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PRESS KITWINTER 2018/2019

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VERBIER AND THE SURROUNDING AREAAs soon as its peaks are covered in snow, the Verbier, Val de Bagnes and La Tzoumaz region sparkles and shines in all its splendour. In the heart of the Alps of Valais, this well-known destination attracts many visitors in search of new energy.While athletes from all over the world explore “Les 4 Vallées”, Switzerland’s largest ski area, and freeriders push their limits on the peaks of legendary mountains, families and foodies will also find inspiration in a range of authentic activities. And when night falls, Verbier has everything it takes as a hotspot for nightlife, powered by a single watchword: fun!This varied range of activities, along with all the landscape has to offer, gives the region’s three resorts their unparalleled edge:

PRESS KIT | WINTER 2018 / 2019

No matter which resort or what the activity, Verbier and the surrounding area combine Alpine energy with an exceptional welcome, ensuring that each and every visitor has a fantastic time, and returns home filled with fresh inspiration.

BRUSON (LE CHÂBLE), THE AUTHENTIC

Located on the other side of the valley, this modestly sized resort attracts mountain and skimountaineering experts. Easily accessible, thanks to the gondola from Le Châble, the unspoilt landscapes offer unparalleled winter-sport sensations with forested sections and abundant powder snow. Insiders rave about Bruson’s famous ski routes, such as the Col des Otanes.

Its easy accessibility ensures much-appreciated peace of mind for parents, while kids love the gentle slopes that are perfect for their first snow-sport activities. This is also an ideal spot for fun times with the family on the longest bobsled run in Western Switzerland and on the Funslope – a designated location somewhere between a snowpark and boardercross route. This north-facing ski area offers dream conditions right up to the last descents of the season.

LA TZOUMAZ/SAVOLEYRES, FAMILY-FOCUSED

VERBIER, SPORTY AND TRENDY

This south-facing resort is a sun-drenched haven guaranteeing unforgettable moments on the resort’s terraces throughout the winter season, from November to April, complemented by a fantastic view over the Combins range (4,300 m). And don’t miss a breath-taking moment on the Mont Fort – the highest peak in the region at 3,330 m – with an incredible panorama over the most beautiful mountains in the Alps, including the Matterhorn and the Mont Blanc. The surrounding landscape offers a fantastic playground for daring freeriders on groomed, natural runs.

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PRINCIPAL ASSETSVerbier – Val de Bagnes – La Tzoumaz in winter

3 RESORTS (Verbier, La Tzoumaz et Bruson (Le Châble))

19 SNOWSHOE ROUTES AND 8 SKI TOURING ROUTES

LONGESET BOBSLED RUN in western Switzerland

+ 90 RESTAURANTSAND SNACKS BARS

MORE THAN A MILLION OVERNIGHT stays annually

80 SKI LIFTS AND 410 KM OF SKI RUNS in the 4 Vallées area

26 HOTELSEXCEPTIONNAL SNOW CONDITIONS from November to April

VERBIER: a cosmopolitan village located in alpine surroundings whose chalets offer authentic architecture

WORLD-FAMOUS EVENTS: Xtrême, Patrouille des Glaciers, Polaris Festival, Verbier Art Summit, etc.

A UNIQUE PANORAMA OVER THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PEAKS IN THE ALPS: the Matterhorn, the Mont-Blanc and the Combins range

EASY ACCESS FROM GENEVAAIRPORT (just 1h50 hours by car) and train from Paris or Milan

LEGENDARY APRÈS-SKI ATMOSPHERE that sees stars, royal families, businessmen and day skiers come together in a completely relaxed environment

THE FREERIDE CAPITAL of the world with 11 marked, secure routes

EXCEPTIONAL SUN EXPOSURE, resulting inwarm terraces even in the very middle of winter

THE LARGEST SKI AREA IN SWITZERLAND with options for all levels

VERBIER 1500 m

MONT-FORT 3330 m

LA TZOUMAZ1400 m

BRUSON 1080 m

LE CHÂBLE 850 m

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SKI HARDER ,FOR LONGER

With 410km open from the beginning of November to the end of April, Verbier’s ski area offers incredible terrain.Together with La Tzoumaz, Bruson, Veysonnaz, Nendaz and Thyon – Verbier is part of “Les 4 Vallées” ski area and its 410km of pistes. Providing unfailingly breath-taking views over the snowy peaks of the Alps, Verbier also offers an excellent balance between blue, red and black runs for families to athletes – beginners to advanced skiers.

