Special Issue 30° degrees Luxe Verbier

Verbier Special issue

PReFACE

YAN BACZKOWSKI CEO destination Verb ier St- B e rna rd

Verbier: So Alpine Verbier owes its international fame to being a paradise of winter sports – especially freeriding – and to its legendary après-ski atmosphere. This is one of the reasons why Verbier was named the “Best Destination for Sports Tourism 2012” by Business Destinations magazine.

But regular visitors to this extraordinary site come back for many other reasons, including our warm welcome, the quality of our services, our cosmopolitan ambiance, and, most of all, because of their unparalleled experience in this extraordinary alpine setting.

There’s no lack of choice of course; many other beautiful resorts exist. But can any other place truly offer so much to its visitors? For example, consider our numerous sporting and cultural activities for all ages and levels sprinkled throughout the season – a real smorgasbord to say the least!

We are constantly working to enhance our resort. This year, Verbier is proud to offer a wide variety of new amenities, especially when it comes to our hotel and food services.

Epicures will relish the innumerable choices, from local products to haute cuisine. From shopping to après-ski, concerts and parties to cinema, at Verbier, you’ll find what you’re looking for. And after a wonderful day hurtling down our pristine slopes, the evening beckons, offering up a unique, festive atmosphere.

Take the time to discover the richness of our region during your stay, and most of all, enjoy your holiday!

Welcome to Verbier!

Eric-A. Balet C EO Té l éve r b i e r S.A.

Verbier rising to the challenge of the 21 st century We are proud that Verbier is seen as one of the leading ski resorts in Switzerland. But though the 4 Vallées region is filled with exceptional natural resources, we must constantly enhance our offerings by endeavouring to modernize our facilities.

With an eye to the future, Téléverbier has prepared a 15-year master plan detailing our investments and their implications. The plan is comprehensive, spanning facilities and runs, snow-making equipment and high-altitude restaurants, all with a view to sustainable development.

The Chaux-Express and Attelas facilities, along with the 6-person chair lift in Mayentzet, represent the first stage in a series of connections that will radically change the face of our resort. In the winter of 2013-14, we will open the new Châble-Mayens Bruson cable car, connecting Médran to the peak of La Pasay in 35 minutes. And the Esserts-Savolyeres combined lift, which includes a 10-person cable car and a 6-person chair lift, will be the next link in the chain, opening in 2014.

We cannot rest on the laurels of the past. We must continue to invest in our ski lifts and facilities. Success breeds success, and we rely on the unfailing loyalty of our clientele. Our future success is tightly intertwined with your passion for our ski resort.

Have a great winter!

eDItoRIAL I

t’s a first! 30° is devoting a deluxe special issue of our magazine to a Swiss resort. And what a resort! Quintessential mountains and unparalleled natural beauty meld together as freeriders, freestylers and piste lovers alike revel in this dreamlike sun-drenched setting. Where is this luscious winter wonderland? It’s Verbier, of course.

There are also personal reasons behind this issue – ten years of happy memories, spectacular runs, mind-blowing views, delicious treks, innumerable festivals and wonderful evenings among good company. Verbier is a break from our daily lives, a refuge perched above the valley, a cosmopolitan microcosm where the best things in this enormous world blossom.

We know what we’re talking about. For more than ten years, 30° has aimed to open its pages to the most beautiful locations, the most intense emotions, and the most incredible sporting and technological feats. This exaltation of spectacular beauty is inextricably linked to our search for the mot juste – the well-turned phrase – and the perfect image, suspended in the limbo of time. Our only goal is to surprise. To inspire. In print and on your iPad. In French, German and English. Packed with added bonuses and overflowing with pleasure.

We’ve thrown open the doors to the stunning chalets which beckon in the distance. We’ve met the people who live there. And we’ve hurtled down the 410 kilometres of powdery white snow on the pistes of this magnificent place.

Yes, this special Verbier issue was bound to happen. It was, as the Americans would say, a “homecoming.” A sublime reunion supported by everyone who has made this resort a haven of beauty and timeless luxury. We would like to thank them for their warm welcome, their generosity and their professionalism.

Where better than the 4 Vallées region, the mecca of winter sports, to watch the snowflakes fall?

Where better than here to carve fresh tracks into the immaculate snow? Where better than here to cosy up next to a warm fire and reach into the stockings hanging over the fireplace for a treat?

That’s just one of the many reasons to spend your holidays at Verbier.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

C h r i s t i a n B u g n o n _Publisher & Editor-in-chief

www.30degrees.tv

CONTENTS 69 Preface : Yan Baczkowski (CEO Verbier St-Bernard) – Eric-A. Balet (CEO Téléverbier) 5 Editorial : Christian Bugnon – Editor in Chief 9 News : Verbier 14 Exclusive : The charm of exceptional chalets 18 Portfolio : Yves Garneau, images of beauty 32 Verbier : A different kind of skiing 40 Interview : Mr. Peter Brabeck-Lemathe 44 A special moment : Luncheon with a view 46 Skiing : A sanctuary during white outs 50 Verbier : Les 4 Vallées 53 Verbier : A well-guarded ski area with Paul-Victor Amaudruz 54 Sport : Interview with Nicolas Hale-Woods 57 Mont Rogneux via the Brunet cabin : Broaden your horizons 58 Portfolio : Francois Perraudin’s mountain soul 60 Gastronomy : Interview with Benoît Violier 67 Classical music : Virtuosos at the pinnacle, in every sense!

69 Sculpture : An open-air museum 71 Interview : Morand distilleries – new brandies for new tastes 73 Gentianes restaurant : A stunning igloo at the foot of Mont-Fort 75 Gastronomy : Val de Bagnes AOC raclette cheese 76 Swiss Alpine Club SAC : 150 years of history 79 The Patrouille des Glaciers race : PDG 80 Bruson : A new cable car for 2013-2014 82 Test : Choosing the right skis 84 INTERVIEW : James Blunt 87 NEW IN TIME PIECES : 2012-2013 trends 88 SPORTS NEWS : Winter trends 90 Verbier Charity Night : A night to remember 96 TRENDS design : High Tech 98

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DELUXE SPECIAL WINTER ISSUE: VERBIER | IMPRESSUM 30° Degrees (since 2002) Editing, administration and adversiting : CB Communication sàrl | Rue du Simplon 20 – Case Postale 386 | 1001 Lausanne - Suisse | info@cbcommunication.com | www.cbcommunication.com | Tel : +41 21/ 312 41 41, Fax : +41 21/ 312 41 11 | Editor-in-chief : christian.bugnon@cbcommunication.com | Editorial assistant : severine. cherix@cbcommunication.com | Writers (in order of appearance) : Christian Bugnon, Frédéric Rein, François Perraudin, Peter Charaf, Claude-Hervé Bazin, Jean-Marc Sueur, Alex Glasner, Serge Greter,Jaqueline Dentan & Raphaël Berse, Michaël Erb | Photographers (in order of appearance) : Yves Garneau, Freeride World Tour, François Perraudin, Denis Klero/Red Bull Content Pool, Annik Wetter, Verbier St-Bernard, Gian Marco Castelberg, 13 Photo, Peter Charaf, Pierre-Michel Delessert, Nicolas Brodard, Christian Bugnon, Verbier Tourisme - Thomas Handenmatten,Warner WMG | Graphic design : alexandra.binczyk@cbcommunication.com | (DA) christian.bugnon @cbcommunication.com | English translation : Simon Till, Paul Subrenat | Photo-offset printing : Images 3 | Imprimerie : IRL+ Lausanne SA | Printing : christian.bugnon@cbcommunication.com | Copyright : © 2012 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 magazineis strictly prohibited without the express prior permission of the rightful owners. 30° magazine, a media partner of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) | Next Verbier special issue in December 2013-14 | Magazine printed on FSC-certified paper. This issue is also available free of charge on the iPad and on www.30degrees.tv | Cover : photo Yves Garneau.

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So C’ya soon!

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NEWS

Hotels & Residences — Three rocks are breaking ground

DR

The Trois Rocs (three rocks) project is taking shape at the Médran resort. This large-scale complex, scheduled to be completed in December 2013, includes a W hotel, the first of this international high-end hotel chain to be built in the mountains, hotel residences, private apartments (which have already found takers), a spa and wellness centre, a gourmet restaurant, a club, and shopping malls. The Place Blanche square, located at the foot of the slopes, will be converted into a large and welcoming pedestrian area. We can’t wait to admire the final results! www.lestroisrocs.com

DR

Watches — A mountain case for Maison Michaud

Champagne — Grand Vintage 2004, the new vintage from Moët & Chandon Exuberant, perfectly healthy and with excellent maturity—these are the qualities that define the harvest of 2004, from which the unique character of the Grand Vintage 2004, the latest Moët & Chandon vintage, is drawn. Its bright pale yellow colour, small bubbles and refreshing notes of rhubarb and grapefruit with a hint of mint, are sure to delight all comers. Find it at Coop or Globus. www.moet-hennessy.ch

As it moves in to its new home in Verbier, Michaud, the luxury jeweller from Neuchatel, has found a perfect match. The town’s cosmopolitan and festive atmosphere, its seductive mix of the traditional and contemporary, its nonchalant elegance, and its passion for sports, perfectly reflect the spirit of the marvels on display.

Presented in a chalet atmosphere that combines ancient wood with cutting-edge technology, the prestigious collections of watchmaking and jewellery brands exuding refinement and originality are signed Cartier, Breitling, H. Moser, Hublot, Ulysse Nardin, Zenith, Bell & Ross, Antonini, Morganne Bello, Mikimoto, Mimi and Pesavento. The warm and welcoming atmosphere includes a comfortable sitting corner and a space dedicated to Hublot. www.michaud.ch

Freeride World Tour

Sport — The best freeriders in the world assemble in Verbier In former years, there was the Swatch Freeride World Tour, the Freeskiing World Tour and the North Face Masters of Snowboarding.

These three competitions have now been combined into a single event: the Swatch Freeride World Tour by North Face. The agenda for this extraordinary season includes: 6 major stages, including the finals which will take place in Verbier on March 23rd to 31st.

Adrenaline rush guaranteed! www.freerideworldtour.com

DR

Dining — Verbier, a happening resort!

Hotels and residences — The new contemporary style of “La Cordée des Alpes”

Newly renovated, the prestigious residence of «La Cordée des Alpes» is synonymous with discreet luxury that expertly and subtly combines the tradition of the Alps, technology, and contemporary design. Its 4-star luxury hotel (65 beds) fills the two lower floors, while 14 apartments, each with a balcony, occupy the top three floors. Sleek designs, natural materials, high-end equipment—this establishment meets all the criteria needed to satisfy a highly demanding clientele. Amenities include an indoor pool, a Cinq Mondes spa, fitness room, restaurant, bar, conference room, high-speed wifi, free shuttle service, concierge service and valet parking. www.cdaverbier.ch

Several establishments are opening or sporting a new look.

