETTING AROUND
Ta xi Christophe, the king of electric tr a nsport w w w.3535.ch
Zermatt is fortunate enough to be car-free. The question is, though, how do you get from A to B when you’re weighed down with bags or you lack the courage to brave the evening chill? Taxi Christophe has the answer, in the shape of two electric taxis that silently make their way through the resort’s sleepy streets. The company also offers transfers to and from Täsch (the gateway to Zermatt) and local airports (in a Mercedes limousine, no less) as well as a door-to-door service for Romandy residents.
Enjoy full skiing cov er
w w w.matterhornparadise.ch
Ca lida’s Daily Function collection w w w.calida.com
LDD
Switzerland’s leading lingerie and outdoorwear firm, Calida kills two birds with one stone with the Daily Function collection, designed to work with you throughout your day. The company’s success lies in the development of undergarments that act like a second skin and are as functional as they are comfortable, efficiently managing moisture and temperature levels. The Daily Function collection makes extensive use of merino wool and silk, two materials guaranteed to keep you nice and warm during a long day’s skiing or trekking.
Zermatt Bergbahnen AG has teamed up with Solid to offer skiers two new types of insurance this winter. PassProtect allows Swiss skiers to claim refunds on passes, equipment hire and skiing lessons in the event of accident, illness or inclement weather. Designed for foreign skiers, meanwhile, SkiCare covers rescue, transport and medical fees in the event of an accident. LDD
ON THE SLOPES
HOTELS
Le Schönegg a nd Le Nationa l come together w w w.schonegg.ch w w w.hotelnationalzermatt.ch
A second star for After Sev en w w w.seven.ch/af ter
The first-rate restaurant at Hotel Backstage (Hofmattstrasse 4) has earned itself a second Michelin star. “Cool, modern, trendy,” is how the celebrated food guide’s critics summed up the ambiance of the place, which is underscored by an open kitchen in the middle of the restaurant and Alpine/urban décor designed by Heinz Julen. Every winter, chef Ivo Adam arrives from Ascona to coax out the full flavour of Valais produce in his four- and seven-dish menus. Exotic touches and an air of relaxed modernity only add to its charms.
As of this winter, the Julen-Metry family will be running its two four-star hotels, the National and Chalet Hotel Schönegg, more closely together. A trio of young Swiss hoteliers will be bringing their know-how to both establishments, offering a fresh approach and local touches. One new feature for the coming season is the introduction of the “dine around” concept, which gives guests a wider range of dining options to choose from: a gourmet restaurant, a wine bar, a panoramic terrace, a traditional Swiss Stübli, or the cosy bar offering drinks and snacks around the fireplace.
Partner of Zermatt e-bus
Also
for
mountaineers.
T R e n ds de sign Winter by christian bugnon
La Pr airie
Car an d’Ache
Cellul air e R a di a nce
Astrogr a ph limited edition
www.la-prairie.fr
www.carandache.com
Since the dawn of time, gold has been coveted by many cultures and acclaimed for its medicinal virtues. More than 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians would swallow it as part of a ritual to cleanse the body, mind and soul. Researchers at La Prairie have reincarnated this tradition of supreme opulence by including the precious metal in silky smooth creams in the Radiance collection. These products restore a youthful glow, revitalize skin and produce a flawless finish.
The eminent handwriting specialists venture into uncharted territory - that of space travel. In collaboration with watchmaking laboratory MB&F, reputed for their playful designs inspired by childhood dreams, Caran d’Ache reveals a surprising fountain pen inserted in the fuselage of a mini space rocket! A technological gem which requires more than 500 manual operations to produce. A mechanism inspired by flick-knives forms a stabilising tripod base, and a magnetic figurine depicts an astronaut!
FASHION
Hennessy
Cartier
Moncler Grenoble High Performance
Pa r a dis Imperi a l a true wor k of art
Pa nther Clutch Bag
w w w.moncler.com
w w w.hennessy.com
w w w.cartier.ch
Italian brand Moncler’s DNA consists of the mountains, and its dual expertise - technicity and aesthetics. Their continual quest for innovation produces styles that are equally at home on the slopes or about town. Here, they bring us an ultra-feminine jacket with a detachable marmot trim hood featuring waterproof and windproof pockets and zip, an elasticated skirt on the hem and cuffs to keep the cold at bay, inside pockets for your phone and goggles (complete with cleaning cloth!) and a built-in avalanche victim detection system!
Only the most exceptional eaux-de-vie, some over a century old, have been selected to achieve magisterial complexity, balance, and the finest texture, continually revealing new tones of expression and delicate floral essences on the palate. Out of 10,000 spirits tasted by the tasting committee each year, only 10 are eligible for Hennessy Paradis Imperial. A spirit nonpareil, Paradis Imperial is a Cognac of impeccable finesse, perfectly refined and balanced.
The panther is one of Cartier’s iconic animals, having inspired a host of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces designed by the jeweller. The feline’s head adorns this long black clutch made from Nile crocodile skin (dimensions: 12 x 24 cm) - which contrasts with the gold-finish engraved clasp and 55 cm long chain which can be looped. The inside is lined with black calfskin.
B O U T I Q U E Z E R M AT T Bahnhofstrasse 27
BIG BANG ZERMATT GOLD
# W H ATD R I V E SYO U
DRIVE DE CARTIER L A R G E D AT E , R E T R O G R A D E S E C O N D T I M E Z O N E A N D D AY/ N I G H T I N D I C AT O R 1 9 0 4 - F U M C THE DRIVE DE CARTIER COLLECTION IS ELEGANCE REDEFINED. THE SLEEK LINES OF THIS CUSHION-SHAPED WATCH CREATE A TRULY STYLISH PIECE, BROUGHT TO LIFE BY THE MAISON MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT 1904-FU MC. ITS THREE COMPLICATIONS ARE COORDINATED DIRECTLY BY THE CROWN. ESTABLISHED IN 1847, CARTIER CREATES EXCEPTIONAL WATCHES THAT COMBINE DARING DESIGN AND WATCHMAKING SAVOIR-FAIRE.