Special Issue 30° Luxe Zermatt 2015

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special issue

Zermatt

Preface A winter packed with history It all started with a bet. Or so the story goes. A bet placed by a certain hotel owner from Saint-Moritz, who, in the summer of 1864, managed to convince his clients to visit the Swiss mountains in winter. In the event they were disappointed, he promised to cover both their travel and lodging expenses. In the end, they stayed ... and paid! Voilà! The Swiss winter tourism industry was born.

If we travel back in time to that same period, we can discover the origin of the first ski lifts in Zermatt. In 1890, Leo ­Heer-Bétrix filed a request for a concession for two of these high-altitude installations – one on Gornergrat and the other on the Matterhorn. While the second project was abandoned, work on the first began several years later.

Markus Hasler

Today, Zermatt Bergbahnen SA has 34 lift installations, making it the largest cable car company in Switzerland. For 75 years, in concert with Cervinia and Valtournenche, it has offered its clients an internationally acclaimed ski resort that is blessed with 360 km of slopes, and guaranteed snow!

CEO Zermatt Bergbahnen AG

The boundless joy found on the slopes and in the powder would not be complete without a stop at one of its mountain restaurants. At these establishments – ideally located along the slopes –, gourmet skiers are invited to treat themselves to local specialities or tasty gastronomy in a magnificent alpine setting. And speaking of a perfect day, why not wrap up the day on the slopes with a lovely fondue followed by a night ski run under the stars?

For 150 years, the satisfaction of its customers has and continues to be Zermatt Bergbahnen SA’s number one priority. While it no longer offers satisfaction guaranteed refunds as in the time of the innkeeper from Saint-Moritz, it does make every effort, every day, to ensure your day in one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world is unforgettable. It’s just one more reason why people come to Zermatt!

We’re delighted to have the privilege of spending the winter with you.

POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY TISS OT T- TOUC H E X PERT SO LA R. TACTI LE WATCH P OWERED BY SOL AR E N E R G Y, O F F E R I N G 2 0 F U N C T I O N S I N C L U D I N G W E AT H E R F O R E C A S T, A LT I M ET E R A N D C OMPASS. I N N OVATO RS BY T RA D I T I O N.

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EDITOrial A t Zermatt, every season and every winter is beautiful, bursting with amazing thrills and enthralling feelings. Nestled at the feet of a cascade of peaks reaching up to the heavens, the resort stirs in each visitor echoes of joy, memories of wild snowball fights, beautiful afternoon skiing, views of glaciers as broad as the Amazon, and funiculars and cog trains defying gravity to reach even the highest peaks. Do you remember that lovely smell of underbrush rising with the autumn sun, or that nose-to-nose encounter with a timid chamois before it bolted off through the trees in a deserted vale? Can you recall the song of the bubbling streams, the crunch of frozen snow, the solitary calls of the owl, and, standing guard over all, the glorious lighthouse of the Matterhorn, illuminating this idyllically preserved corner of our world?

For visitors from around the globe, Zermatt is a picture-perfect postcard, an everlasting encapsulation of the best of Switzerland and its beauty, magnificence, charm and fascination. High mountain country, the true heart of the Alps, is hereregardless of what maps might say. It calls, beckons us to slip inside, as if into a cocoon, with the hope

of never having to leave its warmth again. There we take refuge, we find ourselves, we live our childhood dreams and slake our thirst for challenge.

Zermatt endures, firmly anchored; and yet, it continues to reinvent itself. It’s not just a pretty place, but a spirit that lives within all of those-country folk, mountain guides, climbers, skiers, lovers of nature, and their descendants-who have taken it upon themselves to fashion it into what it has become: a prosperous, visionary town, a model of ecologically-minded development (polluting vehicles have been banned since ... 1947!) where man knows-and keeps-his place in nature, where nature itself commands respect. A resort that is chic and yet humane. Beautiful, and yet accessible. Peaceful, and yet bustling with life. 2015 promises to give us all this and more: an extraordinary jubilee taking place throughout the year that will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, with theatre, music, and a highly diverse range of events. A legend within the legend.

A dream within the dream. A corner of the world that we love, and will never stop loving.

Merry Christmas, and happy winter days!

C h r i s t i a n b u g n o n _ Publisher & Editor-in-chief www.30degres.tv

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contents 22 The Matterhorn celebrates 150 years since its first ascent

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News

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Interview Andreas Biner

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Hotel Riffelberg Guaranteed snow!

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Unplugged Festival Pure sound on pure peaks

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Portfolio Michael Portmann and the art of the moment

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GREAT SKIING in the heart of 4000m peaks

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The Ferdinand A winning combination

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Ski touring Another side of Zermatt

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David carlier “We want to show how incredible Valais is!”

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Backstage Hotel Art of the senses

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Gastronomy Ivo Adam adds a pinch of Zermatt to his cooking

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Miele Leaders at the top

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Taxi christophe Cars for the stars from a business that cares

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Samuel Anthamatten A guiding passion

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Heli-Alps New cinematic heights in Valais

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Freeride around the Matterhorn

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Test skis Make this winter unforgettable

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News

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TRENDS: watches

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TRENDS: SPORT

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a new setting for haute horlogerie Schindler

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NEWS

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TRENDS: DESIGN

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DELUXE SPECIAL WINTER ISSUE 2014-2015: ZERMATT | IMPRESSUM 30° Degrees (since 2002)

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Editing, administration and adversiting : CB Communication sàrl | Rue du Simplon 20 – Case Postale 386 | 1001 Lausanne - Suisse | info@cbcommunication.com | www.cbcommunication.com | Tél: +41 21 312 41 41, Fax: +41 21 312 41 11 | Editor-in-chief : christian.bugnon@cbcommunication.com | Assistant : melissa.hertzeisen@cbcommunication.com | Writers (in order of appearance) : Serge Greter, Frédéric Rein, Claude Hervé-Bazin, Sophie Dorsaz, Jean-Marc Sueur, Laurent Deffeyes, Guy Michel, Christian Bugnon, Gabrielle Carrard | Photographers (in order of appearance) : Robert Bösch/ Mammut, joe@rockzermatt.com, Air Zermatt, Michael Portmann, Ski Chalet, Frederik Schenholm, Iglu Dorf, Backstage Hotel, Burgergemeinde, Co-o-peration, sambritz.com, Christian Pfammatter, Visp/Schweiz, Zermatt Tourismus, swatchskierscup.com, matterhorn.ultraks.com/D. Lafond, Kurt Müller, Keystone, Rob Lewis, Marco Kronig/CERVO, Design Hotels, François Perraudin, David Carlier, Backstage Hotel, Beat Perren, Archiv Anthamatten, D. Carlier/swatchskierscup.com, D. Daher/swatchskierscup.com, Nils Herrmann ©Cartier 2013 | Graphic design : florian.blanchard@cbcommunication.com | (Junior) laura.calabro@cbcommunication.com | (DA) christian.bugnon@cbcommunication.com | German translation : Sabine Dröschel | English translation : Simon Till, Paul Subrenat | Photo-offset printing : Images 3 | Printing : IRL plus SA | Publicity : info@cbcommunication.com | Copyright : © 2014-2015 30° degrees magazine all rights reserved. All text and images published are protected by copyright. Unauthorized duplication/copying of all or any part of this magazine is strictly prohibited without the express prior permission of the rightful owners. 30° magazine, a media partner of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) | Magazine printed in Switzerland on FSC-certified paper. This issue is also available free of charge on the iPad and on www.30degrees.tv | Cover : Keystone | Next issue: December 2015

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THE WENGER ESCORT’S SOFTLY ROUNDED CUSHION SHAPED CASE BRINGS A NEW DESIGN ELEMENT TO THE WENGER COLLECTION.

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The Matterhorn celebrates 150 years since its first ascent

To mark the anniversary of the most legendary of all Swiss mountains, Zermatt is planning a number of celebrations in 2015, previewed below.

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Text_S e r g e G r e t e r

Photos_R o b e r t B ö s c h / M a mm u t

he Matterhorn is the ultimate mountain. Its pyramid profile has long captivated the human eye and the photographer’s lens - it is the world’s most frequently depicted mountain - not to mention the imagination of advertisers: Durex covered its peak with a condom, and the Jura brand crowned it with one of their irons.

But, we have to admit, we prefer it au naturel, in its mineral grey coat powdered with white snow.

“Le Cervin”, as it is known in French, today represents both a symbol of ­Switzerland and an icon of mountaineering. Its ridges have witnessed incredible and memorable adventures, with their fair share of joy, betrayal and death – elements forever associated with the very first ascent, which took place on 14 July 1865. On that day, at 1.40 in the afternoon, a group led by the Taugwalder guides, father and son, reached the 4478-metre high summit for the first time. The last 4000-metre high mountain of the Alps had now been conquered! But during the descent, four of the seven men fell to their deaths. Only Edward Whymper, Peter Taugwalder and his son made it back down to the valley alive.

A TRIP BACK IN TIME In the last 150 years, numerous ascents have been made, with the north face finally being mastered in 1931. But the expedition by the original pioneers has always remained firmly embedded in the collective memory. And their story will hold special resonance in 2015, the anniversary year of this first ascent. Numerous events and festivities are scheduled, including an open-air play entitled “The Matterhorn Story”. In Riffelberg, at an altitude of 2660 m, opposite the ­Matterhorn, actors, both professional and amateur will re-enact the conquest of this legendary mountain, in the local Zermatt patois, in German and in English, with translation available in French and Japanese. Thirty-five performances of this show, interspersed with musical entertainment, are planned between 9 July and 29 August 2015. This trip back in time will be accompanied by an “1865 week”, from 10 to 19 July 2015, during which Zermatt will host the longest table in the world, offering a chance for Zermatt natives and visitors to eat and make merry together, dressed in period costume if they wish.

As for the “Extended” Swiss Food Festival (7 to 9 August 2015), on the Friday of the event, tastings will be offered by nineteen of Zermatt’s chefs, boasting a combined total of 265 points in the 2015 Swiss edition of Gault&Millau, where the culinary traditions of the nineteenth century will also be given pride of place.

The Hornligrat route was the one taken by the very first party of climbers to reach the top of the Matterhorn, and to mark the 150th anniversary of the feat, the route was lit up with a thousand lights last autumn, with Mammut’s mountaineering experts and the resort’s guides coming together to form a chain of headlamps. The initiative saw the climbing and outdoor equipment company team up with agency ErdmannPeisker and photographer Robert Bösch, who captured the sparkling scene for posterity.