These include the bar-restaurant Nomad, which opens its doors on the Place Centrale. On the agenda: sushi bar with an aprèsski atmosphere! The 4-star hotel Nevaï has renovated its lounge, graced by an inimitable 4-metre long fireplace, and now also offers a sushi bar. The Casbah relocates to the premises of the former Coco Club, and opens the Pot Luck Verbier, a tapas bar, and the Martini Bar, a cocktail bar. As for the Restaurant La Vache (formerly the Powder Spirit), located in Attelas, right in the middle of the runs, it is now managed by the Farinet team. Fully renovated, it will be offering a menu based on local terroir www.hotelfarinet.com www.hotelnevai.com

Yves Garneau

NEWS

Exhibition — Photos by Yves Garneau on display at La Rotonde Using black-and-white and colour, Yves Garneau takes us on a journey through landscapes and action sports to discover his world: the mountain. Large format works by the Canadian photographer, who has called Verbier home for the past 15 years and whose portfolio can be seen on page 32, will be exhibited at the La Rotonde hotel in Verbier, until 30 March 2013. www.g1photo.com www.hotelrotonde.com

Hotel — An eco-jacuzzi at Lourtier An outdoor eco jacuzzi fed with natural, untreated water, has been built on the premises of the La Vallée hotel, in Lourtier. Created in an overflow style, the jacuzzi is just part of a whole new wellness area that includes a hammam, sauna, rest room and massage room.

No harm in feeling good, right? www.vallee.ch

DR

Entertainment — The cinema at Verbier reopens its doors

Hotel — Charm, luxury and elegance at the new Chalet de Flore Set in the purest of the pure mountain styles, the 4-star Chalet de Flore is wrapped in charm tinged with elegance. This latest addition to the Verbier Luxury Hotels, located in the middle of the resort and only 100 metres from the bottom of the ski lifts, enjoys an unbeatable view of the Grand Combin and Mont-Blanc ranges. Its invitation to revel in peace and harmony extends to the spa and fitness centre at the Chalet d’Adrien, to which guests staying at the Chalet de Flore have permanent access (a shuttle operates from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.). Besides enjoying the facilities of their neighbouring 5-star establishment, a member of the Relais & Châteaux network, they also have priority seating at its restaurant. True chateau life! www.chalet-flore.ch

After two years of renovation, the Verbier cinema is once more ready to enchant young and old alike with splendid, high-definition sights and sounds.

Starting December 1st, the establishment will sport an all-new digital projection system. This 400-seat historic establishment (open for 60 years) in the centre of Verbier will present showings in French and their original languages throughout the entire winter. Take your seats! www.cinemaverbier.com

An exceptional chalet, Annelies combines antique woods and natural stone matched with beautiful fixtures and bespoke furnishings to create an incredibly chic interior.

The discreet charm of exceptional chalets Tradi ti o na l materi a l s a nd s urro undi ngs co mbi n e wi th cl ea n, mo dern l i nes free of undue ostentati o n, a s so me of the fi nest cha l ets i n Verbi e r o pen thei r do o rs to us fo r excepti o na l a nd excl us i ve to urs.

Chalet annelies

Watch the sun set on Les Attelas from the elegant roll top bath

Text__F R é d é r i c r e i n

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Photos__Y v e s GARNEAU

he feeling of luxury is underlying and inconspicuous. There is nothing ostentatious or flashy here. The highquality materials and studied layout of the furnishings suffice in themselves to encapsulate an idea of beauty which brings a welcome sense of serenity.

These exclusive chalets of great character have been boldly renovated, yet without sacrificing their historical heritage or the soul of the site on the altar of modernity. Quite the contrary… traditional features have been preserved and brought to the fore. The architects have made use of exposed beams and stone walls to redesign the living areas, in which flat screens, multiple-jet baths and hand basins with flowing contours all conspire to delight the eye. Harmonious tones and materials create a delectable cocoon-like atmosphere. What would you not give to curl up in front of one of these majestic fireplaces? Who would not love to gaze out through one of these large glass eyes sensitively positioned to look out over the mountain scenery as it basks in the last rays of the sun? Outer beauty, inner beauty: the perfect union. Chalet Annelies is from the extensive collection of luxury chalets and apartments operated by Bramble Ski in Verbier. The chalet is offered on a full service basis with chef, hosts, housekeeping, private ski instructor and chauffeur. For more information on this chalet and others in the collection please see www.brambleski.com

ffThe sumptuous open plan living room with huge bay windows makes for an ideal entertaining space fdThe stone bath is literally the centerpiece of the chalet since everything had to be built around it fA custom coat of arms was designed by the owner and can be found on some of the expertly hand crafted furniture and wood finishes ssA cozy corner to enjoy some fine wine and food with friends on a cold winter’s night

Overhanging the resort of Verbier, Chalet Trois Couronnes appears suspended against the backdrop of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps, reflected in the mirror pool.

“ Beyond luxury... „

Chalet TroisCouronnes Photos__ Y v e s GARNEAU

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unique and very private Alpine Estate, Chalet Trois Couronnes is nestled in the heights of Verbier.

This masterpiece finished in 2012 has been lovingly created by VerbierCentres SA: a team of highly skilled craftsmen, architects, art connoisseurs and interior designers from across Europe.

It is adorned with antique pieces, fine art, gothic fireplaces, natural stone fountains and washbasins, old wood panelling and floors and ceilings from the 18th and 19th century. The impeccable attention to detail and quality and the adoption of local historical construction techniques translate into an authentic mountain experience.

Set out across three distinct chalet structures linked by an art gallery come banqueting hall with vaulted ceiling, the chalet sleeps a total of 15 adults in 8 bedrooms all with private bath or shower rooms. In addition to the banqueting hall, the chalet also houses a open plan dining and living room. The chalet boasts an extensive spa facility with incredible views of the surrounding mountains comprising a pool, relaxation area, hammam, sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi. The chalet also houses a cinema room, wine cellar and Carnotzet and has underground parking for 8 vehicles. The chalet utilises solar and geothermal heating and is the largest `Minergie` eco-friendly chalet in Verbier.

The spa pool boasts a moveable floor decorated with a mosaic inspired by the Renaissance motifs of an Italian piazza.

Floating above the water, a swing chair provides an inviting place to relax.

fThe master bedroom, accessible by a private lift, offers a majestic panoramic view. It subtly combines the Alpine spirit with modern furniture, specially created for the property. fdOne of the suites combining authenticity and refinement in a sumptuous Alpine setting. fA cosy lobby invites visitors to discover the art gallery leading onto the spa and tasting room. sThe vaulted art gallery, inspired by 17th-century English ballrooms, hosts large functions.

fThis master bedroom, hung with precious silks, faces a monumental fireplace and oak beam from 1851. sThe chef works in a kitchen worthy of a Mediaeval castle, complete with a sink set in old sculpted stone running 5 metres in length. Off to the side sits a library made of 18th century wood. ssYquem and other Ch창teau Mouton-Rothschilds, the grands crus of the wine cellar, promise memorable and convivial evenings.

Rentals via www.hautemontagne.com

YVES GARNEAU Images of beauty Flip through the photographs of Yves Garneau, a Canadian who has lived in Verbier for 15 years, and you’ll discover an eclectic life tinged with enthusiasm. Here’s a close-up of his work.

Text _ f r é d é r i c r e i n Photos _ Y VES GARNEAU

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e’s snapped action shots of extreme sports, captured mountain landscapes and backdrops bordering on the sublime, and gone above and beyond in his exceptional photographs of interiors and haute cuisine.

The œuvre of photographer Yves Garneau spans a wide variety of subjects, forging a multi-faceted mosaic – just like their creator, a 36-yearold globally-minded Canadian who has lived in Verbier since 1997.

“Since I love freeride, one of my friends told me about the Alps,” said Garneau.

With a plane ticket in hand, he landed in Europe and set off on a tour of resorts, immediately choosing Verbier, which gave him “good vibes.” After working in the food industry, he managed to make a career of photography.

“I had to diversify my subjects, since focusing solely on the mountains was impossible” noted the young man.

Curious by nature, he opened his eyes to new horizons without losing sight of the snow-capped peaks. His eye for detail and composition ensure tremendously beautiful results.

“I started working before digital cameras came along, a time where you only got one chance to get your shot right. That taught me to constantly search for intense light, explosive colours and perfect lines,” said Garneau.

This purist welcomes us into his world as if we were gliding over a mountain clad in powdery snow: with desire and delight! www.g1photo.com

Fraser Mcdougal Location: Valais, Suisse

Evariste Bernay, Ilir Osmani et Gavin McKay Location: ChampĂŠry, Suisse

Marja Persson Location: Caviahue, Argentina

Nick Southwell Location: Valais, Suisse

Romain Grojean Location: Troll Peninsula, Iceland

View of the Combins and the Bec des Rosses as seen from Mont-Fort

Panoramic view of the Mont-Fort to the Combins as seen from the Mont-GelĂŠ

A different kind of skiing Looking for a bit of solitude just steps away from Verbier’s huge skiing complex? Ignore the naysayers – it’s possible! Just grab the appropriate bindings, get a pair of climbing skins, muster your thirst for wide-open spaces, and plunge in!

From la Rosablanche (left) to Mont-Pleureur, those who know where to go can get away from it all in the vast terrain in the Haut Val de Bagnes.

Text and photos _F r a n ç o i s P e r r a u d i n

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ou often see them on the slopes, hiking uphill against the tide of skiers. Some – nicknamed “collants-pipette” in French mountaineering slang for the ski tights (“collants”) and hydration packs (“pipettes”) they sport – are decked out like pros, a timer seemingly ticking in their heads as they surge ahead at the frenzied speeds typical of keen ski mountaineering athletes. Others chat leisurely while climbing the sharp slopes, only picking up the pace when they can no longer resist the fondue waiting for them at the Mont-Fort hut. And when spring rolls around, another kind of folks with large hiking backpacks and harnesses take the high road to get up close and personal with the peaks. But the type of ski touring you do isn’t important – it’s the pleasure that counts!

A bit hesitant to follow in their footsteps? If so, start with some short trips in the immediate vicinity of the resort. For example, try the slopes of Marlénaz, to the left of the Savoleyres, or Col de Mille, after the Bruson peaks. Next, consider the back of Mont-Fort, which is a little trickier and appropriate precaution should be taken; you’ll be crossing glaciated terrain and you might encounter conditions ripe for avalanches.

Téléverbier’s safety team is not responsible for backcountry skiing, so be forewarned – when you’re off the beaten trail, you’re the master of your own fate. Make sure to have a guide or experienced mountaineer with your party, since a firm knowledge of snow conditions requires a lot of experience, and even the most competent skiers sometimes meet with surprises. And when traveling through terrain prone to avalanches, follow the golden rule: when in doubt, count it out! Finally, don’t fall into the pitfall of many novice backcountry skiers: if you see the tracks of others, remember that these are not a marker of safety, and don’t follow them!

With these guidelines in mind, the ways to get away from it all are endless. The Grand Saint-Bernard hospice is infused with spirituality

iOnce you’ve got the bug for wide open spaces, (in this photo, the Combins mountains), it will be difficult to get rid of it! sSkiing down the southern face of Mont Fort

and can be reached in two hours from the tunnel sharing its name; consider an overnight stay there before heading on to other small peaks. And from Super Nendaz, the Métailler is one of a number of beautiful backcountry excursions in the area.