84 RUNS

2 SNOWPARK5 SNOW GARDENS

80 LIFTS

11 FREERIDE ROUTES

THE 4 VALLÉES IN A FEW FIGURES:EXTENDING THE PLEASURES OF SNOW SPORTS

At an altitude of between 1,103 metres and 3,300 metres, the Verbier ski area is always one of the first in Switzerland to open for the season. From November onwards the most eager skiers can already be found around the north-facing Lac des Vaux area, well-known for its early snowfalls. With the arrival of warmer spring weather, there is no shortage of snow to guarantee the pursuit of winter sports. The combination of good weather and great snow is an open invitation for relaxing ‘terrace afternoons’.

Achieve legendary status on the Mont-FortAt an altitude of 3,300 metres, the Mont-Fort has always inspired the greatest athletes. It’s the highest point in Verbier and the 4 Vallées and the start of a legendary 1,750 metre black run, easily accessible by cable car. It is amongst the steepest slopes in the Alps with a 40% incline. Given these extreme conditions, the descent is not prepared by machines and its natural moguls form part of its legendary status, offering a stimulating challenge for seasoned skiers. The Mont-Fort run has also hosted the World Speed Skiing Championships. Skiers love the Mont-Fort for its panorama which includes several 4,000 metre peaks such as the Matterhorn, the Grand Combin, the Dent Blanche and the Mont-Blanc. On the way, try a delicious fondue in the igloo-bar.

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The 4 Vallées links Verbier, La Tzoumaz and Bruson as well as Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon. The highest point of the ski area is the Mont-Fort Glacier (at 3,330m) from which there are panoramic views towards the Matterhorn and Mont-Blanc massif. The area is perfect for all levels of skier: beginners will be happy on the gently sloping sunny pistes within the resort, while seasoned skiers will enjoy tearing down the pistes and legendary marked freeride trails. This is an absolute must during any skiing career!11 marked and secured freeride trails around the ski area (mostly around Mont-Gelé, Chassoure-Tortin, Vallon d’Arby, Bruson

GÉRALDINE FASNACHT : AMBASSADOR OF SNOW AND SKY

In a realm that is predominantly male-dominated, female riders stand out with their fearless spirits and strong characters. This is certainly the case with Géraldine Fasnacht. At 35 years old, this extreme-sports athlete is an ambassador for Verbier, where it all began. At just 22 years old, the snowboarder achieved her dream – to win the Verbier Xtreme. Two other victories ensued, in 2003 and 2009. Géraldine also nurtured another passion in the form of world premieres wingsuiting from Holtanna and from the Matterhorn in 2014. Verbier is where Géraldine lives, recharges her batteries and stocks up on energy.Watch her webserie “My Playground” on www.youtube.com/verbierresorts

TREAT YOURSELF TO FREERIDING WITH A WORLD CHAMPION !

Dog leg, Stairway to Heaven, Backside Mont-Fort, Rocky Garden are all mouth-watering prospects for Verbier’s freeriders. The resort is famous for its diverse off-piste skiing which will make your head spin after a day on the fresh powder. The Bec des Rosses is the most iconic summit as every year it plays host to the best athletes of the Freeride World Tour who aim to conquer it. Discover everything the resort has to offer with world champions Géraldine Fasnacht (eleven international titles, including three Xtreme Verbier titles), and Xavier De Le Rue (winner of the Freeride World Tour in 2008, 2009 and 2010) – an adventure that only a lucky few will get to experience this winter. Only available from January to April (four dates), this rare challenge requires guts to step up to the level of these two gods of extreme snowboarding.Price: CHF 135 per person (based on a group of 6 people (including airbag pack + transceiver + shovel) – price for one person CHF 580), mountain-guide accompaniment included in price.Contact: Les Guides de Verbier – www.guideverbier.com

