WRS VOICE Winter 2015

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FANTASTIC SKI GUIDE Insider know-how and

NEW FOOD SECTION! Delicious dishes, great

NEED TO KNOW What’s up? Track all the

INSIGHT

COMPETITION

CULTURE

the region’s top winter sports destinations

wines – plus super places for super-foods.

latest eye-catching culture and events!

INSPIRATION

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value: Fr. 99.Minimum purchase Valid until 31.1.2016

Cu st o mer Ca re : c ustom e r@le shop.ch • Phone: 0848 111 999 The Fr. 40.- voucher is valid only once per household for your first order delivered to your home with the mentioned minimum purchase value (excluding frozen foods and fees) and validity date. The voucher can be given to a third party for free but cannot be sold, auctioned or combined with other offers. The general terms and conditions of LeShop.ch apply.

LeShop.ch LeShop.ch – Mon – My supermarché online supermarket en ligne 151020_WRS_186x250_EN.indd 1 OICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016

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AIRWAVES

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Connect Home and Away

W

elcome to Voice Magazine, published by World Radio Switzerland (WRS) and sharing the brightest and best in entertainment and information with a dynamic group of people – you. And did you know that the Anglophone community has never been larger?

WRS, Voice Magazine and worldradio.ch reach out to more than a million English-speakers across Switzerland.

That’s 700,000 Anglophone listeners and readers, plus thousands for whom English is their lingua franca. For example, in Zurich, Zug and Basel almost 55% of all managers and professionals work in English! The figure for Geneva is close at 50%.

message. So although we should all be diligent shape the lac Leman region for the next 20 with the language lessons – it’s fair to say that years. Plus safer bike routes and designer stations. ..

Anglophones have got a head start!

Whether you’re a long-term resident or newlyarrived, the decisions you make every day impact directly on the local economy. Where to live - Switzerland or abroad? To buy or to rent?

Where to shop? Where to pay your taxes? OK, so some of these options are not exactly a free choice, but you get the idea. Ex-pats have shared interests (like beer and TV – or is that just me?), but also enjoy discovering new opportunities. Which is where WRS and Voice Magazine are proud to step in. From Insight and Need to Know, to Travel, Style File, Education and Property, plus our very own Ski Guide, we make life so much easier - in English.

Feel like a winner? Voice Magazine and WRS have amazing competitions on p 98 - with prizes worth thousands of CHF. Just browse these pages then click on worldradio.ch to enter! There’s also an amazing WRS ski pass giveaway with every Snow Report (Thursday & Friday mornings). Enjoy an incredible FREE day out in one of the region’s top resorts! It’s a ‘thank you’ from us for all your fantastic support. We pride ourselves on being the onestop resource for the ex-pat and international community – and every tweet, thumbs up or good old-fashioned email helps us focus on the issues that matter to you.

This issue of Voice Magazine will help you stay A few years ago global-local was the buzzword ahead of the game with the WRS team. – today it’s all about being at home in English!

Discover their favourite winter places in Having a Ball – from the cosiest fondue restaurant to the coolest mountain spa. Or discover the Welcome to Voice Magazine latest on controversial cross-city rail project It’s no wonder then that education experts tell CEVA. How much is it costing? Do we need it?

– it’s your voice and we’re us that more and more families are choosing The short answers are CHF1.5 billion and yes, listening! international school programmes. If you want the future gains for transport and housing will to get ahead then learn English is the subliminal A recent study also highlighted that the Anglophone population of Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France helps generate 40% of the region’s GDP! Yes, English-speakers are big business.

AIRWAVES BY MARK BUTCHER Mark Butcher, co-founder of Anglo Media SA, and a director at WRS, is an award-winning broadcaster. As a member of the management start-up team for World Radio Geneva in 1996 he quickly became “the voice of the region” for the international community in Switzerland. He was WRG Programme Controller when it won the prestigious “Radio Station of the Year Award” in 2005.

Listen to Butcher’s Breakfast on WRS, weekdays 6.30–10.00am.

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CONTENTS

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24 COVER

Welcome to the latest edition of our magazine.

It’s your Voice and we’re listening!

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32 Cover photo

Published by

Directors

Editor

Publication Manager

Design & Layout by

Advertising & Promotion

Nadia Verlyck

Anglo Media Group SA Images Building, 9, rue de Veyrot, 1217 Meyrin Switzerland T +41 (0)22 989 53 10

Peter Sibley & Mark Butcher

June White

Isabelle Cornet

Media Frontier mediafrontier.ch

WRS +41 (0) 22 989 53 10 advertising@worldradio.ch

Presenter photos Nadia Verlyck

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Print Run

Distribution

Lake Geneva’s Voice Magazine

20,000

International organisations, NGOs, multinational companies, hotels, shopping centres, International schools, Anglophone clubs, pubs and events

All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices listed are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change.

CONTENTS

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03 08 14 20

AIRWAVES

NEED TO KNOW

HAVING A BALL

WRS Founder, director and Culture, concerts and events Meet the WRS team and presenter - Mark Butcher on you can’t afford to miss this share great insider tips becoming global-local... winter. for cosy snow days and mountain challenges.

MID MORNING MIX Presenter Katt Cullen loves a chat. Here’s how one listener’s call took her on a magical mystery tour...

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INSIGHT

SPORT

TRAVEL: LES 4 VALLEES

Making Time. Will the Swiss watch industry embrace smartwatch technology or simply keep its enemies close...?

Olympic pressure or power?

Swiss golden girl Nicola Spirig shares her thoughts ahead of Rio 2016.

FOOD

MCKAY INTERVIEW STYLE FILE

OUTLOOK: CEVA

From Gruyère to the Fondue World Cup – Presenters Mark and Katt raise their forks and fight over fromage

Michael McKay meets Dr Aki Hintsa, Formula 1 human performance coach, McLaren team doctor, surgeon and philosopher.

Presenter Hansine Johnston on finding a passion for fashion in Rolle.

Check out her latest addresses.

Will the region’s new CHF1.5bn urban rail network boost development – or simply dig deep into local finances?

HEALTH MATTERS KIDS IN MIND

OUT & ABOUT

WRS COMPETITION

WRS Presenter and GP Dr Michelle Wright on flying Swiss mountain rescues with Rega.

To Infiniti and beyond ...

WRS loves meeting you.

From outside broadcasts to golf and chocolate.

Fantastic prizes worth CHF10,000-plus! Win a stay at a luxury mountain hotel or designer apartment. Plus amazing bespoke skis!

Think you know Switzerland’s largest ski domain? Think again.

Where to ski, where to stay and what to see.

SKI GUIDE

Check out the latest on all your favourite resorts – plus new ideas for fantastic weekends and family days out.

54 62 66 70 74 86 94 98 Spreading their wings WRS Presenter Rebecca Weber on supporting a child’s natural curiosity and courage.

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Life is full of destinations.

SWISS connects SWISS connects you you simply simply and and comfortably comfortably from from one one home home to to the other.

Look forward to Swiss quality in service, cuisine and the other. Look forward to Swiss quality in service, cuisine and hospitality. From hospitality.

From Geneva Geneva direct direct to to over over 40 40 destinations destinationsininEurope Europe and via Zurich to all over the world.

Learn more on swiss.com and via Zurich to all over the world. Learn more on swiss.com

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PRESENTER Katt Cullen

Where do you call home?

I've called a lot of different places home.

Whilst travelling there was a monkey sanctuary I called home for a while, then an island in Thailand... and then some crazy little Sydney suburb in Oz. These days 'home' is Annecy, France, where I have a view of the mountains (yay) but our landlord has banned pets (boo). I want a dog named Brian, but he’ll have to wait...

Home in the UK is London or Portsmouth.

(Play up Pompey FC!) Give us a bit of background then...

Well, I trained in Drama & Theatre in London and then chased the dream of telly, whilst working for an experiential marketing agency! Eventually I ran away and, quite literally, joined the circus. I discovered the trapeze in Koh Tao – and by the following year I was gainfully employed as a flying trapezist, performing in circus teams at Club Med in Australia and Indonesia.

Stage or Studio?

Ohh! Toughy! The great thing about film/ TV is the pace - but you really do miss the audience reaction. In the studio at WRS I LOVE it when people phone/text in and share their stories. It makes all the early mornings worthwhile!

How did you come to be at WRS? Mark was setting up an April Fool prank and a theatre buddy asked if I'd put on a funny accent and be a 'voice' for it ... Once in that studio, I knew what I wanted to do and joined the Breakfast Show later that summer.

What's the best (and worst) bit about working with Mark Butcher?

Hmmm, how to describe working with Buchaaaaa and keep my job? Well, he’s as blunt as he sounds - so you certainly know where you stand! The worst thing? He suspects that you’ve brought in food – and like the goat at the petting zoo - he'll chew your pockets till he gets it!

Traveller or tourist?

Oh I'm a traveller. A backpack-wearing, bring-your-own-washing-line adventurer.

Top tip? Travel light and buy stuff locally.

Things you pick up on a journey are exactly what you need and make the best souvenirs...

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NEED TO KNOW

NEED to KNOW

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NEED TO KNOW

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Zao Wou-Ki at Gianadda Paintings, drawings and creative studies by China’s most celebrated post-war artist - Zao Wou-Ki – have been gathered from collections around the world to span more than 60 years of expression at an exclusive retrospective at the Fondation Pierre Gianadda at Martigny until June 2016.

Despite living quietly in the years before his death in 2013 at Dully, near Nyon, Zao’s vibrant, highly-worked portraits, still-life and landscapes were already turning heads in the rising Asian contemporary art market. Having left his homeland when he was only 28, Zao studied European abstraction and began to capture this essence in his forms and experiments. Today he is the highest-value “master” of his generation, with demand driven by superelite Chinese collectors.

Naturalised French in 1964, Zao left China on the eve of revolution in 1948 – and never went back. The son of an affluent banker, he settled in Paris and despite being influenced by Klee and Picasso, eventually rediscovered his Chinese heritage; which he referred to as his “deeper personality.” The record for a single work by Zao is $9million.

The Fondation Pierre Gianadda brings together more than 100 works – including some on a ‘monumental’ scale – and opens December 4. It will run until June 12 2016.

Open daily 10am – 6pm. www. gianadda.ch

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NEED TO KNOW

The Magic Flute in Geneva With a packed programme right up until its New Year moving date, the Grand Théâtre in Geneva welcomes one of opera’s most exciting young directors this season – Daniel Kramer. And with his exclusive new production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Kramer is already promising carnival, fantasy and hidden depths...

The Magic Flute may be a family classic but Kramer – an award-winning talent in opera, dance and theatre both at home in the US and London – says he will surprise Geneva with a “sparkling” original twist. “True love will lead the way as always – but I also want to explore the trials and challenges along that path. My vision is that the audience will see moments of their own lives on stage,” said Kramer.

Previously in Geneva with ENO’s production of Punch & Judy, he’s looking forward to re-imagining Mozart’s fairytale sets for the 12-day run. “It’s the ultimate challenge – an iconic masterpiece of childhood lost. Without giving too much away Act 1 will be a fantastical world of inner and outer space!”

Geneva’s Grand Theatre closes in January for essential repairs – moving to a temporary home, the Opéra des Nations.

The Magic Flute December 23 - January 8 www.geneveopera.ch

Cirque de Pékin The amazing, acrobatic Stars of the Cirque de Pékin will shimmer and shine in Geneva this winter – bringing to life the heart-warming tale of Le Petit Dragon. Guests of the Paris-based Cirque Phénix, the Chinese performers bring a level of creativity to circus skills that other troupes can only dream of! Colourful, exciting, moving and inspiring, the choreography entwines the precision of martial arts by Shaolin monks (yes, the real deal) with incredible dance moves and daring trapeze action. The sets are a visual treat and the explosive energy of the cast sees them balance, battle and even bicycle their way through the story of an extraordinary boy prodigy who changed the destiny of an Empire. At times spectacular, at others funny and pensive, it’s an adventure for all the family at the Geneva Arena on February 12. Tickets from CHF36. www.ticket.corner.ch

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Stand-Up for Montreux Heard the one about the South African, the Scotsman and the American? Well, it’s a long story but the punch line (in English) is worth it ... Check out the 26th annual Montreux Comedy Festival and you’ll be smiling through till Spring.

Helping to mark all those years of laughter on the lakeshore is Kagiso Lediga, well-known in South Africa for his particularly laconic stand-up style. He hosts Part I of the Festival’s Jokenation International Gala, which brings together the aforementioned comics Craig Hill (Scotland) and Jessica Singleton (US). Thought that was an international line-up? There’s also Wonho Chung (Korean/ Vietnamese) and Russian Igor Meerson, plus the five brand new stars of the recent Montreux Comedy on-line talent show. The whole Gala night is in English and Meerson’s sketch ‘Hou I lernt inglish’ had them rolling in the aisles at the Edinburgh Fringe. In fact there’s a definite Anglophone tone to the entire six-day Montreux programme. Check out two English stand-up nights (called Say That Again?), improvisation and Jokenation Part II. December 2 – 7. For schedule and tickets: www.montreuxcomedyfestival. com

Habitat in Geneva Launching with a stylish pop-up shop in Geneva this winter, the iconic UK interiors brand Habitat is set to open a prestigious new space at the i-Life shopping and design centre in Etoy. Continuing the heritage of British 1960s/70s design-visionary Sir Terence Conran, Habitat prides itself on creating high-quality, original yet ‘accessible’ contemporary furniture, lamps and fabrics, plus eyecatching inspirational home pieces. Check out the Habitat pop-up shop in rue Philippe-Plantamour (near the Hotel Kempinski) from November 18 and the Etoy/Vaud store from March 2016. And rumour has it that a permanent Geneva location is also on the cards... www.habitatswiss.com

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NEED TO KNOW

Circus Incognitus Jamie Adkins is a clown in the sweet old-fashioned tradition of the hapless idiot. He’s also an incredible acrobat who pulls off his disaster-dodging set through sheer strength, amazing circus skills and a well-trained eye for gentle comedy.

Following a runaway success at the Edinburgh Fringe, Jamie brings his one-man show Circus Incognitus to the Théâtre Forum Meyrin in December. Based in Canada, the US-born performer started busking on the streets for pocket money when he was just 13. Consequently his style is subtle but audience-grabbing, drawing you into his quiet world of balance, juggling and manipulation. “Adkins' shock-haired clown is the eternal little man, constantly astonished to be one step ahead of a universe that is forever tripping him up,“ said one recent review ...

ACE OF SPADES We are Motörhead and we play rock-n-roll...

That’s how Lemmy brings the house down as he powers onto the stage. And it just gets louder and louder. Old rockers never die – they just tour in ever-decreasing circles. Well, that’s not quite the case for veteran British band Motörhead, which rolls into the Geneva Arena on February 8 and St Jakobshalle in Basel on February 9.

These guys may be old enough for bus passes but they’ve sold more than 15 million records worldwide and can still pack a major world tour. However, fingers crossed that 69-year-old singer-songwriter- bassist Lemmy can keep the dates in his diary. Obliged to cancel recent US gigs due to a shortage of breath, one of rock’s most famous gravelly voices was definitely sounding a little worse for wear. And the inimitable Lemmy is Motörhead. Starting out in the 1960s (real name Ian Frazer Kilmister), the lad from Stokeon-Trent was loud and proud, with a distinctive rock voice that belied his young age. Thrown out of successful UK band Hawkwind over a drugs bust that ruined a North America tour (Lemmy maintains that he was arrested for “doing the wrong drugs”), he spent five days in a US prison.

Remember Hawkwind’s Silver Machine? It was Lemmy on vocals. However, by 1975 he was fronting the world’s loudest band. Motörhead’s basic premise is not hard to follow – raucous, fast, rock 'n roll. But that’s actually a difficult act to pull off. Respect then to Lemmy for never compromising his sound. Current tour launches new album Bad Magic. www.ticketcorner.ch

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Big on audience participation and the near-calamities that kids love dearly, Jamie needs help navigating through a world that gives him tipping ladders, unreliable chairs and major issues with gravity. Ready to throw him a lemon?

Jamie’s hopeful hero has a plastic fork between his teeth and is desperate to catch one. It’s a ridiculous high point, but the magic of the show is that you’ll actually be convinced he can to do it!

December 15 - 16. For times and tickets: www.forum-meyrin.ch

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No need to speak French to enjoy our shows.

Théâtre Forum Meyrin, it’s theatre, dance, music and circus

Information, Pass, online bookings : forum-meyrin.ch Théâtre Forum Meyrin, Place des Cinq-Continents 1, 1217 Meyrin, Genève Tram 14 direction Meyrin-Gravière / Bus 57 / Stop Forumeyrin

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HAVING A BALL...

Having a Ball...

For every action there’s a reaction. WRS Breakfast Show host Mark Butcher shares the secret of seasonal inaction while the team reveal their winter favourites.

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HAVING A BALL...

WRS Presenter Katt Cullen swaps the MidMorning Mix for a snowboard and a vin chaud In winter we strap planks of wood to our feet and slide down cold and wet white stuff. Sometimes we slide on said planks, occasionally on unmentionable body parts. I'm not sure why we do this. It is a winter ritual. I arrived here after chasing the sun for three years - and literally hadn't seen a winter in 36 months. I was terrified. My boyfriend bought me a snowboard and tried to nurture some excitement at getting frost-bitten ears. It totally worked! Now I can just about make it down a red run. I put the tunes on loud in my pocket - I'm that person with the pumping music because it helps me stay positive when I fall over. If that doesn't work, a vin chaud will do the job. Favourite slopes? It has to be Les Portes du Soleil. www.portesdusoleil.com

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WRS Director and Presenter Mark Butcher on beer and staying safe on the sofa While others tramp around in the snow and ice pretending to have a good time I like to think that I’ve found the safest solution to winter – an afternoon on the couch with a box-set and a beer. This of course soon becomes an evening on the couch with several beers, but hey, it’s cold out there. Best beers?

I recommend Hobgoblin, perfect for winter nights and an Asahi Japanese beer also goes down well – both from the incredible beer aisle at Aligro in Geneva. Note to self: Sofas not as safe as they look.

Broke my wrist falling off one not so long back. www.aligro.ch

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HAVING A BALL...

WRS Business Development Manager Sian Sibley has her mind on higher things WRS Gadget Guru Paul Bristow is careful not to wake the locals when he heads for the hills on snowshoes As winter weekends approach I watch the weather forecast carefully. I'm looking for the perfect snowshoeing day at Col de La Faucille. I want it cold, but sunny; ideally just after a fresh fall of snow.

Armed with my Italian snowshoes - which are a lot more sophisticated than the "tennis rackets” my English friends imagine that I wear - I head out on the marked paths. Hiking up to the top of the Mont Rond is a lot harder in snowshoes than it is in summer, but having a snowy picnic en route is fabulous. Just stay on the paths - there are lots of animals hibernating and waking them up could be harmful (to them ...). And if you do make it to the top, there’s a restaurant serving tartiflette, plus a cable car to sweep you back down. www.monts-jura.com

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When I’ve had enough of cold mountain air and sporty types, I take myself off for something more calming and contemplative. Lausanne has a number of great museums but my most recent find is the wonderful photography museum, the Musée d’Elysée. Set in a 19th century house with incredible Lake views, the museum presents changing photographic exhibitions of a high international standard, plus early photographs from their own Vaud collection. It’s fascinating to see what Lausanne looked like over a hundred years ago.

Look out too for more contemporary images from the winners of their annual competition the Prix d’Elysée - and there’s a photography bookshop that’s to die for.

Combine a visit with a hot chocolate at the port in Ouchy and let others take the pain of winter. www.elysee.ch

HAVING A BALL...