If you’re ascending to Mont-Rogneux (3084 m), above Lourtier, it’s a pleasure to spend a night at the Bruner hut – who cares if the “collants-pipette” polish off the two-thousand-meter change in altitude in one fell swoop? And don’t forget the couloirs behind Pierre Avoi, which are steep and tricky but promise sweeping, surprising views over the Rhône plain. The Tour de Bavon, which is reached from the ski lift at Vichères, offers an equally beautiful feast for your eyes.

Peter Brabeck-Letmathe Gelé. The first descents I made, both from the North and the South face, convinced me that Verbier was ideal for good skiers and offered great opportunities — unique opportunities in the Alps I would say — for those really committed to their sport.

Does Verbier remind you of your native Austria?

Verbier’s panoramic view, in the heart of the western Alps, its magnificent peaks at 4000 metres and eternal snow, are not really comparable to the Austrian mountains, which are characterised by their alternating harmony of lakes and mountain ridges.

What is your favourite place in the resort, and why?

My favourite place in Verbier? My chalet, of course! I make the very most of it between my frequent travels in the course of the year. Although I don’t really go out much, after a mountain-bike or motorbike ride, or up in a plane, I really like to stop off at the Croix de Cœur to gaze out over the magnificent landscape.

You make no secret of your love of the mountains, and your climbs include Jungfrau and the Matterhorn. How would you describe your connection with the mountains?

I was born in a town in Carinthia, and my parents introduced me to the mountains before I could even walk! In one way or another, the mountains have had quite a profound effect on my life and on my personality.

Do you plan any further climbs?

Text _C HRISTIAN B UGNON Photos _G i a n M a r c o C a s t e l b e r g , 1 3 p h o t o

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One of my most recent climbs was Grand Combin, with my son Nicolas and our friend and guide Sascha Burri. I’d love to go up Dent-Blanche again, that’s something I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time, but you also have to recognise that, with age, the mountains seem to become higher every year and trips require more preparation and more time…

t seems a long time since Peter Brabeck used to sell ice cream from a little refrigerated van… That was over 40 years ago, and nowadays the ice he contemplates from his window is of a more eternal variety, as seen from his chalet perched high amid the ski slopes of Verbier. Year after year, the Austrian scaled the ranks at Nestlé, ultimately reaching the very summits of the global business world. He first set up base camp in Chile, then in Ecuador and Venezuela, where he ran the national branches of the multinational corporation, before coming to the group’s headquarters in Vevey. From 1997 to 2008 he was the company’s CEO. Currently, the 68-year-old businessman is, notably, chairman of Nestlé’s board of directors and vice-chairman of the same body at L’Oréal and Credit Suisse Groupe amongst others. We spoke to this lover of the mountains…

If I’m not mistaken, you also like to indulge your passion for the mountains by piloting a small plane over the Alps…

What appealed to you about this Valais resort?

I do have a deep love of music, not just classical music but modern music and even folk music too, when it’s really good. The Verbier Festival gives us quite a unique opportunity to hear exceptional performers in wonderful setting.

I had the good fortune to get to know Verbier back in the late 1960s, in the days of those charming blue, red and yellow ski lifts. The resort was already quite advanced, with its cable cars serving Mont

Yes, I’m happy to say that I pilot a plane over the glaciers, which allows me to visit these magnificent landing areas which are still reserved for us. I make these flights in my little plane, in the old tradition of Hermann Geiger, who was one of my idols in my youth.

You are also a member of the governing board of the Verbier Festival. Does this reflect a deep love of music? Classical only?

It is an honour to be a member of the governing board of the Verbier Festival, which I feel is a very important part of the social life in our mountain resort. The international reach of this festival is a further boost to its reputation as a high-mountain resort. This is something which is very important, and I am happy to be able to contribute.

Yves Garneau

Luncheon

with a view Wishing for a charming picnic on an alpine glacier? Granted. You can now be heliported to the place of your dreams. A great way to indulge when celebrating a very special occasion!

Kando-DR Yves Garneau

Special moments

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ome will no doubt see this as an interesting take on “Luncheon on the grass” by the French painter Edouard Manet: a memorable picnic, far from any risk of scandal due to immodesty, and blessed with a décor that is guaranteed to carry you away. Simply replace forest with snow, the green chlorophyll of the leaves with the white minerals of mountain peaks, and voilà! Those wishing to enjoy an out-of-this-world picnic are heliported to one of the magnificent glaciers surrounding Verbier, such as Trient or Rosablanche. The panoramic view is enough to take your breath away. Animal skins are laid over benches built from snow set around a low table created in the same fashion.

The smartly designed scene is completed with sets of large soft cushions, allowing its fortunate guests to drink in the splendour of nature around them in ideal conditions. Which includes flutes of champagne, naturally. Not to mention a spread of tasty delights.

“We provide a menu on demand,” explains Nicky ffrench Blake from the UK, the founder of Kando, a company specialising in unique events and high-end conciergerie. “We could just as easily furnish a fondue, a gourmet dinner, sushi or a barbecue.“

Kando has been hosting such delectable moments for the past two years, and it was nearly by chance that it came to be added to the company’s panoply of events on offer. “We organised the first heliported picnic for a gentleman wishing to propose to his companion,” explains Nicky ffrench Blake. “The date was February 14th, 2010. We were the first in the world to offer this particular delightful escapade. Prior to that, the most guests could enjoy was an aperitif while taking a panoramic flight.”

While its romantic aspect certainly appeals to couples, the concept has also attracted those wishing to celebrate their birthday, put the cherry on the top of a family gathering, or have an extra special stag or hen party. Clients of the luxurious Branson Lodge, as well as several other establishments, have been captivated by its appeal, some even making it a yearly event. “There’s a lot of demand, especially during the sunny months of March and April (the event is available from December to May, and from June to September, Ed.). The half-day outing can also be combined with heli-skiing, allowing a group of skiers and non-skiers to enjoy a picnic together.” It goes without saying that an experience like this comes at a price, but also grants memories that are priceless!

For more information, visit

www.kandoverbier.com write info@kandoverbier.com or call 078/ 665 19 36.

A sanctuary during white outs The Verbier Saint-Bernard skiing complex is full of amazing places awaiting to be discovered. In the picture, SÊbastien Collomb-Gros skiing through Vichères woods.

What a pleasure! A weeklong winter holiday in the mountains… endless days gliding down beautiful slopes dusted with light, powdery snow under the azure sky. Soaking up the revitalizing sunshine while working on a beautiful tan, a mark of freedom that will journey home with you. Who doesn’t dream of slamming the door on our daily lives and heading off for an enchanted getaway?

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here are some resorts where fantasy becomes reality. One is Verbier, with its gorgeous sun-speckled situation. But even here, you can find yourself threatened by the clouds, as shades of blue fade to a dazzling white. This isn’t the time to throw in the towel or get carried away by negative vibes.

The solution is easy – head for the forest.

Lovers of backcountry skiing – a particularly well-represented group at Verbier – often take advantage of white outs to explore the firs at the bottom of the Ruinettes. But this mountain paradise also dishes up a number of less-known options.

Bruson Located on the other side of Val de Bagnes, Bruson is no longer a “secret spot” known only by local skiers. But it is a great solution if bad weather comes calling. Climb on the La Pasay chair lift and head from the forest to the 2163 metre high peak. Bruson features an arena of immaculate powdery snow that hosts an annual event, the Dahu Bruson Freeride.

Vichères Even less busy – and therefore more attractive for freeriders – Vichères (1405 m) is the ideal starting point for discovering the SaintBernard Valley. Take the surface lift to the peak of La Chaux (2267 m) for access to delightful forest runs that descend for 700 meters to the right of the piste.

Champex-Lac A round-up of hidden gems would be incomplete without a mention of “little Canada,” as this resort is playfully dubbed. Located between the Saint-Bernard Valley and the Trient Glacier, Champex-Lac has long been a paradise for backcountry skiers – and it will be even more heavenly this winter following the fire that decommissioned the La Breya chair lift (2194 m). If you’re feeling daring, the La Petite Breya is still running, but you’ll have to strap on a pair of climbing skins or snowshoes to reach the peak of the Val d’Arpette’s beautiful forest.

As you can see, there’s no reason to despair if some inopportune clouds portend an unpleasant day. Think on the bright side: this is an excellent opportunity to discover new parts of the Verbier SaintBernard region and to shake things up a bit. After all, isn’t unexpected variety the spice of life?

Mont Collon 3637 m.

Mont-Blanc de Cheillon 3870 m.

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Text_C l a u d e H e r v é - B a z i n ot one, two or three, but four valleys folding and unfolding, rising and falling halfway between high peaks and the plains of the Rhone valley.

The landscape here is shaped by gorges – wild havens that only the eye can cross – and peaks and rocks, standing tall like promises. No far-away peninsulas these. They are slopes made for hurtling down, dotted with sunlit terraces that beckon you to rest and while away your time.

Emerging from the dark green of the fir trees, lined up like well-drilled armies of snow-topped men, the gondolas of the Medran ski lift work their way up to Les Ruinettes (2200 m).

You can come down now or carry on ascending through the crystal-clear air towards Les Attelas (2727 m), Mont Gele (3023 m), Fontanet (2482 m), La Chaux (2260 m) and its snowpark, and the picturesque Col des Gentianes (2950 m). Everything here is white. Blanketed in snow, pristine slopes form powdery cushions that outline and shape the tangle of rocky ridges. A deafening silence envelops the surroundings with a muffled peacefulness broken only by the scuffing of shoes on the floor of the gondola and the clicking sound it makes on its ride from pylon to pylon.

High above, very high above, is the cabin of the legendary Mont-Fort (3330 m), standing out like a lighthouse.

Altitude, in all its dizzying splendour, reigns supreme here. From the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc the eye dances uncertainly from ridge to ridge, blinks when shadow turns to light, and marvels as one landscape merges into another.

The breath is cut short by the sheer slopes, which drop at an angle of 40 to 45º, by the call of the moguls, the void and the adrenaline rush. These are not the only mountainsides. Further afield lie the domains of Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon, to name but a few – all interconnected worlds waiting to be discovered.

Trails and runs intertwine, lead into one another, wind away and come back again, weaving an endless web back and forth, from on high to down low, in the shadow of the forest and in the light of the peaks, in times of exertion and pleasure, on skis, on snowboard, on piste and off piste – where runs are marked and unmarked.

Snowshoes are another option, and there’s even a 10 km sledge run, all the way from Savoleyres to La Tzoumaz, another Bagnes legend. w w w.verbier.ch w w w.verbierbooking.ch

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a well guarded ski area The pleasure of some is born of the work of others. Paul-Victor Amaudruz, head of safety for the mountain’s slopes, and his team, keep careful watch over a dangerous playground.

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fter over 30 years of anticipating the unexpected, PaulVictor Amaudruz, a former mountain guide, seems to have found his place in his position as head of safety for the Verbier ski area. Realistic—but not fatalist—he is well aware of the limitations of what he can do. “Our job is to ensure that skiers riding down the runs on this mountain are as safe as possible. We do everything we can to make sure the runs are safe and secure. As for those who choose to head off-piste, they know the risks,” he explains. Reckless skiers are sometimes alerted and informed of the potential dangers that they expose themselves to off-piste, though the decision remains theirs. Some fall prey to the dangerous illusion that having the right equipment is enough to keep them safe in any conditions. “Specialised ski equipment companies do warn their clients of the risks they incur even when carrying an air bag or Avra with them. I think those who decide to go off-piste despite the cautions of our safety personnel, are aware of the risks they are taking. But are they truly ready to

take responsibility for any and all consequences?” These concerns increase on peak days when the resort is showered with powder and sun and invaded by throngs of riders taking to the slopes.