Reopening of the Hörnli hut Another highlight will be the reopening, on 13 July 2015, of the famous Hörnli hut, the 3260-metre high departure point for ascent of the ­Matterhorn via the Hörnligrat. Its two buildings, now joined together, will offer the highest standards in terms of the power, facilities and water supply expected of a modern building in the high mountains. The streamlined, two-tone building will notably house a wood-panelled dining room with capacity for 142 guests (previously 90), and 151 beds, (previously 170), for greater comfort.

Plenty to allow for some fitting celebrations of this 150th anniversary.

See details of the events at www.zermatt.ch/fr/150

joe@rockzermatt.com

NEWS

Air Zermatt

NEW ARRIVAL - THE BACKSTAGE LUXURY CHALET, 100% VIP Just steps away from the Backstage Hotel, architect-designer-artist Heinz Julen has created the most extraordinary, sleek and refined eagle’s nest: the Backstage luxury chalet. This 5-room chalet, made entirely of larch wood and glass, stands over the village, providing spectacular 360º views of the surrounding mountains, including from its open kitchen! Cosy evenings can be passed (all too quickly) in front of the fireplace, in the cinema room, or in the Jacuzzi that rises through a retractable roof! An unforgettable experience. Rounding out the full VIP treatment, chef Ivo Adam prepares meals on site for guests, and a full housekeeping team takes care of the day-to-day. www.backstagehotel.ch

Ready for some heliski?

Hardcore skiers and snowboarders have only one dream: gliding down untouched fields of immaculate powder. Beyond the runs accessible by mechanical means or those reached by long hikes or climbs, a glorious path points the way: heliski.

It’s the chance to reach the top of a snow covered peak in no time at all, with nothing but you and unspoilt snow. Zermatt provides excellent heliski and heliboarding options. Air Zermatt offers no less than ten different open-space runs, in the company of Alpin Center mountain guides. The most highly coveted, Monte Rosa, starts at 4200 m and heads down a 2600 m vertical drop to Furi. Others start from Äschhorn and Alphubeljoch, Testa Grigia and Cervinia on the Italian side, Lysjoch (with a descent down the Grenz Glacier), and Tête de Valpelline.

Ready for the Big Chill? www.alpincenter-zermatt.ch

Michael Portmann

NEW CHEF IN RESIDENCE AT T ­ HE OMNIA The Omnia has raised its culinary game by acquiring the services of Stephan Kriegelstein.

The 29-year-old chef has a burning passion for his art and has already picked up a Michelin star and a 15-point Gault&Millau rating for his work at La Vetta restaurant at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa. Fashioned using seasonal produce, his breathtakingly original creations have a seductively fresh aroma. www.the-omnia.com

NEW SNOWSHOE TRAIL OPENS The new snowshoe trail running between Täsch and Randa will be marked out just as soon as Zermatt receives its first heavy snowfalls of the season. This relatively easy trail takes around two hours to complete and is ideal for families. Taking in the odd small climb and descent, it winds its way through snow-covered meadows and forests. Hikers can make the return trip via taxi or the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.

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Ski Chalet

www.zermatt.ch/fr/randonnee-hivernale/Randonnees-en-raquettes

ARI GROUP OPENS TWO NEW CHALETS Ari Resort have added two chalets to their accommodation portfolio in Zermatt. Going by the names of Binna and Banja, they feature apartments and duplexes comprising three and a half to six and a half rooms. Accommodating between eight and ten people, the chalets will open in December 2014. Highly functional and extremely comfortable, they offer ski-to-the-door access, a wellness area and views of the Matterhorn, bien sûr! www.ari-resort.ch

ONLINE BOOKING WITH ZERMATT CH AND ZERMATT BERGBAHNEN Visitors to Zermatt can now book all the tickets they need online at zermatt.ch or matterhornparadise.ch, including the Ski Active pass and all Zermatt Bergbahnen’s other ticket packages, such as the First Track, VIP gondola and moonlight ski run passes. Transfers, Kitchen Around seminars, village tours and much more besides can also be booked at the site.

NEWS 3-D FOOT SCAN BY BAYARD The kind of device you might expect to find at your podiatrist or in hospital, this nifty foot scanner allows staff at Zermatt store Bayard Sport to identify the right ski, trekking and hiking boots for your feet – a winning combination of the latest technology and years of experience and know-how.

Destination Freeride Zermatt is the El Dorado of many elite skiers and snowboarders. It’s not hard to understand why: 38 km of yellow runs (if we can call these runs!), under a blanket of deep, un-groomed snow, accessible by ski lift and marked off by the avalanche prevention patrol. Rothorn, the Schwarzsee and the newly accessible domain of Triftji/Stockhorn, offer a series of overhangs and corridors reserved for the more daring. In Stockhorn, riders can set out from the newly-renovated station at an altitude of 3405 m, with a magnificent 1200 m vertical drop. Those bored with the blacks but not yet up to tackling the yellows on their own, can avail themselves of the services of one of the mountain guides from the Alpin Center Zermatt, who are on a first-name basis with every rock on the mountain! www.alpincenter-zermatt.ch

THE IGLOO VILLAGE, REFRESHINGLY ROMANTIC Every winter an igloo village appears just below Rotenboden, at 2,727 metres above sea level. Home to no fewer than 25 igloos, the village looks as if it was sculpted especially for Father Christmas and offers both “standard” accommodation for families and groups of friends, and “romantic” rooms for couples. If you can’t stand the cold, then opt for the hot igloo, which comprises a trapper’s tent with a double bed and wood-burning stove. The village, which opens its doors again on 5 December, also features a large ice bar (just the spot for a daytime stopover) and amazing ice sculptures. As an option, guests can enjoy a fondue evening in their igloo or in the kota, a small and cosy wooden hut with a fireplace. www.iglu-dorf.com

SIP ON MOËT & CHANDON IN A VIP GONDOLA Who said mountains and glamour do not go hand in hand? To prove the point, the Matterhorn-Express is laying on exclusive leather-seated gondolas for romantic trips from Zermatt to Trockener Steg (2,939 m), all with a glass of champagne included – the perfect opportunity to get down on one knee and pop the question or simply gaze away into each other’s eyes. The Matterhorn-Express’ VIP gondolas operate 270 days a year, and bookings can be made one day in advance. www.matterhornparadise.ch/vip

Iglu Dorf

Frederik Schenholm

Michael Portmann

www.bayardzermatt.ch

Backstage Hotel

Le Vernissage cinema Zermatt now has a cinema – and not just any cinema! Le Vernissage is a work of art in itself, designed by Zermatt architect and artist Heinz Julen – known particularly for his moveable chandeliers. In the multi-purpose room, the latest blockbusters will rub shoulders with classics and local films, including “Whympers Weg auf ’s Matterhorn” and “Menschen am Matterhorn”, both filmed in the 1950s with a Super 8 camera by Heinz’s father, August Julen. Mountain guide and ski instructor, he learned the skills of filmmaking from one of his students, none other than Walt Disney himself!

Nearly all films will be shown in their original version with German, English and French subtitles, in two daily showings, at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

Local films will be shown every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 pm. A 2:30 pm showing will be added on days when the weather is bad. More information at: 027 966 69 70.

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www.cineman.ch/fr/seances/theatre/detail.php?theatre_id=328

GRAND HOTEL ZERMATTERHOF: A BLEND OF INNOVATION AND TRADITION Opened in 1879, the Grand Hotel ­Z ermatterhof is a place of legend. Built by the village’s aristocratic families, it has skilfully withstood the passage of time by reinventing itself on a regular basis, its latest refurbishment having come at a cost of more than three million Swiss francs. The rooms have been refitted to suit all tastes, from cosy traditional double rooms to the all-wood chalet suite, while the Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni restaurant has been completely revamped, with the kitchen now open to the dining area. www.zermatterhof.ch

The Ferdinand Fondue Collection 100% pure & made in Switzerland

100% valais VALAIS CHEESE BLEND

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The Ferdinand Fondue Collection 100% pure & made in Switzerland

Ferdinand by Cervo: Après Ski, Fondue, Raclette & BBQ Riedweg 156 | 3920 Zermatt | www.ferdinand.ch | +41 27 968 12 12

Michael Portmann

NEWS

PISTES AND PASTA AT 3,883 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL The newly refurbished Matterhorn glacier paradise restaurant is running a promotional offer every day throughout the winter season, serving up a lift pass and a plate of pasta between 11am and 2pm for CHF100. After working up an appetite on the slopes, it’s the ideal spot for recharging your batteries and warming up, while its large bay windows offer glorious views of the Alps. Energy-efficient and built in line with the MINERGIE-P® standard, the building won the Swiss and European Solar Prize in 2010. www.matterhornparadise.ch/fr/hiver/billets-tarifs/piste-et-pasta

THE JULEN TRADITION GOES ON Counting guides, medal-winning skiers, talented architects-cumartists and hoteliers among their ranks, the Julen family need no introduction in Zermatt. Their hotel chain, Tradition Julen Zermatt, will be adding an eighth establishment to its portfolio in December 2014: the Alpenhof Hotel. Meanwhile, guests at the Hotel Daniela and the Romantik Hotel Julen will enjoy the comfort of new bedding this season, with all the mattresses, bedcovers and pillows being made with wool from the family’s flock of blackface sheep. www.julen.ch

Co-o-peration

THE REFURBISHED HÖRNLI HUT REOPENS The Hörnli hut will reopen its doors just in time for the 150 th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, in July 2015. Sitting at an altitude of 3,260 metres, the hut is the starting point to climb the Matterhorn on the popular Hörnli-Grat route. The new building offers everything you would expect of a high-mountain alpine refuge in terms of energy use, functionality and water supplies, and is guaranteed to meet the expectations of the modern-day climber. www.hoernlihuette.ch

Burgergemeinde

Discover your inner child... on a sled!

Zermatt’s younger residents nickname them “Doc the Bob”or­ “Üz the red horse”. Glorious mounts indeed! The steeds in this case are sleds, which let sparks fly as they speed down local routes. The Rotenboden-Riffelberg descent on a sled takes five to ten minutes, and is a joy for all ages. Trains from Gornergrat Bahn leave about every ten minutes to take riders to the top. Sleds can be enjoyed on other routes as well, though never on ski runs. Equipment rentals: www.bayardzermatt.ch

NEWS

Christian Pfammatter, Visp/Schweiz

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NEW SUITES AT HOTEL ALEX Rarely has a hotel been so deserving of a four-star rating. Fusing modernity and tradition, and combining invitingly snug rooms with others that are more Alpine in style and panelled in wood, Hotel Alex provides its guests with a colourful and cosy retreat. Its four luxury suites have been given a complete make­o ver, one of which – on the top floor – has an exclusive, regal feel to it. The hotel has also invested in sustainable development by replacing all the insulating material on its western and northern façades. www.hotelalexzermatt.com

sambritz.com

THE RIFFELALP RESORT REACHES NEW HEIGHTS Boasting an elegance typical of Swiss hotels, the Riffelalp Resort sits 2,222 metres above sea level and looks out towards the Matterhorn. Proudly sporting its five-star status high above the mountain pastures, and voted Switzerland’s best hotel by Bilanz in 2014, it has never been content to rest on its laurels and continues to innovate in a bid to attract new customers. The newly refurbished spa area is proof of that, offering a relaxing retreat from where guests can contemplate the imposing ­Matterhorn, views of which can also be enjoyed from the outdoor swimming pool. www.riffelalp.com

FUCHS FAMILY BAKERY AND CHOCOLATES How would you like to bring a piece of The Matterhorn back home with you?