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WRS Presenter Hansine Johnston discovers the joys of going UP the mountains You have to admit that any sport that actually sounds like skinny must have a future! Skinning, or peau de phoque, is basically walking uphill on skis. I came to it having lost the bottle for downhill skiing. Also, being in the mountain air for more than five seconds definitely creates cravings for fondue and copious amounts of wine - and as abominable snowman skichic has sadly failed to catch on, skinning was calling to me! There I am - checking out the amazing scenery, getting the heart rate going and still fairly chilled.

There are, of course, many sporty skinners (like my husband) who take it seriously and speed up the mountain in the latest Lycra kit strapped with heart rate monitors. But trust me, you don’t have to do that!

To try skinning or rent equipment - www.premieralpinecentre.com

WRS Commercial Director Ian Smith rises above his dislike of snow and ice Cocooned in the comfort of middle-age, I love spectacular winter scenery but don’t want to spend too much time exposed to the raw elements, risking life and limb on the side of a mountain. So in my opinion there is no better way to take in the breathtaking views of the Bernese and Valais Alps than from a plane at 30,000 feet. Flying from Geneva to Lugano (in just 40 minutes!) must be one of the world’s most panoramic trips – and Lake Lugano is particular atmospheric in winter. Resist the boutiques on the Via Nassa and head for what makes life in Lugano especially sweet ... Ironically, it’s a lot like snow - a delicious ice cream from the popular La Gelateria di Lugano! www.swiss.com

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HAVING A BALL...

WRS Business Development Manager Megan Lawler finds a winter de-stress ... in an igloo One of the best hidden gems of Switzerland is nestled away in the Valais. It's where I like to go to escape it all. These igloo-like pods offer stunning views day and night. In the mornings you can take a guided snowshoe tour through the trails, but if time allows I’ll sneak away to the sauna. (And if I'm really treating myself then it’s a massage too). At night, followed by a dinner of fondue of course, there’s nothing like cosying up to a wood-burning fire with a cup of tea of course - followed by a touch of stargazing from your bed. It's a unique experience and the perfect winter getaway. www.whitepods.com

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WRS Publication Manager Isabelle Cornet enjoys a warm winter fix of wellbeing Megève may be famous for its skiing and fantastic scenery but I really enjoy visiting the Spa des Sports

by Pure Altitude. It’s a pleasure to be in the mountains and at the Spa you have the Alpine environment – but stay warm and relaxed whatever the weather! And the prices are very reasonable considering the level of service. For example, with a two hour pass you can indulge in a sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, relaxation pool and an invigorating tonic shower. It’s also possible to book a massage or a treatment based on natural plant extracts from the exclusive Pure Altitude range. These are luxurious products and are shared with Megève’s other Pure Altitude Spa, the more expensive alternative at fivestar hotel Les Fermes de Marie. www.megeve.fr

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LIVE THE WINTER FAIRYTALE IN CAROUGE! www.carouge.ch Facebook/Ville de Carouge Browse original artisanal handcrafts and unique, creative objets d'art - then wander the charming streets of Carouge and enjoy the seasonal spirit! Art galleries and antique shops, book stores, vintage clothing, stationery, interior design experts and delicious natural foods grown locally - these are just some of the enticing choices in Vieux-Carouge. And to help you get into the festive spirit Carouge is offering special weekend opening on four Sundays - November 29, plus December 6, 13 and 20. This is in addition to the traditional Carouge seasonal market held on December 11,12 and 13. One of the most popular in the region, this is a family favourite!

Take a break in Carouge! When you cross the bridge from Geneva into Carouge you take a relaxing step out of your routine. The twice-weekly morning market on Saturdays and Wednesdays, ice-skating and relaxing pavement cafes - Carouge had a holiday ambiance at all times of the year.

Date to remember: salon de la Brocante et de l'AntiquitĂŠ February 23-29 2016. Visit the streets of Carouge when they are lined with stalls selling vintage items, antiques and fascinating bric-a-brac.

It's the flea market of Carouge!

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MID MORNING MIX

Back in the groove... with Katt Cullen WRS Mid Morning Mix presenter Katt Cullen is actually a born listener – and loves it when you call in with your stories. Not only does it make great radio, but sometimes Katt finds herself off on a mission...

Photography: Mathieu Le Doré

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MID MORNING MIX

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recently received a call on the Mid Morning Mix from a lady who said she had an old record player and would the DJs at WRS like to have it? I didn`t have the heart to enlighten her that programming the playlist is really about "dragging and dropping" mp3s, but she was desperate for someone to come round and take a peek before an imminent move. She also wondered if she was sitting on a vinylplaying goldmine? She wasn’t.

After chatting for a while, she insisted that I come to have a look. Well, the next afternoon - with my show prepped - I went to meet her in the centre of Geneva. (Just to be safe I told lots of people where I was going – like on a blind date). Stepping through the door of her apartment, the scene was just as I had begun to suspect – an emporium brimmed with history, crockery and the smell of old wood.

The lounge was piled high with clothes, newspapers, fake flowers and old bicycle tools ... The record player, of course, was the other side of said piles. It literally took a small jump to reach it. I dusted it off, apologised for not being the pro she was hoping for (she was definitely convinced that we spin vinyl at WRS), and lugged it downstairs.

The next evening was spent cleaning it and

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Photography: Mathieu Le Doré

trying to fix it up. There was a dodgy connection to the speakers and the turntable needed a good dusting, but it worked beautifully with some borrowed records.

Watching the discs spin was like seeing the music in front of me. It worked on multiple senses.

Unfortunately I don’t really have the space for this giant machine. Eventually a vinyl-loving friend came over and he talked me into a swap. He promised to fix it and provide a good home in return for a cook-up! I’m not sure who got the best deal. It really depends on how good a cook he is, I guess.

The first crooning sounds that came through the speakers were those of a sultry female vocal and with the loud crackle, it could have been the 60s! I lay on the rug, kicked up my legs and hugged the speaker to hear better. I held it close, trying to tune out the crackle and tune into the melody, watching the disc spin under the needle. In that moment, I was convinced that she was singing to me and only me and I soaked up every note like a sponge.

After all that, was going and fetching the record player, cleaning it, tweaking it and eventually relocating it really worthwhile? For a few golden minutes of music lying on my rug, appreciating every note - yes it was.

Holding the record was like holding music in my hand.

There was something infinitely satisfying about the whir and the click and the connection before the music began. It was manual and clunky, but somehow smooth and satisfying.

I now have a new appreciation for vinyl and plan to buy a smaller record player. In fact you’ll soon be finding me flicking through the LPs at your local record store …

Vinyl & Coffee has just opened in nearby Annecy and it does just what it says on the tin; it's the perfect place to browse the sleeves and enjoy the music. www.vinylandcoffee.fr In Lausanne check out Indie record store Disc-à-Brac www.disc-a-brac.ch while vinyl fans in Geneva head for the Marché au Puces at Plainpalais (Wed & Sat) For a walking Wikipedia of records, see Jack at Dig It records in Geneva T: +41 (0)22 733 71 80

MID MORNING MIX WITH KATT CULLEN Katt Cullen joined WRS after a whirlwind international tour as a travelling trapeze artist! Before joining the circus she was an actress and performer in London and Katt loves the buzz of a live audience.

In what little free time WRS allows her, Katt relishes the challenge of Geneva’s improvised theatre scene. Call Katt on the Mid Morning Mix and you’ll find that she’s more than happy to pass on your updates on local events and the funny stories that happen every day...

Listen to the Mid Morning Mix on WRS, weekdays 10am – 12 noon.

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GADGET GURU

Big Brains at Campus Bio-Tech Copyright Campus Biotech/Tracy Laabs

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GADGET GURU

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CITIZEN SCIENCE WRS Gadget Guru Paul Bristow on bio-tech, bio-hackerspaces and BeerDecoded ...

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n and around Geneva there is a lot of Bio-Tech going on. You may have visited Campus Bio-Tech with its impossibly sophisticated Human Brain Project, or been to one of the BioScope's fascinating exhibitions explaining the wonders of biology. It all feels as high-tech as any episode of CSI with blinking machinery and mysterious chemicals. The entry ticket to understanding this world is an advanced degree and lots of study. Or is it?

In the top floor of a building in Renens, near Lausanne, there is a magical world of citizen science, where you can pose questions about bio-technology - and help find your own answers.

The Hackuarium (http:// hackuarium.strikingly.com) is a Bio Hackerspace - the only one of its kind in Switzerland - and was inspired by La Paillasse in Paris, which started the movement in Europe. The aim? To demystify, inspire and innovate using DIY biology.

One of the biggest issues with trying to explain biotech is quite simply that so much of it is inaccessible. Companies developing new

generation DNA sequencers, and re-using them on beer testing, they will have analysed around a hundred brews by the end of 2015.

With all this data, they will build a recommendation engine and be able to say "People that liked this beer, also liked these..."

With 50% of the members at the Hackuarium saving time and improving the taste of lives being biotech professionals they are very well everywhere! aware of the legal limits to DIY bio, and have cleverly started out looking at fun, safe Of course it’s not just about beer; the Octanis projects. The easiest way to get started is by mission is sending a rover to Antarctica, the analysing food - it's already been tested as Edible Wall is upgrading living walls to grow food, the Living Instruments project is making human-safe! music with biology and Biodesign is a My favourite example is the BeerDecoded collaboration with EPFL in Lausanne covering project: in Switzerland there are more than many design challenges.

523 micro-breweries, each with their own range of beers, and new brews coming to the See these and more at http://wiki.hackuarium. market all the time. Even Mark Butcher would ch/w/Hackuarium#Active_Projects. have trouble trying all those! So to help people choose beers that they might like, the Like to see for yourself? The Hackuarium is BeerDecoded team are analysing the DNA of open to all every Wednesday evening as many Swiss beers as they can. It turns out from7.30pm. that the taste of beer is directly related to the DNA of its ingredients. With over 1,000 strains of yeast and 200 types of hops, the number of combinations is huge. But by re-cycling lastmedicines keep them as secret as possible, and human DNA testing is shrouded in privacy laws - making it almost impossible for a biotech scientist to actually talk about what they do.

GADGET GURU WITH PAUL BRISTOW Paul Bristow is a founder of Pangloss Labs, the Open Innovation Centre and ecological FabLab in the Geneva region, and the CEO of Clear Thinking. As a former CTO with a background in robotics, digital media and communications, he makes business sense of the innovation opportunities presented by open source hardware, software, data and knowledge.

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MAKING TIME Swiss watches are the global market leader, despite the strong CHF casting a shadow over exports. But is the industry braced for the challenge of new generation smart technology? Ironically it could be an Apple causing trouble for Switzerland again...

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atchmaking in Switzerland is like a precision movement - balancing a tradition for luxury, design and craftsmanship with the need to innovate, to compete and – above all – to export. According to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, the country will produce over one billion watches this year, generating export revenues of CHF20billion. But will the good times hold? The strong Swiss Franc could push mid-range brands onto the back shelf – with demand in the biggest markets, including Hong Kong, China, the US and Singapore, already showing a dip. Will this shortfall be picked up by Europe and the Middle East? A recent report by Credit Suisse paid tribute to Switzerland’s global watchmaking profile, but emphasised the dependence on international demand.

– significantly faster than Swiss industrial exports as a whole. Although business has slowed markedly in recent quarters, exports remain at record levels by long-term standards,” Credit Suisse.

was basically a fitness tracker but new models will work with Windows and Android smartphone software via a non-charging technology called NFC. Tissot is also in the game, with touchscreen sensors and super-thin, pliable batteries, while Tag Heuer offers GPS and health However, the recent Swiss currency appreciation monitoring. Montblanc also has the Bluetoothbrought this warning from another bank, this enabled TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap. time Citigroup: “A strong Swiss Franc has historically been bad for Richemont’s Profit and These may not be watches with Loss account and even more so for Swatch.” app ecosystems like Apple’s, but And it’s not just the financiers who are voicing they are likely to have things like concern. Earlier this year Swatch CEO Nick biometric sensors.

Hayek described the central bank’s decision to lift the currency cap as a “tsunami” – for both said BNP Paribas the export industry and for tourism. He famously greeted the news with the expression “words However, in Switzerland there are still doubters. fail me ...”

Credit Suisse for example, insists that future fashion trends are still more likely to create the But it’s not the first time the country has faced biggest market impacts. The next big style down a strong CHF. In 2010-2011 Switzerland statement? That old favourite - austerity.

In the luxury segment overcame a similar challenge. A weak Euro Switzerland enjoys a near- against the US$ and Asian currencies this time “The function of a watch as a timepiece is less monopoly position - it is by far round could also be a saving grace, helping to relevant in the era of mobile phones and the leading exporter of watches boost tourism in Europe. A Swiss watch is still a computers. For the owner, it is more of a social number 1 souvenir, and for a select group of signal, communicating the wearer's external in value terms. Watchmaking is visitors this includes the exclusive grand- values such as status or personality. The taste now Switzerland's third largest complications, which - ironically - are less for Western status symbols in the emerging export sector after exposed to shifts in the currency markets. markets is likely to remain high, and in contrast pharmaceuticals and machinery, Fabienne Lupo, head of the Geneva-based to other luxury goods, such as automobiles or and at 95%, almost its entire Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie recently artwork, a watch can be worn and displayed at clients in this sector as the 1%. It was all times,” continued Credit Suisse. production is exported. Virtually described a reference to the concept that 1% of the no other sector is so focused on population owns 99% of the world’s wealth.

“Nevertheless, preferences can change over time, so it is certainly possible that a general exports. trend away from luxury and back towards Credit Suisse, Swiss Watch Industry – modesty and frugality may emerge. For this Prospects and Challenges. So Swiss watches are surviving the currency reason, the Swiss watch industry has to keep a The Swiss watch industry is dominated by a hikes, but have they missed the innovation trail? close eye on trend patterns so as to respond handful of names. The major players are The Apple Watch launched in 16 countries and promptly and appropriately.”

Swatch Group (brands include Swatch, Omega, sold two million in 60 days – despite mixed Could there be a more pressing issue than the Harry Winston, and Tissot), Richemont reviews – and sales in 2016 are expected to hit rise of smart technology? Internal adjustments 27 million.

But while Apple is refusing to reveal (Montblanc, Piaget, Cartier, Alfred Dunhill), are actually the current industry priority. The revenues, BNP Paribas recently predicted that LVMH (Tag Heuer, Hublot, Zenith), and Rolex mid-range sector is dominated by one major the global smartwatch market will reach (Rolex and Tudor). The haute horlogers are led player – Swatch Group – and it is flexing its US$10billion by 2018.

Swatch claims to be

by Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. ready to do battle with the next in its Zero Touch muscles. Swatch brands include upmarket “Over the last 10 years, Swiss watch exports series, launching in Rio 2016. The Touch One names Breguet, Blancpain, Harry Winston and have grown at an average annual rate of 7.2%

TIME FOR CHANGE

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INSIGHT

Omega, plus more than ten others, and the company has gross revenues upwards of CHF9.2billion a year. In fact Swatch Group account for one-third of all Swiss watch sales and, even more crucially, it controls the component sector.

MADE IN SWITZERLAND In the 1970s Swiss watchmakers were shaken by cheap quartz technology flooding into Europe from Japan. The market was undercut and some 60,000 skilled people lost their jobs in Switzerland. The response of Swiss-Lebanese entrepreneur Nicolas G. Hayek Sr. was to play the Japanese at their own game. His bold, bright plastic Swatch styles launched in the 1980s – and were an overnight success. The secret was Swiss quality. Now Swatch Group leads the manufacturing sector, racking up 25% growth in both China and Hong Kong last year. But it is the group’s ETA brand, and subsidiary NivaroxFAR, that most worry the economists. They supply components – including more than 90% of all regulating balance springs - to almost all the mid-range Swiss brands, including LVMH and Richemont. Now Swatch has declared that it will limit component sales to 30% of the Swiss total by 2018. Although the Swiss Competition Commission promptly obliged Swatch to extend this deadline, there are still concerns that it will throw the market into turmoil.

component-makers.

High-end Swiss watchmakers remain unaffected of course. For example, Patek Philippe manufactures every fine component in-house. Meanwhile the Swiss government is setting the bar higher for the brand “Made in Switzerland,” proposing that at least 60% of parts must be Swiss made in order to qualify for the label.

So should the Swiss watch industry be optimistic for the future? Credit Suisse is confident that with strategic foresight and innovation continued growth is expected from markets like Vietnam, India, Russia, Ukraine, Malaysia, South Korea, and Mexico. There’s also a timeless luxury to Made in Switzerland that even Apple can’t compete with. In an era where people replace phones and gadgets every couple of years, it’s hard to imagine an Apple Watch as a family heirloom.

century, skilled Huguenot exiles arrived from France. Strict Calvinistic rules prohibited all displays of wealth, so the enterprising gold- and silversmiths found a compromise. Elaborate pocket watches provided status for wealthy merchants under the guise of practicality.

In the late 1700s it was the innovations of Abraham-Louis Breguet that put Switzerland firmly ahead. Breguet pioneered the tourbillon, a rotating device counteracting the effects of gravity on a pocket watch; the pare-chute, a shock-absorbing mechanism; and the flat balance-spring with one or two terminal coils, known as the Breguet overcoil.

However, as the concept of mass-production began to take shape, Frédérick Japy, a watchmaker from the Jura, adapted the existing French flat calibre watch to factory processes.

Suddenly quantity was more important than quality and in the late 1800s Switzerland flooded the American market with cheap Contemporary Swiss watchmaking began as a watches. cottage industry in the 19th century. Farming families – especially in the canton of Jura - Despite this industry low point, many respected occupied the long winter months making watch names were emerging. By the 1860s Longines components at the kitchen table for companies was employing 1,100 people and in the same in Geneva. Their resourcefulness boosted decade an American called Florentine A. Jones meagre incomes and created a highly flexible founded the International Watch Company (IWC supply chain. In 1800 England and Switzerland Schaffhausen). By the turn of the 20th century, both produced 200,000 timepieces. But by 1850 Switzerland was again renowned for quality and the Swiss and its army of out-workers had precision. In fact, in the period after World War I ramped up to over two million watches. The UK the reputation of Swiss watchmaking was However, in the long run Swatch may actually meanwhile saw virtually no increase. redefined by the haute horlogers – whose be doing the industry a favour. Other watchmakers are now investing in their own However, the tradition for luxury watches in reputation for excellence adds value across the factories and, in the cases of Richemont and Geneva started much earlier. In the mid-16th sector.

LVMH, buying up and developing smaller

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HOW SWISS WATCH?

IS

YOUR

A watch can say Made in Switzerland if: • the movement is Swiss, • the movement was cased in Switzerland and/ or; • the manufacturer carries out the final inspection in Switzerland

the world. Housed in a prominent 20th century Plainpalais industrial building – formerly a workshop for Patek Philippe’s own intricate bracelets and casings – the collection highlights the fascinating heritage of the brand, which has remained privately owned since its foundation in 1839. A visual timeline helps visitors to follow the path of clock and watch development, starting with incredible antique creations from the 15th century and including stylish luxury designs from the 19th century by Patek Philippe itself. There’s also a library and an extraordinary array of automata and enamel miniatures, two metiers that once went hand in hand with fine watchmaking.

A watch movement is Made in Switzerland if: • the movement was assembled in Switzerland, • the movement was inspected by the manufacturer in Switzerland and/or; • Swiss manufactured components account for at least 50% of total value, (excluding assembly Musée international d'horlogerie costs).

• A Swiss Movement refers to a watch (www.mih.ch) Tues to Sun 10am – 5pm. movement intended for export, not cased in Switzerland, but otherwise meeting the criteria. Nestled in the Jura mountains near Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds is at the heart of Swiss watch making – and is home to many famous brands and a former renowned training school.