VERBIER – PARADISE FOR FREERIDERS

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SUMMITS WITHIN REACH OF SKIING

Feasible with a mountain guide, heli-skiing is one of the most exclusive of all winter activities. Starting from the resort or the valley below, a helicopter flight offers an aerial view of the region and its mountains, prior to landing on one of the following high peaks: the Petit Combin (3,663 metres), the Rosablanche (3,336 metres), Trient Glacier (approx. 3,000 metres) or the Pigne d’Arolla (3,790 metres). This is the start of the ultimate in thrilling experiences offered by the vast expanse of pristine snow. Be it skiing or snowboarding, this is an unparalleled winter sports’ encounter – and the most intense challenge imaginable.With professional guides and spectacular mountain landscapes, Verbier is an Alpine hotspot for heli-skiing.Rates: Private: CHF 465 / person (on the basis of four people participating).More info: http://www.verbier.ch/fr/heliski.html

ESCAPE WITH SKI TOURING

While experts yearn for the legendary peaks of the Rosablanche (a stage of the Patrouille des Glaciers) or Mont Rogneux (a leg of the Swiss Cup), newcomers can enjoy ten marked routes, as well as organised outings.The more adventurous ski tourers can follow the Intégrale du Rogneux trail between Lourtier (La Barmasse) and the Cabane Brunet. Using a special smartphone application with a timing system, you can time your progress thanks to markers installed along the route. Once the system has been started, route and arrival times are automatically saved and you might even appear in the application’s rankings. So now you can compare your times with your friends or with other athletes.More info: http://www.verbier.ch/fr/ski-de-randonnee.htm

TAKE TO THE SKIES WITH PARAGLIDING

WHAT ABOUT A NIGHT TOUR?

Every Wednesday from January to April, venture out under the stars with a choice of two different ski-tour routes departing from Verbier and La Tzoumaz. Before heading home, why not have dinner at the Savoleyres restaurant at an altitude of 2,354m?http://w w w.verbier.ch/fr/fppoi-verbier-la-tzoumaz-parcours-de-savoleyres-129.html

No fewer than three paragliding schools in the Verbier/Val de Bagnes – La Tzoumaz area offer tandem paragliding flights and training. In winter, the flights are made even more magical by the snow-covered peaks. From the peaceful skies, get a bird’s eye view of skiers tearing up the pistes all set in a breath-taking land-scape with the Alps as a backdrop. Departures from the summit of Les Ruinettes.Minimum of CHF 190 for a tandem flight. More info: www.verbier.ch

REACH THE HEIGHTS

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Looking back at our childhood memories, winter is often associated with never-ending snowball fights and mind-blowing sledging! In Verbier, the nostalgic amongst us are sure to rediscover the child within. Our events programme guarantees fun and smiles from ear to ear!

SLEDGING AT LA TZOUMAZ = 100% FUN

L’INFERNALE: AN OBSTACLE RACE WITH A DIFFERENCE / 16 MARCH 2019

Inspired by the famous obstacle courses known as the “Tough Mudder” and the “Spartan Race”, William Besse, national hero and champion ski-er (winner of the World Cup at Wengen), came up with the idea of creating a winter version with a humorous twist at his Bruson resort. His dream became a reality in January 2018. After a mass start, competitors face five disciplines – running, super-G slalom, giant slalom, skating and spe-cial slalom. After each section, they must negotiate different obstacles of varying difficulty such as snow tunnels, tyre walls, winding forest paths, etc. On this 4.5km course, the fastest competitors can get to the finish line in 6–7 minutes. Individually or as a team, the race is open to children and adults of all ages and entertainment provided by the host village will add to the party atmosphere on this fun-filled day.More info: www.infernale.ch

CALLING ALL BEARD-WEARERS! 8 DECEMBER 2018

For the past three years at the beginning of December, thousands of St Nicholases have arrived in Verbier ski resort for one day. Why? Throughout the day in question, skiers who turn up at the ticket offices in Le Châble, Verbier and La Tzoumaz wearing a hat, red coat and beard get a free ski pass for the day! It’s also an opportunity to discover the ski area at the beginning of the season and to have some fun with the different activities on offer. This year, Père Fouettards – St Nicholas’ evil alter ego – are also invited to join in the team challenges and face their opponents to crown a winner. A direct train from Geneva will be running to ensure the safe arrival of these jolly fellows.Further information at www.verbier.ch

STOCK UP ON FUN AND THRILLS!