Fuchs, a traditional bakery and family owned business, has been fashioning fine breads and delicious chocolate treats every day for over fifty years. You and your taste buds can enjoy any of these in one of the three shops here in Zermatt. Our personal favourite: the chocolate “Klein ­Matterhorn”! What a delight! www.fuchs-zermatt.ch

HAUS HÖRNLIGRAT Adjoining the Hotel Welschen, the five-star Haus Hörnligrat is a new and utterly stylish apartment building that is full of contrasts, with communal areas juxtaposed against mountain views, white walls against wood panelling and a designer fireplace against large black and white vintage photos. Residents have access to a spa area that can be rented out privately and which includes a sauna, Turkish bath, whirlpool, heated loungers and a relaxation room. Outside guests are also welcome. www.welschen-zermatt.ch

ZERMATT OPEN-AIR THEATRE: THE MATTERHORN STORY Running from 11 July to 29 August 2015 and featuring amateur and professional actors alike, The Matterhorn Story tells the epic tale of the first ascent of the famous mountain in 1865, a tale of heroism and tragedy. Some 30 shows will be staged in all at a 700-seat outdoor auditorium on the Riffelberg, which sits above Zermatt at an altitude of 2,600 metres and looks out at the queen of all mountains. Tickets are very reasonably priced and can be pre-booked now. Staged in the Valais dialect, High German and English, the play will be translated into French and Japanese. www.zermatt.ch/fr/150/ Activites-offres-2015

Keystone

Andreas Biner:

“ZeRmatt reaches a critical size” The President of the Zermatt Bourgeoisie shares his vision of the village he was born in.

Past, present and future.

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Text_Frédéric ReiN

ndreas Biner inherited his love of Zermatt from his father, who was ­ a guide and ski instructor. He has walked and skied the mountain’s trails and paths since a very young age. His explorations have extended to the streets of the resort itself, which are home to his notarial practice. You could say he knows the place like the back of his hand. And, as president of Zermatt’s Bourgeoisie (local council) since 2001, he also defends the resort’s interests. This position has led him to manage local public law issues, but also become involved in private economic affairs, given that the council owns and operates around a dozen hotels and restaurants in the village, has shares in several private companies like Zermatt Bergbahnen SA, and runs foundations. Biner sees Zermatt from all sides at once.

The resort is incredibly well known internationally. But has the village really managed to keep its soul? The original mountain village atmosphere can still be felt in many places, especially around Rue de la Gare and the oldest neighbourhoods. The fact of being a car-free resort has a lot to do with it. Admittedly, a few big apartment blocks were built in the past - in the 1970s - and that spoils the overall view of the resort a bit,

but fortunately, it is first and foremost the people who live here, and their connection to the place with its impressive and unique natural heritage, that give Zermatt its soul.

A resort tailored to tourists… Tourist facilities have been developed considerably, in particular thanks to the CHF200m that has been invested in ski lifts over the past 12 years. This has allowed ­Zermatt to become one of the biggest winter resorts in the world. Today, the international ski area has 360km of slopes catering to every skier’s needs and desires. The summer season also has plenty to offer, with 400km of trails for hikers and mountain bikers to choose from, and of course the Matterhorn or one of many other peaks offering a tempting challenge for climbers and alpinists from all over the world.

How do you see the resort’s future? ­Zermatt has experienced a major construction boom over the past two decades, and has now reached a critical size. In the future, we need to focus more on quality - of welcome, in particular - to guarantee our guests’ satisfaction. This is just as important as finding a harmonious balance between tourism infrastructure and our magnificent natural environment. Implementing sustainable development at all levels is one of the keys to Zermatt’s success.

Hotel Riffelberg, guaranteed snow To spot Hotel Riffelberg, you’ll need to look up. Find the Matterhorn, then turn slightly to the left, towards the Breithorn.

It’s right there, graciously nestling midslope, almost 1000 m above the heart of the resort. There’s only one way to reach it, and that’s the Gornergrat cog railway, the highest in Europe. So Swiss!

The skis go on at the doorstep of Hotel Riffelberg. Families go up to the Gornergrat to ski gently down blue or red runs, while the more adventurous head over to the Stockhorn for an exhilarating off-piste run over mogul fields with a 1100 m drop.

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Text_Claude Hervé-Bazin

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ome Swiss hotels are steeped in legend. Riffelberg dates back to 1853, when three Zermatt locals, rallied by the village vicar, set out to build an 18-bed guest house in the midst of the mountains, 2582 m above sea level. It was no mean feat: all the materials had to be lugged up on men’s backs, or by workhorses. It was the dawn of a new era; mountaineering and tourism were becoming increasingly popular, inspired by the new European industrial bourgeoisie’s penchant for unspoilt landscapes.

In 1855, the establishment, known simply as Riffelhaus at the time, saw a team of climbers set out to claim Switzerland’s highest peak, the Dufourspitze (4635 m).

And so the legend was born. Bought by the Zermatt burghers in 1862-who still own it-, the guest house was extended, resisting the passing of time and fashions.

It has once again been refurbished to embrace the present, and will reopen on 19th December. The new design is pared down yet inviting, featuring natural materials: light pine in the bedrooms and suites with their views of the Matterhorn, private bathrooms designed in stone, communal areas rethought for a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, comprising a lounge, après-ski bar and wellness facilities (sauna, steam room, relaxation room). With a Nespresso coffee machine, cosmetics, and even Wi-Fi provided, you can simply curl up and enjoy the setting without giving a thought to the remoteness of the place.

And to top it all, prices also include a delicious five-course meal!

Your own HQ in the heart of the Alps However, the Riffelberg is more than just a good bed for the night... It’s a great base, giving you your own HQ in the heart of the Alps. You can slip your skis on at the doorstep and not take them off until you get back in the evening. Families enjoy going up to the Gornergrat (3090 m) to ski gently

down the blue or red runs, while more advanced skiers can head over to the Stockhorn for an exhilarating off-piste run over mogul fields with a 1100 m drop. Or you might prefer to settle down with a good book, sign up for a torch-lit descent, or career down the sledge runs at Rotenboden. Then, when night comes, all that remains is silence; the stars, the moon and the blowing of the wind. A return to nature. www.riffelberg.ch

The rooms are pared down yet inviting in light pine tones.

MATTERHORN SKI PARADISE.

matterhornparadise.ch Enjoy the runs on up to 360 kilometres of pistes with a spectacular backdrop of mountains. At almost 4000 metres of altitude, Matterhorn ski paradise is the highest winter sports area in the Alps. Skiing and snowboarding 365 days a year – something this unique destination, straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, pulls off with international flair.

Marc Kronig

Located right in the centre of the village, the Marquee tent acts as the festival’s nerve centre, housing the largest temporary concert hall of its kind in Switzerland (48 m across), and holding up to 2000 spectators.

Unplugged Festival

PURE SOUND ON PURE PEAKS From 14-18 April 2015, Zermatt will host the 8th edition of the now famous Unplugged Festival. Why “unplugged”? On this occasion, all the sounds are produced live and acoustically. It’s the quintessence of lyrics and melodies, brought together and shining like a host of snowflakes in the sun.

German singer Malky performs on one of the six stages spread throughout Zermatt during the festival that are reserved for new talent. Cherry on the cake: these concerts are free!

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It’s absolutely amazing! I took the train up to the top of the mountain and the view of the Matterhorn was magnificent!” enthuses Katie Melua, one of the artists headlining the festival in 2014. “Giving a concert while on holiday was awesome. And as for the acoustic side, in my opinion, that’s the best way to enjoy music,” adds the British singer. The cherry on the cake? A helicopter trip plus ski lessons planned by the event organisers for her and all the performers!

James Arthur, whose 2013 eponymously named album vaulted him to the #2 spot on the British pop charts, likewise expressed his amazement. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s like something out of a James Bond film. I loved reinventing my songs just for that occasion.”

Reinvent. Yes, that’s the word. Unplugged is a “music festival, reinvented”.

First and foremost, by the setting. The venues are scattered throughout the village, and artists perform both indoors and outdoors in pavilions, bars, hotels, and on six new talent stages which will host a dozen European bands (performing free concerts). Even better: a stage will be set up at Sunnegga Station, at 2288 m, and another at the Gandegg hut, at 3030 m! “It’s like being in another world!” recalls singer Polly Gibbons, who performed daily for five days alongside Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Now this is what we call extreme jazz: short of breath from the altitude, fingers frozen from the cold!

An extraordinary setting requires extraordinary measures; the quintet’s piano was airlifted to the stage by helicopter.

All of the concert locations share a common thread: no major technical feats here, and very little stress brought about by excessive, impatient audiences. The performers are relaxed, and their notes ring out for the sole pleasure of sharing them with their listeners. The small size of the venues, the close physical proximity, and even the relatively diminutive size of Zermatt itself, all lend to a rare sense of intimacy. “The connection is deeper,” affirms Katie Melua. “It’s a bit like family here,” adds soul artist Aloe Blacc, famous for his hit song I need a dollar. “Our relationship with the public is really different in Zermatt.”

In 2014, over 20,000 spectators agreed. How many will come in 2015 to listen to James Blunt and his peers? www.zermatt-unplugged.ch www.starticket.ch

i Another guest performer on the new talent stages, Marc Aymon from the Valais, has two loves: guitar and acoustic music - a perfect fit for the ­Unplugged Festival! ii Ira May from Basel draws a crowd at the Cervo with her deep, velvety voice. Her motto: soul, heart and grace, and a hint of Amy Winehouse.

“The Matterhorn changes a little bit every day, depending on the weather and the light etc.,” says ­ Michael ­P ortmann. “That’s what makes it so photogenic.”

michael portmann and the art of the moment Text_S e r g e G r e t e r

Photos_M i c h a e l P o r t m a n n

Photography is the perfect way of capturing a fleeting moment forever,” said Michael Portmann, who knows what he’s talking about. Born in Basel and now an adopted son of Zermatt, having arrived in the resort in 1990, Portmann worked as a chef in a number of restaurants before deciding to use a camera to express himself and his passion for nature, sport and the area where he lives. “I love everything about Zermatt: the big mountains, the freedom they give you, the athletes who perform on them, and the two seasons, which provide two very different photographic environments,” said the artist, who runs a film and photo production company and whose portfolio of clients includes Zermatt Bergbahnen, several hotels and the popular Swiss food brand Ovaltine. Just like their chocolate-flavoured bar, his images are “dynamite”. www.mp-production.ch www.michael-portmann.ch

“There’s always something worth photographing on the Gornergrat,” says Portmann.