In fact the Museum grew out of the school’s Patek Philippe Museum (www.patekmuseum.com) Tues to Fri 2 - 6pm, incredible collection of treasures, works of art and timekeeping devices (watches and clocks Sat 10am – 6pm doesn’t do justice to the intricacies of some of Ancient masterpieces and grand complications the exhibits!) Dynamic new temporary shows rub shoulders with elegant contemporary styles keep the museum up to date, and while Swiss by prestigious Geneva super-brand Patek watches and clocks predominate there are Philippe, one of the most distinguished pieces from around the world. La Chaux-dewatchmaking companies in Switzerland and Fonds is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 2

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even the unique urban planning links to watchmaking culture. Straight roads interlaced with workshops and housing reflect the growth of a 17th century cottage industry into a “town factory”.

Time Experience (www.timeexperience.ch) How often do you get the chance to create your very own personalised Swiss watch? Time Experience is an original way to enjoy the authentic watchmaking process first-hand, with qualified professionals guiding you through each highly-technical stage to build your bespoke mechanical watch. Thanks to the prestige workshops of the well-known Swiss brand Louis Chevrolet, Time Experience takes you behind the scenes at the company’s HQ in Porrentruy, in the Jura, to assemble high-quality gears and mainspring, casing and winding mechanisms. Inspect the details carefully with your own eye-glass and finish with your choice of strap or bracelet. The watch you make is a certified TMF Time Experience model with its own unique serial number.

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Communications Specialist

Media Trainer · Podcast Producer · Corporate Video · Crisis Media www.tonyjohnston.tv OICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016

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Geneva’s creative digital agency mediafrontier.ch . info@mediafrontier.ch . 0229895320

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SPORT

The feelings and emotions winning an Olympic gold medal can't be described. It's a once in a lifetime moment and incredibly emotional, with feelings of huge relief, joy, pride.

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Going for Gold As Rio 2016 looms large on the training schedules for elite athletes worldwide, Swiss Olympic gold medallist Nicola Spirig is already on track to defend her title. Here she talks about winning the recent European Triathlon Championships in Geneva and her ambition to succeed...

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he London 2012 women’s triathlon was an astonishing race, hard fought and sealed by the sport’s first ever freeze-frame finish for gold. Nicola entered the final stage – the 10km Hyde Park run – with five strong rivals at her shoulder. With world-class performances in the 1.5km swim and the rainy 40km bike section already taking their toll, a sprint finish on the running track seemed an impossible task. But Nicola had the podium in her sights and in the final meters she kicked for home. Sweden’s Lisa Norden came with her and they battled across the line – with Nicola winning by just 15cm!

In the months that followed, Nicola, 33, relaxed and re-assessed her future. A qualified lawyer from Winkel, near Zurich, she had recently married Swiss athlete Reto Hug. Then she decided - like the UK’s gold medalist Jessica Ennis-Hill (heptathlon) - that perhaps the four year gap between Olympics was the right time to start a family. Baby Yannis arrived in early 2013 and Nicola stepped back into training – with a focus on the European Games in Baku. She took the gold and qualified for Rio. Next it was the 2015 European Championships in Geneva; another resounding win and this time in front of a thrilled home crowd. The scene was set for the defence of her Olympic title.

We asked Nicola how it felt to win gold for Switzerland – and is the weight of expectation creating pressure for Rio? “The feelings and emotions winning an Olympic gold medal can't be described. It's a once in a lifetime moment and incredibly emotional, with feelings of huge relief, joy, pride. The first hours and days were just overwhelming and I couldn't believe that I had

really won the gold medal! But I was also extremely grateful to everyone in my team who had supported me on the way there and made that success possible,” she said.

Now with Rio 2016 just around the corner, how does an athlete from temperate Switzerland prepare for the challenges of Brazil?

“However, I have to say that it is definitely always more difficult to defend a title than to win one, so from this perspective, yes it is a challenge. But I look at it in a different way: I‘m the only one who‘s the Olympic Champion and so I’m the only one who can go out there with the knowledge that I‘ve already won and there’s nothing to lose! If you look at it like that, it's more fun to race,“ continued Nicola.

“Olympic Games are always an amazing experience, and I can imagine that the Brazilians will be great in cheering on the athletes! Regarding the weather it shouldn’t be too hot as it will be going towards autumn in Rio at that time. The course will be challenging though; we swim in the ocean at Copacabana and the cycle route is uphill. It will definitely be interesting to race in Brazil, ” she continued.

Despite taking part in elite sports since a teenager, Nicola is not complacent about competing. It was her first coach – father Sepp, a sports teacher at a local school– who suggested triathlon, training his daughter and her two elder siblings in competitive sports at both Swiss and international levels. By the time Nicola started at Zurich University she was a Junior World Champion – set to compete at both the Athens and Beijing Olympics. But balancing international events and study was not easy and when Nicola changed to professional coach, Australian Brett Sutton, she discussed postponing her law degree.

Surprisingly perhaps, he encouraged her to focus on her studies, betting on the fact that the achievement of graduating would boost Nicola‘s winning mindframe. He was right. Sutton also gave Nicola a new approach to her rivals. He studied their strengths and created new training programmes with the specific skills to beat each individual. But in 2010 she was struck by a persistent, painful stress fracture to the femur. A long haul back to fitness was not helped by a random asthma attack a year later. But Nicola adapted her training and refused to be derailed.

“As for the preparation - it depends on the right mix, on the right timing, and on knowing yourself - how far you can push your body and where the limits are, so that you are not injured or exhausted on the one day that counts. Olympic Games also mean huge expectations and pressure, so it’s also important to know how to handle that.”

Of course there is one obvious last question for a triathlete. We asked Nicola why she chose a sport with three distinct disciplines?

“Yes, it would probably have been simpler to choose one event - but the three disciplines are exactly what fascinate me. It makes the training very interesting and it never gets boring as there are so many ways to combine the three sports so that you can profit from one discipline for the other two and get even faster. I still love triathlon so it must have been the right choice!”

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TRAVEL: LES 4 VALLﾃ右S

Photo: 4 Vallees, Mont Fort 3330

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Stairway to Heaven...

Les 4 Vallées is Switzerland’s largest ski domain, famous for its breathtaking vistas and the glamorous resort of Verbier. But it’s also a winter wonderland of surprises at La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon. How well do you know les 4 Vallées?

By June White

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hat springs to mind when you think of les 4 Vallées?

Verbier – the VIP hangout where vintage champagne and sushi is the new normal? Well, even that snapshot is a touch misleading. True, there are some amazing designer hotels and restaurants but even the party crowd can’t shake Swiss tradition.

Verbier’s also a family-friendly resort lined with cosy chalets and criss-crossed by gentle slopes. Indeed, les 4 Vallées is the gateway to five special villages, 95 ski lifts and an incredible 400km of fully-linked pistes at every level.

sunny terrace? The views from les 4 Vallées are a Who’s Who of the Alps... the Cervin, the Mont Blanc, the Rhone valley. There are also three designated snowparks to keep daredevils out of trouble and with many pistes above 2,500m, the action is assured right across the season – which starts early and ends late thanks to the Mont Fort glacier (at 3,000m+). Varied skiing is also on hand, created by the difference in altitude between the lower and higher slopes, which in this case is 1,900m. Les 4 Vallées are also renowned for off-piste thrills; just be sure to book a guide.

with celebrities and is home to some of the swankiest ski hotels in the world. However, it’s also hot on contrasts. While the Mont Fort challenges with steep moguls and the Tortin itinerary, there’s also great family skiing. With a piste map in hand it’s easy to seek out the hamlet of Bruson, where you can ski through snow-covered fir trees and forget the partycrowd completely. Or maybe you’re looking for an Xtreme experience? Hike up Verbier’s “Stairway to Heaven” and ride down a powder run that’s second to none.

Don’t ski? On the way up to Verbier there’s an ice-karting race track that won’t break the While the villages of les 4 Vallées are perfectly bank. With sweeping bends of packed ice and What’s your perfect snow day? Skiing leisurely linked – each with English-speaking guides circuit speeds of up to 50kmph this is not for through lush pines or a high altitude adrenalin and ski schools - they all have their own kids – this is serious karting F1 style. Tenrun? Or maybe heaven is a deck chair on a individual ID. International Verbier buzzes minute sessions, quite long enough to scare

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BOAS Swiss Hotel

Nendaz

yourself rigid, start at CHF65. Or rent the entire track with friends and host a Grand Prix from CHF1,300. www.kartingextremeverbier.com

trip so much easier. Check out toy hire, low cost rooms at CentralCamps from CHF40 handicraft programmes and childminding for a night, plus a 30% discount on ski/board rentals. toddlers.

If Verbier is the international one, then La Tzoumaz is the natural one, set in the heart of a huge protected park. Its name actually comes from the Swiss German word tzoumer, which means "take a break", so with that clue to its DNA it’s safe to say that this a quiet choice. Highlights include a natural ice rink and the longest sledge run in the region 10km of slipping and sliding that the kids will love! Talking of which, La Tzoumaz also has the school holidays covered. Its north-facing slopes on the Mont Savolyres keep their snow right through until the Easter break.

W Hotel opened its designer doors in Verbier last year opposite the Médran ski lift, and immediately brought a sexy slice of urban chic to the mountains. It has a spectacular spa, a theatrical cocktail bar (literally – seats are banked to make the most of views from the vast windows), a resident DJ, fine dining, film star suites and quirky swing bubble chairs on every balcony. And the mark of success? It’s almost always fully booked.

Rooms from CHF300, B & B. Families stay from CHF500. www.wverbier.com

Nendaz is the village which really does offer a room with a view. Perched at 1,400m it boasts a sweeping Alpine panorama across three cantons - Berne, Valais and Vaud. Although it has maintained its classic charm, Nendaz is definitely not the traditional woodworking/ farming village that it once was. A modern resort has developed alongside the ancient timber barns and grain stores, linking with nearby Siviez to create Super-Nendaz.

Family-friendly is also key here and there are great little touches that will make a weekend

Photo: 4 Vallees, Mont Fort 3330

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If La Tzoumaz is the natural one then Veysonnaz is the family one. Just 13km from Sion it’s a classic, bucolic village in summer – famous for cow fighting (which is not as violent as it looks and is typical herd behaviour ...) However, in winter it links seamlessly into the Four Valleys and revs up to become a World Cup hotspot. Fancy yourself as a winner? Ski the Piste de l’Ours and you’ll be following in the tracks of all the greats. Ski school and facilities for children are also top notch, plus the Four Valleys family discounts – up to 50% - apply on all ski lift passes.

With a Kids’ Snow Village, a safe slow-piste zone, and a designated indoor picnic room (a rare find in any ski resort), Thyon is the high one; indeed most of the resort is at 2,000m, hence Thyon 2000. This sector is where most families base themselves and it’s home to the five-hectare CentralPark, voted top snowpark in Swiss Romande by boarders’ bible Whiteout. From beginner to professional, this is freestyle gone mad, with equipment to test, competitions and events - plus that allimportant laid-back vibe. Hats off to Thyon also for thinking of young budgets, offering

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Nevaï is another Verbier address that’s the last word in luxury. Again, not aiming for chalet-style but instead clean architecture, a pale, soothing palate and a super-stylish bar, complete with sunken fire pit. The penthouse suites – which overlook the Place Centrale and the mountains beyond - have open fires and balcony hot tubs. Doubles from CHF180, room only.

For an overnight in La Tzoumaz try Chalet La Luge, which offers a cosy fire, great views

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© VERBIER PROMOTION

Verbier

and a bespoke catered experience for up to 12 family members or friends – or up to 16 if you don’t mind the odd bunk bed. Bedrooms are ensuite; and there’s a sauna and Jacuzzi, plus an après-ski refuge in the shape of a home cinema/games room. From CHF700 pp a week, double room, full-board. www.chaletluge.com Can’t resist a luxury Spa? Check in to the Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa and indulge the senses in a stylish suite with log fire, private sauna and a balcony with views to die for.

Split-level family rooms are snapped up by savvy regulars as they offer privacy and space – plus free access to the hotel’s famous Spa des Bisses. This huge pamper-zone extends over 2,000m2 – and including a beautiful outdoor pool and fountains, a Finnish steam dew bath and a choice of salt or ice grottos in the relaxing hamman. Feel free to float away your stress in the Zen flotation pool, or workout in the counter-current swimming pool or gym. After all that the panoramic sauna is probably just the icing on the cake ...

From CHF250 for a double, room only.

For a ski-in/ski-out experience in Veysonnaz stay right on the piste at the Hotel Magrappe.

This three-star traditional chalet hotel is a budget booking and the whole family will love

being able to ski right to the front door! With terrace is impressive. And because you’re so balconies, pine fittings and warm rustic close to the lift it’s a great place to kick off the colours – and that great added extra – a après ski. From CHF15 pizzeria. From CHF196 for two, B & B. La Cambuse serves traditional Swiss mountain dishes on a sunny south-facing terrace, with only a short shuffle of the skis Back to the WVerbier to check out the stylish from piste to table! With a cosy Coin Raclette dining options. With Eat-Hola taking care of and a panoramic dining room should the tapas ‘re-invented’, the alternatives are the weather close in, La Cambuse has got all restaurant Arola (pricey but super-cool), and possibilities covered. It’s also a hotel so be the W Cafe. However, for a relaxed vibe try the sure to check out their half-board prices.

W Off Piste. This is an outdoor lounge-style Specials around CHF24. chill zone, but with great heating and a busy bar it’s definitely the option for W fans. Chill out to sounds and grab a delicious spicy Follow the clues left by the Penguin and win smoked chipotle burger. From CHF30. fun prizes in the Veysonnaz children’s www.wverbier.ch Treasure Hunt on skis! This one runs all Restaurant le Nomad (ground floor of the season – details at www.veysonnaz.ch Nevaï) is also a big deal in Verbier, with its ‘essential sushi lounge’ drawing a faithful Polaris Festival - Verbier – December 11 - 12 crowd. The menu proffers Asian cuisine with 2015. Live electronic music plus DJ sets.

South American influences; hence grade 11 www.polarisfestival.ch Kobe beef direct from Japan. Platters start at April 2 2016 Verbier - Swatch Xtreme Freeride CHF28.

World Tour Final – skills and thrills at the For a self-service bargain lunch on the piste highest level. try relative newcomer Le Mouton Noir, at the top of the Medran lift. Sausages, pizza and pasta sustain a young crowd and the giant

WHERE TO EAT

EVENTS

Photo: 4 Vallees, Mont Fort 3330

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SKI GUIDE

ESCAPE TO LES 4 VALLÉES THE LARGEST SKI DOMAIN IN SWITZERLAND www.skipass-4vallees.ch Pistes of all levels and secure routes for freeriders. Love large snowy spaces? You’ll love Les 4 Valleés.

Les 4 Vallées is the largest ski area in Switzerland. Located in the heart of the Valais, this winter sports paradise links the resorts of Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon and Bruson offering slopes for all levels, from beginners to experienced skiers. Les 4 Vallées is also famous for exciting off-piste – all the thrills but no avalanche danger. Freeriders looking for amazing challenges? Enjoy your sport in total safety.

The vast domain of Les 4 Vallées is connected by a network of fast modern lifts carrying skiers an incredible 1,900m to the summit of the Mont-Fort at 3,330m. An efficient technical system also ensures snow for the whole winter season – including the stations at lower elevations.

Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Bruson, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon – six times the pleasure!

Between international Verbier, natural La Tzoumaz and Bruson, family-friendly Nendaz, and the charming resorts of Veysonnaz and Thyon, every skier finds the perfect unforgettable holiday.

• 400km of pistes • Four snowparks • English-speaking ski schools/lessons for all ages • Traditional piste-side restaurants • Fun après-ski Ski at great prices ...

In addition to child discounts (-50%), young people up to 24 (-15%) and families (-10%) all enjoy great value. Check out competitive prices linked to demand and early booking, plus a permanent 5% discount for online Ski Passes purchased ten days in advance.

Les 4 Vallées: Strong on snow!

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STAY IN STYLE, ALL YEAR AROUND. T: +41 (0)27 472 88 88 www.wverbier.com W Verbier brings cutting edge lifestyle to the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Perfectly situated at 1'531m, only steps away from the main gondola with immediate access to over 400km of ski and hiking terrain, W Verbier features 123 stylish rooms, suites and W-branded Residences.

Start the day with coffee and delicious bites in the W CAFE, and before hitting the slopes, stop by the W MOUNTAIN CONCIERGE for a variety of ski-options. Enjoy pulsating tunes at W OFF PISTE and sip inventive cocktails in the W LIVING ROOM. Savour chef Sergi Arola’s culinary delights from the Mediterranean to the Swiss Alps in AROLA restaurant or sample his signature tapas at EAT–HOLA TAPAS BAR. Step into the nightlife spotlight to CARVE Sushi Bar & NightClub, where DJs set the scene for vibrant nights out in Verbier.

W Verbier invites you to cross the line into an extraordinary world where winters are white-hot, and action-packed days mirror energy-fuelled nights. At W Hotels’ first alpine escape, get set for slope-side style at the W OFF PISTE on Place Blanche, the new après ski heart of Verbier. This exceptional open-air bar & lounge space is creating a real buzz – don’t miss it!

With 300m2 of meeting space, W Verbier welcomes private celebrations and corporate events of any kind. For guests looking to simply kick-back, escape to 800m2 of refreshing surroundings in AWAY® Spa and stay in shape at FIT gym.

Whatever else guests need to amp up their stay, the renowned Whatever/Whenever service team is there to make it happen 24/7!

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SKI GUIDE

NENDAZ T: +41 27 289 55 89 www.nendaz.ch In the heart of the sunny Valais - with breathtaking views of the Alps - you’ll find versatile Nendaz, the natural home of active winter holidays, relaxing weekends and fantastic family day trips.

Nendaz also comes with a snow guarantee! As part of the Four Valleés, one of the largest ski domains in Europe, there’s linked access to 400km of pistes and 92 ski lifts. And with most runs at over 1,700m – plus artificial snow cannons - Nendaz guarantees high quality snow conditions. And when you need a break?

Charming mountain restaurants share panoramic terraces.

Six Freeride zones Check out Plan-du-Fou, the Gentianes, Chassoure, Mont-Gelé, Vallon d’Arbi and Col des Mines.

Après-ski Party fun or quiet family dining – Cactus and Tchin Tchin are popular, plus the sunny terrace at Hôtel Edelweiss with concerts, happy hour, and Cheers, the après-ski igloo at Hôtel des Etagnes.

Nendaz also offers more than 30 great restaurants.

Nature without skis Discover a winter wonderland with 130km of marked winter trails and snowshoe walks – plus ice skating, sledding runs and paragliding.

Relaxation and wellness The luxury Spa des Bisses at the Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées - with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, treatments and pampering.

Family holidays Families get great value at Nendaz – an award-winning Families Welcome resort. Tracouet is ideal for children, with a snow garden and fun equipment to get kids off to a great start. Five ski schools offer high quality teaching and childcare, ski lessons and learn to ski with play - plus a weekly programme of games, arts & crafts, sledging and ice-disco.

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NENDAZ 4 VALLÉES HOTEL & SPA Chemin des Cibles 17, 1997 Haute-Nendaz T +41 (0) 27 611 11 11 www.hotelnendaz4vallees.ch Ideally situated in the beautiful Valaisian countryside, the fourstar Nendaz 4 Vallées Hotel & Spa offers a warm welcome, authentic hospitality and a uniquely relaxing experience.