“Keeping a hundred skiers informed and orderly is relatively easy.

Doing the same with a thousand becomes mission impossible.”

Prevention remains the operative word for those with a deep understanding of the mountain, those well aware of the pitfalls that lay hidden in this dream ski adventure that is often too hastily embarked on. “My deepest desire is for the message that we try to get across at the bottom of the slopes, particularly on days where there is heavy snow, to be really and truly under-stood!” Season after season, Paul-Victor and his team faithfully and tirelessly set out to do an important job that will probably never be completely done. Toiling in the shadows so we can enjoy the sun.

Safety at Verbier: 250 km of ski runs 30 ski patrol staff A budget of CHF 250,000 4 to 12 tons of explosives needed to secure the mountain 600 to 800 interventions a year 1 million man days of skiing

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Verbier

Freeride World Tour

Nicolas Hale-woods

These days, when anyone mentions Verbier, they are bound to refer to Nicolas Hale-Woods. And vice versa. Two names which have grown with each other, thanks to an Xtreme event which, over the years, has become the global freeride benchmark. We met up with this remarkable personality.

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t’s said that nothing happens by accident. Born to a Neuchâtel mother and an English father, it was surely destiny which brought Nicolas to the foot of the Vue des Alpes pass. Later moving from one lake to another – from Lake Neuchâtel to Lake Geneva – he was already a sports fanatic, and in 1992 founded the Swiss Surfing Association (SSA), before switching to a different kind of board… With the backing of a loyal sponsor, he waved goodbye to the waves and headed for the snow-capped peaks, setting up camp in Verbier, his former childhood playground. Skilled in a wide range of other sports, notably in football, Nicolas Hale-Woods, who holds a degree in economics and a postgrad in management, took advantage of the new century to take a fresh direction and enable freeride to attain new heights of success. His Xtreme event has placed Verbier at the very peak of the Freeride World Tour.

What does Verbier offer that other resorts do not?

Verbier has one of the very best skiing areas in the world, and over the years has become an international benchmark. Plus, the resort offers really remarkable infrastructure. There’s a rich, dynamic après-ski scene, with lots of terraces, bars and restaurants.

This also helps give Verbier its hip, sporty image.

It’s a very cosmopolitan resort…

Absolutely. Verbier has benefited greatly from the input of people from abroad, who have supported it and contributed to its rise.

And I’m proud to be able to say today that the relationship between Valais locals, residents from outside the canton and foreign nationals is a harmonious one.

Quite an affluent clientele, wouldn’t you say?

There are certainly some very rich people in Verbier, but also plenty who aren’t so well off. The prices are really competitive in relation to what’s offered, which allows everyone to come up to the resort and enjoy some sport, skiing above all.

What has Verbier done for you personally?

Above all, it’s here that I met my wife, who has given me two sons. And Verbier has also enabled me to make a dream come true, by being able to live off my passion, and work in an evolving sector. Everything is in place to take things even further…

In what way?

Verbier still lacks a real summer season, like at Whistler, in Canada, where people come back again and again thanks to the seasonal activities. We have everything here: the clientele and the infrastructure. The potential is enormous. We’ve already been talking about this for quite a while in Verbier. The will is there, but everything still has to be done. www.freerideworldtour.com

Broaden your horizons T Text _A l e x G l a s n e r

he quality of Verbier backcountry skiing and the exploits performed by expert freeriders on its slopes are such that we can be forgiven for forgetting that it also has easy, peaceful itineraries for the rest of us. Simply heading out from the resort one finds lovely opportunities to fall under nature’s spell, while neither spoiling it nor killing ourselves in the process. To take full advantage of these excursions, beginners should seek the assistance of a professional guide who will be only too eager to share what they know, and ensure that both safety and curiosity are satisfied. You will not only enjoy the outing itself and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, but you’ll also discover the joys of exploring new surroundings, learning about their fauna and geology, earning a host of small pleasures to be shared with loved ones back home.

Yves Garneau

Freeride world champion, Ruth Leisiback, taking in the view from the top of Mont-Rogneux.

Mont Rogneux via the Brunet cabin Vertical gain : 1782 m Difficulty : fairly easy Duration : 1 day Located in the northern part of the Combins range, nestled between the Bagnes and Entremont valleys, Mont Rogneux (3084 m) seems to have been made for spending the day in a magical setting.

Heading out from the car park at Lourtier (1302 m), we follow the road for about 700 m before turning left down a small trail that winds through the woods. Our journey’s first stage starts here, amid a beautiful Scandinavian-style forest. We follow the sweet smell of pine to a clearing, where, if we’re lucky, we might happen upon a herd of chamois. A little before reaching the Brunet cabin (2103 m), we head back onto the road and leave the forest behind. Before us lies the Chaux plateau and the village of Verbier sitting proudly on its throne across the valley. Our surroundings change and the terrain becomes less steep. We head south-southwest, and after crossing a series of small dells we arrive at the start of the eastern ledge—perfectly skiable without advanced technical skills—that will take us to the grail of Mont Rogneux. There, we find ourselves dwarfed by an impregnable panorama of peaks looking down on us from their lofty heights, including the Pointe de Boveire (3212 m), the Petit Combin (3663 m), and the Grand Combin (4314 m) further south. We head back home down the north face, through the valley of Becca. Under ideal snow conditions, skiing down is a terrific experience reminiscent of the Canadian Rockies!

Upon reaching the bottom we take the road again back to our starting point, bringing the loop to a close.

François Perraudin’s mountain soul Hailing from the canton of Valais, Francois Perraudin not only makes his living from the mountains, he lives for them. Driven by his burning passion for the peaks, he explores them tirelessly through his magical texts and photographs.

A big evening for skiers on the Attelas above Verbier, facing the Combins mountains.

Night falling over the Valais Alps, from the Dent-Blanche (left) to Mont Pleureur, through Rosablanche.

iAn evening fog slowly creeps up over the Mont Blanc and Trient mountain ranges. pMany people out and about in Verbier one evening at the end of December.

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n his images Francois Perraudin expresses his fascination with the mountains, giving form to the object of his admiration with the passion of a genuine enthusiast, deriving endless pleasure from it.

Through his work, the 56-year-old family man from Bagnes energetically captures the rough-hewn beauty of the thousand rocky summits he has never ceased to explore, acquiring an intimate knowledge of them in the process.

It was at a very early age that he first frequented the beaten and less well-trodden paths that wind their way between soaring peaks and Alpine meadows. His publications and audiovisual displays train a spotlight on the gorgeous wildlife of the mountains and the men and women who keep time-honoured traditions alive high up in the peaks.

Perraudin’s professional career has always been inextricably linked to the mountains. A qualified geophysicist with a degree from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, he is also a mountain guide, ski instructor, and was headed the sales department at Téléverbier SA between 1996 and 2000. The mountains have brought him life in both the real and figurative sense. Not for nothing is his latest work, which appeared a few months ago, entitled Montagne et Philosophie (Mountains and Philosophy). While leading us along real paths and trails, he lifts our minds to the peaks above us. w w w.f rp e rrau d in.c h/f r

Pierre-Michel Delessert Pierre-Michel Delessert

Aile de perdrix grise au chou vert

Salmis de bécasse des bois, toast d’abats «Grand siècle»

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Benoît Violier

iOlivier Lombard, Julien Parmentier and Benoît Violier out hunting together

First of all, allow us to congratulate you on your 19/20 score by Gault & Millau and your 3 stars in the Swiss Michelin Guide. You have retained the rating awarded to your predecessor, Philippe Rochat. Are you relieved?

It was certainly a huge encouragement to myself, my wife and my team.

There’s no doubt you excel in the kitchen. Are you also a good hunter—since you enjoy it so much?

I obviously respect the rules of hunting, as regards what we can hunt and when. My biggest concern is to do the hunt as justly as possible, with a great deal of ethics and respect, and without upsetting the natural ecosystem. We’re very lucky that nature continues to bless us with an abundance of wild fauna, so it’s critical that we do not abuse this privilege.

So, you live out your passion in the Valais?

Yes. Every autumn, I go hunting in this uniquely beautiful setting. It also gives me the opportunity to satisfy my love for the mountains. I love sharing these days with my friend Jérémie Darbellay, the youngest game warden in Valais.

What’s your relationship with this canton?

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It goes beyond hunting. I love escaping to the Valais throughout the four seasons; I get away at least once a month.

Brigitte & Benoît Violier

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s the French saying goes, old pots make the best soups!

Benoît Violier might have even made it his motto. The French chef ’s use of old tried-and-proven methods tinged with inventive new twists have allowed him to retain the 19/20 rating awarded by Gault & Millau to his illustrious predecessor, Philippe Rochat, at the Hôtel de Ville de Crissier (VD), which he took over last April. After being trained under Joël Robuchon, Benoît Violier came into his own in 1996, later spending a year working under Frédy Girardet. At age 41, this native of Saintes, in Charente-Maritime, has now become the best chef in Switzerland. This master of perfect timing and sophisticated flavours, a passionate champion of refined minimalism and local seasonal ingredients, also professes a love for hunting, which he regularly enjoys in the Valais. He took some time out to explain his special relationship with this canton.

What of Val de Bagnes?

I discovered Val de Bagnes thanks to my friends, the famous chef Rolland Pierroz and his wife, as well as the master cheese-maker, Philippe Blanc.

Back to the kitchen. The game that you hunt, do you always cook it yourself?

Naturally! What profession could hunting lend itself better to than that of a chef? Cooking your own game and sharing it with your friends is the purest form of expressing one’s respect for nature.

Do you have a preferred game in terms of gastronomy?

The mountain sheep. The quality of the meat is unsurpassed, as it combines the delicate qualities of lamb with the finesse of the larger ungulates.

Do you have any weaknesses for Valais cuisine?

In my opinion, the wines of the Valais are among the best in the world. The cheese from Bagnes that I have tasted in a raclette is also exceptional.

Virtuosos at the pinnacle, in every sense f25-year-old Georgian pianist Khatia Buniatishvili performing at the Verbier Festival. sVerbier Festival founder Martin T:son Engstroem hopes to attract more local people to next year’s 20th edition, which runs from 19 July to 4 August.

For nearly 20 years now, the Verbier Festival has been bringing together some of the world’s most famed classical musicians.

Its founder Martin T:son Engstroem, spoke of his passion for the event.

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p there on the mountain, amid ethereal clouds, the strains of an amazing summer festival can be heard, a succession of wonderful symphonies inspired by the dreams and wild imaginings of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Haydn and a whole host of eternal flames, all united as one.

The setting is the Verbier Festival, an essential fixture on the classical music calendar since 1994.

“When I started coming to Verbier for my summer holidays in the early 90s I was captivated by how secluded the resort was, and by the beautiful, majestic landscapes surrounding it,” recalled the festival’s Swedish founder and managing director Martin T:son Engstroem.