“This photo, with the skier in the foreground, had been in my mind for a long time, but I had to wait for the conditions to be just right,� recalls the photographer.

This photo was taken in Gstaad in 2007. Michael Portmann had gone to have some fun in the powder with a few friends. Leading snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz came along just after.

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The Best of Lonely Planet 2015 ranks Zermatt in the top 10 must-see towns. And, we might add, must-ski! In addition to its remarkable setting, the highest ski resort in the Alps holds great appeal thanks to the quality of its snow pack. Breathtaking views, 365 days a year of skiing, guaranteed fun ... discover the vast domain of what Lonely Planet calls the­ “diva of ski resorts�.

or ski enthusiasts, Zermatt is the gold standard of ski resorts. Many dream of skiing its picture-perfect slopes. Others, flabbergasted, keep banging on about an astounding number: 360 km of pistes!! Still others love to play border-hopscotch, relishing the idea of having one ski in Italy and the other in Switzerland. And lastly, there are the aesthetically minded, who wish to drink in close-up views of the Cervin and (almost) all its nooks and crannies, something made possible by this skiable domain.

As day breaks, that sun which warms peaks and faces alike, greets those alighting from the Petit Cervin cable car. At 3883 meters up, the first few turns can sometimes leave you breathless (literally as well as figuratively), but short breaks provide glorious opportunities to gaze eye-to-eye at the

GREAT SKIING IN the heart of 4000m Peaks

surrounding peaks. The piste takes you to Testa Grigia and then to Cervinia, where the southern warmth coaxes you into sipping an Italian cappuccino on the terrace. Your warm-up now complete and your legs ready to attack, its time to get up to the Theodulpass for a descent that’s the stuff of legends.

The view ahead? The resort, via the glacier and the Schwarzsee Paradise, in the shadow of the Cervin itself.

Back at Furi, the afternoon sun tempts you to explore the surroundings around Gornergrat, where a cog train valiantly hoists its passengers up, year-round, day after day, to admire the alpine panorama. There, blue or red pistes lead you to the Sunnegga Paradise, from which you can head down the western slopes. An ascent up to the Rothorn Paradise lets you enjoy a view of

the resort and its peaks in the waning daylight. A lovely 1400-metre run later and you find yourself in the streets of Zermatt, where cafés and bars come alive with the après-ski spirit.

Whether coming as a family or for sport and adventure, this ski resort is sure to delight everyone. Hardcore skiers will no doubt relish the challenge of skiing the domain’s full 12,000 metres of vertical drop without going down the same piste nor taking the same lift twice. Those who prefer moderation will enjoy the roughly 75 km of blue pistes. And geeks of all ski levels will be excited to relive their experience on the Matterhorn Ski Paradise Skiline online platform, where they can chart their ski route on an altitude graph as well as share video clips and photos to record their exploits for posterity!

The SwiSS MounTain experience of a LifeTiMe Into the trees and a little above. Dinner in the corner seat, le Chef knows how.

In the family for years and years. Lumber has settled down. Private spa and a cosy chalet. Where the slope ends, you are home. Roomservice knocks with a picnic box. Terrine with brioche and local wine. A last glance of red covers the Matterhorn. www.cervo.ch

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A winning

combination at the Ferdinand

The Ferdinand’s large windows look out onto a breathtaking view of Zermatt and the surrounding mountains.

Juggling modernity and tradition, the brand new restaurant at the Cervo hotel, which specialises in fondue, raclette and other Valais dishes, offers the chic yet informal atmosphere of a New York-style brasserie in a distinctly Alpine setting.

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Text_Serge Greter

he Cervo hotel has done it again, with a recent ranking by the ­SonntagsZeitung newspaper placing it amongst the 25 best 5-star Winter establishments. The Ferdinand has left the temporary wooden chalet set up on the site of the Zermatt Unplugged festival for a permanent location. And not just any location… it is now based at the foot of the hotel, from where, through its large windows, it enjoys an uninterrupted view of Zermatt and the mountains. “Fondue restaurants are often rustic, lost in a cellar without a view,” explains Daniel F. Lauber, its proprietor. “Here, the opposite is true. We’ve also extended our après-ski terrace, which is located right out front.”

This new gourmet venue, intended to complement the gastronomic range already on offer at the Cervo, therefore serves fondues... “There are some made with Vacherin cheese or half-and-half (equal parts Gruyère and Vacherin), which can come with different seasonal ingredients (truffles, pear, etc.), and there’s the Ferdinand special, a half-and-half combined with 10% raclette cheese. We also offer raclette – with various AOC cheeses – and charbonnade.

“We wanted to highlight Valais produce, including wines,” continues Daniel Lauber. Cold meats are even displayed behind glass, while a fine meat slicer sits in the middle of the dining room, which has seating for forty guests.

www.ferdinand.ch

Design Hotels

Warm materials, sleek design “The idea was to transpose the style of a New York brasserie into the broader concept of a fondue restaurant, in keeping with the setting and relaxed atmosphere,” adds Daniel F. Lauber. As for the decoration, the solid oak floor (“larch was too rustic”), echoes the high ceilings of white-painted wood. A wrought iron fireplace, brought in to match the one in the hotel lounge, blends in perfectly with the stainless steel fittings and the blackboard on which artists are invited to express themselves. “We have made use of warm materials, but we have employed them in a manner which is very sleek, contemporary, younger.

Until six pm, this is an après-ski venue, before shifting into restaurant mode in the evening.” The atmosphere is intended to be much more festive here than in the hotel’s plush lounge. Musicians also perform on the terrace, or inside in bad weather. In short, the Ferdinand reflects the concept of the Cervo hotel, by marrying tradition and modernity. On the one hand, an old first name, that of Daniel Lauber’s grandfather, which evokes an immense cultural and culinary heritage. On the other, a sense of truly embracing the contemporary world. A winning combination.

Daniel F. Lauber with his family.

A panoramic view from the summit of the Mettelhorn. Left to right: the massifs of Mischabel, Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn and the Dent d’Hérens, then the ‘Imperial Crown’ with Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn and Weisshorn.

Another side of

Already familiar with Zermatt’s skiing area? Then why not set out on an adventure around the Matterhorn and discover the area’s natural side in the company of a mountain professional? A pair of skins on your skis and a little physical effort are all you need to get up close and personal with the ­four-thousanders.

Subtle shades of twilight on the Mischabel massif

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urrounded by 38 summits exceeding 4000 metres in altitude, it’s easy to understand why Zermatt attracts so many visitors. These are skiing enthusiasts above all, thanks to its 360 kilometres of marked-out slopes, but also those who appreciate peaks in their natural state. In the interests of safety, heading out to the backcountry requires solid experience or supervision by a professional guide. Join us for a preview of what the highest resort in the Alps has to offer…

Sitting majestically on the outskirts of the ski resort, at a height of 4164 metres, the Breithorn offers an ideal starting point. However, despite its reputation as an “easy 4000er” and its proximity to the slopes, this is nonetheless a highmountain route, crossing glacial terrain. Leaving from the Klein Matterhorn, which can be reached by ski lifts, 300 metres remain to be conquered before making the summit, with its view over the 4000ers of the Zermatt arc. For their descent from here, skiers have two options: returning to the Klein Matterhorn to rejoin the skiing area, or going back down to Furri via the impressive Schwärzegletscher glacier. This will involve 2000 metres of skiing, never very steep but through an impressive Alpine setting, not unlike the famous Vallée Blanche in Chamonix.

At a lower altitude and less populated, Torre di Castelfranco is accessible via the Stockhorn lifts, east of the resort. Amid the Monte Rosa Massif,

this summit will take your breath away with its panoramic view of the valleys of Zermatt and, on the Italian side, Anzasca. And if the 200-metre altitude difference between the end of the ski lift and the summit is not enough, the journey can be combined with an ascension of the neighbouring peak, the Cima di Jazzi. The vast glacial plateau of Findel next brings the skier to Fluhalp, then back onto the slopes.

Flanked by two magnificent four-thousanders (the Rimpfischhorn and the Strahlhorn), the Adlerpass, perched at a height of almost 3800 metres, can be climbed in the course of a day. Leaving from the services at the Stockhorn (3400 m) or the Unterrothorn (3104 m), the most experienced can even come close to the 4000 mark by continuing on to Strahlhorn. From the pass, skiing down the tracks left by the ascent, the way back to Zermatt is clear.

But it is also possible to take the Saas-Fee Valley route to reach the Britannia Hut, some 800 metres further below. Beautiful and wild, this option works perfectly in combination with an ascension of the Allalinhorn early the following morning.

Prepare your trips with: www.alpincenter-zermatt.ch p (Zermatt guides office) www.meteosuisse.admin.ch p http://map.geo.admin.ch/ p (topographic maps) www.slf.ch (avalanche reports) p

The Matterhorn and Platthorn in the middle of the day

w w w.cbcommunication.com | Photos: Yves Garneau & Ned Dawson

Heli-Alps – A compAny Above tHe clouds Wishing for a charming picnic on an alpine glacier? Granted. You can now be helipor ted to the place of your dreams. A great way to indulge when celebrating a ver y special occasion!

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Enshrouded by a halo of light and fumaroles, the majestic Matterhorn looks like something off a film set – very fitting for shooting “13 Faces of Valais”.

˝We want to show how

incredible Valais is!″ In 2015, the Valais canton celebrates the 200 th anniversary of its entry into the Swiss Confederation. The canton’s officials want to mark the event and promote the region with a series of 13 ˝star projects˝, to tie in with the 13 stars on the region’s flag. For sports, they have selected a film project entitled ″13 Faces of Valais˝. The film, a blend of photos and videos, is the brain child of David Carlier, Communications Manager for the Freeride World Tour and professional photographer. Interview.

The Dent Blanche, linking Zermatt with the Val d’HÊrens, takes on a nearly Himalayan appearance when covered with a thick white blanket of snow swirling in the northern wind.

Claude-Alain Gailland and Gilles Janin hydrospeed down a rill of the Aletsch glacier. It’s the longest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO world heritage site.

i Carefully planned thrills: Claude-Alain and Gilles examine the rills to plan their ride and assess the risks. o A crane-mounted HD camera is used for smooth tracking shots over the frozen river.