Stylish and comfortable rooms combine chalet tradition with contemporary design – while two magnificent suites offer roaring log fires and private saunas. Located at the heart of the resort for super-convenient winter sports, the Hotel 4 Vallées also boasts the perfect finishing touch to a day on the slopes: the enchanting Spa des Bisses. This exceptional 2,200m2 designer space is dedicated to personalised calm and wellbeing, with spectacular panoramic views! Tempted by a programme of tailor-made pampering? Choose from a range of indulgent or revitalising therapies. Alternatively reserve one of the Hotel’s exclusive private spas – complete with sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, relaxation area and massage treatments.

Of course dining at the 4 Vallées matches the same high standards. Try the charming Le Clos des Cimes restaurant for delicious Valais flavours, as well as influences from around the world. Or the more relaxed Carnotzet & Bar l’Aigle? Step onto the terrace for winter sunshine and inspiring views of the Hauts de Cry and Petit Muveran peaks – the ideal setting for your next conference/private venue. Two well-equipped modular meeting rooms, each measuring 90m2, are easily adapted to any event.

Meet first at the Hotel’s piano bar; the perfect convivial ambiance for hosting clients or to relax after skiing. Sample local vintages or cocktails – there’s also a room for smokers and cigar-lovers.

Note to families: Children love the video and games room!

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SKI GUIDE

PREMIER ALPINE CENTRE – WE ORGANISE, YOU ENJOY...

T: +41 (0)27 565 79 97 www.premieralpinecentre.com From finding that perfect traditional chalet rental to fun ski lessons in English for the children – the unique ‘One Stop Shop’ care and support from Premier Alpine Centre ensures your winter break is a run-away success. Young, dynamic and professional, the team comprises fully qualified ski teachers and mountain guides – each with a passion for winter sports.

Check out the Premier Alpine Centre ski school for tailor-made private and group ski lessons in English (with max. six students guaranteed), plus exclusive ski holidays, equipment rental, snowshoeing and avalanche courses – plus the chance to try such exciting activities as ski safari, ice climbing or heli-skiing in Zermatt, St. Moritz or Courchevel. In summer the focus is on climbing, glacier walks, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding and paragliding. Perfect for corporate team building or family challenges. Private transfers to airports etc also a speciality – including a heli-taxi!

Whether you’re a snow sports novice or an advanced downhill skier, the experts at Premier Alpine Centre aim to be completely flexible and are committed to helping you reach your full potential in a safe and competent coaching environment.

Based in the heart of Nendaz, the friendly team of instructors and guides at Premier Alpine Service also has a network of great contacts. Looking for a luxury holiday apartment rental? Or a family-sized chalet that will keep you cosy all winter? They have access to all the top locations and best addresses. So whenever you plan to visit – for a few days or an entire season – maximise your time with Premier Alpine Centre. We organise, you enjoy...

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SKI GUIDE

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VERBIER: GREAT SKIING – 100% PURE ENERGY www.verbier.ch Legendary runs, great champions and popular events - Verbier is an Alpine resort known the world over as an amazing winter playground for skiers and freeriders! Perfectly situated in the heart of the Valais, Verbier is linked to les 4 Vallées, the largest ski area in Switzerland with 410kms of pistes and some of the famous slopes in the world.

With breathtaking views over the snowy peaks of the Alps, Verbier offers an excellent balance between blue, red and black runs loved by families, beginners, advanced skiers and winter sports athletes alike.

At an altitude of between 1,103m - 3,300m, the Verbier ski area is always one of the first to open for the season. From November, keen skiers are already enjoying the Lac des Vaux area, wellknown for early snowfalls. And with the arrival of spring, there’s never a shortage of snow in Verbier. Clear skies and perfect snow – it’s an open invitation for a great ski day!

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SKI GUIDE

SWISS SKI SCHOOL THYON, VEYSONNAZ, NENDAZ, LA TZOUMAZ & VERBIER Swiss Ski School is a brand that guarantees fun and complete security in an amazing location – whether you’re learning to ski or snowboard or improving existing skills. From children and adult beginners to race training and advanced coaching, you’re in good hands with the English-speaking instructors at the Swiss Ski Schools of Thyon, Veysonnaz, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz & Verbier - “proud to serve you in the whole 4-Vallées ski area.”

Children from 3 years old enjoy a half or full day of snow play at the Swiss Snow Kids Village, starting to build skills which will have them skiing in no time. Private or group lessons are also available for all ages and at all levels, with teenagers enjoying freestyle and freeride taught by dynamic young professionals.

What a great way to see the whole family in action.

“Better skiers have more fun” – is the motto of the Swiss Ski School in this beautiful region and they certainly have a great reputation built on years of experience.

Note: Prices for Swiss Ski School are always competitive – but this season there’s a 10% discount for readers of Voice Magazine!

Proud to serve you in the whole 4 Vallées ski area

Swiss Ski School Thyon - Veysonnaz - Nendaz - La Tzoumaz - Verbier Present this voucher in one of our ski schools and get 10% off your group lesson!

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10% OFF

SKI GUIDE

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Jean-Baptiste Bieuville

LES PORTES DU SOLEIL T: +33 (0)4 50 73 32 54 www.portesdusoleil.com T: +41 (0)24 479 05 50 www.ski-and-bike.ch www.rockthepistes.com The largest international ski area in the world !

Will Walker

Skiing the Portes du Soleil is a panoramic ‘no limits’ experience set in an idyllic natural environment nestled between Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi mountain range. Here, no less than 12 ski resorts and ten ski lift companies have joined forces to create an unparalleled network that spans the Franco-Swiss border, offering skiers and snowboarders one of the most incredible winter sports playgrounds in the world.

If you’re looking for a challenge, you can take on the infamous Swiss Wall, ranked as one of the world’s steepest ski slopes, or the Tovassière Run, a long, exposed ski slope that takes you miles from the comfort of the nearest ski lift. If you prefer to strut your stuff a little closer to home, the Portes du Soleil have that covered too, with 21 snow parks, boarder and ski-crosses throughout the ski area.

Jean-Baptiste Bieuville

Families, beginners and skiers who just like to take things easy can choose from more than 120 gentle blue runs and 35 greens, with an impressive array of ski schools and some 1,300 ski instructors and guides on hand. This is the perfect place to take a few lessons and improve your technique. Kid-oriented classes include lots of fun and games in the snow.

Whether you’re looking for an easy day on the slopes or a full-on extreme challenge, the Portes du Soleil offers something for everyone, and unparalleled snow conditions from December to April to boot!

This March, the Portes du Soleil will be hosting the 6th annual open-air Rock the Pistes festival, with a fabulous line-up of international bands and musicians.

Jean-Baptiste Bieuville

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SKI GUIDE

ST-CERGUE - ESPACEDÔLE www.espacedole.ch Two very special areas in one!

Equipped with an efficient four-seater chairlift and eight other lifts, EspaceDôle is a small resort with a big heart - offering one of the most varied ski areas in the Jura. Ranging from 1,230m to 1,678m in altitude, nearly 20km of slopes are available to both beginners and more experienced skiers. From gentle green runs to challenging blacks, the choice is yours.

And one of the great advantages of EspaceDôle is the easy-toreach summit (non-skiers access by chairlift), perfect for views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss and French Alps. There’s also ample parking in the resort, which makes it the ideal location for families and young powder fans alike.

PLUS: check out the special Franco-Swiss ski pass – linking with the French Domain des Tuffes and opening up more than 40km of trails. Snow lovers enjoy skiing on both sides of the border!

St-Cergue Village The charming resort of St-Cergue has three lifts in the heart of the village, again with skiing for all abilities. With parking at the foot of the slopes it’s a super-convenient way to enjoy a day out with children or friends.

Night Skiing Why not try some exciting night skiing on the floodlit slopes of St-Cergue? Two pistes in the heart of the resort are open from 6 - 9.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

And here’s the best idea ever ...A ski evening followed by everyone’s favourite hot cheese melt. Choose a Fondue+Night Ski Pass and relax at a cosy local restaurant.

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VILLARS-GRYON & LES DIABLERETS www. villars.ch www.diablerets.ch www.tele-villars-gryon.ch There’s a cool vibe to the resorts of Villars-Gryon & Les Diablerets - plus hot deals on ski passes. Choose the closest Alpine slopes to Geneva and Lausanne, ski immaculate pistes and skip the traffic jams! With 180 cannons guaranteeing snow on 125km of runs linking three resorts and a glacier, skiing down to the village at the end of the day is assured! Free beginner slopes also make learning fun - plus Gryon has a new ‘rolling carpet’ easy lift.

Offers: Ski for CHF20 a day! Stay one night in a hotel and your ski pass is just CHF20.

Free for Kids: Under 9s ski for free and children sharing a family hotel room often stay for free – check hotel details. New: Gryon kindergarten - more space, more fun!

Online Offers: Go online for week-day ski-pass reductions of up to 30% and 15% at weekends (plus pay-as-you-ski savings).

Photo Christophe Bornand, Villars

SWISS SKI SCHOOL – VILLARS T:+41(0)24 495 22 10 www.ess-villars.ch The Swiss Ski School in Villars was founded in 1932 – so it’s fair to say they have some teaching experience! Whether you’re looking for lessons for children or an adult beginner, the team at Villars are highly professional English-speakers who know the right way to help. Just in need of a few extra skills? The ESS Villars will boost confidence and perfect your technique. In fact, raising self-assurance on the snow is one of the most important aspects of ski teaching. Check out attractively priced group or private lessons in skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, telemark and cross-country skiing. Experienced skiers and spirited teens might want to try freeride/freestyle or race coaching!

For children it’s all about staying warm and safe while have fun.

With friendly teachers and two toy-filled Snow Gardens, kids at Villars love to play and learn.

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SKI GUIDE

Megève Tourisme

SKI MEGÈVE T: + 33 (0)4 50 21 57 10 skipass.megeve.com All the charm of a traditional Alpine village, stunning natural beauty and a taste for the high life - it has to be Megève. With some of the most beautiful downhill trails in the Alps, plus gastronomic restaurants and delicious menus served on the slopes, Megève has its own unique identity. Attractive horsedrawn sleighs gather in front of the picturesque church and shoppers enjoy retail heaven: it's a ski station with a reputation for sport, culture and tradition. Whether you ski hard and fast or enjoy a gentle piste with the family through snow-covered pines, Megève has the perfect day for you! Just an hour from Geneva, there’s convenient parking at the ski lifts and access to the slopes couldn't be easier.

S.Garnier

PLUS: Megève joins MONT BLANC Unlimited! Now you can ski the entire Mont Blanc region with one ski pass - from December to May. Start your adventure in Megève and enjoy a unique experience in the incredible environment of the Mont Blanc glacier and its beautiful resorts.

D.Durand

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MORTGAGES

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PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE. WITHIN YOUR OWN FOUR WALLS...

IN SWITZERLAND.

By Markus Skupch The dream of owning your own four walls is as old as mankind itself. Creating a home means more than simply finding a place where you can feel safe and relaxed. A true home is somewhere that gives you independence and freedom!

Many people are discouraged from realising the dream by anxiety about the great financial burden. But it is actually worth stopping to take a good, hard, professional look at your situation.

Financing basics

3.

Second mortgage, which represents With indirect amortisation, you invest into 15%. This mortgage needs to be repaid a private pension savings account or life (directly or indirectly) over 15 years. insurance policy under what is known in Switzerland as Pillar 3a/b. The mortgage thus remains at the same level for the full duration What can I afford? allowing you to make ongoing tax deductions In essence, the calculation below is used by of mortgage interest and the savings can the financial institutions, working with inflated be used to repay the second mortgage (and interest rates (if interest rates increase), and parts of the first), at the end of the period. is commonly known as the stress test. The below represents yearly costs: Taking Stock

1.

1% of the purchase price (ancillary and We suggest that the process of buying your maintenance costs like heating, hot dream home be used to take stock and to water, replacement of windows, re- obtain a financial overview. Questions that painting facade, etc.) should be answered:

Most of us cannot afford to buy our dream property in cash‌. so, we require a mortgage.

Financial institutions all have their own 2. 5% mortgage interest rate internal regulations but most will grant a 3. Repayment over 15 years of the second mortgage based on market value, so in certain mortgage capital (amortisation) areas, where there is a danger that property valuations are inflated, financial institutions If the above costs are lower than 33.3% of will possibly lower their commitment, thereby your gross annual salary then a mortgage is reducing their loan to value. generally granted.

The basic home financing deal is calculated on the following basis:

1.

2.

Direct versus amortisation

indirect

20% down payment of the property value (minimum 10% cash and the rest may be With direct amortisation, you pay back your taken from the pension fund), mortgage to the financial institution in regular instalments. The mortgage debt is thus 80% mortgage of which 65% of this steadily reduced as are interest rate payments. represents the first mortgage and does However, your tax liability also increases as not need to be repaid (depending on your you are granted fewer deductions. financial situation at retirement),

-Will my home be affordable at retirement?

-What effect would the loss of the main income earner have for the rest of the family?

-What are the overall tax implications?

Take your time, check the facts and turn the dream into your Swiss home ownership reality!

Swiss Life Ltd, Pensions & Mortgages Team International General Agency Zug Industriestrasse 53 6312 Steinhausen T +41 41 729 24 92 www.swisslife.ch

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SKI GUIDE

Can ski tracking technology

really lift your game?

GET THE APP Whether you prefer off-piste action, cruising the blues or practising your jibs in the park, there’s an app for that.

Media Frontier's Head of Technology, Chris Shiels, looks at apps for those who spend their winter weekends playing in the snow – and chooses its favourite seasonal downloads.

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Ski Tracks Ski Tracks, if you haven’t come across it already, is the daddy of snow sports apps. It is capable of tracking everything about your ski runs; from max. speed to altitude and degree of descent - this app stores a myriad of data. It’s not the slickest looking app but that can easily be forgiven due to the functionality - it allows you to take and store photos of your day, has a built-in music player and even a clever battery-saving mode to ensure you don’t run out of juice.

Ski Tracks is available for both Apple and Android devices.

SnowBuddy A relative newcomer to the market, SnowBuddy combines some of the data functionality of Ski Tracks with a social focus that allows you to find, or “yodel” your friends on the mountain. Also included under the hood of its wonderfully designed interface is access to worldwide ski maps, weather forecasting and to add to your fun on the slopes, a range of challenges to take on against your friends. Again, SnowBuddy monitors your battery and cuts non-essential animations etc. if the charge drops below 60%.

SnowBuddy is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Edge Edge is another tracking and stats app all bundled together under a slick interface.

Packed full of nifty features, Edge uses your phone’s GPS to accurately plot your descent down the mountain and comes complete with plenty of piste maps so you can do away with paper versions. Features include a speedometer and it keeps track of previous times - putting you head-to-head with your friends on a shared leader board. The app is capable of downloading all map and weather info to save on those roaming charges.

Currently Edge is only available for Apple devices.

On the Snow - Ski & Snow Report At best the weather in the mountains can be described as changeable, so being able to check on conditions before you hit the road is vital. On the Snow uses GPS to alert you to the closest pistes with the best conditions - and, more importantly, it allows fellow skiers to upload reports for a personalised view of conditions. On the Snow features more than 2,000 resorts from around the world, from which you can create a customised list of your favourites, complete with hour-by-hour weather conditions, customised powder alerts and resort opening dates.

On the Snow is available for both Apple and Android devices

BBC CLICK SPONSORED BY MEDIA FRONTIER Media Frontier is a leading English-language digital design agency based in the heart of the international community in Switzerland. With offices in Geneva, Zurich and London, Media Frontier creates awardwinning websites, mobile applications, communications campaigns, animations, digital publications and print design for many of the world’s most visible companies and organisations.

Media Frontier sponsors BBC Click on WRS. Join BBC presenter Gareth Mitchell on Monday from 7-7.30pm as he explores the latest digital news and trends. Tune in for the best debate on global technology, social media and the internet.

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SKI GUIDE

SKI RENTAL

MAKE THE MOST OF WINTER !

28’000 items 170 new products Convenient and free parking Personalised advice

Visit our in new store on Porte de Ny Migros

Next to MParc La Praille Avenue Vibert 34 – 1227 Carouge / Genève +41 58 573 42 60

In the Do it + Garden Migros Chemin de la Fontaine 5 – 1260 Nyon +41 58 573 46 60

www.locaski.ch Société coopérative Migros Genève

Blake JORGENSON Copyright ©

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Locaski_Lake_genevas_voice_185x129.5mm.indd 1

TOTAL FEET

ABC 1 entrée A Archamps Technopole, 74160 Archamps, France T: + 33 (0)4 50 31 74 74 www.total-feet.com Treat your feet to what they deserve: a great fitting ski boot!

Total Feet is an exclusive service based on the passion and expertise of owner Mark Festor - high-quality ski boot fitting and sports orthotics. Total Feet operates on a small scale and has one key focus: a quality of fit that comes close to perfection.

Enjoy the ski season with Total Feet’s unique ski boot selection.

From beginner to expert skier, enjoying piste, freeride or ski mountaineering, Total Feet has the ultimate choice in custommade liners. Following an exclusive one-on-one consultation, during which you watch Mark work his magic, each client leaves with great fitting insoles or ski boots ready for use.

Total feet is located at the Archamps Technopole Centre just 10 mins from Geneva airport with parking directly in front. Call Mark and make an appointment.

Total Feet – the foot & sportshoe expert

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ALPINE FRENCH SCHOOL: LEARN FRENCH + SKI! T: +33 (0)4 50 79 08 38 www.alpinefrenchschool.com Alpine French School is a language school based in Morzine in the French Alps, only one hour from Geneva. Alpine offers general French courses and study with a difference! Ski or snowboard in the mornings and then learn French in the afternoons. Intensive courses, private lessons, GCSE/A-level tuition and family options all available.

Alpine French School has a great location in the centre of Morzine, with bilingual staff who are happy to answer any questions you may have. Our teachers are all native speakers who specialise in fun but effective French learning! You can also choose accommodation from a range of options: meet other students by staying in one of their high-quality shared apartments, or enjoy some luxury in a 4-star hotel.

Visit the Alpine French School website or call to find out more.

P YOUR COO

STORE

O/ P7 FERONM 7

DECEMBER

LEYSIN

LES DIABLERETS

VILLARS-SUR-OLLON

CHAMPÉRY

VERBIER

OVRONNAZ

NENDAZ

EVOLÈNE

ANZÈRE

CRANS

1ST

MONTANA

GRIMENTZ

FOR SKI RESORT SHOPPING!

GREAT DISCOUNTS UNTIL SUNDAY APRIL 10TH 2016 DISCOUNT VOUCHER

20% off all chocolates

20%

Valid only at Coop Anzère, Champéry, Crans, Evolène, Grimentz, Les Diablerets, Leysin, Montana, Nendaz, Ovronnaz, Verbier and Villars-sur-Ollon until April 10th 2016.

Submit voucher at payment. Valid for single use.

Not valid with additional offers or discounts.

DISCOUNT VOUCHER

DISCOUNT VOUCHER

20%

20%

20% off all Valais wines (white, rosé, red) Valid only at Coop Anzère, Champéry, Crans, Evolène, Grimentz, Les Diablerets, Leysin, Montana, Nendaz, Ovronnaz, Verbier and Villars-sur-Ollon until April 10th 2016.

Submit voucher at payment. Valid for single use.

Not valid with additional offers or discounts.

20% off all raclette cheese and fondue mix Valid only at Coop Anzère, Champéry, Crans, Evolène, Grimentz, Les Diablerets, Leysin, Montana, Nendaz, Ovronnaz, Verbier and Villars-sur-Ollon until April 10th 2016.

Submit voucher at payment. Valid for single use.

Not valid with additional offers or discounts.

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Exceptional place to live in the heart of the village of Genthod, come and visit our luxurious apartments with indoor swimming-pool and spa.

Construction completed - immediate delivery.