“It didn’t take long for me to see that the potential of the place was just not being harnessed in the summer months and that there were no cultural activities going on at all.”

The one-time performing artists’ agent promptly pulled out his address book and began beating his drum. Putting together a unique programme, he set the tone of a festival that quickly cemented a reputation for excellence.

Perfect harmony From the very start the accent has been placed on music education, with the creation of the Verbier Festival Academy, which offers the most talented of young soloists the opportunity to spend three whole weeks learning alongside the finest classical musicians and singers.

“The festival cannot envisage a future that does not involve investment in the education of emerging talents,” continued Engstroem. “Next year we will also be setting up the Verbier Festival Music Camp, an orchestra programme aimed at musicians aged between 15 and 17, below the age of those attending the Academy and playing in the Orchestra.

“This is our way of giving the new generation the tools and the knowhow that will guide them on the path to becoming accomplished musicians. We will also be setting up projects for 12 to 14-year-olds in the years to come.”

Engstroem does have one lament, however: “I wish I could get the people of Bagnes (the commune in which Verbier is located) more involved and interested. If I could get half the people of Verbier and the surrounding region to come to at least one of our events, I’d be a happy man.”

That target could become a reality at the 2013 Verbier Festival, the 20th in all, which will run from 19 July to 4 August. According to its creator, next year’s event will be bigger than usual: “A tremendous 17 days of outstanding music complete with unique happenings, as 2013 marks the 200th anniversaries of the births of Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner.” As Nietzsche said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” www.verbierfestival.com

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t’s a monumental challenge, both literally and figuratively: the art of sculpture is breaking out of the museum to colonise the natural landscape. Officially opened in early summer 2011, the 3-D Sculpture Park in Verbier occupies a choice location, at an altitude of 2200 m, along the route connecting Les Ruinettes to La Chaux, in the heart of the Four Valleys area. An ideal stage, allowing the works to resonate with this magnificent setting.

The project was conceived during a New York summer heat wave, in a lecture hall at the School of Visual Arts. Two globetrotting Swiss artists, Madeleine Paternot and Kiki Thompson, began to dream of an invigorating setting which would enable them to combine their twin passions: art and the mountains. Their mission took shape: promoting contemporary art and culture while also embracing nature. Where could they fulfil this ambition? In Verbier, of course.

The resort, frequented by a cosmopolitan and knowledgeable clientele, seemed just perfect.

For the event’s first year, 13 Swiss, English and American artists are exhibiting their work, including Gregory Coates, Donna Dodson, Musa Hixson, Timothy Talbott Holmes, Andy Moerlin, Zak Ove and Kiki Thomson, whose flowing lines and clean movements echo, you would swear, the lines left on the slopes by her snowboard back in the days when she competed on the international circuit! Most of the sculptures are created under a large tent set up in the centre of Verbier, during a five-week residence which will include open days introducing children to contemporary art and other informal events.

The works themselves, which are available for purchase, will remain in place for at least a year.

Selected by Paul Goodwin, former curator of contemporary art at Tate Britain, the artists are seeking to produce a body of work simultaneously monumental and eco-friendly (no concrete, no permanent installations) and able to challenge perceptions and interpretations as the seasons come and go. In winter, snowflakes wrap the sculptures in an additional layer of fantasy. Looming up from the immaculate whiteness, Zak Ove’s elephant with raised trunk appears to point the way. Further along stands a solemn baby-bringing stork (without baby) by Donna Dodson. The sculptures look like garden gnomes compared to the imposing peaks of the Combins rising up in the background. Even Kiki Thompson’s Samsara, at 4 m tall, with both arms open to eternity, seems like a wisp of straw ready to blow away at any moment. It becomes clear that nature is no longer the enemy of art — a material impervious to thought, needing to be formed, modelled, carved and sanded. It becomes instead both canvas and muse, furnishing materials and ideas.

3-D Sculpture Park practical info: Jump into the Les Ruinettes cable car, then switch to the La Chaux car. This leads to a gently sloping 3 km route back towards Les Ruinettes. Téléverbier offers a special “Verbier Trek” deal for CHF 25 (adult). In winter, you can also reach the park by sled dogs! Guided tours are organised by the foundation on Tuesday mornings from 18 December, and during Christmas holidays, by advance booking. Tel.: +41 79 670 78 75. The 2013 residence will run from 25 May to 5 July, and will be open to the public on weekends from 15 June.

Christian Bugnon

This year marks a major change for Morand brandies…

The new label highlights Morand and its exclusive Williamine® brand, which are hallmarks of the excellence of our eaux-de-vie – each bottle of which contains 8 kilos of Williams pears or apricots of the very finest quality. It also distinguishes our products from those which imitated our old label. And finally, its restrained design underscores the very essence of brandy: “intense, fruity aromas”.

Apart from this modern visual identity, how are you responding to current consumer trends?

Morand new brandies

for new tastes The famous Valais distillery is reworking its traditional approach and introducing a more contemporary feel. The result is a lighter version of its brandies, a range of cocktails, and a kind of Irish coffee with apricot.

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au-de-vie is a source of sheer pleasure, fruit in its purest state. And since 1889, the Morand Distillery has been making the very most of the sun-drenched fruit of Valais, bringing its incomparable flavour to bottled form. After almost 125 years producing the very finest eau-de-vie, the distillery is taking a new direction. Managerial executive JeanPierre Morand told us about this evolution, or rather revolution…

It’s a difficult challenge. The aim is to revive fruit-based spirits, which are often overlooked. We chose to proceed in three different ways. Firstly, by creating a “Douce de®”, or lighter, range. Low in alcohol and sugar content, but with lots of taste, this range is also aimed at women. Then there is the festive side of things, with long drinks, cocktails and shots: from Williamine & Tonic to the ethnotrash “Bloody Heidi”, by way of the Cosmorand. In the hip world of “mixology”, we’re valued for our Swiss identity, hence the name “sWiss Cocktails”, and the authenticity of the fruit, a Williamine being a far cry from a flavoured vodka!

Weren’t the purists a little shocked?

Blending a brandy is a difficult job, but the taste of the fruit is what stands out. The result may be surprising, but it’s also excellent!

What is the third part of your approach?

The combination of coffee and “Douce d’abricot”. Our “sWiss Rock Café”, an Irish coffee reworked and modernised, is served in a small glass. A gourmet sip of Valais! Our approach has an underlying message: our brandies are in tune with the experience offered to our guests, who don’t come to Verbier to discover spirits made from wheat or potatoes.

Although you’re based in Martigny, you have special connections with Verbier…

I have deep personal connections with Verbier. Our family has been there since 1949. I live there and have been president of Téléverbier for the past 12 years. The mountains, the water from the glaciers and the sunshine make Verbier and Val de Bagnes very beautiful. And the same elements are responsible for the exceptional fruit we turn into brandy. We’re highly proud to be able to lend some additional character to this magnificent and amazing area of ours. www.morand.ch

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Arestaurant stunning igloo at the foot of Mont-Fort The new Domespace on the Col des Gentianes is a laminated wooden structure built entirely without glue, a world first.

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early ten years in the pipeline, this revolutionary restaurant on Les Gentianes, at the foot of Mont-Fort, is finally a reality and will open to skiers this season. The big sister of the Mont-Fort igloo, the new building is a two-storey dome measuring 23.6 metres in diameter.

Designed by the French architect Pierre Marsilli, the man behind the concept, the Domespace comprises a series of features that make it the first building of its kind in the world. Complete with a 120m2 basement housing the mechanicals, it sits just above the permafrost on adjustable micro pilings drilled eight metres into the rock.

Aside from its innovative, glue-free laminated wooden structure, the inside walls are lined with alder wood. One hundred percent flaxinsulated and entirely recyclable, the building is heated by pellet stoves, a renewable energy source.

Once jointly owned with Télénendaz, the new restaurant is now under the exclusive ownership of Téléverbier and will be managed

by Didier Guisolan.

A ground floor that puts the accent on warmth Comprising a self-service area, the eye-catching ground floor features remarkable wooden posts and beams at its centre and can accommodate 120 people in a distinctly modern yet friendly ambience. Aside from the kitchens, a supply store and washing area, the ground floor is also home to a central bar and toilet facilities, something seriously lacking in the old restaurant (with guests having to trek over to another building). The menu features typical mountain dishes from the Valais region based on locally sourced produce, including cheeses, home-made squash soup, roesti (a classic Swiss potato dish), Fleur d’Hérens beef stew and polenta, and home-made tarts, etc.

The restaurant opens out on to a terrace, which can be varied in size and is served by an outdoor bar housed in an old cabin from the Tortin-Gentianes cable-car.

A Rouvinez Vins VIP mezzanine lounge The exclusive Rouvinez Vins mezzanine lounge is open by reservation only. Ski jackets must be left in the changing room along with boots, which are cleaned and warmed. In return you’re handed a pair of Crocs.

Decorated by the firm Décarte Meuble, based in the village of Saxon, the lounge area is the perfect spot for a little glass of something or even a cocktail. Seating 36 people in considerable comfort, the dining room serves a delicious Val d’Hérens rib steak in a Café de Paris sauce, while the excellent wine list ensures you make the most of your break before heading back out to ski or take the cable car to Verbier or Nendaz.

Verbier Tourisme - Thomas Handenmatten

A region full of character The Verbier region and its remarkable landscapes are inextricably linked with two emblematic symbols of the endearing alpine art-de-vivre: outstanding raclette cheese from Val de Bagnes, and the queen of mountain pastures – HÊrens cattle.

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al de Bagnes AOC raclette cheese is produced in keeping with a culinary tradition dating back to the 16th century, offering a flowery taste that is much appreciated by Valais residents and visitors alike. Made in the copper vats of dairies in the valley between November and May, then in the mountains during the summer, this raw milk product (50% fat) is duly stamped and refined in the cellar for at least three months on red deal boards. Once refined, a “grand cru” is born - one of the finest raclette cheeses in the world, semi-hard in texture, but soft and creamy to perfection once in the fondue pot!

Similar acclaim is enjoyed by the queen of the mountain pastures, the Hérens cow - a breed of cattle with a reputation that extends way beyond the borders of Switzerland. A native breed of the valley from which it takes its name, this darkly coloured and sturdy bovine is well known for its aggressive nature. When the cattle are being moved up to high mountain pasture in spring, the dominant animals fight horn to horn. A battle that defines the leader for the herd during the summer. This naturally bellicose temperament paved the way for organised cow fights, which are now a major tourist attraction in the Valais.

It can only be said that with both Hérens cows and Val de Bagnes raclette cheese, the Verbier region certainly has no lack of character. www.raceherens.ch

A really beefy raclette grill Elsa may well be the name of one of the cows grazing on the high mountain pastures during the summer. But it is also that of a designer raclette grill created by the Swiss company Stadler Form.

Grasp the beast by the horns, tip the mouth-watering cheese forward and gently scrape it over your dish. All that for a mere 169 francs. Holy cow, why didn’t we think of that? www.stadlerform.ch

Yves Garneau

The view from Mont-Fort cabin (Swiss Alpine Club SAC, built in 1925), is one of the most beautiful views in Valais. A perfect place to stop and take a break.

