âą Summer is finally here and itâs going to be a packed one! With late snowfalls and low temperatures, winter seemed reluctant to leave. This provided a challenge for the Verbier Bike Park team, working hard to get the mountain ready for all the eager bikers whose numbers increase annually. In this summer issue, Fabrice Tirefort, Director of Promobike Verbier, talks to Verbier Life about how the team and the park have developed since we last interviewed him back in 2009. More mountain adventure comes from Melody Sky and Antoine Blaizeau who have teamed up to offer the ultimate photography, luxury wild camping experience. Verbier Life was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in their test run last summer. Read about our experience and what campers can expect this year and see Melodyâs stunning photos from our night on the mountain on page 34.
Native fauna and flora are essential to the biodiversity of our Alpine pastures, with the bee population playing a vital role. Kathryn Adams interviewed the project manager of the new local bee centre, Jean-Baptiste Moulin, to find out more about this exciting initiative. Our spotlight on local nature continues with a closer look at the gentian family and we have picked out a few varieties for you to look out for this summer. Gentians, incidentally, provide one of the ingredients for our local Verbier Gin: using Verbier Gin, we bring you a taste of summer with a delicious cured salmon recipe.
We are already planning for next winter â our 20th season of the magazine! Please feel welcome to contact us with any ideas you have for future articles or if you would like information about advertising in the magazine. Wishing you all a great summer!
âą PALP Village presents the craziest concept in Val de Bagnes: Rouli Bouli! Launch your wooden ball from the Carrefour du Village at Bruson and follow its adventure passing through mechanisms and crazy constructions through the forest down to Le ChĂąble. The entire course has been constructed with sustainable materials and with the cooperation of the CombinsCatogne forestry department. This entertaining activity is 2 . 4 km long and estimated walk time is 42 minutes. Open every day until September 1. Pick up your ball at one of the locations listed online with opening times: https:// palpfestival.ch/en/evenements/roulibouli-en/ For all the information and other PALP activities happening this summer, go to www.palpfestival.com
Rock and raclette in the mountains! This summer, the Val de Bagnes once again welcomes world-class bands, bringing sounds of rock, folk, pop, blues and psychedelic rock to our alpine pastures. With acts such as Wolfmother, Colour Haze, HotWax and Elephant Stone, itâs an event not to be missed. For information on the full lineup and tickets, go to www.palpfestival.ch
âą This is definitely worth waking up in the middle of the night for! Enjoy the 360° panoramic view of the most beautiful peaks of the Alps for a magical, memorable sunrise â an experience that you will never forget. For all the information and to book, go to www.verbier4vallees.ch
âą Have you ever wanted to know more about the role of a local nature ranger? Now is your chance. On July 17 and 24 and August 14, you can sign up for a morningâs immersion up on the mountain alongside a ranger. The price is CHF 25 or CHF 12.50 with a VIP pass. To find out more and reserve your place go to www.verbier.ch
âą Maison Elite, always keen to innovate while respecting the environment, has chosen the revolutionary ecological fibre TENCELâą. The Swiss manufacturer offers a whole range of bed linen and comforters in this material. âThe advantages of TENCELâą are numerous: a softness that has nothing to envy silk, an incomparable moisture absorption capacity, anti-mite and anti-bacterial properties... Also worth noting: TENCELâą bed linen is crease-resistant, so its softness and colours remain intact wash after wash. TENCELâą offers a sublime caress as you slip under the duvet, and the awareness of a durable product. What more could you want?â Elite Gallery Verbier, Rte de Verbier Station 53 www.elitebeds.ch
âą Along with all the regular activities, this summer the E-Bike Festival is adding an exciting new adventure for kids. Led by Felix the fox and his friends, young cyclists can head off to learn and improve biking skills while searching for the Bec des Rosses treasure. Aimed at 5-10-yearolds, each child must be supervised by an adult and use their muscles to power their bike (available to rent) as E-bikes are only legal for people 16 years of age and above. Free entertainment and activities will be available for children at the Hermitage car park in Verbier. For all the information on this yearâs E-Bike festival go to www.verbierebikefestival.com/en/
âą This summer, Verbier Ski instructor, Tom Waddington, will embark on a record-breaking challenge to become the fastest man to row across the North Atlantic Ocean from Newfoundland, Canada to Penzance in the UK. Tomâs mission is to promote awareness for mental health and raise ÂŁ50,000 for the charity, Mind. To follow his progress or contribute to the charity, go to www.mindoarmatter.com or instagram.com/tomwaddington_skier
âą The 2024 Verbier Bal Caritatif Committee wishes to thank everyone who participated in the first Verbier Bal Caritatif which was held at le Mouton Noir in April. The Spring Fever / Folie PrintaniĂšre themed event raised over CHF 20,000 which will be distributed between three charities: Le Baluchon, Fondation PlanĂštes Enfants Malades and Verbier4All. The committee would particularly like to thank event sponsors, NetJets, Porsche and the Commune de Val de Bagnes. They also express their appreciation to Mouton Noir and KV Hotels for hosting the event and all those who donated prizes to the auction. The committee is already looking forward to organising the second event next year. Turn to the back pages for Mark Shapiroâs fabulous photos of the event.