Domaine

du Châtaignier FOR SALE contemporary apartments offering 3 or 4 bedrooms.

From 190 m² From CHF 2’670’000.-

WATCH THE

VIDEO

filmed by a drone.

www.domaineduchataignier.ch

022 809 08 09

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022 322 92 81

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FOOD

food

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FOOD

55

Cheese Wars It started as casual cheese-based banter ... but ended with two WRS presenters head-to-head over a bubbling fondue, armed with sharp forks and a dangerous assortment of cheesy puns!

M

ark Butcher and Katt Cullen agree on many issues - but the grate Franco-Swiss cheese fondue debate was driving a wedge between Breakfast Show Gruyère-fan Mark and Katt-ComtéCullen. In fact it was almost the final cheese straw ... Which local delicacy most hits the spot when you’re in need of a fondue fix? Is it the thick and gloopy Swiss recipe with its hint of Vacherin, or the smooth and boozy French Savoyarde variety?

Rind 2: Mark was off to a flying start - Katt was taking her time. “This one’s lovely on its own,” she mumbled, “whereas I can imagine adding things to that one, such as mushrooms.” Had she just made a fondue faux-pas? Is it right to pop extras in the pot? Would our hosts overhear Katt’s careless talk?

alcohol, there were virtually no negative effects from water or fizzy drinks. “Cheese takes around six hours to digest – and the difference made by what you drink is absolutely negligible,” said Dr Mark Fox.

Rind 3: After two glasses of wine Katt was struggling. Having snapped her fondue fork on a bread crust she reached for a large table fork.

Speed was of the essence.

1.

The earliest known recipe comes from a 1699 Swiss cook book.

2.

The crisp residue at the bottom of the pan is known as La religieuse, or the nun.

So with Mark and Katt determined on a cheeseoff, Voice Magazine decided to settle the score at one of the region’s most unusual restaurants.

The historic Hotel Arbez Franco-Suisse sits exactly on the border in the tiny Jura village of La Cure, creating a unique 50/50 building!

Proprietors Alexandre and Bérénice welcomed us and described the colourful past of this family establishment – including bravery and subterfuge in World War II.

So which fondue was crowned WRS Cheese Meister? In the end Mark and Katt were united.

It was the creamy Swiss recipe. Although it has to be said that both pots were scraped clean...

3.

Swiss fondue is generally made from Gruyère and Vacherin and/or Emmental.

4.

The French Savoyarde blend is Comté, Beaufort and/or Reblochon.

5.

A Swiss fondue moitié-moitié (half & half) is made from Gruyère and Vacherin.

6.

Rind 1: With two delicious fondues bubbling at the table – one French, one Swiss – it was time for Mark and Katt to concentrate. No labels, no clues. Just two forks, a basket of bread and a bottle of chilled white wine.

Experts at Zurich’s University Hospital recently settled the argument. Annoyed by the pseudoscience of fondue aficionados, doctors ran a controlled study. They found that while hot tea aids cheese digestion, as does moderate

Fondues chinoise and bourguignonne are considered with suspicion by traditionalists.

7.

Professional cleaning tip: Soak dirty fondue pans overnight in salty water.

WINE OR WATER? Is the wine or tea theory a mountain myth? Can you actually drink cold water or Coke with your cheese-fest and live to tell the tale?

Fondue Facts

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FOOD

Fondue - The Great Swiss Bake Off! Ever wondered if the fondue recipe you found on the back of the cheese pack was the real McCoy? In other words, would your fondue cut the mustard with Swiss guests or is it a mélange best saved for hungry family & friends? In a bid to end all curdling and separation issues, Voice Magazine went to the experts at Le Gruyère AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) Switzerland. If Swiss Bake Off needed a Showstopper Challenge then this is it...

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FONDUE VAUDOISE GRUYÈRE AOP (SERVES FOUR) 800g grated Gruyère AOP 1 clove of garlic, cut into two 4 teaspoons of cornflour 350ml white wine 400g Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP cheese, cut into small dice 1 small glass of kirsch Freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg.

PREPARATION Rub the fondue pan with the garlic. Leave in the pan if desired.

Mix the Gruyère AOP and the cornflour together in the pan, add the white wine and bring to a boil while stirring continuously until the cheese has melted.

Add the kirsch and season with pepper and nutmeg. Serve immediately Keep the fondue pan warm on the burner over a very low flame and dip in with cubes of crusty bread.

Tip: Cut the bread well in advance – the slightly drier texture will help keep it on the fork.

FOOD

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Fondue World Swiss Gruyère AOP ready in the pan – Swiss wine in the glass: now the oven-gloves are off for a Fondue World Cup

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ith the backing of La Maison du Gruyère and the groupement de vignerons de Tartegnin, a tiny village between Geneva and Lausanne hosts the first-ever Mondial de la fondue in November. Up to 3,000 people are expected to line the streets of this pretty La Côte wine-growing centre, plus more than 140 artisanal food producers will be on hand to provide local delicacies.

And the heat in the kitchens (set up especially for the day) could reach Bake Off levels!

Centre stage will be a fondue competition, with the rules stating that each bubbling pot must contain at least 50% Gruyère AOP in the mix. Categories include professional chefs, apprentices and home cooks, so if you think your fondue recipe can beat all-comers at Tartegnin then now is the time to sign up. Or practice for next year... And the celebrity

judge? Philippe Chevrier of the prestigious Domaine de Châteauvieux, near Geneva.

SWISSITUDE Not only will the fondue chefs be cooking up a storm but the November 21 event is attracting a host of special guests, which organisers have dubbed "Swissitude". These include traditional Swiss wrestlers, flag wavers and cross-bow archers demonstrating their skills. Sounds of the mountains will come from Alpine horns, vintage tractors and musicians from the Valais! Children will also enjoy meeting farm animals and many of the village roads will be car-free, making a safe environment for families. The Mondial de la fondue starts at 10am. Tickets CHF10, children under 16 free.

A free shuttle bus will run between Tartegnin and the CFF station at Rolle.

Discover the fabrication of Le Gruyère AOP

Visit

La Maison du Gruyère www.lamaisondugruyere.ch

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Swiss Heritage Wine facts 1.

Chasselas is the no.1 Swiss grape variety, accounting for one third of all bottles.

2.

Chasselas wines include Fendant, Dorin or Perlan, and Gutedel in German-speaking Switzerland.

3.

Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red-wine variety, with its cousin Gamay second in the Swiss-Romande. Dôle is a blend of the two.

4.

A La Côte favourite is Salvagnin – made using a local Pinot Noir-type grape and Gamay.

5.

Some 16,000 hectares of Swiss vines produce over 100m litres of wine each year.

6.

Wine has been made in Switzerland for 2,000 years – led in the Middle Ages by monasteries.

7.

Growers in the Swiss/Alsace region produce Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer.

8.

Muller-Thurgau is named after local grower, Dr Hermann Muller, and is the grape of choice in the canton of Thurgau.

9.

Only about 2% of Swiss wine is exported.

10. Much of the La Côte vineyard region is a UNESCO World heritage site.

BAKED MONT D'OR - or La boite chaude

Recipe provided by Fromagerie Michelin in Divonne-Grilly. http://www.michelin-fromager.fr 1 large Vacherin Mont d’Or - approx. 1kg (serves four), 4cl of Jura white wine 1 – 2 garlic cloves – chopped.

Preparation

Michelin

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Preheat oven to 180°C. With the Mont d’Or still in its box, remove lid and place under base. Cut a 2cm hole in the top of the cheese and pour in the white wine.

Add chopped garlic. (These are optional. The baked cheese is also good on its own!) Place the uncovered box on a metal tray and bake for 40 minutes, or until the centre is soft and gooey. Serve with potatoes and sausage/charcuterie, spooning out the cheese or dipping like fondue. Enjoy with green salad.

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ALIGRO – CREATING GREAT FOOD TOGETHER Open to all – in Geneva, Chavannes-Renens, Sion, Matran & Schlieren www.aligro.ch Your local cheese and wine emporium - that's Aligro! Families and professionals love its fantastic choice, including the finest Swiss cheeses for favourite winter dishes. Why not try one of 50 different raclette cheeses? Alpage, Mazot, Corbier, Valdor, Combe No.3, Marenda, etc. Plus 18 fondue cheeses and blends! Fancy a fondue à la tomate, aux bolets, aux morilles, à la truffe, à la brebis or moitié-moitié? It’s all delicious and ready and waiting for you at Aligro. Plus of course the classic Gruyère and Vacherin options.

Buy an impressive whole cheese, a large wedge or opt for readygrated. And there are other délices des Grisons to enjoy. Take home a traditional viande séchée du Val d’Annivier or jambon cru de Gruyère - with a classic pain de seigle Valaisan it’s the perfect winter lunch.

Aligro also creates a great ambiance at the table. Check out canned mushrooms, pickled onions, pickles, condiments, in fact all the extras for a wonderful raclette or fondue.

And to accompany delicious cheese? An incredible selection of international and Swiss wines, from producers in every canton.

Chasselas, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Dole - a choice of over 700 wines for every palate....

Study for a top Hospitality or Culinary Honours Degree in the heart of Switzerland...

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Aiming for global excellence in Hospitality Management!

Phone: +41 41 349 6400

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info@imi-luzern.com

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10/15/15 4:15 PM

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WEALTH

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WEALTH

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FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE How do you feel about finance? Are you a saver or a spender?

Never underestimate the impact your personal relationship with money can have on both private and professional financial planning. Gavin Pluck, European Director at Guardian Wealth Management, explains how playing a self-analysis game could unlock a sound financial balance.

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hen trying to plan our finances it’s easy to become blinkered and follow the traditional life road map, working to the needs of significant milestones such as education costs or retirement. As key as it is to anticipate certain expenses we may encounter, there are also other important considerations. For example, much attention is given to an individual’s appetite for risk versus reward. However, an area that in my opinion should be right up there when assessing the best course of action for a client, is to understand our own psychology towards finance.

Most of us will be a combination of a few – with one or more defining, dominant traits.

These are:

Guardian Wealth Management would exclusively like to offer you a chance to discover your unique Money Habitude, setting you up for a successful financial future.

By playing the game and understanding the way you spend, save, invest or even donate, a person’s future relationship with finance can be dramatically influenced for the better. Not only can you see where you’re going right or wrong with money, you can consider how your actions may be affecting your career choices, or how you conduct your business.

They can also show you how they impact on significant people in your personal or professional lives.

Today’s actions and attitudes determine tomorrow’s options and opportunities. Now Research has shown that there are six key is the time to take control of your money attitudes (habitudes) when it comes to our habitudes to create a secure and satisfying future. relationship with money.

planning, status, spontaneity, giving, carefree and security.

What do you think is your dominant habitude?

To play the game online and obtain a report on the positives and negatives of your habitude and what actions need to be taken to change go to: www.guardianwealthmanagement.com/ landing-pages/money-habituates Having completed the game, you’ve made the first key step to your Money Habitude future. A qualified and trained financial advisor can then help you look at the bigger picture, and set up a plan specifically tailormade to your individual needs and a way to track your progress. They have the expertise in the financial area you need: whether that is basic money management, debt reduction, investing, or retirement planning.

WEALTH BY GAVIN PLUCK Gavin joined Guardian Wealth Management in 2003. As an experienced International IFA, he has developed and conducted numerous financial seminars and workshops around the globe with many specialising in Financial Management from an international perspective.

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THE MCKAY INTERVIEW XPB Images

THE

McKay INTERVIEW

Dr Aki Hintsa with Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton

McLaren team doctor and F1 human performance coach, Geneva-based Dr Aki Hintsa works with the champions of the track. Michael McKay asked him what drives the need to succeed...

This interview can be heard in full on The McKay Interview at www. worldradio.ch OICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016

THE MCKAY INTERVIEW

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y guest is Dr Aki Hintsa, and together we are going to examine a very particular aspect of our modern society – ultra-high performance and the impact and consequences this has on the human condition. Dr Hintsa, who is based at Clinique La Colline in Geneva, has worked with more than 100 Olympic and world championship athletes and nine Formula 1 World Champions, as well as contributing to the success of many top level business executives...

McKay: Dr Hintsa, your clients include such high-profile names as Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and – from your home country of Finland – Kimi Räikkönen and Mika Häkkinen .

But it’s not only about high-performance people from the race-track, you also counsel high achieving business people from all over the world. What enables these individuals to succeed and to maintain such a high level of performance? In your experience - what drives these people?

Hintsa: That’s a very good question; and it’s a tough question for my clients too. I always ask them why do you want this? Why do you want something so extraordinary? Why do you want to be the best in the world?

In my experience what these really top people have in common is an internal fire. A fire to push forward - to achieve more. And that is something that can never come from external factors. That fire has to come from inside.

McKay: And are these high-performance people happy and contented? And as a medical practitioner how would you define happiness?

Hintsa: I think that happiness is a balance of the body and mind; very much in a holistic way.

Happiness is also about balance in different areas of life, not only in training and physical fitness but in wellbeing and social wellbeing.

This refers to the wellbeing not only inside that person but also in their closest environment, such as the family.

McKay: There’s been a lot of talk and research recently on the Happiness Index? Happy countries by some measures include Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Canada and even

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Finland. Should we take this seriously and how After that I was a Chief Medical officer for important is happiness to our health?

Finnish Olympic teams for four years before going on to run a private hospital in Finland.

Hintsa: How we see this in our methodology - Then from 2005 onwards, I was head of or our philosophy if you prefer - is that firstly Mercedes and McLaren human high wellbeing brings the balance of body and mind, performance and since 2008 I have been based and together these are the foundations for high in Switzerland. performance. And when we talk about our concept we also pay a lot of attention to McKay: Let’s talk about the other more difficult individual energy management, because this is end of the spectrum – what are the symptoms also a cornerstone. If we have energy then we of burnout and are they fairly standard? Can feel well and we have quality of life. Health, clients heal themselves or is it more a question happiness, energy management and high of a tailor-made process, individual by performance are all interconnected, all highly individual? integrated.

Hintsa: Symptoms of burnout are certainly not McKay: But how would you answer the sceptics standard. They vary a lot but we can always see who would say that some top sports people are one constant and that’s the total loss of energy, not on the edge of a pathological burn-out – that the batteries are empty. How the body they’re just superannuated prima donnas? reacts to this can be physical or mental. The cure is to charge the batteries - but again this is Hintsa: Yes, I know what you mean. I have met very individual. What is important is to help some of those ... But I have to say that it’s not people to balance their lives and have a new easy to be a superstar – you start to lose your beginning. own ID. Then this is replaced by the ID of a role model and it very easily slips too far ... But what McKay: Leading on from that, how blurred are is very interesting is that with people who are the lines between the physical and the really successful - and consistently successful psychosomatic? For example, when the - rarely do we find this pattern of behaviour. It’s physiological impinges on or overtakes the a question of motivation and commitment, and physical? for a prima donna this motivation is not on a Hintsa: It is interesting because there are solid foundation. medical theories that burnout symptoms are McKay: Could you describe to us your journey completely in the mind, that it’s psychological. from when you first qualified as a medical But I disagree completely. The physical and doctor to where you are now? mental symptoms of burnout are both very real and must be taken seriously. I have also seen Hintsa: It’s a long story but I graduated from that they are almost always mixed – not only medical school in Finland. Before that my physical or only mental. dream was to be a professional hockey player!

After medical school I targeted my career McKay: Referring to the world of track and field towards orthopaedic and trauma surgery and - in world class sprinting there’s talk of fastdid my specialist training in Helsinki. Then for twitch muscles. Is the reaction time of a three years I worked as a missionary doctor in Formula 1 racing driver a similar reflex? And is it Uganda and Ethiopia. This was the university innate or a skill that can be learnt? for me and a turning point in my life.

It was in Africa that I developed this high Hintsa: We have done a lot of research in that performance philosophy and had the chance to regard and it is definitely a combination – you work with fantastic athletes – Ethiopian runners can improve your reactions but you also have to like Haile Gabreselassie. He is one of the most have the right DNA. gifted athletes I have ever worked with and a fantastic human being.

THE MCKAY INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL MCKAY Michael McKay, based in Founex, Switzerland, is an international communications, public affairs and management strategies consultant with over 40 years experience. He is also an experienced master of ceremonies, event moderator and broadcaster.

For more information, see www.mckays.ch Listen to The McKay Interview. See schedule on page 93.

Photograph courtesy of ©point-of-views.ch

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JETAWAY

JetAway T

une in to the brand new monthly travel show from WRS - JetAway.

Featuring every type of break from Geneva with fantastic competitions to win flights and holidays, this is the show you can’t afford to miss!

What are the amazing new destinations with direct flights from Geneva? Are there any great last-minute deals around? What are my easy options for winter sun? How do I find a great family budget destination? Can I get Fast Tracked? WRS Travel junkie Hansine Johnston will be answering all your travel

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questions, as well as sharing ideas and direct from Geneva. inspiration for your next trip.

Ever wondered where locals find the best beer JetAway offers detailed guides on all types of in Reykjavik? Or how to occupy a wi-fi addict destinations from great value family sun teenager in Mauritius? Then look no further. holidays to luxury safaris. Tune in for City JetAway is packed with inspiration for original Guides and top insider tips on where to get city breaks, last minute winter sun escapes at the best coffee, food and cocktails away from affordable prices and lots more. the tourist trail as well as cultural highlights.

Regular JetAway features include the latest travel blogs and sites, interviews with savvy locals from destinations across the world plus ideas for last-minute, no-hassle breaks

JetAway... with Hansine Johnston

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Base Nyon Rue Jules-Gachet 1260 Nyon T: +41 (0)22 361 36 36 www.basenyon.com Base Nyon has torn up the rule book on apartment hotels and runs on a completely fresh and dynamic new model - combining the flexibility and services of a hotel with the space, convenience and choice of a serviced apartment.

State-of-the-art kitchens, comfortable Italian designer living spaces and contemporary bathrooms, Base Nyon was created with quality, sustainability and value in mind. Stay for one night or one hundred, it’s your choice.

Following on from their own disappointing hotel experiences, co-founders James Fry (English) & Frédéric Mydske (Swiss/ Norwegian) set about designing the ideal suites for professionals relocating short or long-term, tourists and families.

suite and super comfy Hypnos beds and linen. Then there’s Internet HDTV, Wi-Fi routers in every suite (always free – of course), VoIP phones, Nespresso coffee machines and super- powerful rain showers.

Take a spin on a Base Bike or hit the 24/7 gym?

For lunch or dinner relax at the excellent modern- Italian Luigia Restaurant & Bar, then tick a Base Breakfast Bag (BBB) to wake up to fresh and locally-sourced goodies.

Fancy penthouse living?

Separate bedrooms, walk-through dressing areas and private balconies; all close by the exclusive Base Balcony & Bar – a smart afterwork hang out with great cityscape views of Nyon, Lake Geneva and the Alps. And Base Nyon is confident you’ll be back. Regulars store food and clothes in a Base Box (BB) - ready to unpack in their new suite.

Base Nyon - 52 fully-serviced suites that you won’t want to leave. From CHF245 a night A focus on a good night’s sleep was their (up to six nights); 30-day extended stays priority: triple-glazed windows, sound- from CHF200 a night. proofed walls, blackout exterior blinds/ interior curtains, plus thermostats in every

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STYLE FILE

style file

Photos by Jessica Alexander jessicaalexanderphotography.com

The Inside Track...

Rethinking Rolle Hansine Johnston’s pick of the top spots in newly-revamped Rolle.

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Alexander Ramp

Rolle has had a serious makeover. It’s no longer just a quaint lakeside town and a failsafe day out for visitors who fancy wandering around a château. The high street now features interesting boutiques, quirky gift options, a funky café-come-flea market, and a plethora of options for health- minded modern-thinking types who like their food and fashion green and guilt-free! You can sip fresh juice, eat power salads and browse clothes and jewellery by edgy designers from around the world. And the parking’s free. What’s not to love?