PRESS KIT | WINTER 2018 / 2019

You don’t have to be an expert slider to launch yourself down the La Tzoumaz sledge run, you just need a bit of courage! Not only is it the longest run in western Switzerland, it’s also the fastest: thrills guaranteed!From Verbier and La Tzoumaz, sledgers can reach the run via the Savoleyres cable car (2,354m). At the summit, take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Combin and the Rhône Valley. From there, it’s ready, set, go for 10km of excitement with a descent of 848 metres in altitude! Guaranteed laughter and adrenaline-fuelled fun for all thrill seekers. Restaurants and bars welcome you on arrival at La Tzoumaz, giving you the chance to catch your breath. Sledges can be hired from sports shops in Verbier and La Tzoumaz and at the beginning of the run in Savoleyres. The sledge run is open to all, but helmets are strongly recommended!Prices for sledge hire: One day: from CHF 12 Half day: from CHF 10More info at: www.verbier.ch/fr/luge.htm

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PRESS KIT

WINTER 2018 / 2019

ABOVE & BEYOND: BECOMING JAMES BOND

Inspired by Roger Moore’s visits to the chalet, the owners of Chalet Ker Praet are offering their guests a range of experiences, adding to the enjoyment of their ski holidays. Activities include shooting, heliski, a cocktail-making workshop, paragliding, self-defence, free-falling, pole dance lessons and many more. Choose from the activities on offer and tailor-make your secret agent programme.Just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Verbier, the chalet offers eight luxury rooms, perfectly blending Swiss tradition and modern technology. An ideal escape with friends or family.More info at: https://aboveandbeyondverbier.com/experiences/verbier-experiences/ski-trip-verbier-secret-agent-lifestyle/

EXPERIMENTAL CHALET

At the heart of the resort, the Experimental Chalet is Verbier’s newest fashionable address. With 39 rooms, a restaurant, a cocktail bar and club, spa, hammam and solarium, it has everything!As for the rest, the music, cocktails, design and menu all play their part in creating a sporting break with a party atmosphere.The Experimental Chalet is the newest offering from the Experimental Group, whose portfolio includes the Experimental Cocktail Club in London and Paris; the Experimental Beach Ibiza; the Balagan, the Grand Pigalle Hotel, and the Hôtel des Grands des Boulevards in Paris; and the Henrietta Hotel, London.To find out more visit: www.experimentalchalet.com

LIVE THE UNEXPECTED

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A FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE CELEBRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

A host of events take place in Verbier and Val de Bagnes throughout the course of the year.Food lovers won’t want to miss W Verbier’s Haute Cuisine event in April or Bagnes Capitale de la Raclette in September.Music lovers will be spoiled for choice with the electric Polaris Festival which kicks off the season in December, the famous Verbier classical music festival throughout July and August and the Rocklette Festi val in August , which celebrates gastronomy and rock music.Verbier also places a strong emphasis on art with the Verbier Art Summit in January, themed exhibitions at the Musée de Bagnes, the 3D Sculpture Park between Les Ruinettes and La Chaux, and a number of art galleries in the resort itself.