âą Electronic music meets raclette with a weekend of festivities taking place on August 17 and 18. The event mixes some of the regionâs best cheese with techno headliners to a backdrop of incredible views of the Grand Combin. For information and tickets go to www.palpfestival.ch
âą Have you ever thought of trying golf? Every Friday from 10am to 11am, Verbier Golf Club is offering an introduction to the sport for CHF 20 (CHF 10 with a VIP pass). Head to the driving range and practise your swing in a fun, informative lesson with a professional golfer. For more information and to reserve your place, go to www.verbier.ch.
âą Every Friday, you are invited to join a one-hour trail outing from Verbier or Le ChĂąble. Open to all levels, from beginners to experts, the itinerary and themes to be covered are defined according to the wishes of the group at the time of the meeting. The outing is free and takes place in a spirit of community and sharing. Registration no later than one week in advance. 5-6pm www.verbier.ch
âą The Audi quattro Cup Verbier will take place on July 19 from 8am to 7pm. With 600 tournaments in 38 countries, and 70,000 players annually, the Audi quattro Cup is the largest amateur golf tournament series in the world. Adult registration fees are CHF 150 per person / CHF 300 per team. Members of the Verbier Golf Club CHF 200 per team. For more information go to www.verbier.ch or www.audi.ch
âą Head to the Farinet for a summer of live music and DJs. Verbier favourites, Connor and Simon, will be kicking off the summer season, opening the AprĂšs stage on July 12. Make sure you save the dates for the very talented David Zincke and Jack Daniel on July 31 and August 1, and their return on August 9 with their band, The Sons of Guns. Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy music from JaminâHeaven playing on both July 20 and August 17. Finally, get ready to dance the night away at the summer closing party with another Verbier favourite, Time Machine on August 30. For the full lineup, go to Instagram farinet_verbier
âą This creative musical laboratory, making classical music accessible to all and supported by the Verbier Festival, offers over 80 free events this summer. The 2023 edition attracted over 7,000 spectators from all generations, confirming UNLTDâs place as a âfestival within the Verbier Festivalâ. This year, the street stages will be back, allowing local artists to perform and benefit from the festivalâs aura. The new âProjectorâ series in the Verbier Cinema will spotlight innovative artists who take audiences on a musical journey from George Gershwinâs famous Rhapsody in Blue to a mash-up of John Cage and David Bowie. Other new introductions include: Nuit Coucou: Celebrating Swiss national day on August 1, with free shows, giant lanterns and music in the streets of Verbier 8.30pm until dawn. Sunset Sonore: Free open-air event on August 4 at the Verbier Golf Club, featuring crystal bowls, Bachâs Goldberg Variations that evolves into a DJ set, and an electronic music duo! www.verbierfestival.com/en/unltd/
âą Save the dates from July 12 to 14, for the first âRencontres Verbier Musique & Cinemaâ, an innovative concept of concerts combining some of the best film music and emblematic images of cinema. The programme includes, The Greatest Film Scores in Concert, Family Concert â Disney around the World and An Evening on Broadway. Before and after each concert, held at the Salle des Combins, there will be the opportunity to sample some of the gourmet specialities from the Val de Bagnes region. At midday on July 14, there will also be a free concert in Verbier. For more information and tickets, go to www.verbiermusiquecinema.com