FASHION With many of the boutiques recently opened there is a bit of a buzz about the fashion scene in Rolle. Start at the Lausanne end and head to What to Where, the brainchild of local fashion bloggers Macha and Lydia. A cool, white setting for comfortable and affordable European design-led pieces with chunky knits and flattering pants. It's worth delving to the back of the store to the dreamy holiday section. Kaftans and bikinis sourced in hot fashion destinations from Brazil to Ibiza!

Opposite are several more new boutiques, notably Charlie and Margherite for your new season Uggs and Liu-Jo knits, and Jardin des Modes for tailoring.

Fashion fans with a conscience should head straight to funky A Ma Fille run by local ecowarrior Theresa Hamilton. Forget dirndle skirts and hessian sacks ... her range includes

printed tea dresses by Notting Hill designer and favourite of the stars, Beautiful Soul. To truly embrace the vibe invest in eco- friendly sophisticated soft lounge and yoga wear by Italian brand Backlabel

FOOD Brocante café L’ Arentèle, is a must- see.

Everything is for sale so enjoy a healthy homemade quinoa salad and soup while pondering vintage purchases. From tiny tins and signs starting at CHF5 to special design pieces costing thousands. If industrial design is your thing then this could be an expensive coffee break as the place is crammed with metal desks, lights and storage pieces.

passionate about every piece, from unique candles and jewellery to giant Moroccan silk wall hangings. There are many North African designers too with homemade perfumes and silk jewellery displayed against a backdrop of work by local artists. Every piece has its own story. Well worth a visit.

Find Scandinavian homeware and knick knacks with a twist at Spice your Life. This welcoming store is a gift haven for everyone.

Kids toys and puzzles start at CHF5, while luxury wool ponchos by Stefan Green go for CHF600. Check website for updates on events.

Some people just don’t get off on candles and ceramics so point them towards newlyStill in a healthy frame of mind? Stock up on opened Bikespot - run by enthusiasts who fully-organic vegetables and fruit at nearby offer all things cycling-related including bike organic supermarket Tournesol. rental and advice. It’s a MAMIL’s dream day out - super-friendly and they speak English.

More traditional lunch options include the Plus: Check out FatBike winter outings. bustling Café Vaudois, a clear good-value favourite with local shop owners, while people Useful info travel from far and wide to Café du Port for www.grandrue-rolle.ch their famous filets de perches and fine frites. www.what-to-where.com This family-run business has had the same www.arentele.ch chef for the last 25 years. Go with a good www.amafille.com appetite and enjoy the extra portions of fish www.spiceyourlife.ch that keep coming (one serving and the price www.cafevaudoisrolle.ch can sting...) Booking recommended. www.epicerietournesol.ch www.jardindesmodes.ch www.bikespot.ch www.l-heurebleue.ch Inspired artsy gifts at this brand new boutique/ art gallery, L'heure Bleue. Owner Nathalie, is

GIFTS AND MORE

STYLE FILE WITH HANSINE JOHNSTON Style File is a dynamic half-hour show packed with hot tips on what to wear and how to wear it, the latest style events, beauty and wellbeing in this area all presented with Hansine’s signature fun style. Tune in for interesting interviews and news of events every Thursday at 10am (repeated Saturday at 11am).

Also, listen out for “The Inside Track”, a monthly spotlight on different areas of Geneva, featuring shops, cafés and insider addresses that only the locals know.

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PROMOTION

L’HEURE BLEUE 34, Grand Rue, Rolle T: + 41 (0)79 356 32 60 www.l-heurebleue.ch A visit to l’Heure Bleue is the start of a creative voyage – with fascinating artisan designers and stories at every turn.

Inspirational gallery/boutique owner Nathalie Schneider Deppierraz trained in design, and it shines through her beautiful hand-picked collection. With a passion for creativity and quality her stand-out affordable choices include hand-woven fabrics from Central Asia, Heritage Berbère perfumes from Morocco and vibrant Japanese alpaca weaves from contemporary brand Suzusan.

Lykke Stjernswärd

Next come butter-soft leather bags by French designer Catherine Gaillard, eye-catching tassels and embroidery from Soi Emoi and stunning hand-painted Indian raw silks – the perfect backdrop for statement jewellery from Swedish Feminin Sacré and SwissVietnamese designer Maria Xuan.

Vintage your thing? Original 60s haute-couture Gripoix costume jewels are hard to resist, along with intriguing antiques and objets d’art. Looking for gifts? Indulgent Paris-chic Astier de Villatte candles, scents and creams – elegantly boxed and highly covetable! Coming soon: the l’Heure Bleue gallery space...

Lykke Stjernswärd

RESIDENCE LA RÉSERVE 1 Av. du Jura, 01210 Ferney Voltaire.

T:+33 450 40 30 20 www.residence-la-reserve.com Conveniently located in France, but with the feel of Switzerland...

In the countryside, but close to the city centre, the airport and all major international events at the Palexpo exhibition centre in Geneva: The four-star Residence La Réserve offers you hotel service with the freedom of your own apartment. Looking for peace and quiet in a very special - not to mention strategic – setting? For a short, medium or long stay? Residence La Réserve offers a warm and friendly atmosphere in the perfect location for leisure or business.

The Motor Show, concerts at the Geneva Arena, the United Nations, Palexpo, multi-national companies – all just a few minutes away. Residence La Réserve is THE quality apart- hotel; and the perfect place to relax.

PLUS: Check out l’Urban Café at Residence La Réserve - a great choice at any time of the year!

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My Nyon...

James Fry

STYLE FILE

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James Fry is MD/co-founder of brand Base, which developed its first hybrid Hotel & Serviced Apartments in Nyon. Here he shares his favourite La Côte hangouts with Hansine Johnston.

HJ: How long have you lived in Nyon?

Nyon?

JF: Seven years.

JF: Easy – a visit to ice cream shop Gelateria Venezia! And the world class Nyon swimming pool – what a view!

HJ: Could you describe Nyon in three words?

JF: Changing, idyllic, safe HJ: What‘s the most surprising aspect of Nyon?

HJ: Where’s the best place in Nyon for a coffee/ a cocktail/a family lunch?

JF: I really do have to answer Base Nyon ...

JF: How such a small town can be incredibly For example, the Base Bar & Balcony has a vista over the rooftops to Lake Geneva and international - it's absolutely unique. the Alps - so for a coffee break or cocktail HJ: What do you like most about the region? it’s unbeatable. For lunch with children that’s JF: It constantly surprises with its festivals definitely Luigia at Base, which works really and events, great views around every corner well for families, business lunches or a night out with friends, and access to amazing countryside.

HJ: Favourite time of year?

JF: The beginning of summer. It’s a time of promise and good times to come!

HJ: What’s your favourite family activity in

HJ: What would you like to see changing in Nyon?

JF: A more diverse spread of retail and restaurants creating more atmosphere.

DISCOVER THE WINES OF MONT-SUR-ROLLE La Foire aux Vins November 20, 21 & 22 www.vins-mont-sur-rolle.ch Artisan vignerons opening their traditional caves, sunny vineyards in some of the most beautiful countryside in Switzerland – La Foire aux Vins at Mont-sur-Rolle is a unique opportunity to share in a time-honoured tradition.

With some of the country’s finest vineyards on our doorstep, it could not be easier to step into the world of the Swiss winemaker and put a name and a face to your favourite labels. Swiss wine is rarely exported so it’s an incredible chance to be an expert for the day. And picturesque Mont-sur-Rolle is at the heart of Chasselas country; perfect with fondue, fish or a cheese board. Discover more than 150 different local wines – all proud holders of Swiss quality Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée de La Côte – and visit some of the 20+ producers. What makes this 250 hectare region so special? It’s one of the best-kept secrets of the lakeside – with distinctive soil (terroir) and a perfect micro-climate.

With a special Wine Shop to handle sales, you’re free to wander from cave to cave and to sample les produits du terroir - fresh local fish, cheese, charcuterie, bread and chocolate. See website for times and great offers (including gift packs) from the vineyards of Mont-sur-Rolle. Plus: Easy access by public transport from CFF Rolle.

Chantal Maurer

Chantal Maurer

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OUTLOOK: CEVA

Digging Deep The CHF1.5 billion-plus CEVA rail project is on track to link 45 stations in the Geneva region by 2019, upgrading the city to Europe’s urban railway “club”. But public transport is only half the story. Linking Cornavin - Eaux-Vives – Annemasse is also central to the canton’s master plan for development and urban infrastructure. © CEVA, Credits: CEVA - Groupe 13.76, O. Zimmermann et L. Fascini OICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016

OUTLOOK: CEVA

S

ixteen kilometres of new rail track may not sound like a big deal. But the CEVA project is the final link in a 230km public transport resource stretching from Vaud to the French Haute-Savoie and Lyon - and when it opens in 2019 Geneva joins an exclusive group of only 18 European cities with an urban rail network.

On the ground, CEVA has employed more than 150 engineering and construction companies, creating controversial traffic disruption and noise. Will the end result be worth it? City authorities firmly believe that “big strategic thinking” is required and that effective crossregion, cross-frontier mobility is central to the Plan directeur cantonal 2030.

COUNTING THE COST CEVA may be a cutting-edge project, bit its roots are in the 19th century. In 1884 Geneva voted for a rail link with Annemasse. But although the project was approved, subsequent work hit strong opposition.

Residents battled proposed demolitions – stretching out hostilities until the early 1900s.

Then in 1912 came fresh CEVA plans.

However, the financial crisis of the 1930s put the project on hold and it was only in 1949 that a single section was built - Cornavin to La Praille. So why now and why has the CHF1.5billion budget already required a CHF100million top-up?

In 2002 the canton of Geneva, the government and the Swiss railways (CFF) signed a CEVA protocol; but the timeline was a long one.

Work did not start until 2005 and by 2008 estimated costs were CHF1.567billion. With five new stations designed by the Pritzker award-winning French architect Jean Nouvel, CEVA was never going to be a cheap option but in 2009 the Geneva State Council asked residents to approve a CHF113million add-on.

They obliged with a 61% ‘Yes’ vote.

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“The cost of the project increased over time course when there is due to new obligations regarding certain construction like this in the areas of the construction – notably changes middle of a city there will be in the regulations for tunnel security, including new building safety norms concerning the noise and dust – but we are emergency exits. Of course we were happy to doing our best to minimise make these changes but as these became this nuisance more defined it was apparent that there would be additional costs. Considering that the she said. original budget was set in 2008 it could be expected that there would be changes and increments,” said CEVA’s Head of Communications Caroline Monod.

Regeneration aside, how will CEVA improve Turning to the issue of noise and traffic life on a day-to-day basis? Six trains an hour congestion, Mme Monod is also confident will cross the city centre from Cornavin to that CEVA has kept roadworks within Eaux-Vives . The route to Annemasse - via acceptable limits.

Lancy-Pont Rouge, Carouge-Bachet, Champel-Hôpital, Eaux-Vives and ChêneWe have definitely tried to Bourg - forms the centrepiece of a new keep disruption to a minimum LEMAN Express network extending over linking a total of 40 stations - 20 in and have made people the 230km, Switzerland and 20 in France. The statistics highest priority in this are impressive. Some 120,000 people are scheme. By building the works estimated to live within a 500m radius of a in sections we have been able new CEVA station – while another 120,000 will work in close proximity.

DEVELOPING SPACE

to re-open roads as quickly as possible and there is a compensation fund for local traders whose business has been adversely affected.

Communication has also been a priority and we have a strategy based on proximity.

For those people living and working close to the construction sites we have set up meetings and forums where we are happy to answer their questions. Of

Setting CEVA into context is the key to its pivotal role in regional growth. While the Plan directeur communal 2030 sets out a blueprint for the canton, it was the city’s own awardwinning scheme “Geneva 2020, sustainable renewal of a city centre” that highlighted the following social priorities: promotion of a healthy mix of employment and housing, and the construction of new and affordable homes. With these areas clearly defined it was obvious that CEVA would be crucial to regenerating former industrial and “forgotten” areas into new sustainable neighbourhoods.

This forward-focus on environment and the zero-energy sector was commended with a European Energy Award.

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OUTLOOK: CEVA

Dubbed by local press “Geneva’s project of the century,” CEVA now has a completion date of 2019. As well as protracted tunnel excavation, the construction of a recordbreaking 25m deep metro station at Champel has challenged engineers. But with 7,000 frontaliers arriving daily to work at the Cantonal hospital, the new linkage with Annemasse should ease congestion and parking. Indeed, with some 80,000 frontalier workers coming into Geneva every day – some 17% of the total workforce - should France have been asked to pay more? The CEVA budget was split between the Swiss government and Geneva, with the French contributing just €234m towards its 2km of track and development at stations in Annemasse and Thonon-Evian.

“One of our biggest challenges is to create enough living space in Geneva. This can be through some limited extensions on agricultural land but above all by increasing density in built areas. Of course what is important if we build a network of denselybuilt urban areas is to connect them through performing transport lines. This is where CEVA plays its important role. And in the downtown areas we are developing leisure,

roof, allowing the tunnel to be dug out below.

At ground level, this creates a pedestrian walkway and a cycle track. The section from Eaux-Vives to Chêne-Bourg will be one of the first of these mobilité douce routes, and at the Viaduc de la Jonction the existing bridge has been rebuilt with a wider footpath and a cycle route. The new designer stations also feature So Geneva’s urban growth is actually the low-rise glass-block construction, most significant issue. Key projects ring- maximising on natural light. fenced for development include Lancy-Pont Rouge and the PAV sector – linking La Praille, So is CEVA a “springboard” for Geneva’s Acacias and Vernets - also Eaux-Vives and development into a major European city – as Chêne-Bourg, where more than 1,000 new State councillors have claimed – or a costly homes and 157,000m2 of commercial and white elephant? Currently one of the largest public space are planned. New residents at urban renewal projects in Europe, CEVA is La Chapelle are already settling into the first obviously significant. However, for thousands of 4,000 new apartments, and Annemasse is of commuters it will be Geneva’s TPG buses and trams that continue to take the strain. set to build another 1,000.

And the good news here? The TPG Mobility 2030 project includes new tram lines to St Genis Pouilly, Ferney Voltaire and St Julien"Greening" the CEVA tracks has also been a en-Genevois - plus improved bus links to high priority. Tree and grass planting will Divonne les Bains and Gex. shield new cycle lanes to stations and - in a bid to limit environmental impact - almost 80% of the route is set underground or in “cutand-cover” tunnels, where supporting side walls are built and capped with a concrete sports and cultural facilities side by side with accommodation. For example, at the EauxVives station, alongside the construction of 340 apartments, the new Comédie de Genéve theatre will bring a new cultural life to this area,” said Vincent Lusser, at the canton’s Department of Planning, Housing and Energy.

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le réseau qui relie les genevois

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Got a great smile? Now’s the time to dazzle and shine!

An attractive smile is an essential feature for both men and woman. You feel more confident, look more polished - and it’s a fantastic boost for self-esteem. With so many different types of cosmetic and dental treatments available it’s important to choose wisely. At Clinic Lémanic you’ll discover a youthful, natural-looking whiter smile in minutes.

DENTAL TREATMENTS The main feature of a smile is great teeth, and with SMILE by Clinic Lémanic that’s never been easier. Using revolutionary new veneers between 0.2 and 0.3mm thick - the thinnest in the world - SMILE allows the upper or lower arches of your natural smile to be covered absolutely painlessly. And the wide range of 300 natural shapes and shades allows SMILE to create a look that’s perfectly tailored to each individual. These innovative, high-quality veneers are also supremely durable with a permanent white colouring. The result? A natural, dazzling smile that blends perfectly with the shape of your face and lips, as well as suiting your skin tone.

REJUVENATING Clinic Lémanic’s safe and comfortable laser resurfacing treatment achieves youthfullooking and smoother skin by delicately erasing facial wrinkles in just one session, and without surgery. The rejuvenating effect is spectacular and natural-looking, correcting deep radial wrinkles around the mouth. In addition, the CO2 laser presents a unique and pleasant thermal skin-tightening effect.

PLUMPING THE LIPS Over time, lips can thin and gradually lose their smooth appearance. This specialist Clinic Lémanic concept uses subtle and painless injections to create the ideal proportions - the golden rule - to enhance the face’s natural harmony. How do you look? Lips appear fuller, making the mouth more sensual and the smile more attractive.

lifts the face and contours in just one or two sessions. Ideal for redefining or reshaping the lower face without surgery, this technique significantly tones the skin, adding emphasis to your new dazzling smile.

In such delicate area as the mouth, it is important to consider all of the features the lips, the teeth and even the lower part of the face - in order to achieve the overall result desired by the patient. This is why a combination of aesthetic and dental techniques, paired with the expertise of each specialist concerned, is the ideal recipe for achieving a perfect smile.

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HEALTH MATTERS

I was able to see the chain of communication and medical care from start to finish...

Credit: Rega, High above the blanket of fog, Jochstock

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REGA: 24 hours a day; 365 days a year!

Dr Michelle Wright, MBChB MRCGP

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few years ago, I had the privilege of spending a day “on the job” with the crew of a Rega helicopter. Rega is Switzerland’s primary air rescue organisation, operational around the clock, every day of the year, providing medical assistance where it is most needed. Approximately 11,000 helicopter missions are organized by Rega yearly - and in the snow sports season their winter call-out peak starts again.

accidents – on farms, building sites and factories – and when heart attacks and other serious illnesses necessitate prompt transfer to specialised treatment centres. If a baby is born prematurely, Rega can ensure safe transportation to paediatric intensive care facilities. They also carry urgent blood, organs and medication from one hospital to another.

Cow emergency? Rega even helps injured mountain cattle!

On the day that I spent flying with Rega, I was so impressed by their efficient teamwork and obvious professional skills – both those of the pilot (and his ability to fly and land the helicopter in challenging circumstances) and also the medical skills of the doctor and paramedic on-board. I was able to see the chain of communication and medical care from start to finish: how the crew receive the information from an emergency call, mobilise with specialised equipment, finishing with the As well as its helicopters, the Rega fleet also safe delivery of the injured/unwell person to Founded in 1952, this privately run, not-for- comprises three air ambulances, stationed hospital for further care and treatment. The profit organisation is supported and funded at Zurich airport. Each year, these “flying team was calm and cool headed, keeping the intensive care units” repatriate 800 patients safety and health of the patient paramount solely by its patrons. back to Switzerland if they have been taken ill, – something that, as a doctor and First Aid The 12 Rega bases, including or have been injured, abroad. trainer, I know is vitally important to increase a person’s chances of survival and full recovery. eight mountain locations,

mean that experienced and HOW DO YOU CONTACT highly-trained teams of REGA? pilots, doctors, paramedics If you are injured or unwell in Switzerland and know that you are somewhere difficult and mountain guides can to access, or that the approach route is too reach people in need across long for ground rescue services to reach you Switzerland with minimum quickly, then you should call Rega directly their emergency number: 1414. Rega delay - whether it be a using advises that, wherever possible, calls are mountain peak or a motorway made using www.app.rega.ch As well as on the valley floor. allowing you to raise the alarm, this free Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just mountain rescue operations that Rega carry out. They are at the scene of serious road traffic accidents to ensure rapid transportation to hospital, often saving precious life or death minutes. They also assist in workplace

mobile app for iPhones and Android phones, transmits your exact location to the Rega Operations Centre – and can be used both within Switzerland and from abroad. Search in the Swiss App Store or on Google Play using key word ‘Rega’.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A REGA PATRON?