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David Carlier, your feature-length film «13 Faces of Valais» aims to portray Valais as a thriving sports hub over its four seasons and 13 districts. Your project has taken shape throughout the filming process. Tell us about the concept behind it.

Initially we were going to cover professional freeriders, but it seemed a shame to have such a narrow focus. Instead, we decided to broaden the scope to include other disciplines, to show a wider array of Valais’ sports activities between 2014 and 2015. So the concept is to follow 13 people, each showing a different side to the canton. They’re all in different districts and we go up the Rhone river over the seasons, from peaks to plains. It’s all centered around water, which has shaped the canton and underpins the whole film.

The word “face” refers to both the mountains and, more specifically, the faces of different people. The main thing for us is that the local people will be proud of their region when they see the film next August. We want to show how incredible Valais is! We’re pulling out all the stops, and using sophisticated technology to show the very best of Valais, such as cineflex cameras mounted on helicopters.

You are originally a professional photographer. How do you combine photos and films in this project?

The photos show the making of, and will be used to promote the film. We’ll be keeping the suspense going by posting them on social media and our website until the film’s première next August. After that, we’d like to take the film on tour to different towns, and hold events around it. If we do that, the photos could be used for an exhibition.

Filming of “13 Faces of Valais” began last summer; it will be screened in August 2015 during the official bicentenary festivities. www.13facesduvalais.ch

Who are the 13 people we’ll see in the film?

I can’t give too much away, but most of them are sportspeople. We’ve got a mountaineer, a hut keeper, a helicopter pilot, and a mountain biker amongst others. Local delicacies and heritage will also be featured, including a wine maker and a Herens cattle farmer. Within quite a small area, we’ve picked out some legendary and very likeable characters. Some of them are wellknown for their sports achievements, others just have a really good story to tell. Their paths cross and become intertwined during filming, which goes to show that it’s like one big family in the mountains, where everybody knows each other, or almost.

Did you work with the Valaisan people to produce the film?

Yes, we wanted to use local people. They’re part of the core team on the project, but we also bring in specialists depending on what we’re filming.

Last summer for example, we worked with Valaisan guides to ensure the team’s safety.

David Carlier captures the action during the filming of “13 Faces of Valais”.

In Zermatt, any good, selfrespecting hotel must be nestled in the shadow of the Matterhorn.

Naturally, the Backstage is no exception to this divine rule.

the Backstage Hotel

heinz julen’s art of the senses

Designed by Zermatt architect and artist Heinz Julen, the Backstage Hotel, situated in the heart of the ski resort, has much more to offer than just gorgeous views of the Matterhorn: guests are immersed in an artistic world where music, painting and tradition combine as one.

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Text_SOPHIE DORSAZ

The spa at the Backstage Hotel is centred around the creation of the world.

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he Julen family needs no introduction in Zermatt. Heinz Julen’s father, August, a mountain guide and film director, made the first films of the ski resort and local climbing expeditions back in the 1950s. Today, his three daughters Vrony, Moni and Leni, all run well-known restaurants and hotels in Zermatt, designed by their younger brother Heinz, a celebrated architect and artist who also owns the Backstage Hotel, one of Zermatt’s most outstanding locales. It is home to 12 bedrooms, six lofts, a restaurant, café, sports store, exhibition room, a cinema showing Julen’s father’s films every week, and a quite amazing space devoted to the rest and relaxation of guests.

Born in 1964, Heinz Julen owes his first name to an American client of his father, a mountain guide: Mr. Heinz, of the ketchup with the same name!

A ski instructor in his younger years, painter, sculptor, interior decorator, designer, architect, Heinz Julen is all these and more.

g The Vernissage room, with its masterful chandeliers standing vigil, is a work of Heinz Julen.

o In the Café du Théâtre, open spaces blend nicely with large picture windows.

s A restaurant or an art gallery?

You decide.

Air Zermatt relies on Mountain Hardwear and Scarpa Three partners committed for your safety and comfort on the mountains!

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SINCE 1978

i Bathed in red-rose tones, a deluxe king room and its large free-standing bathtub beckon to lovers. oo With their unique style, the hotel’s six cube lofts transport their hosts into a world where imagina-

tion and art intertwine. o With a ceiling height of 3.70 m, these loft cubes are not afraid to perch their beds on the heights!

Heinz Julen, why have you brought all these things together in a hotel? Is it because you like making big statements?

It all started with the Salle Vernissage, which is both an exhibition space and a cinema. Back in 1991 we used it to stage concerts and shows. Twenty years on, I’ve added the Backstage Hotel, which wears its name well!

That was the room where the Zermatt Unplugged Festival was born.

That’s right. It was no easy task getting people to come to Zermatt for a single concert. Thomas Sterchi had been running the Vernissage for years and together we had the idea of staging all these events in the same week. The very first Zermatt Unplugged took place in the Vernissage and it’s still hosting concerts throughout the event and on club nights.

The artists stay at the hotel, so the whole place is alive with music.

When designing the hotel, you were very careful to preserve that artistic atmosphere. Tell us about your approach.

In designing the Backstage Hotel, I wanted to stay loyal to the inspiration behind the Salle Vernissage,

which has a wonderful atmosphere stimulated by the music and the exhibitions it stages. So what I wanted to do was create moods in which people feel good. I designed the architecture, the furniture and the décor, and my own personal style became the common theme that runs through the hotel.

Guests can feel that and that’s what makes the Backstage a pretty unique place. It’s a mix of tradition, art and culture, all of it enveloped in a very contemporary style.

The wellness area really encapsulates the uniqueness of the experience.

The seven rooms in the wellness area tell the story of the world’s creation in seven days, according to the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament. First, the visitor passes through a steam room, with shafts of light piercing through the darkness, before discovering the separation of air and water in a second room where droplets of hot water offer deep relaxation.

The rooms that follow take the visitor on a journey into the world of plants, the creation of planets… through to the seventh day, where the art of rest and contemplation unfold. It’s more than just a spa.

What we offer is a unique experience that combines body, spirit, art, music and nature.

Chef Ivo Adam’s work at Seven d’Ascona has been recognised, with a score of 16 points awarded by Gault & Millau

Ivo ADAM adds a pinch of Zermatt to his cooking For the third consecutive season, the Seeland chef will have his winter quarters at the Backstage Hotel Vernissage in Zermatt.

We met up with this prodigy of Swiss gastronomy, who enjoys cultivating his image as well as his culinary skills.

ii  A selection of courgettes (hot and cold) as an amuse-bouche. i  For dessert, Seeland apples roasted with Christmas and Asian

spices including ginger and jasmine.

ii Herens veal tartare with broth and red rice. i Sheep’s milk panna cotta, Granny Smith and tarragon sorbet, sweet and sour garden peas.

Valais mountain cheese parfait with pistachio/wasabi cream, avocado and watercress

Ivo Adam’s signature dish is a Seven classic: avocado carpaccio with vinaigrette, lemon crème fraîche, Frutigen caviar, walnuts and garden pea shoots.

BRINGT JEDE K ÄSEPL ATTE ZUM SCHMELZEN. Fine Food steht für Spezialitäten von erlesener Qualität. Wie der besonders cremige Brie aus der Kartause Ittingen.

Dort wird er aus hofeigener Rohmilch von Hand hergestellt. Während der Rei-

Für besondere Momente.

fung verleihen ihm ausgewählte Weissschimmel-Kulturen seinen typisch feinen und dezenten Geschmack.

Die meisten Fine Food Käse sind in den grösseren Coop Verkaufsstellen im Offenverkauf erhältlich.

At 37, Ivo Adam embodies the new generation of Swiss gastronomy.

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Text_Frédéric Rein

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e has a taste for the good things in life, matched by a gift for communication. With his seductive physique, entrepreneurial spirit, athletic rigour and the kind of creativity found only in the truly passionate, Ivo Adam is a towering presence in the Swiss culinary landscape. Back in 2004, the very year he graduated from Thoune ­ ollege, he released a CD of recipes Catering C recited against a background of rap music, aimed at encouraging young people to eat healthily, which went on to sell over 100,000 copies! The young chef from Seeland followed this up by being twice crowned world cookery champion as part of the Swiss team – and its youngest member – and once individually. In 2007, he became executive chef at the Seven restaurant in Ascona (Ticino), rated 16/20 in the Gault&Millau guide. In this role he embodied the new generation of Swiss gastronomy, alongside cooks such as Andreas Caminada and Stéphane Décotterd. Heinz Julen then asked Adam to join him at the After Seven, in his Backstage Hotel Vernissage, in Zermatt. This winter, Ivo Adam will be working there for the third consecutive season. Now 37, Ivo Adam, ambassador for the Coop Fine Food range, continues to play with the presentation of his dishes, while magnifying the very essence of his creations.

is simultaneously authentic, sublime and simple.

The wind, the snow, the sun, the mineral world and all its colours offer magical and unforgettable moments. This is, in fact, something I try to bring across in my menu.

What is your connection with Zermatt? I literally fell in love the first time I visited ­Zermatt.

During my years of apprenticeship, I used to spend time in resorts like Saint-Moritz, Arosa or Crans-Montana, but Zermatt has a special charm for me, so much so that I ended up renting an apartment there all year round! The resort

What projects are you currently working on? After Ascona (Ticino) and Zermatt, the Seven group is about to open a third establishment in Lugano. In parallel, I’m in the process of putting together a new cookery book.

What is special about the menu you offer in Zermatt? Guests choose a menu composed of either four or seven dishes. Before each of them, an entrée is served, which presents the key elements they’re going to find on their plate. We place a great deal of importance on presentation, trying to transpose the beauty and authenticity of the mountains into our dishes, to create a truly impressive effect. With this in mind, we use stones, foam and ice. And, of course, local Valais produce is given pride of place.

For a long time, you were referred to as the new Swiss Jamie Oliver. Were you flattered or annoyed by the comparison? At that time, when I was reciting my recipes over rap music or presenting cookery shows on TV, it was something quite new. But I don’t think there were many well-known young chefs in the 2000s who weren’t compared to Jamie Oliver! It was neither a help nor a hindrance to me, but it’s a long time ago now in any case.

www.ivoadam.ch

This dessert is composed of an egg filled with rhubarb and Rooibos tea zabaglione, a geranium-infused strawberry sorbet, atop a beetroot and pink peppercorn compote.

Markus Miele and Reinhard Zinkann, the heads of German domesticappliance manufacturers Miele, discuss their love of the mountains.