âą âSince its creation, Valmont has been applying its comprehensive anti-aging savoir-faire through professional treatments that combine expertise, product performance and precise motions. With their unique and exclusive protocols, Valmont treatments are instantly recognisable, in particular thanks to the exclusive âButterfly motionâ. So much more than traditional beauty procedures, Valmont treatments are fashioned as veritable symphonies, accompanied by specially composed music for a unique, heightened experience. Each beauty ritual ensures immediate effectiveness and features its own iconic treatment, with a name inspired by the brandâs Swiss Legacy; Energy of the Glaciers, Hydration of the Bisses, Luminosity of Ice and more. Embark on a maiden voyage to the heart of Valmontâs homeland, the Swiss Alps.â La Maison Valmont Verbier, Rue de la Poste 16, Tel: +41 27 771 34 05 Opening hours, summer season July 1 until September 15, from 10am to 7pm.
CHAMPIONNATS SUISSES DE PARAPENTE DU 11 AU 17 AOĂT
SWISS PARAGLIDING CHAMPIONSHIPS FROM AUGUST 11 TO 17
âą The Paradelta Club des Combins is organising the Swiss paragliding championships from August 11 to 17. More than 140 high-level pilots will compete for the title of Swiss champion in the skies above Verbier. The pilots will have to complete routes which will take them to every corner of Val de Bagnes and its surrounding area as quickly as possible. For more information, call +41 79 606 3250.
âą This yearâs Inspire Yoga Festival will take place for the first time at the spectacular new venue of La Chaux. At an awe-inspiring altitude of 2,200 metres, La Chaux offers breathtaking views of glaciers and pristine alpine wilderness, setting the stage for a transformative experience like no other. âOur event is not just about yoga; itâs a holistic experience that encompasses various practices aimed at nurturing the body, mind, and soul. We are proud to introduce a stellar lineup of globally acclaimed yoga teachers who will bring their unique expertise to the festival. Renowned musicians, along with DJs and ecstatic dance will add to the vibrant energy. There will also be invigorating mountain biking adventures and soul-nourishing hikes. This yearâs festival promises an unparalleled blend of yoga, music, dance, and outdoor activities, all designed to foster holistic wellness and conscious living.â For the full lineup and information on the weekend. www.inspireyogafestival.com
âą This summer, dive into the magic of Les Elfes summer camps in Verbier, which welcome adventurers aged 6 to 17 of more than 75 nationalities. From June 9 to August 24, their programmes are filled with outdoor adventures, language lessons and exciting excursions to ensure an enriching experience. New photography and robotics workshops stimulate creativity, while language learning fosters global communication. Programmes are designed for Discovery (6-10), Explorers (11-14), and Pioneers (15-17) groups to ensure age-appropriate activities. Flexible day camps, from 8.30am to 6.30pm or 9.30pm, fit any schedule, with no minimum number of days required. Whether itâs exploring the mountains, being immersed in the language or creating new friendships, Les Elfes International offers it all. Join Les Elfes for an unforgettable summer of fun, learning and global friendships. To learn more, visit leselfes.com.
E-mail : fleursdesonya@gmail.com ou Instagram : fleursdesonya
âą Cut flowers can look lovely but their impact on the planet is often anything but. Fortunately, in Le ChĂąble, a âgarden-to-vaseâ movement has begun, supplying beautiful flowers at a fraction of the environmental cost. âFleurs de Sonya began in our own backyard, inspired by our passion for gardening and a passionate commitment to sustainability. Our locally grown and in-season blooms are available in the warmer months, with stunning bouquets, special arrangements, and subscriptions for your home, business, or special occasion. Weddings are a speciality. And when the sun sets on summer, our dried arrangements bring beauty to any space for years to come; a lasting reminder of our beautiful region.â
Email: fleursdesonya@gmail.com or Instagram: fleursdesonya
âą Experienced international yoga teacher trainer, Lisa Nicholas, is offering a 200- hour Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher Training course this July and also in summer 2025. Held in the nearby mountain hamlet of Prassurny, the course builds on foundational skills and is suitable for those wishing to teach or simply deepen their understanding and practice of yoga. Email novelistlmn@gmail.com for more info.