Visit www.rega.ch As a keen skier I personally support Rega. It gives me great peace of mind to know that in the event of an injury to someone in my party, or perhaps even to me, after initial First Aid is given, we can make a call to this highly qualified and professional organisation and rely on hearing those thudding blades, seeing those red jump suits and getting the help that we need. It’s only thanks to the support of our community that Rega can continue to fly to the rescue.

Please note that Dr Michelle Wright does not receive any personal or professional funding from Rega.

HEALTH MATTERS WITH DR. MICHELLE WRIGHT Dr Michelle Wright is a British-trained General Practitioner and one of the Medical Directors of HealthFirst, delivering First Aid Training and Health Education in English throughout Switzerland: www.healthfirst.ch.

Michelle also works as a doctor in the Staff Medical Service of the International Labour Organisation in Geneva and is a medical writer and journalist. Listen to Health Matters on WRS. See schedule on page 93.

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DIG IT!

Dig it!

Photo by Jean-Luc Pasquier OICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016

DIG IT!

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Inspirational roses E verything should be made with the heart, with passion, with love - is an unusual sentiment from the head of one of the largest makers of fine jewellery and watches in Switzerland, but Yves Piaget is nothing if not surprising. Combining a passion for roses, and a Cartesian approach to business, has allowed him to find a fine balance in life.

His love affair with roses began over the eglantines in the hedgerows of his childhood in the Jura, and continued through chairing the International Rose Competition in Geneva for 30 years. The Piaget connection to the competition continues with the Rose D’Or award, the prestigious and very beautiful golden rose made by Piaget every year, and awarded to the best new rose. Yves Piaget’s connection with the rose, the “queen of flowers and the flower of queens” as he says, continues with the stunning Meilland rose “Yves Piaget”, winner of the Rose D’Or in 1982, and his recent lifelong achievement award from the World Federation of Roses.

Now partially retired, Yves Piaget has been able to pursue his dream of creating his own

rose garden – and supporting three new reopen this unique beauty. gardens, all open to the public.

However, the garden that truly captures my The first of these belonged to the Empress heart is the small, but perfectly-formed Joséphine, beloved wife of Napoléon. Her roseraie in Bex, at the Diable Vert garden. The collection of roses at Château de Malmaison, owners, Dominique and Magali Mottet are near Paris, was world famous. Sadly, after her long-time friends of Yves Piaget and had death, the rose garden fell into disrepair. already created a remarkable garden of However, as part of the bicentennial “rooms”, including a dry-garden chessboard, celebrations of the death of the Empress, the a softly sensual grasses garden, and a entire garden, as well as the roseraie, was homage to Giverny, complete with bridge and completely renovated. Now reopened, it is a water lilies. The connection with Piaget new vision of a traditional rose garden, with allowed the creation of a remarkable new 750 ancient varieties interplanted with “garden room” and together with some rose perennials and shrubs to create interest year friends - notably Alain Meilland, rose breederround. The Piaget involvement extends extraordinaire, and Gerald Meylan, “Mr Rose” beyond funding and support to their designs of Switzerland and World Federation of Roses for the Rose Passion collection, inspired by past President – he chose and sourced all the Joséphine’s own jewellery and her love of blooms in a few short months. The garden is based on a spiral, and the proportions provide nature. not only a beautiful balance but a “ballet of The Princess Grace Garden is a truly modern roses” for all the senses! The garden is also rose garden in the heart of Monaco. Featuring managed entirely biologically and I can’t think more than 12,000 roses, there are traditional of a better way to honour the heritage of Yves plant labels and QR codes for every one! As a Piaget than a living, breathing gem of a rose Monagésque himself, Piaget suggested the garden. renovation to the Royal family, and the Piaget Company’s contribution helped to promptly

DIG IT WITH HESTER MACDONALD Hester Macdonald is a British-qualified, award-winning garden designer with her own practice in the Lake Geneva region.

She founded the Swiss Gardening School in 2012 to provide gardening courses in English for amateurs, by professionals.

Listen to Dig It on WRS. See schedule on page 93.

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COMMUNITY

Swiss Solidarity guarantees that all donations are given to projects that most meet the needs of victims.

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Showing Solidarity Geneva-based foundation offers direct and effective emergency aid

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wiss Solidarity assists people in emergency situations in Switzerland and abroad – and every centime donated is injected into carefully selected relief projects by experienced Swiss organisations with specific areas of expertise in humanitarian aid, rehabilitation and rebuilding. Set up in Geneva in 1946 by Swiss public radio journalists, the work and outreach of Swiss Solidarity today is supported by TV and radio stations like WRS.

from the public and corporate sectors, as well as from cantons and municipalities.

The most important and successful appeals were in favour of the Tsunami in 2004 (CHF227m), floods in Switzerland in 2000 (CHF74m) and for the Haiti earthquake in 2010 (CHF66m). The foundation ensures the proper use of funds through in-depth analysis and expert field assessment in compliance with international standards for emergency aid, rehabilitation and reconstruction. Swiss Solidarity guarantees that all donations are Earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, droughts given to projects that most meet the needs of and armed conflicts are all crises to which victims.

Swiss Solidarity - through its network of 25 Swiss NGOs - provides a rapid and So what does this qualityqualitative humanitarian response worldwide. insurance cost the donor?

Emergency relief is often the first step The organisation covering basic needs such as food, access Nothing. to safe drinking water, sanitation, clothing, donates 100% of funds to shelter and medication. Child protection projects in the field and measures and psychological support are because there is a permanent also made available. The organisation then finances reconstruction schemes for team of only 19 staff members, homes and public infrastructures, such as running costs are almost schools and hospitals. Lastly, a rehabilitation entirely covered by interest on phase allows State organisations and local funds. stakeholders to take over the projects and reduce the risks linked to future disasters.

RUNNING COSTS COVERED

70 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY

programming to highlight the crises at the heart of every campaign. Swiss Solidarity also relies on independent media, including WRS, to convey its messages.

IN SWITZERLAND ABROAD

AND

In recent years, more than CHF50m has been donated to help refugees and displaced families in Syria and neighbouring countries, as well as along the Balkan route. Also receiving support are projects following the earthquakes in Nepal and Haiti and the cyclone in the Philippines, to name but a few.

Swiss Solidarity aid generally extends over several years, with donations used in stages. Funds are only released for further phases when the expected results have been achieved.

In the last 30 years, 69% of donated funds have gone to disaster relief outside Switzerland, 6% to international child support projects and 25% benefitted people needing assistance in Switzerland (natural disasters, social aid, severe weather). Indeed, Swiss Solidarity offers on average CHF1m of support annually in Switzerland, in close collaboration with specialised social services.

Swiss Solidarity was created following World An expression of the support of the Swiss War II. Today, it remains independent, with the For more information: population with victims of disasters and Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) www.swiss-solidarity.org. conflicts, Swiss Solidarity uses donations providing free advertising for fundraising and

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LEARN MORE

Sport isn’t just good for our children’s health, it is crucial to their development and education.

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SPORT AND EDUCATION:

ON TRACK TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS

By Sabine Hutcheson, Education Consultant at TutorsPlus

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port is ever-present in most of our lives and no one would dispute that it plays an essential role in our wellbeing. As such, it is crucial to make room in the school curriculum for sport. Beyond the obvious benefits of physical exercise, sport is a multi-faceted asset: it’s a unifier, an equalizer, a standard for discipline and a boost to energy and selfesteem. Sport isn’t just good for our children’s health, it is crucial to their development and education.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

International events, such as the recent Rugby World Cup or the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio, highlight the role of sport in our global society. Opening up to others, accepting differences and valuing talent are qualities that have their place in all schools that aim to prepare students for – and reflect – the world that awaits them.

The academic classroom can lead to feelings of under achievement, with punishing grades and the physical constraint of sitting quietly.

Sport not only breaks away from this tedium but enables students to shine in different ways. As a discipline, it’s not unlike Maths and spelling - in that some people will claim they are simply no good at it. However, with the right programme

and teachers, and a careful balance of playground and after school activities, every child can find a sport which corresponds to their interests, strengths and/or physical aptitude. Here is the leveler: we can all have a go and enjoy the endorphins that boost our mood.

THE SCIENTIFIC ARGUMENT

The competitive world increases the stress and expectation of top grades.

Parents may put pressure on their children to pursue traditional academic subjects leading to prestigious universities and to dismiss time spent on non-academic activities. However, for those intent on science, the good news is that sport (and physical exercise in general) is now proven to aid memory and learning through neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons. What better argument to continue and encourage the compulsory presence of sport in school from early years all the way to diploma level.

tenacity and resilience will get the best results. Nobody can put on ice skates for the first time and perform a triple axel but regular training can get you there. The patience and discipline required are the same needed to master higher concepts of Physics or the analytical structure of a History essay, and it is generally accepted that Music students are able to develop levels of concentration that are transferable to their academic studies – and the same can be said about sports. It is a question of transferring skills, such as concentration, commitment and persistence, from one environment to another. If traditional academic subjects fail to light the spark for learning, others can do the trick; so the presence of socalled non-academic subjects like sport, music, art and drama are valid at all levels of education.

Learning happens at its best when the student is fully engaged, body and mind, quite literally: left and right brains solicited, all learning styles addressed, all senses stimulated. The ritual of a wellhoned sports routine, like choosing the right clothing and equipment, warming up and sticking to a strict and timed training, can only help students thrive in Delayed gratification is another aspect of education. sport that complements academic success.

It teaches students that

ACHIEVING IS A STATE OF MIND

LEARN MORE WITH SABINE HUTCHESON Sabine Hutcheson is a British-trained teacher, with over a decade’s teaching experience in Switzerland, UK and neighbouring France.

She has taught a variety of subjects to children from five to 18 years old, as well as to adults, and is an Education Consultant at TutorsPlus.

Visit www.tutorsplus.com to find out more about their educational consultancy, tuition service and intensive IGCSE & IB revision courses.

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Preparation for success GEMS World Academy-Etoy International school prepares students for the International Baccalaureate速 Diploma Programme (IB).

Designed for students aged 2 to 18, programmes are in English, with French as a second language. From Grade 6, German and Spanish are offered as a third language.

English language support is available for non-native speakers. Our World Language Learning Centre is also open to the public.

Students enjoy outstanding on-campus facilities, including a music academy, TV studio as well as a radio and recording studio. Our new sports centre features a 25m swimming pool, a learner pool, 6 courts, a climbing wall, a dance/aerobic studio and a fitness suite.

GEMS World Academy-Etoy offers merit-based scholarships spanning the arts, music, academic subjects, sports and community service.

Admissions possible throughout the year, call us on +41 (0)21 964 18 18 or email: registrar_gwe@gemsedu.com to arrange a visit.

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MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016 15376 OICE GEMS Voice Magazine Ad 185x250.indd 1

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IFAGE T: +41 (0)22 807 30 00 www.ifage.ch Recently arrived in Geneva? Develop your professional skills for the local market with ifage! ifage is Geneva’s leading adult education institute, where the quality of training and coaching is second to none. We offer professional training in languages, IT, management, marketing, human resources, graphic design, watchmaking, secretarial skills and much more – all at a choice of convenient downtown locations.

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KIDS IN MIND

In early childhood, infants and toddlers practice being different from their parents.

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KIDS IN MIND

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LETTING GO:

TIME TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN SPREAD THEIR WINGS...

By Rebecca Weber

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there in the morning when I wake up? Or despite claiming to know everything! when the school day ends? Or when a new Here in Geneva, families from around the baby arrives? world have different norms and expectations Young children are dependent on their for what it means to belong to a family and to immediate caregivers to provide a sense of connect with people outside that family. So self and encouragement. Yes, you are good there is not one right time that parents enough just the way you are, yes you are should let their children fly with their own doing things the right way. However, as wings. In general, we’re looking to support children approach adolescence, their main children to experience a sense of ease of job is to takeover this role, providing their connection to other people, both within and own sense of self-esteem and satisfaction. outside the family, whilst maintaining one’s While they experiment trying on different own sense of self. And this kind of letting go kinds of identities, they look to their social can happen throughout all the stages of child worlds outside the family to let them know if and adolescent development in as many they’re going about it the right way. If I am different ways as there are families. different from my friends, will I still belong to the group? Will I always belong to this group?

In early childhood, infants and toddlers When I’m not around, do my friends still care DISCLAIMER practice being different from their parents. about me?

They use their motor and cognitive skills to explore the world around them through all of While teens experiment and develop a new Please note: any psychological advice or their senses. During this first phase of sense of self, they might seem like they have information provided in the Kids in Mind column in individuation, young children are often hopped on board the toddler emotional roller Voice Magazine is general information and should excited at their new strength and capacity to coaster. As they seek out reassurance and not be used to evaluate, diagnose or treat any discover and do activities. Look mommy! I belonging outside of their families, they specific concerns. Always check with your can chew my own food! Becoming at ease in revisit some of the ways that as a small child medical-care provider if you have questions about the absence of their parents might be they learned to experience their own self in your own children. Neither Voice Magazine or Dr. Weber are responsible or liable, directly or satisfying and exciting but the inherent relationships. indirectly, for any damage resulting from the use challenges and frustrations will make them invariably cry for reassurance and Just like a toddler who is scared to go to of information contained in, or implied by the encouragement. Will mommy and daddy be sleep by themselves, a teenager might be article published here. quivering at their new independence – hen we first think of children flying the nest for the first time we might imagine older teens getting ready to leave home. Will their wings be strong enough to fly without their parents? And are those parents ready to see their children fly? In psychology – the science that seeks to understand the way we think, feel and behave – we understand letting go as part of the process of individuation, or becoming one’s own self. This fundamental pillar of psychology is a process that coincides with a child’s physical development but during adolescence and again in adulthood can resurface as we negotiate new relationships.

KIDS IN MIND WITH REBECCA WEBER Rebecca Weber, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist specialized in Child and Adolescent psychotherapy. She works both in private practice in Ferney-Voltaire and with the University of Geneva. Originally from California, her research and clinical work focus on gender, migrant families and school violence. For more information please visit www.rebeccaweber.net.

Kids in Mind is sponsored by the British School of Geneva.

Listen to Kids in Mind on WRS. See schedule on page 93.

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WHEELS

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ROVERS RETURN From Minis to Marinas - James Walshe wonders if the future of motoring is in the past.

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reliability. Indeed, many of them were somewhat reluctant to function properly when new. This includes this turbocharged 2-litre Rover, in which I had traversed much of France. The former Rover flagship – popular successor to the P4, P5, P6 and SD1 - celebrates 30 years in 2016. It is now a rare beast – most have disappeared. With a little help from Honda, much of the 800 was well I have just driven a 25 year old Rover 800 made but for a few age-related squeaks and from London to Morges and back – on a rattles. (For instance, is that a nest of baby journey during which a headlight bulb popped. sparrows behind the dashboard?)

Replacement was simple: I opened the bonnet, reached into the headlight unit and The 800 arrived in the late 1980s, at almost simply replaced the bulb. It took less than a exactly the moment motoring changed minute and cost me virtually nothing. I arrived forever. Scanning the line up of vehicles at at the Swiss Classic British Car Meeting Morges, I couldn’t fail to be impressed by the feeling quite fresh and only a little fatigued, idea that all could be fixed with a basic set of spanners and a screwdriver. There were despite the distance travelled.

Jensen Interceptors, Deloreans and Jaguars Being proud to drive a variety of old cars, of all kinds.

I often question why modern ones are so complicated. I wandered around the But for me, the more basic classics are more spectacular lakeside show – which celebrates fascinating. The Fords and an Austin 1100 – classic British vehicles of all types – and the just like the one my grandfather drove – or sight was breathtaking. Hundreds of cars the much-maligned Morris Marina. ‘I drive a ranging from countless examples of the Marina Estate every day,’ said owner Peter classic Mini to a near-priceless Bentley. And Haas, from Zurich. These are not the greatest not one computer or LED bulb between them. cars of all time but they are rare nowadays.

For Peter – and for me – our passion for cars Okay, so British cars aren’t known for their is not about posters on bedroom walls - it’s one are the days of clunky mechanical typewriters, smelly steam trains and those rather cumbersome abacus devices.

We live in a world of compact electronics and advanced engineering – slick technology that makes the world a better place. Or does it?

about what was parked outside your family home. The smell of cheap plastic and velour – not wood and leather – is what most of us remember.

The Swiss Classic British Car Meeting was charged with passion and joyous grins. Every turn of the head revealed another wonderful sight - staggeringly beautiful cars, all of them cherished by their owners. Even the relatively modern Rover got some attention. ‘I owned one of these as a company car’ said Nigel Ingram, who moved to Geneva from Brighton, where he drove an 827 Vitesse.

It is certainly more comfy than most modern cars, with their pointless low profile rubber and ‘sport’ suspension (which in reality means expensive tyres and rock-hard springs). It may not have been as softly sprung as my Citroen CX, but I left Lake Geneva in comfort and wafted back to the UK, taking a detour via the staggeringly beautiful Furka Pass. Maybe it’s time to get back to basics? Of course we need airbags, catalytic converters and antilock brakes. But how about a modern car that doesn’t need a degree in rocket science to fix?

James Walshe is a motoring journalist, broadcaster and radio producer. He is currently Deputy Editor of Practical Classics – the biggest selling classic car magazine in Britain.

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One Way Card: Provides a one-time flat-rate ride that has the same advantages as the fidelity card. Ideal for businesses or large group outings.

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TAXIPHONE CENTRALE SA - 15 Rue des Rois 1204 Genève - Fax: +41 (0) 22 33 141 22 Tél commande de taxi: +41 (0) 22 33 141 33 - Tél administration: +41 (0) 22 33 141 00

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Timea B acsinsz

Ambassad or of th e new Ho nda HR-V

ky,

NE W HONDA HR-V FROM CHF 2 2 5 0 0.– Leasing 1.9 % 48 months from CHF 159.–/month.

Valid until the 31 st December 2015.

HONDA AUTOMOBILES GENÈVE-CENTRE Rue de la Servette 30, 1202 Geneva Tel. 022 748 14 00 garage-geneve@honda.ch

honda_new-HR-V_WRS_185x250.indd 2

HONDA AUTOMOBILES GENÈVE-VERNIER Route du Nant-d’Avril 50, 1214 Geneva Tel. 022 341 00 77 garage-vernier@honda.ch

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HOW TO LISTEN HOW TO LISTEN

Here’s how to enjoy WRS at home, in the car, and on-the-move.

AT HOME OR AT THE OFFICE:

IN THE CAR:

Invest in a new DAB+ radio such as the DABmotion or use your existing FM radio with a DAB-to-FM converter such as the Caliber PMT 700D.

Get a stylish portable DAB+ radio for as little as CHF40. Or stream WRS at worldradio.ch/radio or at tunein.com.

ON THE MOVE:

Download the WRS app on your mobile or tablet for free at the App Store or Play Store.

Go to www.worldradio.ch/radio/dab for suppliers.

Or get in touch at www.worldradio.ch/contact

Live Geneva’s nightlife fast and furious...

Live music, shows, all-style clubbing, parties or tailor-made events for your special occasions.

Welcome to the Moulin Rouge in the heart Plainpalais, down town Geneva.

1 avenue du Mail – 1205 Genève // Reservations : + 41 78 810 07 08 OICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016

SCHEDULE

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WRS Schedule Time

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Time

0:00

BBC News

0:00

1:00

WRS Music

1:00

BBC News

3:00

BBC News

5:00

2:00

2:00

3:00 4:00

4:00

5:00 6:00

6:00 Butcher’s Breakfast

6:30 7:10

Dig It!

Learn More

6:30 Kids in Mind

7:10

7:15

7:15 BBC News

8:00

BBC News

9:00 9:40

8:00

Ask the Physicist

Kids in Mind

Dig It!