Miele’s leaders at the top Text_J e a n - m a r c s u e u r

Always at the cutting edge, always better” is the philosophy of German domestic-appliance manufacturers Miele, a near mantra that has been shaping its destiny since the start of the company in 1899. The enterprise has been true to its word, now generating turnover of 3.22 billion euros and employing 17,660 people in more than 100 countries. The empire is headed by Markus Miele, 46, and Reinhard Zinkann, ten years his senior, co-owners of the group and the great grandsons of the company’s founders. Demanding and dynamic, much as their predecessors were, the two visionaries spoke to 30° at the opening of the fully refurbished Miele Gallery in Crissier, Vaud. To get an alternative take on these two influential people, we decided to talk about winter holidays….

swim in the pool or a nap); and a nice meal with a good bottle of wine. That said, it’s the children who often dictate the pace of the day.

Reinhard Zinkann I’ll go with Markus’ schedule, though my 19-year-old boy would see it as a day off. He sometimes goes off-piste skiing, but always with a mountain guide. Safety comes first!

Have you spent any time in Zermatt?

Reinhard Zinkann : I went there once with a friend but that was 30 years ago. I remember it having a very special atmosphere, which was mostly down to the car-free nature of the resort. I think it’s a very cosy little village, and you only come across people who’ve actually chosen to be there. There are no tourists who are just passing through. And on top of all that it’s also got some excellent restaurants.

What do you look for in a winter sports resort?

Reinhard Zinkann There are four essential criteria as far as I’m concerned: the atmosphere in the village is hugely important because I don’t like places where you have people coming and going the whole time. Then there are the slopes themselves, how good they are and how easy or difficult it is to get from one place to another. At my age, the quality of the facilities on offer in the village also really matters, and that means good hotels and chalets and, above all, first-class restaurants. More than anything, I also value spending time with my friends, so I’ll always choose where they are over anywhere else.

Markus Miele I agree with Reinhard, but for me it’s the opportunity you have to actually get out there and ski that matters. I’ve got young children and it’s a key factor for me, as are good restaurants.

What does a good day’s skiing involve?

Markus Miele It all comes down to three key moments: the actual skiing, with one or two breaks; a little rest and recuperation (a session in the spa, a

A state-of-the-art showroom Miele’s avant-garde approach is reflected in the new Miele Gallery in Crissier, Vaud. Completely refurbished and opened last October, this 800 sq. m. showroom is home to more than 230 of the household-appliance brand’s products, all on display in a contemporary kitchen setting. It is a futuristic world, the centrepiece of which is a 3-D virtual touch screen that allows users to set up their kitchen in real time. Technology at its most cutting edge.

Contemporary style and pure lines: the new showroom in Crissier (Vaud) was designed using the same concept applied to other successful Miele galleries around the world, such as those in Singapore and Moscow.

Each type of household appliance has its own dedicated space, where customers can ask for and receive the advice they need in relaxed surroundings.

An inspiring new range of built-in appliances from Miele Endless combinations, high quality materials and intuitive operation – these are the hallmarks of Miele’s new generation of kitchen appliances. However you choose to combine them, they will fit seamlessly with your lifestyle. We call it Design for life. www.miele.ch

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Taxi christophe Cars for the stars from a business that cares From the average tourist to big names, Taxi Christophe ferries them all up to Zermatt. We talked to this family business which has grown hand in hand with the resort’s reputation.

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axi Christophe is at their clients’ beck and call 24/7. Since 1972 not a booking has been missed, nor a customer let down. It’s something the taxi company prides itself on; they clock up the miles almost religiously. Carefully and patiently, always ready to go the distance. Indeed, their devotion to their customers would impress Saint Christopher himself, after whom the business is named. “We chose him because he’s the patron saint of travellers”, explains Franz Imesch, a fervent adept of Zermatt’s mountains and the Patrouille des Glaciers, and currently in the driving seat of the family business. “But with an increasingly international clientele and the advent of Internet, we dropped the “Saint” to keep it simple.”

The business has come a long way over the last 42 years. Having started off as a small petrol station with 9 parking spaces, Taxi Christophe now has around 15 full-time staff, 240 parking spaces - along with a taxi service between Täsch and Zermatt, owns several limousines for airport transfers, a petrol station, a car rental agency, a breakdown service commissioned by Touring Club Suisse (TCS), a garage, and offers various transport services (equipment, luggage, etc.).

“We’ve had to adapt to the continual increase of tourists and their needs,” comments Franz Imesch. “We do 1100 airport runs each year to pick customers up in one of our 14 Mercedes. But it’s the car park and Zermatt transfer service that is the most successful. Demand is always higher than supply, and customers have to book in advance like they would for a table in a restaurant!” In spite of that, Taxi Christophe has chosen not to increase their capacity for this service.

“We want to remain small and exclusive, so that we can really look after our customers. Almost 95% of them are loyal to us. The family atmosphere is the key to our success and we need to hold on to that. However, we will be expanding our services in Zermatt, with electric taxis that we have invested in.”

Back seat celebrities Their customers often include famous faces, particularly celebrities who come to perform at the Zermatt Unplugged Festival. So, do they have any anecdotes

to share? “In 2010, when the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted, we had to drive a group from the Unplugged Festival to the nearest airport that was open - in Rome! - so they could fly to the United States, where they were expected,” replies the boss of Taxi Christophe. “We often come across celebrities in our cars unexpectedly, as the bookings are made under a different name. Once we had a singer who arrived in Zurich late in the evening and demanded a helicopter to come and pick her up from the motorway when she realised the driver had gone through Vevey, which was going to take an extra 30 minutes!

Another time, the bodyguard of a head of State got bitten by his dog. Luckily we had a first aid kit in the limousine!” You have to be prepared to tackle any eventuality when you’re on the road! www.3535.ch

Photo of the Imesch family, owner of Taxi Christophe. From left to right: Franz, Karoline, Daniela, Janine and Leander.

Samuel, bottom, and Simon Anthamatten reach Zmutt ridge on the Matterhorn

Beat Perren

Samuel Anthamatten a guiding passion

new cinematic heights in Valais

Freeriders, film directors and TV journalists ­rejoice! As well as having some of the most beautiful peaks in the world, Valais now boasts a Cineflex camera. Owned by Heli-Alps, it has already been used to shoot part of the film­ “13 Faces of Valais”.

The Ecureuil B3, ideal for transportation and working in the high mountains of the Alps, takes off over the Trient Glacier after dropping off its VIP passengers.

On stand-by at the bivouac on Mont Dolent early in the morning, during shooting of the film “13 Faces of Valais”

Ned Dawson

The new Bell 429 owned

by Héli-Alpes, hovering over the summit of the Matterhorn.

Surrounded by white, pilot Vincent waits to see how the weather develops before cutting the rotor and letting his passengers disembark.

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s people like Ernesto Bertarelli, Bill Gates and members of royalty (among others) tend to appreciate anonymity, the list of mountain-loving celebrities to have graced the cockpit of one of the eleven Heli-Alps helicopters is a long one. For the filming of “13 Faces of Valais”, a rather special VIP was added to this list. Known as Cineflex, aka “The Ball”, it is a true star among aerial image cameras. Bought for a cool million by the Sion-based firm, it is fixed at the front of the helicopter in a ball, hence its nickname.

The Cineflex camera has been used by the cinema and television industry for the last decade, and has become the norm at events such as the Tour de France and the Xtreme de Verbier. Switzerland has only a handful of these cameras, which provide HD images while also compensating for the vibrations of the helicopter onto which they are attached.

Naturally, this technology was perfect for capturing many of the aerial sequences in David Carlier’s film (see interview on page 50). “We’re really proud to have helped bring greater exposure to our beautiful canton in this truly ambitious film, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its entry into the Swiss Confederation!” explains Jean-Daniel Berthod, 54, co-founder of the company. His colleague and friend Jean-Luc Grech, 64, agrees. Over the years, this enthusiastic pilot has become accustomed to flying and shooting alongside talented freeriders including the Falquet brothers, Géraldine Fasnacht and Xavier de le Rue. “But my best memory was when TF1 commissioned us to fly in the footballer Bixente Lizarazu, so that he could take an impeccable ride on the demanding couloirs around Lac d’Emosson!” With the purchase of “The Ball” and the likely success of “13 Faces of Valais”, there are surely many more great memories ahead for the Bagnes native.

It seems a long time since he and a group of mates, the third accomplice being Francis Sermier, set out on the adventure which would become Heli-Alps by buying an old Alouette II from the army for a few tens of thousands of francs!

In May this year, the trio splashed out seven million for the latest-generation luxury 8-seater twin-engine Bell 429. The acquisition was primarily

intended to bolster their VIP service, but can also be used for the company’s established areas of activity, such as sightseeing and business flights, taxi services, construction work (although not for transporting materials with a sling, which is a speciality of Air-Glaciers – Ed.), event management, and heli-skiing. Thanks to its capacity and twin engines, the Bell 429 will enable them to start transferring injured patients too. And coupled with their Cineflex camera, which is also infrared and functions at night, the aircraft can track fugitives or locate missing persons. All this should provide plenty of drama, cinematic and otherwise, for Jean-Luc Grech and his friends!

Ned Dawson

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The gyro-stabilised Cineflex camera provides clear, smooth aerial shots. The entire optical system is contained in a ball, which can be attached to various kinds of helicopters, with a fibre-optic link to the body of the camera, located in the cockpit next to the operator.

Seen from above, the mountains surrounding Zermatt embody an infinite stretch of ridges, slopes and snowy combs – an inviting scene for freeriders. At the top of the picture you can make out the Matterhorn, the Dent d’Herens and the Dent Blanche.

Freeriding around the matterhorn D. Carlier / swatchskierscup.com

D. Daher / swatchskierscup.com

A competitor in the Swatch Skiers Cup leaves his trace on a stunning face, where no skier seems to have gone before.

The legendary pyramid of the Matterhorn has a tendency to overshadow the surrounding area. But Zermatt has many other assets, not least some amazing off-piste excursions. It is, after all, the highest freeriding resort in the Alps.

Fresh snow, far from the crowds – this is a unique experience, to be undertaken in the company of local guides.

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he emblematic Alpine resort of Zermatt offers an extraordinary mountain panorama, with some 38 peaks higher than 4000 metres, including the ­Matterhorn.

360 kilometres of marked-out slopes zigzag between summits and glaciers. Not bad, but there’s even more.

Zermatt, although not so well known for it, is also a huge playground for freeriding enthusiasts. Intrepid skiers take to nonsecure, off-the-beaten-track slopes, where the laws of the mountain prevail. It is therefore advisable only to venture to these places in the company of professional guides, with all the appropriate safety equipment (an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, as well as the essentials for crevasse rescue).

To the east of the resort, there are several good options around the Stockhorn. From the cable car stop, at 3405 metres, under the imposing face of a rocky peak, an initial run is easily accessible after a quick crossing of the north flank. Further along, continuing to Stockhornpass, a second descent can be seen under the Monte Rosa Massif; it passes over Findel Glacier, on gentler slopes than the previous option. Both routes lead to Gant, offering a final 1200 metres of skiing through wild terrain.