POLARIS FESTIVAL: THE BEST OF ELECTRO 29 NOVEMBER TO 2 DECEMBER

From Thursday, 29 November until Sunday, 2 December 2018, Polaris Festival returns to Verbier for a fourth year, crammed full of new offer-ings. A unique setting, longer hours and an additional day for the main stage means festival-goers can enjoy a bigger and better line-up, an expert blend of new music and top acts from the electronic scene.For four days, more than 25 artists will thrill the crowds from a brand-new stage set on the slopes at the lower end of the resort. Acts include Laurent Garnier, Massive Attack (DJ set), Dixon, Carl Craig, Jeff Mills and many more.Transport for festival-goers will be provided from the centre of Verbier to the main stage, all included in the ticket price.Finally, the resort’s clubs will also be putting on special events to be revealed soon.Price: 3-day pass: CHF 180 4-day pass: CHF 230 Day tickets from CHF 59Tickets on sale at: www.polarisfestival.ch/tickets

PRESS KIT | WINTER 2018 / 2019

Recognised the world over for its electrifying and cosmopolitan nightlife, Verbier is proud of its bustling clubs and legendary après-ski events. After a great day on the slopes, you can enjoy the resort’s famous estab-lishments like the Pub Mont-Fort, the Fer à Cheval and the Off-Shore, not forgetting Le Rouge, Le Mouton Noir, the Off-Piste bar at the W Hotel, as well as concerts at Farinet Après-Ski.Afterwards, get your taste buds tingling with either an authentic, tasty Bagnes raclette or by reserving a table at one of the resort’s many cele-brated restaurants: La Table d’Adrien, La Cordée, La Grange, Vie Montagne or the W Kitchen.Then, the party continues at the Farm Club – a Verbier institution for more than 40 years. And let’s not forget the Étoile, Farinet South and the Casbah, which will keep you dancing till the morning light.More information at http://www.verbier.ch/fr/lifestyle.htm

FEEL EVERY MOMENT

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MONT FORT: A FEAST FOR THE EYES AS WELL AS THE TASTE BUDS

COOKING WITH MICHELIN-STARRED CHEFS

Watch their precise work, learn to select the best produce, copy their highly specialised cooking techniques: gourmets will be in seventh heaven during this exclusive cooking course. In April 2019, throughout the Haute Cuisine festival, the best chefs from around the world will don their teaching aprons to impart their knowl-edge to gourmet food enthusiasts. An unforgettable experience for your taste buds that makes learning a pleasure, especially when it comes to tasting the dishes you’ve prepared together!Cooking workshop from CHF 150 | www.wverbier.com

VERBIER ART SUMMIT – 1 AND 2 FEBRUARY 2019

ALPINE RETREAT: SKI AND YOGA AT W*****

HAUTE CUISINE / 3–6 APRIL 2019

AMAZE YOUR SENSES!

PRESS KIT | WINTER 2018 / 2019

Launched by W Verbier, the Haute Cuisine festival will be celebrating its fourth birthday in April 2019. Over several days, around ten Michelin-starred chefs from around the world will make the mouths of gourmet diners water. So in order to maximise the fun, special events will integrate stunning dishes with themed evenings.

Every year, the Verbier Art Summit brings together leading thinkers and influential people from the art world, creating a platform for discussion, innovation and change outside of the commercial circuit. This independent initiative is organised by a non-profit organisation in collaboration with a different international museum director every year. In 2019, Jochen Volz, acclaimed director of the Pinacoteca museum in São Paulo, Brazil, will have the responsibility of taking on the year’s theme: “WE ARE MANY. ART, THE POLITICAL AND MULTIPLE TRUTHS.”More info: www.artverbier.ch

In Verbier, non-skiers can also take advantage of the fresh air and breath-taking views at the resort’s highest point of 3,330m. The Mat-terhorn, Dent d’Hérens, Grand Combin and Mont Blanc can all be seen from the viewing platform at the top of Mont Fort. Food lovers can also enjoy a taste of the high-est fondue in Europe.Rate for pedestrians: CHF 47More information can be found at http://www.verbier.ch/fr/fppoi-igloo-du-mont-fort-199.html

To stay in top form and take advan-tage of everything the mountains have to offer, guests of W***** will have the opportunity to spend the day on or off piste with freeride champion Emilien Badoux, who will also be leading a special yoga class aimed at athletes.www.wverbier.ch

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CONTACT SWEDENMANDEL

Susanne Wöhrmann-Hillswh@mandel-consulting.com

Tel: +46 (0)70 567 34 88

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Media section on the website:www.verbier.ch/media

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