Swiss Alpine Club SAC

150 years of history In 2013, this venerable Swiss institution specialising in all things mountain will celebrate its 150 year anniversary. What better opportunity to revisit the genesis of a legend and take a closer look at its stand-out celebration.

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n the smoke-filled room of the train station buffet in Olten, the excitement is palpable. Those present are witnessing the birth of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)! The third mountain climbing association to be established in Europe, after England (1857) and Austria (1862), the Swiss club came into this world on April 19th, 1863. At the time it had 8 chapters and 257 members, and carried a legitimate ambition to take back the exploration of a mountainous territory which by rights belonged to it. Which meant clipping its neighbours’ wings, who were hitherto invited to please explore and map peaks elsewhere. Founded and frequented by the country’s influential and elite, the new club set out to conquer “it’s” Alps— that relief which, after all, covers nearly two thirds of the nation’s territory. This also meant providing its fellow citizens with access to indigenous mountain-themed publications, so they would no longer need to set out to find information in a language foreign to them.—Or at least a language “not from here”! Refuges were built, providing climbers with access to the most beautiful Swiss peaks.

The patriarch of mountain huts, the Grünhornhütte, was proudly perched on its throne in the Alps of Glaris the same year the club was established. One-hundred-and-fifty-one more would follow, providing shelter to all those wishing to see the country from its heights.

Women on board The club was progressive, yes, but certainly not ahead of the curve, as its leadership remained in lock-step with the times in terms of gender equality, for many years admitting only male members to

their ranks. The doors therefore remained firmly shut to women, who, in 1918, decided to set up their own association, the Women’s Swiss Alpine Club. Thankfully, this divide met its end in 1980 (finally!), at which time both genders decided to unite their destinies and merge into a single organisation.

To this day, after 150 years of existence, the goal of the SAC is not to raise money. Far from it. Rather it strives to offer its members, as well as those who are not (yet) members, the opportunity to discover and enjoy these immovable, majestic wonders that are both welcoming and distant, under the banners of respect for nature, safety rules, and sustainable development. And let’s not forget the fact that it was in that smoke-filled room at the Olten train station buffet, on that bright day in 1863, that the foundations of the Swiss tourism industry were laid by a few visionary bourgeois.

And now a woman at the top On the evening of June 15th, 2013, during the warmest time of this year of celebration, the reins of the SAC will be handed to its new president. Françoise Jaquet from Fribourg, a doctor of biology who has for many years worked in the field of developing new medicines in Bern, will enthusiastically take up her new responsibilities.

Madam President-elect, what new things will 2013 bring to the Swiss Alpine Club?

We’re not going to reinvent the wheel or start revolutions. With the blessing of the June 15th General Assembly (on which occasion she will formally assume her post as president, Ed.), we will develop new strategies intended to help guide all of the club’s chapters until 2020.

But above all, we will seek to preserve continuity.

What is the picture you hope will come to people’s minds when they hear SAC? A club that is modern, dynamic, and progressive. It’s time to forever cast off those hackneyed symbols of gnarled calves in long red socks!

The SAC keeps up with the times. It is active. It stays abreast of the latest trends—such as indoor rock climbing—and is on board with emerging sports. w w w.sac- c as.c h

fDescent from la Rosablanche, heading towards the col de la Chaux dCompetitors climbing the difficult corridor of la Rosablanche

THE PDG

The Patrouille DES Glaciers race Text and photos _F r a n ç o i s P e r r a u d i n

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nsiders call it “the PDG” or simply “the patrouille, the big one!”

This ski-mountaineering race is organised every two years and sees the best competitors (in teams of three) leave Zermatt at midnight and arrive in Verbier in time for breakfast. It would take a “normal” backcountry skier three days to do the same route… That said, in view of the thousands of competitors now taking part in the PDG, perhaps the word “normal” should be redefined!

Only the finest ski tourers are able to make ascents of nearly four thousand metres, with roughly the same total descent, and last out through a race equivalent to one-hundred kilometres. All of that in a mere six hours for the best teams, and twice that time for some of the others. Aspiring champions can, if they prefer, settle for the “small” PDG, which “only” leaves from Arolla and involves about half the effort — quite a challenge in itself it has to be said!

Whether the small one or the big one, the race is not just about distance and performance. What counts most is the willingness of each competitor to push themselves to their limits, and their ability to function as a trio and demonstrate their solidarity with their teammates.

In the middle of the night, few spectators are brave enough to make it to the summit of Tête Blanche, at an altitude of 3600 metres on the main ridge of the Valais Alps, where high winds and thick clouds are often par for the course. Some will turn out at dawn at the foot of Riedmatten pass to see the competitors queue up to grab the fixed cords which allow them to descend the steep corridor. And a little later there will be thousands in attendance, at the summit of the Rosablanche corridor, to encourage the skiers along the final major challenge of the route. This combination of spectacular, thrilling surroundings, crucial stages cheered on by crowds, and long solitary efforts at the very limits of each individual’s abilities make this race a key event without any equivalent. In short, the PDG is a truly amazing adventure, and one which participants will never forget.

After an application and review process lasting fully 22 years, the cable car project has finally been given the green light. The news also means that the construction of a large hotel complex in Mayens de Bruson might well go ahead in 2014-15.

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New cable car to link Le Châble and Mayens de Bruson in winter 2013-14

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otification that the project for the construction of a ten-seater cable car between Le Châble and Les Mayens de Bruson had finally been approved and was received by Téléverbier on the 3rd of October 2012.

The announcement was greeted with relief by the people of Bagnes, among them Télé-Bruson CEO Louis Maret and Gaston Barben, the project’s prime movers at Téléverbier, who have all shared a steadfast belief in the Bruson development.

Operating at an initial capacity of 1,200 people per hour, the future facility will cut the journey time between the lower reaches of La Pasay to Verbier to just 35 minutes. Designed to make Bruson more accessible, the cable car will also open up new possibilities for Verbier skiers.

Thanks to its position and woodland setting, the domain will offer an appealing alternative to the high-altitude ski area of Les 4 Vallées, with an added bonus of plentiful natural powder snow.

A number of other new facilities will also be built in Bruson, including a snow-making facility with a water storage reservoir, a new chair lift in La Pasay to replace the one currently in service, and a new four-seater chair lift running between La Pissevache and the Col du Chargerat.

A button lift will link up with the summit of Le Grand Tsai, so that you can either swing down by the refreshment bar at La Pasay or the other side of the pistes. The refreshment bar will also be extended, offering stunning views of the Dents du Midi.

A superb hotel project at Moay-la Côt With the development project planned by the Canadian firm Intrawest having fallen foul of the sub-prime crisis, Téléverbier and the District of Bagnes have been on the hunt for a new contractor. Joint stakeholders in Mayens de Bruson Promotion SA, the two should make their final choice sometime this winter.

Involving as it does the construction of a hotel that also comprises a number of hotel residences, the programme will not fall foul of the so-called “Lex Weber”, a piece of legislation that restricts the building of new holiday homes. The project aims to create highquality hotel accommodation for between 1,100 and 1,300 guests in several phases. The complex will be comprised of four hamlets of small chalets linked by an underground road and funiculars, the idea being to ensure the surrounding countryside remains unspoilt. Discussions are currently taking place with the relevant stakeholders to assess the option of building a cable car stop at the future village. Complete with a pellet-powered heating system and electrical cars etc., Les Mayens de Bruson will also make good use of renewable energies. Work is scheduled to begin in 2014 and will continue through to 2020.

The project will add yet another district to the Verbier area, this time on the other side of the valley, in a picturesque mountain-village location, set amid woodland.

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Choosing the right skis With ski season just around the corner, getting prepared is not just a question of loosening up your joints and working out the kinks in stiff muscles. Skiers also need to pick the right skis, and the range to choose from is vast. Here’s a brief overview of what’s on the shelves these days.

Text°°° J a c q u e l i n e D e n t a n & R a p h a ë l B e r s e in close collaboration with Yosémite

The latest trends All-mountain skis As their name suggests, these are the most versatile skis on the market. With just a single pair of skis you’ll be ready to take to the slopes, and if you feel like it they’ll be just as good off-piste.

Backcountry and fat backcountry skis A light version of freeride skis, these are a perfect balance between weight and manoeuvrability. Some brands, like K2 and Black Crows, even have two versions going for the same model – freeride and backcountry.

Light skis Ultralight skis – which are sometimes used in settings other than those they were originally designed for (ski mountaineering) – provide excellent comfort while climbing. But outside the world of competitive skiing, where safety is taken very seriously, their light weight may not be the safest option on downhill runs. So remember: although ordinary skis are a bit heavier, they are also much safer.

Technological innovations Innovations stemming from the worlds of freeriding and backcountry skiing are now accessible to the general public. Let’s take a look at some of the slightly unorthodox words that will soon be making their way into your vocabulary.

“Rocker” skis have a long upward curve starting just in front of the binding and ending at the tip of the ski. Since the slightly raised front of the ski sinks less into the snow, this makes it easier to turn.

Rockers help skis float better over deep snow, and their tips give a better ride over uneven surfaces. Some backcountry Rocker skis also have a curved tail – resulting in a slightly banana-like shape – which helps to considerably increase manoeuvrability. Finally, early rise tips play on both the length and width of the ski, making it easier to ride over rough terrain.

A: Dynafit PDG B: Black Diamond Carbon Mega Watt C: K2 Sidestash D: K2 Talkback E: K2 Wayback F: Movement Bond X-Series G: Kästle BMX 98 H: Movement Magnet I: Black Crows Nocta

Types of skis It is of the utmost importance that you choose a ski based on your level and desired terrain. Here’s a quick look at the different skis on the market: Light racing skis For racing skis, it’s all about weight. That’s why manufacturers make two types of skis with the same mould. The first is pointed and is designed for “experienced” elite skiers, while the second is a bit heavier and more accessible for the average Joe. Looking for a representative light racing ski? Try the Dynafit PDG. Classic cross-country skis Well-known skis of the past are giving way to wider skis with better lift like the K2 Wayback or – for ladies – the Talkback. Sure, they’re heavier, but they’re also more fun.

Some brands, like Movment, have also developed ski touring skis based on their racing models. Interested? Take a look at the Bond X-series.

Fat backcountry skis These light, wide skis, like the Black Diamond Carbon Megawatt, are more flexible than freeride skis and are compatible with touring boots. These Rocker skis are a perfect balance between weight (2000 gr) and excellent manoeuvrability.

All-mountain skis As we noted above, these skis designed for all-purpose skiers are perfect for having a great time both on- and off-piste. They are also flexible enough to occasionally accept a touring binding (like Diamir, Marker or Dynafit) for skiers looking for slightly less weight when climbing, without increasing risk when going downhill.

Backcountry skis Initially designed for cross-country skiing through forests – a frequent pastime in North America – these skis are wide and feature front and rear rockers. Their flexibility sets them apart from freeride skis and makes them less stable for high speed skiing.

These skis need good powdery snow conditions, and are perfect for having a blast!

Freeride skis These skis are wider and more aggressive than backcountry skis and are a better match for high-speed skiing. Note the K2 SideStash, which can be used in all conditions and even on groomed ski slopes.