On the other side of the resort, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car, stopping at an altitude of 3883 metres, carries freeriders to the vast whiteness of Theodul Glacier, which stretches out at the very foot of the famous pyramid of the Matterhorn. The first part of the descent takes place on a marked-out run, as far as the Italian border at Testa Grigia, before reaching Theodulpass. The classic route follows the left bank of the glacier, although experienced freeriders will love the alternative path along Triftji Glacier, which is a steeper and more athletic descent. Both runs culminate in a gorge which has plenty of snow in high season, but which must be crossed on foot when the powder is in short supply… Far from the busy slopes and ski lifts, these off-piste trails immerse skiers in the true atmosphere of high-altitude mountains, under the watchful gaze of the lord of the manor.

For those not put off by an hour-long trek with skins on their skis, the Schwarztor route guarantees another sensational experience.

From the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, following the glacier under the Breithorn, this descent is in many ways reminiscent of the Vallée Blanche in Chamonix. A whopping 2000-metre descent will take you back to Furi!

The orientation and altitude of the runs ensure snow conditions which are often exceptional. From the east to the west of the resort, under the Monte Rosa Massif and as far as the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt offers breath-taking spaces of true freedom.

p www.alpincenter-zermatt.ch (Zermatt guides office) p www.meteosuisse.admin.ch p http://map.geo.admin.ch/ (topographic maps) p www.slf.ch (avalanche reports)

Chamonix

www.julbo-eyewear.com

Qui sont-ils?

En vente en kiosque et sur iPad

www.bilan.ch

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Michael Portmann

NEWS

A NEW LOOK FOR ZERMATT SNOWPARK Formerly known as Gravity Park, the newly named ­Z ermatt Snowpark has been completely revamped and now features more than 20 rails and boxes as well as five medium and large jumps, which should make it a big hit with everyone, not least novices, who can learn the ropes on the specially equipped Beginners’ Line.

Michael Portmann

www.snowpark-zermatt.ch

A slice of Japan in Matterhorn country Understated elegance, refined and relaxed. Such is the décor at the new Japanese restaurant in the Albana Real hotel, where visitors are invited to unwind in an ambiance worthy of the Land of the Rising Sun. Feast the senses on sushi, sashimi, miso soup, and an assortment of meats and fish cooked before your very eyes. www.hotelalbanareal.com

MOVIES IN THE MOUNTAINS Who says skiing and a trip to the movies don’t go together? A ticket to the Matterhorn glacier paradise – which, at 3,883 metres above sea level, is the highest cable car station in the Alps – gives you admission to screenings in a mini cinema created in the heart of the Breithorn caves. With its blue colour scheme, the picture house has been designed to make patrons feel as if they are inside a crystal.

The cinema showcases the fabulous world of the mountains surrounding the ­Matterhorn, screening films on climbing, freeriding and the local flora and fauna. www.matterhornparadise.ch/cinema

NEWS swatchskierscup.com

A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME TO 1865 From 10 to 19 July 2015, Zermatt will be inviting visitors and locals to travel back to 1865. Participants in this unique event will have the opportunity to don period clothing, take a seat around the largest table in the world and immerse themselves in the world of the late 19th century by taking part in popular pursuits of the day. www.zermatt. ch/fr/150/Activites-offres-2015

Zermatt Tourismus

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USA TAKE ON EUROPE IN THE SWATCH SKIERS CUP The challenge is on! Zermatt will be hosting the Swatch Skiers Cup, which pitches America against Europe, for a third time on 21-27 February 2015. Skiers from the two teams will take each other on in the backcountry slopestyle and big mountain disciplines, with both sides having each won two of their four previous meetings in the competition, which means the stage is nicely set for next year’s showdown. The big mountain event at the 2013 edition was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. www.swatchskierscup.com

SNOWSHOES ON THE ­M ATTERHORN GLACIER TRAIL Every Friday from 19 December 2014 through to 17 April 2015 a group of qualified mountain guides will be on hand to lead intrepid snowshoe hikers along the Matterhorn glacier trail between the Trockener Steg and the Schwarzsee. Make your mark on this high, remote plateau and soak up the wonder of the surrounding peaks, among them the Matterhorn, the ­Dent-Blanche and the Ober Gabelhorn. www.matterhornparadise.ch/fr/ hiver/randonnee-hivernale/circuiten-raquettes

THE ALL-NEW LA VUE LUXURY CHALET, WITH HOTEL SERVICE There are apartments, and then there are apartments. The six found at La Vue boast floor areas of between 90 and 300 sq. m., the largest of which can accommodate up to ten people. What also sets La Vue apart from the rest is that beds are made every day and that its guests’ every whim are attended to, on request, by a concierge, butler and private chef. As if that were not enough, La Vue also boasts a private lift connecting the chalets to the centre of the resort, a spa area and interior furnishings inspired by the blackface sheep reared by Ruedi Julen, the owner of the Hotel Europe! www.lavue.ch

matterhorn.ultraks.com / D. Lafond Michael Portmann

THE MATTERHORN ULTRAKS SKIALP The Matterhorn Ultraks ski touring race, which is being staged for the second time on 21 March 2015, aims to take its place in the annals of the sport, while also inviting newcomers to try their hand at the event, which comprises a SkiAlp (ski mountaineering) race and a trail competition.

Next year’s event will take place in the Rothorn ski area, which is less prone to changeable weather. On the programme are a “1K” (12.3 km) mass race, a more testing “2K” (18 km) event, and the highly technical “3K” (22.5 km) race, which includes five climbs and sections where competitors are required to carry their skis. www.ultraks.com

PHOTO POINTS ON THE ROTHORN & TROCKENER STEG The Skiline Matterhorn ski paradise’s brand new photo points on the Rothorn (3,103 m) and the Trockener Steg (2’939 m) are just the place for striking a pose in a breathtaking mountain landscape. All you have to do to activate the cameras is wave your lift pass at them. The photos are free and will be made available to you straightaway on the Skiline site. www.matterhornparadise.ch/photopoint

ALL CHANGE AT THE HOTEL ­P LATEAU ROSA Located not far from the centre of Zermatt, and close to the Matterhorn Express lift station, the Hotel Plateau Rosa heads into the winter season with 18 refurbished rooms, five additional rooms and a new spa area comprising a sauna, fitness gym, massage room and relaxation room. The façade and roof have both been insulated and restored, and all the bathrooms have been modernised. In fact, the only thing about the hotel that remains unchanged is the magnificent views of the mountains. www.plateaurosa.ch

trends watches By_g u y mi c h el

Tissot T-TOUCH EXPERT SOLAR The first solar-powered touchscreen watch, the T-Touch Expert Solar is a testament to Tissot’s leadership in the field of tactile watchmaking. The rays of light captured by its face not only allow its SuperLumiNova® coated indexes and hands to shine in the dark, but also recharge its capacitor. This watch incorporates all of the functionality needed by adventurers in the wild or everyday modern life.

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OMEGA SPEEDMASTER “DARK SIDE OF THE MOON” Revival Watch Prize The black ceramic Speedmaster Co-Axial pays homage to the pioneering spirit of the Apollo 8 astronauts and the professional Speedmaster chronographs they wore.

This timepiece’s indexes and hour and minute hands – made of 18K white gold – as well as the two dots at 12 o’clock, are coated with Super-LumiNova, allowing its owner to read the time in any lighting conditions. Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt. www.omegawatches.com

PANERAI ­LUMINOR 1950 ­ 3 DAYS GMT 24H You like travelling? She does too. She defies time zones with her GMT 24H functionality that lets you read the local time as well as that of another time zone using an independent central hand that makes a full turn every 24 hours. Her case houses the new P.9003 automatic calibre, based on the excellent P.9001.

Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt.

www.parmigiani.ch

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Parmigiani ­F leurier Tonda Metropolitaine The new Métro collection is devoted to an urban, contemporary style. Its watches are dynamic, understated, elegant, and embody the purest style of the Tonda models.

The “Métrographe” for men and “Métropolitaine” for women are distinguishable by their chic cases. Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt.

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PATEK PHILIPPE ANNUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH REF 5960/1A It’s a minor revolution. This steel Annual Calendar Chronograph will replace all of the previous gold and platinum models. It is powered by the Patek Philippe CH 28520 IRM QA 24H calibre, with a flyback chrono­ graph, annual calendar, power reserve indicator, and day/night indicator.

It’s a lovely combination of classic design and a masculine sports look with its perfect curves and a particularly meticulously polished finish. Available at Bijouterie ­Schindler – Zermatt. www.patek.com

ZENITH EL PRIMERO LIGHTWEIGHT Sports Watch Prize Its mission? To be as light as a feather while delivering accuracy, robustness, and reliability. The El Primero Lightweight watch is made from high-tech materials. Produced in a limited edition of only 100 pieces, it combines a titanium and silicone movement with a carbon case in a sporty design. The designers reworked the original 42 mm case of the El Primero Striking 10th to a slightly upsized 45 mm while reducing its weight on the wrist. Available at ­Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt.

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PIAGET ALTIPLANO 38 MM 900P Piaget has drawn on the expertise of the most cutting-edge watchmakers to give birth to the thinnest mechanical watch in the world: a mere 3.65 mm. Fusing movement and case, the Altiplano 900P was conceived and created as a single whole.

With an elegant off-centre hours and minutes display, it owes its name to the 9P calibre, the company’s first ultra-f lat hand-wound movement, made in 1957.

Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt.

BLANCPAIN WOMEN, OFF-­ CENTRED HOUR, RETROGRADE SMALL SECONDS Ladies Watch Prize Do you love diamonds and precious mechanical movements? Blancpain was thinking of you with their new creation that fuses elegance, sophistication and a masterful complication emblematic characteristics of this storied brand.

The Women Heure Décentrée reflects women’s multi-faceted world with an original design, the sparkle of precious stones, a mother-of-pearl dial, and a new 2663SR movement. Glamour guaranteed! Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt. www.blancpain.com

www.piaget.com

Nils Herrmann © Cartier 2013

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TAG HEUER LADY CARRERA 28 MM CALIBRE 9 AUTOMATIC Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova often has the last word on the court as in matters of elegance. So too does her watch of choice, the Lady Carrera 28 mm Calibre 9 Automatic. This timepiece embodies the primary attributes that have made the Lady Carrera a success: grace, precision, style, performance and versatility. Sexy and seducing, this piece marks the passing of time with panache whether on the court or at the gala. Available at Bijouterie Schindler – Zermatt. www.tagheuer.com

CARTIER BALLON BLANC It’s a delightful sickness of sorts, an irresistible passion that manifests itself in women: diamonds. And so, the Ballon de Cartier collection has created a jewelled watch just for them, with a bracelet in 18 carat rhodium-plated grey gold, set with 9.35 carat stones gracing the curves of its round face. Did someone just say “precious”? Available at Bijouterie Schindler – ­Zermatt DR

www.cartier.ch

trends sport By_C h ri stian B u g n o n

SCARPA – Gea A winning combination of lightness and precision, SCARPA’s Axial Alpine Technology brings together a plastic shell, a new Intuition liner and a robust cuff, designed to offer women the best custom fit for the foot and tibia area. Combined with equally new ergonomic buckles, the tongue and instep strap enhance downhill feel and offer more in the way of stability and efficiency on powder snow, steep slopes and the piste.