Learn More

Health Matters

9:45

9:45

10:00

Mid Morning Mix with Katt

Style File

Learn More

Gadget Guru

McKay Interview

10:00

10:30

10:30

10:40

Ask the Physicist

10:40

10:45

10:45 Style File

11:00

11:00

11:30 11:40

11:30 Health Matters

Gadget Guru

Dig It!

Kids in Mind

11:40

11:45

11:45 BBC News

12:00

12:00

12:30

12:30 The Shed

13:00 Ask the Physicist

13:40

Dig It!

13:00 13:40

13:45

13:45 DriveTime

14:00

14:00

14:05 14:40

9:00 9:40

14:05 Kids in Mind

Gadget Guru

Health Matters

Ask the Physicist

14:40

14:45

14:45

15:00

McKay Interview 15:00

15:30 15:40

15:30 Learn More

Health Matters

Kids in Mind

15:40

15:45

15:45

16:00 16:40

Gadget Guru

Learn More

BBC Sports World

16:00 16:40

16:45

16:45 BBC Sports World

17:00 Dig It!

17:40

Health Matters

Ask the Physicist

17:45

17:40 17:45

BBC News

18:00 19:00

17:00

BBC Click

BBC Discovery

BBC Science in Action

18:00 BBC The Y Factor

The Selector

19:00

19:30

19:30

20:00 McKay Interview

20:00

21:00 22:00 23:00

21:00 BBC News

22:00

Candlelit Hour

23:00

BBC World Service News: On-the-hour, every hour.

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OUT & ABOUT

WRS

OUT & ABOUT

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OUT & ABOUT

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Outside broadcasts, listener events and on the road meeting people – in Montreux being Freddie for a Day, moving along with Harsch Transport, golfing at Signal de Bougy, celebrating chocolate in Versoix, having breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, fighting Cheese Wars at La Cure, tracking the UK election at Hotel Warwick, to Infiniti and Beyond with Garage Caveng, debating with Executives International at GEMS Etoy, having a coffee and croissant at CafÊ du Centre, Geneva ...

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OUT & ABOUT

On the Buses...

WRS Presenters Mark and Katt are going that extra mile - with her guitar? You tell us...Katt’s a girl with a lot of get up getting you into work on time with big beaming smiles! and go.

Spreading the WRS message has never been so much fun.

Mark Butcher and Katt Cullen are loud and proud as their larger-than-life pictures whizz around Geneva on the side of two special TPG buses. And the word on the streets? It’s tune-in to WRS on DAB+...

Want to get ahead? Get on a bus. The WRS On the Buses campaign is certainly getting noticed. And you can ride the special WRS/TPG buses until summer 2016 at least, so don’t forget to look out for them. It’s hard to say which route though - Mark and Katt are buzzing around Geneva all day on all circuits.

With Mark shown relaxed and cheerful in the studio it’s hard to imagine that life gets hectic on the Breakfast Show – but WRS on DAB+ - it’s hard to miss the message! rest assured it does. And why is Katt pictured leaping for joy

Tell Us Your Deepest Secrets...

Not really - but you can help us to give you the station you'd truly like by telling us a little about yourself. Take our short survey so we can learn what gets you out of bed in the morning, what you like doing in your free time, what you love (or love less) about WRS - (we're sure you love everything really!!) and you could win a fantastic prize.

Just go to www.worldradio.ch/survey.

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www.clauson.ch

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www.tpgpub.ch

COMMUNICATE WITH COMPLETE FREEDOM!

Give your advertising campaign a boost and plaster your ideas all over the heart of the city and greater Geneva.

With the numerous formats of TPG PublicitĂŠ on buses, trolley buses and trams, you can be visible, attractive and also mobile! info@tpgpub.ch . +41 (0)22 308 39 10

2015-03_A4_TPGpub_english.indd 1

Ideas on wheels

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COMPETITION

WAKE UP AND WIN!

It’s the great WRS and Voice Magazine winter giveaway

© Mauro Rongione

OICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016

Win fantastic prizes worth more than CHF10,000! And it couldn’t be easier ...

COMPETITION

99

Just listen to WRS in the morning for competition updates then click on www.worldradio.ch to enter. Check out the super-simple question, find the answer in Voice Magazine and you’re in with a chance!

PLATINUM PRIZE WIN: A fantastic three-night stay in a designer ski apartment from Attitudes Nendaz – plus FREE equipment hire, FREE ski passes and an exciting day with a mountain ski guide - worth a total of CHF7,000! Invite friends and family to join you in luxury at the all-new Mer de Glace & Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées complex.

The stylish four-bedroom apartment sleeps ten, and combines chalet-charm with easy-access to the slopes. In fact you could throw a snowball to the ski lifts! With full use of the hotel facilities for FREE, relax in the bars and restaurants or indulge at the five-star Spa. (Apartment stay March 10 – 13 2016, worth CHF4,700) Plus: Discover les 4 Vallées with an experienced English-speaking mountain guide, courtesy of Premier Alpine Service (worth CHF430). FREE ski equipment rental for six people, worth CHF1,026, and FREE adult ski passes – sector Printse x 6 (Nendaz –Veysonnaz-Thyon) worth CHF978!

GOLD PRIZE WIN: A luxury four-night escape to the exclusive Chalet RoyAlp Hotel and Spa in Villars -worth CHF2,670! Enjoy five-star indulgence and the hotel’s superb location in the heart of the resort. Perfect for skiing or simply relaxing in style, the Chalet RoyAlp is offering a FREE supercomfortable double room plus breakfast and FREE unlimited Spa access for two guests. Chalet RoyAlp is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

SILVER PRIZE WIN: A pair of high-performance GTX Carve skis from Rip’n Wud - worth CHF1,570!

Exclusive handmade skis from the Haute Savoie workshops of a unique independent company; designed by skiers for skiers. Rip’n Wud wood-core skis are the ultimate in bespoke equipment, perfect for free-skiing or easy ride and fully guaranteed for five years.

WIN with WRS and Voice Magazine. Listen and click on www.worldradio.ch for hundreds of FREE Ski Passes, FREE Spa vouchers, FREE cosy ski hotel breaks, FREE fondue nights and much MORE! OICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016

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Parc Pré Vert Planning a corporate event to inspire some creative blue-sky thinking? With its incredible panoramic views of Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and La Côte, the Parc Pré Vert, Signal Bougy is the perfect venue to combine a seminar with dynamic team-building challenges – all in one location. Families love the outdoor fun too, rounding off an active day at the stylish new-look restaurant.

Parc Pré Vert is unique as a convenient easy-access location between Geneva and Lausanne to meet friends or colleagues. It’s a 110 hectare natural park showcasing the spectacular local countryside. But how about tackling the Parc Aventure tree parcours or a round of mini-golf at the end of a productive session at the conference table? It’s great for team spirit and the forfait seminaire is an unbeatable CHF79 pp, including rental of a fully-equipped meeting room for the entire day, a three-course silver-service meal and two additional tea and coffee breaks.

(Reduced rates for half-day room hire/selfservice dining). The Pré Vert restaurant is also happy to create the ideal bespoke reception or celebration; just indicate your requirements and relax!

Golf Parc: Want to win clients and motivate your managers? Treat them to a training session at the Golf Academy, part of the exclusive service from Golf Parc, Signal de Bougy. With English-speaking professionals on hand to improve your swing on the picturesque 18-hole course, the Academy is the leading coaching centre in Swiss

OICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016

Romande, with an 85-place driving range (23 covered), two putting greens, two chipping greens and two bunkers. Practice all weather and come out on top in spring ... Lunch at the Club House - with its incredible top-of-the world views – should help clinch the deal.

• Golf Parc – 18 holes • Golf Academy – Swiss PGA professionals for lessons, coaching and competitions • Parc Pré Vert – MiniGolf & Parc Aventure (Europe’s largest) - 14 exciting aerial forest walkways • Restaurant (open daily) • MiniLand (mini cars, motorbikes and boats for children) • Indoor play area • Free live music nights • Festivals/Events for families • Farm/Deer Park • Playground

Fondation Pré Vert du Signal de Bougy 1172 Bougy-Villars T: 058 / 568 31 50 www.signaldebougy.ch

SNOW REPORT

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Snow Report Latest conditions in the resorts and weather updates - let WRS keep you informed!

No one knows the snow like WRS ... So tune in to the WRS Snow Report and you’ll be up-to-speed in seconds on the latest conditions on the piste and in the resort at all your favourite ski stations around the region. We’ve got the updates on which slopes are open, how much snow is falling and the best place for a fantastic ski weekend.

Listen to the Snow Report on WRS every Thursday and Friday. We’ll bring you the latest updates in the morning and again in the afternoon – so that you’re prepped and ready to go on Saturday morning! How many lifts are upand-running? How deep is the snow? Skis or snowboard?

Take an extra layer or grab a tube of sunscreen?

SKI FOR FREE Tune-in to WRS and win great free ski days! We’re giving away armfuls of fantastic all-day ski passes worth thousands of CHFs every week throughout the season.

Just listen to win.

HOTEL NEVAÏ Listen to the Snow Report to win an amazing ski weekend worth more than CHF900 at the incredible four-star Hotel Nevaï in Verbier. Discover les 4 Vallées ski domain and the hotel's luxury Spa Plus: les 4 Vallées ski passes x2. A fantastic prize to put a spring in your step this winter!

For dates and details www.worldradio.ch.

The WRS Snow Report - Get the best snow conditions get the best day out.

Subscribe to Voice Magazine Would you like your own copy of Voice Magazine delivered to your door? It would be our pleasure...for just CHF10 per copy to an address in Switzerland or CHF15 per copy to an address in the rest of Europe.

To subscribe just go to www.worldradio.ch/magazine

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LIFELONG KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER

MBA / MASTER BACHELOR Business Administration International Business Banking & Finance Entrepreneurship Family Business Management Oil, Gas & Energy Management Communication & Marketing International Finance INTAKES : JANUARY, APRIL, OCTOBER

University IFM - Institute of Finance and Management Tel : +41(0)223222580 - Geneva - Switzerland

www.universityifm.com

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IF YOU LIKE THE WINTER, YOU WILL LOVE THE VALAIS : WELCOME TO SWITZERLAND !

CHAMPÉRY

In the heart of the village, historic building dates from 1782 Ref. 25640 Approx. 850 m² of internal space over 4 floors . Planning permission for 6 suites.

Restaurant seating for up-to 170. Sun terrace with seating for 40. 2 Michelin standard kitchens and a splendid bar.

Situated on the magnificent central street with traditional chalets. Champéry is a key ski and summer resort in the Portes du Soleil ski area.

Price on request

VERBIER

Magnificent chalet on a south-facing plot Ref. 15341 Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, this chalet can be enjoyed by those who ski and those who don’t. Chalet Bellevarde combines all modern conveniences with the traditional architecture of the Valais region. The interior is decorated with care and selected materials, all top quality and of exquisite taste.

Price on request Please contact David McCRIMMON T. +41 79 923 33 53 mccrimmon@cgi.ch

CGi IMMOBILIER Rue des Bains 31bis I 1205 Geneva

Tel +41 22 809 08 09

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DISTRIBUTION

SIGNY CENTRE T: +41 (0) 22 363 67 00 | WWW.SIGNYCENTRE.CH 300M FROM THE A1 AUTOROUTE, EXIT NYON Easy parking, great shopping and a relaxing experience – Signy Centre is all about convenience! With 50 top-name stores (including a giant Coop supermarket for wonderful fresh foods), you can shop for fashions then relax with a coffee or lunch while the children play at the supervised nursery. Or why not enjoy a workout at

the fitness club? Check out hair salons, a post office, pharmacy, travel agency and dry cleaning. Life is convenient at Signy Centre!

Monday to Thursday: 9am–7pm, Friday until 9pm and Saturday until 7pm. Free parking.

BLANDONNET SHOPPING CENTRE WWW.BLANDONNETCENTRE.CH ROUTE DE MEYRIN 171, 1214 VERNIER Ideally located south of Cointrin Geneva airport, at the crossroads between route de Meyrin and rue du Pré-Bois, Blandonnet Centre offers easy access to a choice of shops and cafés.

Thanks to its indoor parking of more than 1000 places, free for 3 hours, and public transport connections right at the door (tram 14 and 4 bus lines), the Blandonnet Commercial Centre has the largest Coop store in French-

speaking Switzerland, the only Interio store in canton Geneva and other shops such as Dosenbach, Interdiscount, Mobilezone, Yendi, dry cleaning, hairdressing and a pharmacy, not forgetting two restaurants (Coop and Aux Bonnes Choses). The centre is well laid out in a bright and airy environment.

See website for opening hours and events.

LA PRAILLE SHOPPING & LEISURE T: +41 (0) 22 304 80 00 | WWW.LA-PRAILLE.CH RTE DES JEUNES 10, 1227 CAROUGE, GENEVA Relax over coffee or lunch, enjoy bowling with friends or update your fashion look – at La Praille the possibilities are endless.

Check out the choices: ten restaurants & cafes, (including Da Giovanni, Coop, le Panetier, Molino, Martel, E-wok), hair styling & wellbeing, beauty & nails, a bank, the largest Coop hypermarket in

Geneva and a traditional bakery serving delicious bread from a wood oven.

La Praille also offers great family leisure: a 26-lane bowling alley, solarium, fitness club (with heated pool), and children’s nursery. La Praille is open 7/7 (until 9pm Thursdays). Ample parking and public transport.

CENTRE MANOR CHAVANNES T: +41 (0) 22 960 86 99 | CENTRE-MANOR-CHAVANNES.CH | FACEBOOK. COM/CENTREMANORCHAVANNES OFF THE A1 AUTOROUTE AT THE COPPET/DIVONNE EXIT. Centre Manor Chavannes is more than a shopping centre. There are 30 shops ranging from top brands, to household goods to specialized outlets and a large Manor department store and supermarket – stocking local delicacies and a wide range of food from all over the world. Centre

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Manor Chavannes is also an excellent place to relax and eat, with restaurants such as Manora and Planet Caviar. There’s free parking and daycare available as well.

Centre Manor Chavannes, where you’ll find everything. Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 9am - 7pm, Friday until 9pm.

DISTRIBUTION

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FORUM MONTREUX CENTRE T: +41 (0) 21 966 40 20 | WWW.FORUM-MONTREUX.CH PLACE DU MARCHE 6, MONTREUX With a central location close to the lakeshore and more than 600 covered parking spaces, shopping at Forum Montreux Commercial Centre is a relaxing experience that brings you 36 boutiques and stores, plus a leading Migros Marché supermarket. From fashion to electricals and sport, restaurants and cafes (including McDonald's), the centre

offers entertainment for all the family.

Regular promotions and events add to the fun.

Monday to Thursday 9am–7pm (Migros from 8am), Friday until 8pm and Saturday from 9am–5pm, (Migros from 7.30am).

Closed Sunday.

PAYOT T: +41 22 731 89 50 | WWW.PAYOT.CH RUE DE LA CONFÉDÉRATION 7, GENEVA A specialist English bookshop at the heart of the region’s largest book store – that’s Payot English-language books in Geneva. The smart new downtown location represented a chance for Payot to expand its English section. Now Englishlanguage book lovers relax and browse in a cool in-store space with its own ID – plus comfortable sofas and helpful English-

speaking staff. The four-floor Payot offers the largest selection of English-language books in the Lake Geneva region. See an extensive choice in English also at Payot in Geneva-Cornavin, Nyon, Lausanne, Montreux and Vevey.

Monday to Friday 9.30am–7pm, Saturday 9.30am–6pm.

EAUX-VIVES 2000 T : +41 (0) 22 736 90 82 | WWW.EAUX-VIVES.CH RUE JARGONNANT 5, 1207 GENEVA Centre Commercial Eaux-Vives 2000 brings all your favourite boutiques and stores together under one roof, creating a relaxing environment to shop in the heart of downtown Geneva. With underground parking, a large Coop supermarket and café plus a range of independent and big name brands, a pharmacy and hair salon. There’s also the latest electricals, fashion, shoes,

accessories and children’s wear. In fact a trip to Eaux-Vives 2000 is a convenient way to shop in the city centre – no busy roads to cross and you’ll be happy to linger over great options for a snack or lunch break!

Monday – Wednesday 8am–7pm, Thursday to 9pm, Friday to 7.30pm and Saturday 6pm. Closed Sundays.

SHOPPING ETREMBIÈRES T: +33 (0) 450 43 99 88 | WWW.SHOPPING-ETREMBIERES.COM AUTOROUTE A40, EXIT ANNEMASSE, 74100 ETREMBIÈRES, FRANCE Well served by public transport and with ample free parking, Shopping Etrembières is all about keeping it simple and keeping it fun! All the family finds exactly what they’re looking for, plus extras. From sports and fashion to McDonald’s and Migros - familiar faces and new concepts on every visit.

In fact it’s that balance of classic brands

and fresh ideas that keeps Shopping Etrembières at the top of the retail list. With 1,000 free parking spaces there’s always time to relax over a coffee or meal.

Open Monday to Saturday 8.30am– 9pm, (cafés/restaurants closing 8pm), McDonald’s open from 10am.

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DISTRIBUTION

VITAM SHOPPING CENTRE T: +33 (0) 450 84 65 65 | WWW.VITAM.FR 500, ROUTE DES ENVIGNES, 74160 SAINT-JULIEN-EN-GENEVOIS Located at the heart of the Vitam Centre for And what will really set the shine on your retail leisure and wellbeing, the Vitam Shopping therapy? A spectacular setting, restaurants Centre is the perfect place to browse and buy; and a hotel! to seek out original gifts or to treat yourself!

Five minutes from Bardonnex. Free parking.

More than 20 individual stores offer fashion, TPG Bus D Bel Air – Vitam (Wed, Sat, Sun). decoration, wellbeing, beauty and sport – representing more than 90 famous brands.

VOICE MAGAZINE IS COMING TO YOU...

MAGAZINE@WORLDRADIO.CH Voice Magazine is easy to find in public places as you go out and about in the Anglophone community - see pages 104106 for distribution outlets. For full details of shops, schools and other places where you can pick up your FREE copy go to www.worldradio.ch and click on magazine.

New: Prefer a subscription? Sign up and receive the latest issue of Voice Magazine direct at home or at work (details on p101). Alternatively, if you would like FREE copies delivered in bulk to your office or organisation then let us know and we'll be happy to help.

FUTON●CH BB2

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Sheer Driving Pleasure

We offer you the appropriate and exclusive service, for the sheer pleasure of driving an exceptional car. www.facchinetti.ch

Facchinetti Automobiles (Genève-Meyrin) SA Rue des Voituriers 2 | 1217 Meyrin Tél. 022 98 98 100 www.facchinetti.ch

OICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 - WINTER 2016

The festive season is a time of joy and happiness!

Of fun and laughter!

For gifts and surprises….

“It’s also a time that could see you lose Thousands in tax deductions”

We’re sure you’re familiar with the three pillar pension system here in Switzerland and you’re hopefully making the most out of your contributions. But you may not know that unless you pay into the Third Pillar before the 15th December then you could be missing out on thousands in tax deductions for 2015.

Even if you already have a 3rd pillar set up.

• •

Is it up to date?

Are you covered in case of unexpected events?

•

Is it set up properly so you can guarantee property against it?

Call us and one of our qualified little helpers will talk you through the process.

Call 022 710 7864

Also If you live in the Canton of Geneva, did you know you can reduce your taxes further …

So, in between writing Santa’s list, stocking up the log pile and ordering your turkey, give your pension some ‘You’ time and get the best present ever.

www.gwm-intl.com Email: swiss@gwm-intl.com

ICC Business Centre, 20 Route de Pré-Bois, 1215 Geneva 15