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n 2005, James Hillier Blount, better known as James Blunt, recorded his debut album “Back to Bedlam”, which featured the hit single “You’re Beautiful”. This album was a career change for the artist, who was previously a captain in the British Army stationed in Kosovo (he left the army in 2002). Blunt went on to become an international star, performing on some of the most prestigious stages in the world. Between tours in 2006, he decided to make Verbier home. Three years later, Blunt became the first Brit since Elton John to reach number one in the US. In 2010, he released his third and latest album, “Some Kind of Trouble”.

When asked why he decided to settle down in Verbier, the 38-year old artist spoke of the “character” of the town, and its outstanding skiing complex. In 2007 Blunt received the honour of having a chair lift named after him – the 6-seater Attelas chair lift. “An enormous compliment”, as the singer says, which also saw him granted with a lifetime of free rides graciously offered by Téléverbier. With a cheeky grin, he adds “It’s the only chair lift I actually use!” When asked about his future projects, the artist replied in the same casual manner – “I’m getting ready for ski season, what else!”

TRENDS Watch DR

BY Christian Bugnon

Tudor Heritage Black Bay

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Inspired by a model that first appeared in 1954 – a period that saw the emergence of the first divers’ watches – the TUDOR Heritage Black Bay has a domed dial (an exquisite vintage touch!), original burgundy colour bezel and “Snowflake” hands. The watch sports a contemporary 41 mm steel case waterproof to 200 metres. The Heritage Black Bay model comes with a black fabric strap and a steel bracelet or with a black fabric strap and a second strap in exclusive aged leather. www.tudor.ch

Tag Heuer Mikrogirder

Famous for its futuristic concepts, the watch making laboratory MB&F pay homage to the rich watch making traditions of 18th and 19th centuries, through its Legacy line. This LM1 has a monumental central balance, a superlatively finished movement, completely independent dual time zones and a unique vertical power reserve indicator, all protected by an impressive sapphire dome. With Legacy Machine N°1, MB&F has majestically reinterpreted traditional 19th century watch making excellence to create a contemporary objet d’art. Price: CHF 85,000. www.mbf.com

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MB&F Legacy Machine N°1 (LM1)

On 15 November, this revolutionary chronograph watch won the “Aiguille d’Or” (or Golden Hand), the most prestigious distinction awarded by the “Grand Prix d’Horlogerie” in Geneva. “The Mikrogirder represents a new class of watch technology: a true revolution in terms of watch making, a 300 year old tradition”, says the brand’s CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin. Accurate to a record-breaking 1/2000th of a second, this extraordinary watch has a completely new regulation system that beats at 7.2 million vibrations per hour. Instead of the spiral shape in a classical hairspring, it works with a coupling beam/ girder and excitatory beam/girder system and a linear oscillator. Price: CHF 150,000. www.tagheuer.com

Alpina Heritage Pilot

Hublot BIG BANG “ZEBRA BANG” Following the very successful Leopard Bang and Boa Bang, it’s the zebra’s turn to show it has earned its stripes. Seen on the catwalks and all the “it girls”, zebra stripes are the height of fashion this year. The 41mm diameter, black ceramic, ultra-feminine watch has a bezel set with 48 topazes and baguette-cut spinels and a zebra print dial studded with 8 small diamonds to capture the light. This model is also available in 18k red gold and steel. Limited edition: 250 pieces in each of the three versions. www.hublot.com

Boasting a 50 mm diameter, this watch has been inspired by the original Alpina Pilot watch designs from the 1920’s and 30’s. With technical features upgraded to today’s watch making standards, the accuracy of the calibre is improved and protected by a curved sapphire glass, and the case is manufactured in stainless steel. Open the cover on the back of the watch to admire the mechanism. Limited edition: 1883 pieces. www.watches-alpina.com

Cartier Tank Anglaise

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The almost centenary Tank (launched in 1917) revolutionised the watch making traditions of the roaring twenties by introducing the unisex and stricter square and rectangular bracelets.

The Tank design is timeless, embracing different styles and different tastes over the years. Its geometry fits all shapes. Today’s version has clean lines, large Roman numerals and a clasp that forms an integral part of the case. The bracelet comes in white, pink or yellow gold and if you so wish, set with diamonds. www.cartier.com

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Bell & Ross AVIATION BR01-92 HERITAGE

Rolex GMT-Master II Along with its characteristic triangular-shaped hand, the GMT-Master II features a rotating 24-hour graduated bezel that allows those who travel the world to read three different time zones. All models are fitted with virtually scratch-proof synthetic sapphire glass cases and are water resistant to a depth of 100m. www.rolex.com

To create the BR01 aviation watch, the designers drew their inspiration from aviation instruments. The BR01 has four fundamental principles: clarity, functionality, accuracy and reliability. The 46mm case opens onto a matte black dial from which the clock face stands out perfectly.

Numerals, index and hands have a weathered-look, sand coloured, photo-luminescent coating that makes night reading easy. Available with a natural leather or ultra-resistant synthetic canvas bracelet. www.bellross.com

ZĂŠnith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tissot T-Touch II Lady

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Worthy successor of the El Primero calibre which was launched in 1969, this model is the quintessence of Zenith know-how. Its multi-coloured dial with different coloured hands, opens up to reveal the beating heart of the mechanism: the famous 4061 El Primero calibre.

Accurate to the tenth of a second, it has an exceptional frequency of 36,000 VpH. The 42mm case is water resistant to 100 metres with round vintage style buttons. www.zenith-watches.com

Designed for adventurous women for whom elegance is essential, this diamonds and mother-of-pearl watch which combines highend technology, up to the minute style and unashamedly feminine charm is a must have.

Rubbing shoulders with professional sports instruments in terms of functionality, the Tissot T-Touch II offers 13 functions at your fingertips. It is the perfect companion for all of your ventures, high up a mountain, on the sea side or under the ocean. www.tissot.ch

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DPS

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Committed to skiing perfection, DPS is continually innovating in its drive to create the world’s most advanced skis. DPS is the proud manufacturer of the first pre-impregnated carbon-fibre skis, offering guaranteed strength, lightness and incomparable power.

The cornerstone of the DPS range, the Wailer 112RP is the most versatile ski in the world, just perfect for planing powder in the morning, carving down to the chair lift and showing off all afternoon long. www.dpsskis.com Ski Service in Verbier is French-speaking Switzerland’s exclusive DPS stockist.

Ai-Riders on the Storm Created by Italy’s Giovanni Chicco, Ai-Riders on the Storm (a tribute to The Doors) has designed a unique-in-its-class jacket that shields you completely from the elements.

Comprising a two-in-one hood with built in goggles, it stops freezing temperatures, wind and snow in their tracks. Available in four different colours and with interchangeable goggle lenses. www.ai-storm.com Ski Service in Verbier is French-speaking Switzerland’s exclusive Ai-Riders on the Storm stockist.

The best possible ally against the elements, this jacket combines three different technologies that are strategically employed to ensure comfort, protection and warmth. Ultra-absorbent Omni-Wick EVAP ™® technology is used at the body’s key hot spots, while Omni-Wind™® Block fabric is placed at points of exposure, and the OmniHeat® lining reflects body heat. www.columbia.com

bonnets MONE Let’s not forget our talented grannies! In these fastmoving modern times, our seniors can sometimes feel excluded from society. Why not help them while away those long winter evenings and give them a useful role to play in our community as well? Interested? Join the MONE hats community by adopting one of their lovely creations! Crochet or knitting lovingly worked with all the know-how and gentleness of a grandma… Ski Service is the exclusive dealer of these MONE hats in the French-speaking part of Switzerland - Verbier

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Columbia TRITECA SOFTSHELL

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Petzl NAO The two high-power LEDs in this new rechargeable headlamp instantly and automatically adapt to your lighting needs for increased comfort, fewer manual interventions and longer battery life. A sensor measures and analyses ambient light. NAO is the first Petzl headlamp to feature REACTIVE LIGHTING technology. www.petzl.ch

TRENDS in sport

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by Christian Bugnon

Mammut Ride Airbag R.A.S A faithful supporter of Xtreme Verbier and a former Scandinavian freeride champion, Sverre Liliequist is never seen without his trusty Sphere Jacket, the very best that SOS (Sportswear of Sweden) has to offer. Perfect for backside skiing, this three-layer Dermizax stretch-fabric jacket combines very high waterproofness with excellent breathability. www.sos-sportswear.com On sale at Medran Sport and Ski Center in Verbier.

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Because nothing matters more than safety.

The airbag keeps skiers and climbers on the surface in the event of an avalanche. Mammut is planning to market new backpack models and sizes for its winter 2012/2013 collection. The new models and compressed-air cartridges are both compatible with the Snowpulse R.A.S. range.

Customers can also buy a basic backpack and then transfer the detachable airbag system.

Detached from the system, the backpack can also be used as a summer or urban bag.

More info at: www.mammut.com

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Suunto Ambit THE GPS FOR EXPLORERS This multi-award-winning GPS watch has revolutionised the world of sport and adventure by offering a comprehensive range of functions integrated in an extremely robust BuiltToLast casing. Equipped with GPS, an altimeter, barometer and a 3D compass, this model, which is also water-resistant to 100 metres, is guaranteed to withstand the very toughest conditions. www.suunto.com

KJUS Julbo POLAR Julbo makes polarising-lens technology available to everyone.

Boasting superb ergonomics, these goggles offer a wide field of vision and a polycarbonate, spherical and ventilated lens, leaving nothing to chance. With its colourful frame and mirror finish, it’s got the makings of being the performance/style sensation of the winter. www.julbo-eyewear.com

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With its contrasting matt and shiny stretch fabric, the REBOUND is going to be that unique, must-have jacket on the slopes this winter. Its thermo-bonded chambers comprise soft, heat-retaining down and the KDRY° membrane provides full weather protection and optimal breathability in all conditions.

The well-placed pockets, adjustable hood and built in neck warmer show the attention to detail that is the hallmark of the Swiss brand. www.kjus.com On sale at Xtreme Sports, in Verbier’s central square.