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR – Kelvinator Hooded Jacket This snug-fit women’s jacket stays light and warm even in the wet, thanks to its 650-fill, water-resistant Q.Shield® DOWN. Soft and very comfortable, this lightweight jacket is the ultimate in windresistance, every bit as warm as bigger jackets and stows away easily in its own mini-pocket. It also features full elastic cuffs to keep all the warmth in, layering over base and mid-layers to allow greater freedom of movement, with easy-to-use dual-hem drawcords.

www.newrocksport.ch

www.newrocksport.ch

JULBO - Universe There is no shortage of technical features in this new goggle. With its Minimalist Frame and maximum field of vision, it completely frees the rider’s angle of vision and allows them to express themselves to the full. Designed with average to large faces in mind, Universe is very flexible and comfortable and also boasts in-frame ventilation. Decorated with metal and multi-layer embroidery, the frame finish proves that every detail counts. Great design and art in unison. www.julbo-eyewear.com

NORTH FACE - FlashDry© ­technology The American activewear and outdoor sports apparel company has developed innovative and exclusive fabrics that enhance moisture management and temperature regulation during outdoor activity. Thanks to FlashDry©, users can stay out and perform longer in all weathers and environments, all while keeping drier and more comfortable. What is more, there is no added weight or bulk with FlashDry© and it never washes or wears out. www.thenorthface.com

SUUNTO - Ambit3 Connected ­ amily F This comprehensive range for adventurers and athletes features the new GPS Ambit3 Peak and Ambit3 Sport watches, not to mention the new Suunto Smart heart rate sensor. The watches come complete with Suunto’s exclusive outdoor functions, such as full route navigation, barometric information, an altimeter and a 3-D compass. An integral part of this all-new connected family is the Movescount app for iOs, which allows users to connect the watch to a smartphone. www.suunto.com

OSPREY – Mutant 28 A light and extremely comfortable backpack for the most demanding of mountaineers and amateur cliff- and ice-climbers, the Mutant is a winning combination of lightweight design and technical details.

Made of light yet hard-wearing materials, it features ice-axe attachments, ski loops and webbing loops for crampon attachment. www.newrocksport.ch

Dahu Dahu... it’s the name of a wild animal whose legs are shorter on one side than the other, after slowly evolving to adapt to the slopes of the Swiss mountains... Obviously, this is just a myth! Dahu... is also the name of the ideal ski boot, so advanced and innovative that it is not only high-performance in ski mode, it is also stylish, comfortable and suitable for walking, hiking, driving and even more. Now, it is a reality! www.dahusports.com

Wenger – Leather lifestyle bags Stylish, urban and extremely functional, Wenger’s superbly finished leather bags have been designed with travelling, weekends, business and everyday life in mind.

The brand’s latest collection features two lines. Made from cowhide, the Arizona range is more formal, while the exceptionally hard-wearing Stonehide line, fashioned from genuine buffalo hide, projects a more casual look. www.wenger.ch SCOTT – Black Majic Inspired by Scott’s hugely versatile The Ski, Black Majic features a new elliptical titanal sandwich construction that delivers outstanding torsional stiffness, taking on-piste performance to a whole new level.

The combination of the exclusive 3Dimension Sidecut and a full ski-length wood core ensures unrivalled precision and versatility. Are you ready to take the slopes by storm?

MOUNTAIN FORCE – Rider III Chic yet sporty, stylish yet cool, Mountain Force’s Rider III jacket upgrades a very successful design with a body-hugging cut that highlights the shoulder section and emphasises the sporty outline. Available in a range of trendy colours, it comes with a PCM lining from Schoeller, ensuring effective temperature regulation.

www.scott-sports.com

www.mountainforce.com

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a new setting

for haute horlogerie schindler The Zermatt jewellery store is unveiling its new look this winter. And this successful transformation is being accompanied by the opening of two new outlets, also on Bahnhofstrasse.

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Exclusive spaces This highly successful transformation is being accompanied by the opening of two more outlets on Bahnhofstrasse, at numbers 15 and 14 to be precise.

As part of a growing trend for brands to seek their own presentation space, but one still managed by the retailer, Swiss brands Zenith and TAG Heuer have asked Haute Horlogerie Schindler to look after the space they share at number 14, while the premises at number 15 are occupied by another renowned Swiss manufacturer, Patek Philippe.

Three different display spaces, but each driven by the same passion to share

a love of fine things and extend a genuinely warm welcome. An image which the Haute Horlogerie Schindler store has created for itself with a watchmaker’s precision! www.schindler-zermatt.ch DR

n the world of jewellery and watchmaking, the setting should be every bit as luxurious as the pieces on display. From floor to ceiling, it needs to reflect the wonder, refinement and sheer excitement evoked by the creations on show, produced by some of the most prestigious brands in the world. This is something understood very well by Haute Horlogerie Schindler, the renowned jewellery store on Bahnhofstrasse, which this year has given itself a major facelift. The stonework is now exposed, the leather armchairs are comfy, the old wood-locally sourced-is visible but unobtrusive, and the display units are mostly embedded in the walls. Not to mention the fireplace. In short, the atmosphere co-owners Elias Aufdenblatten and Daniel Sieber have sought to create is a cosy and welcoming one. And the renovation has unquestionably elevated the store to the same heights as its industry, bringing its image bang up to date with contemporary tastes and styles.

Michael Portmann

NEWS

HIT THE SLOPES AT DAYBREAK Now there’s no excuse for not starting your day’s skiing earlier and making the most of the slopes at their quietest. Between 24 December and 17 April early risers are invited to assemble at 7.40am every Wednesday and Friday at the Matterhorn glacier paradise base station, well before the slopes are officially open.

Soak up the silent wondrousness of the mountains and be the first to carve the pristine slopes. There’s no better feeling. After completing your two allotted runs, a revitalising breakfast awaits at the Matterhorn glacier paradise restaurant. www.matterhornparadise.ch/firsttrack

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Kurt Müller

A NEW LOOK FOR THE HOTEL AMBASSADOR Superbly located, just a short walk from the railway station, the Hotel Ambassador was closed for extensive refurbishments throughout summer 2014. Now run by Hans Krebs and set to reopen in mid-December, the establishment boasts renovated rooms decorated with varying degrees of style, each of them complete with a balcony looking out on to the mountains. The lobby, reception area, bar and restaurant are all due to be refurbished in summer or autumn 2015. www.ambassadorzermatt.com

NEW SKI SLOPES The managers of Zermatt Bergbahnen think of everything. As of this winter, the run in the former Landtunnel will be widened, giving skiers a more comfortable and enjoyable ride from Gornergrat to Schweigmatte, near the hamlet of Furi. For next winter, the last part of the Howete ski run that takes you down to Zermatt from the Rothorn – Sunnegga ski area will also be widened in certain places, and a separate path for pedestrians will be added (running through a tunnel). www.matterhornparadise.ch

trends design By_C h ri stian B u g n o n

CARAN D’ACHE Edition Crystal & Diamonds Majestic in white gold, the Crystal & Diamonds limited edition fountain pen, limited to 18 pieces, is set with 341 diamonds rigorously selected for their absolute purity (a total of 3 carats). Artfully encrusted into the barrel and cap, they appear as sparkling beads of ink that run through your fingers without ever coming off.

The pen’s resplendence is beautifully completed by a satiny Lalique crystal cabochon that shines like a beacon in the night. www.carandache.ch

PURE Radio Pop Midi This digital/FM radio makes it easy to take your favourite station around the house with you. It has the same small footprint as its Mini sibling while boasting a more powerful sound thanks to its greater height. It has 5 preselect buttons and two alarms. A Bluetooth model transforms it into a wireless speaker with the same great sound! Pure sound, pure pleasure. www.pure.com

MORAND CERVIn LIQUEUR The packaging and label have changed, but the taste remains the same! Sold in its traditional bottle since 1909, the ­Cervin Morand liqueur has adopted a new design, similar to that selected for the Absinthe and Hierba spirits from the same distillery. This Swiss aperitif made from mountain herbs, with a 27% alc/ vol, comes in two sizes, 700 ml and 200 ml. Its new look can be found, among others, in the boutiques and establishments of the Matterhorn Group. www.morand.ch

BAABUK Andora Marine Don’t like cold feet? Baabuk makes shoes from felted wool that will keep your feet warm through the bitterest winters. In Siberia, where such boots are known as valenki, they are worn in temperatures as low as -40°C! To this time-honoured heritage Baabuk has added a modern look and touch, as in its Andorra Marine model, an outdoor boot that is 100% natural, water-repellent, ultra-comfortable and durable, that lets your feet breathe.

Long live sheep! www.baabuk.com

Louis VUITTON Lockit Fashion alert! The latest version of the Vuitton itbag, first created in 1958 and made famous by Audrey Hepburn, is in stores now! Resolutely feminine and elegant, with soft and balanced, almost fluid lines, the enhanced and updated Lockit is lighter and softer than ever.

Made from splendid Cashmere calfskin that is ultrasoft to the touch, it can hold A4-size documents or a small laptop. www.louisvuitton.ch

M ESURE ET DÉMESURE *

TONDA 1950

Rose gold set with diamonds Ultra-thin automatic movement Hermès calf strap Made in Switzerland

* EXACT AND EXULTANT

www.parmigiani.ch

Discover the new film on cartier.ch

CALIBRE DE CARTIER DIVER MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT 1904 MC WATER-RESISTANT TO 300 METRES, THE CALIBRE DE CARTIER DIVER WATCH IS AN AUTHENTIC DIVING WATCH. FITTED WITH THE 1904 MC MOVEMENT, IT COMBINES THE HIGH TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ISO 6425: 1996 STANDARD WITH THE ASSERTIVE AESTHETICS OF THE CALIBRE DE CARTIER WATCH. ESTABLISHED IN 1847, CARTIER CREATES EXCEPTIONAL WATCHES THAT COMBINE DARING DESIGN AND WATCHMAKING SAVOIR-FAIRE.