30° special issue verbier | 91

François Perraudin

NEWS

Sport - A successful 2012 Verbier SaintBernard Trail

Annik Wetter

For its fourth edition, the 2012 Verbier Saint-Bernard Trail enjoyed a record level of participation: 1340 runners from 32 different nations enrolled for the three races. On the Loop route (110 km with 7000 metres of ascent), French competitor Emmanuel Gault managed to sprout wings, making it back to Verbier in just 14 hours and 5 minutes! The fifth edition will take place on 6-7 July 2013, with the added novelty of a relay Loop in teams of two! www.trailvsb.com

The design of ski cable cars revisited

Denis Klero/Red Bull Content Pool

A new lease of life for 40 ski cable cars. That’s what the 40 Swiss artists, architects and designers of the “Mountain Climbers: revisiting a Swiss icon” project have set out to do. In 2014, the finished works will form a travelling exhibition across Switzerland and will then be auctioned by Christie’s with proceeds going to the Swiss Make-A-Wish foundation for sick children. The project is sustainable, charitable and cultural. What more can you ask for! www.mountainclimbers.ch

Russian Valery Rozov, has added another feather to his cap, underscoring his reputation as one of the world’s leading base jumpers. After a 6-day climb, the extreme athlete threw himself off the 6543-meter high Mt. Shivling in the Indian Himalayas. His free fall, which lasted only 90 seconds, achieved a speed of 200 km/h! Anyone want to try and break this new world record? www.redbull.ch www.adidas.ch

VERBIER St-Bernard

Mountaineering – Low-impact, high-altitude shelters

Ski — More snow-making underway Verbier goes the extra mile to make snow sport lovers happy. Work on artificial snowmaking started in mid-October in the Le Rouge sector, and will continue through midDecember. Poles have been set up from the bottom of the FIS run to the bottom of the Rouge. It’s shaping up to be a great 2012/2013 season! www.verbierbooking.com

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Mechanics – A one-of-a-kind motorbike on display

Modelling – Verbier hosts the finals of the largest children’s casting competition in Switzerland A host of picture-perfect little angels to delight photographers and onlookers alike. These 150 children ages 0 to 12, selected last November in Geneva, will be attending the finals of the 5th annual grand casting event hosted by Babybook Enfant at the Verbier St-Bernard resort on 2 February 2013. Lovely little faces and charming smiles! www.babybook.ch

The Vyrus 986 M2 is the perfect marriage of Italian design provided by Vyrus, founded by Ascanio Rodorigo, and Swiss engineering, courtesy of Swiss Renzo Pesciallo, head of Red Blue Motorbikes in Lugano. A futuristic two-wheeler with seductive lines and innovative technology. This Moto-2 category racing motorcycle, the only one of its kind ever built, can be admired from 20 December 2012 to 6 January 2013 at the Médran Café in Verbier. Its two creators are set to yet do great things together, as they have launched a European research and development project that is scheduled to result in track-testing of a Vyrus EF 612 in 2014. According to its designers, this motorcycle will open up a “new era in both track and road motorcycling”. www.vyrus.it and www.rbmb.ch

Entertainment — A seasonal ice-skating rink in the La Tzoumaz town square After having undergone a complete renovation, the town square of La Tzoumaz will be the scene of an artificial skating rink this winter. The rink will be open daily, lit up at night, and bathed in ambient music. It will also play host to a number of events, such as New Year celebrations, the carnival, and the awarding of medals by the Swiss Ski School. www.verbier.ch

Located above the Verbier golf tee off, the “Mayen” has undergone a makeover and been renamed the “Mayentzet”.

At this restaurant, made from stained wood and sporting a sun-soaked terrace, patrons can create their own menus from a selection of starters, main courses and deserts. Its first floor, on the other hand, is dedicated entirely to cheese fondues of all sorts. A great opportunity to sneak in some extra pleasure between runs!

Yves Garneau

Dining — The “Mayen” changes its decor and becomes the “Mayentzet”

Ski — Holders of a 4-Vallées season pass can ski free at 8 U.S. resorts Do you have a 4-Vallées year ski pass? Congratulations, you can now use your pass in the United States thanks to Verbier 4-Vallées new partnership with Vail, Colorado.

Starting this winter, using the Epic Pass you will be able to enjoy three days of free skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Arapahoe Basin. The reciprocal agreement provides the same benefits to holders of season passes from those resorts. A dream opportunity to discover new snowcapped peaks! www.verbierbooking.com and www.snowusa.com

NEWS Ski — Freebies at other famous resorts

VERBIER St-Bernard

In addition to 8 U.S. resorts (see above), other ski areas offer free ski days to holders of the Verbier+ year pass, including: 3 non-consecutive days at the Sierra Nevada (Spain), 8 days over the season in the Chamonix-Mont Blanc valley; 1 day in the Grand Massif (Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns, Sixt) in HauteSavoie (France); 1 day at the Ski Saint-Bernard (Vichères, Bruson, La Fouly, Champex-Lac, Les Marécottes), in Switzerland. www.verbierbooking.com

Technology — Automatic ski passes at Esserts and Mayentzet

VERBIER St-Bernard

The welcoming smile at the ticket booth is gone. Ah yes, but the new automatic kiosks at Esserts and Mayentzet make it easy to purchase your ski-tow or ski-lift pass (respectively) during the slopes’ opening hours, and provide easy entry points all around the ski area. Note that passes can only be purchased by credit or debit card, and special discount rates are only available at the main ticket offices (Châble, Médran, Savoleyres) and at the Rouge ski-tow ticket booth. More high-tech automated innovations surely to follow...

Dining — Crêpes, Pizza & Pasta at the Savoleyres restaurant

VERBIER St-Bernard

Directly facing the Combins, the restaurant at Savoleyres just might boast the loveliest terrace in the 4 Valleys. Located on the first floor, guests can enjoy the specialties of this all-new crêperie while soaking in the sun and view. On the ground floor, pastries and pizza are served cafeteria-style. www.verbierbooking.com

13.01.13 14-20.01.13 19-20.01.13 19.01.13 02.02.13 02.02.13 23.02.13 13.03.13 23-24.03.13 06.04.13 15-20.04.13 27.04.13

Luge Open, La Tzoumaz Freeride Qualifier Week, Verbier Freeride Trade Show, Verbier Verbier Ride, Verbier Audi Ski Cross Tour, Verbier Dahu Bruson Freeride, Bruson Intégrale du Rogneux, Lourtier Erika Hess Open, La Fouly Xtreme Verbier by Swatch, Verbier Verbier High Five by Carlsberg, Verbier World Speed Ski Championship, Verbier Ultime Session, Verbier

www.verbier.ch www.freerideworldtour.com www.freerideworldtour.com www.verbierride.com www.audiskicross.ch www.dahushaper.ch www.combin.ch www.telelafouly.ch www.xtremeverbier.com www.verbierhighfivebycarlsberg.com www.xspeedski.net www.verbierbooking.com

VERBIER St-Bernard

Winter events

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1.Didier Cuche, the Child from Above Kacey Mottet klein and James Blunt 2.Yves Rossy and his wife Fouzia 3.Sabine and Didier Défago, Laurence Rochat, Luc Alfand + a friend 4.Aksel Lund Svindal 4.

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5.Roland Collombin and Philippe Roux surrounded by friends from the resort 6.Didier Défago and his wife Sabine 7.Alberto Tomba, Eric Balet, Luc Alphand 7.

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Verbier Charity Night, a highlight

of the Verbier winter season For the sixth consecutive year, Téléverbier will be hosting a charity night on Friday, April 4th, 2013, in support of two not-for-profit organizations.

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s it possible to get 200 people to each donate 500 francs to attend a charity event? This is the wager made by Eric-A. Balet, the director of Téléverbier, and his team, for the past five years.

It all started with a simple question: How to take advantage of the arrival of the stars of the Cirque Blanc taking part in the Verbier High Five by Carlsberg—a multiple snow-sport competition which allows amateurs to pit themselves against the best skiers on the planet—to raise funds for the development and promotion of sports? It didn’t take long to find the answer: Why not organise an evening which would make it possible for anyone to rub shoulders with these exceptional personalities?

Over the years, the ritual has remained the same. An aperitif on the patio of the Ruinettes where everyone gets to know each other, before moving to the tables for a gourmet meal prepared by the Cristal team.

This is followed by a giant raffle where all tickets are winners, and then, half-way through the evening, a truly exceptional show. Last year, James Blunt, one of the event’s patrons, sang two of his hits, including the

unforgettable “You’re beautiful”, in front of an enraptured audience.

Two other prestigious patrons are regulars at Charity Night: Adolf Ogi, the popular ex-president of the Swiss Confederation, and Bernhard Russi, the Olympic downhill champion at Sapporo. The list of personalities who have graced the event with their presence is too long to figure here, but includes skiers Didier Cuche, Didier Défago, Lindsey Vonn, Julia Mancuso, Aksel Lund Svindal, Hermann Maier, Alberto Tomba, Tina Maze and Tanja Frieden.

When attending the Charity Night, you just might find yourself at the same table as Bertrand Piccard, Steve Ravussin, Yves Rossy, Jakob Hlasek, Sylvain Freiholz, Johann Lonfa, Markus Zberg, Jean-Blaise Evéquoz, Tiffany Géroudet or other well-known names. The 22 tables are sold at 4,000 francs each. The buyer is given 8 seats at the table; the other two seats are then occupied by the attending stars. The evening raises roughly 70,000 francs which are donated to the Right to Play not-for-profit organisation—which actively engages in promoting sports in the poorest countries of the world—and to the Aide Sportive Suisse, which promotes sports amongst the youth of our own country.

Thinking of signing up? Easy!

Just send an email to contact@televerbier.ch.

(Table with 8 seats: CHF 4,000; Half-table with 4 seats: CHF 2,500).

Authentique restaurant de montagne

La Marlenaz

PLACE CENTRALE +41 27 771 22 77

MÉDRAN +41 27 771 15 88

A restaurant to experience nature and its products 1936 VERBIER Valais Suisse Tél. +41 27 771 54 41 marlenaz@verbier.ch marlenaz.ch

CONFECTION HOMME-FEMME SKIWEAR LOCATION SKI-SNOWBOARDS REPARATION LINGERIE

M.MILLER ARMANI EA7 SPORTALM PHENIX GANT SCHNEIDERS AUBADE BRIC’S MBT

TRENDS DESIGN

DENON - The nomadic musical egg

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BY Christian Bugnon

What could be more perfect than an egg? An egg that plays music! The “Portable Cocoon” speaker dock from Denon does just that, and it’s compatible with all music formats (mp3 or FLAC) and sources, whether streaming from your PC or through the free app on your tablet or smartphone. This sleek wireless gadget is one you can take anywhere. www.denon.eu/cocoon/fr

LEFF Amsterdam Modern Times

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The retro look of LEFF Amsterdam’s Brick clock brings to mind the film Groundhog Day, but designer Erwin Termaat managed to give a modern twist to this classic piece. Inside the slim, hand-brushed steel case are the inner workings of a precise clock that displays a new combination of numbers with the passing of each minute. This high-end clock is as elegant on a desk as it is on a wall. It is available in two colours (black or white) in speciality and fine department stores. www.formsign.ch

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LOUIS VUITTON Speedy Monogram Appliqué 35 First introduced in the 1930s, the Speedy bag was initially designed as a lightweight travel bag. Now part of the Cruise 2013 collection, this chic urban bag is available in two colours, caramel and pink.

The cotton canvas has a washed-effect treatment, and the bag can be worn either “cross body” with a shoulder strap or held by its small natural leather handles. www.louisvuitton.com

MOËT & CHANDON To celebrate the end of 2012, Moët & Chandon are offering a beautiful collection with festive, golden packaging. The isothermal Golden Diamond Suit and the Golden Lace Jeroboam are just two of the products from the collection. Get yours at Globus or Moët Hennessy Suisse. www.moet-hennessy.ch

JMC Lutherie - The perfection of sound You’ve never heard perfect sound until you’ve heard sound from a loudspeaker made by a luthier. Like a musical instrument, the Soundboard by JMC Lutherie was crafted from centuries-old spruce handpicked by experts – a single tree out of 10,000 receives the honour of becoming a Soundboard. The combination of artisanal expertise and cuttingedge technology provide a surround-sound effect with just one speaker. The incredible sound fills the entire room, regardless of where you put it. Simply perfection! www.jmclutherie.com