âą Independent Snowboard School is offering year-round adrenaline with its skateboard club. âOur mission and teaching philosophy are the same, focusing on gradual progression in a vibrant and safe atmosphere. Participants have fun and improve their skateboarding skills under the guidance of experienced instructors. We hold sessions on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday/Sunday mornings in spring and autumn. Our club provides a supportive environment where members can explore their passion for the sport.â The programme offers half-season packages for CHF 150 (5 sessions) or full season for CHF 250 (10 sessions). To sign up, or for more information, please contact Andre, andre@andresommer.com
âą This summer, treat your skin to a personalised facial using the Biologique Recherche methodology. âEach treatment is a unique, tailor-made experience which regenerates the skin, preserves youthfulness and reignites vitality. A moment for yourself where you discover the effectiveness of Biologique Recherche facial products paired with innovative manual techniques.â Centrally located in the Experimental Chalet, check out the spaâs full list of treatments online. www.experimentalchalet.com/spa
âą Looking to feel âen formeâ and fully energised to enjoy the mountains and summer months ahead? In addition to their âĂ la carteâ IV vitamin and mineral drips, VIRYA+ clinic is offering a series of monthly revitalising cures and performance-enhancing packages, working in collaboration with like-minded local holistic, wellness partners. VIRYA+ will also be a sponsor of the Inspire Yoga Festival in mid-August where there will be an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of IV drips as part of an overall well-being programme and preventative approach to health. For more information or to join one of the VIRYA+ Summer vitality cures, email: info@virya-health.com or via WhatsApp: +41 77 269 1100.
âą The new â4 Elixirs cocktailsâ at W Verbier offer a captivating taste experience inspired by the elements of nature and the mountains. AIR is elegant and sophisticated, WATER fresh and serene, EARTH robust and warm, FIRE ignites the senses. Discover the Living Room W Verbier all summer long. Open daily from 6pm to 11pm on weekdays and from 6pm to 12.30am on weekends. www.wverbier-restaurants.comlivingroom
âą Starting in July, Le Spa introduces EsseÂź, the new skincare brand partner for tailor-made facial treatments. âEsseâs biological biotechnology restores and rebalances the microbiome for healthier, younger-looking skin. The Esse product range is suitable for all skin types â with prebiotics, probiotics and active ingredients to help skin look its best.â Le Spa is open daily from 11am to 8.30pm on weekdays and from 9.30am to 8.30pm at weekends. www.spa-wverbier.com
âą The stage is set for this eighth edition of the Verbier Open! Head to the Verbier Sports Centre to watch the next generation of Swiss and International womenâs tennis. 64 players ranked from 300th to 1000th in the world will be attending, aiming to collect points and climb the rankings. The singles semi-finals will take place on Saturday 24, with the final on Sunday 25. More information on www.verbieropen.com
âą Verbier International School welcomes its first cohort of senior Secondary School students (aged 16-18). They will study the challenging curriculum of the IB Diploma Programme. This involves studying six subjects including two languages, humanities, sciences and maths with the possibility of visual arts. The IB DP also challenges students to write a 4,000-word research essay on a topic of their choice, and to take a course called Theory of Knowledge which questions how students know and use knowledge. They will enjoy the cocurricular opportunities that VIS offers and the extraordinary outdoor opportunities of the local environment. The Boarding House, set in tranquil Verbier Village, has been extremely popular this year and the school will be expanding the boarding provision whilst maintaining and improving the high quality boarding accommodation.VIS is developing an academic scholarship foundation for entry into the school at Year 10 and Year 12. âWe are looking for students with at least B2 English and good academic credentials. Interested students who wish to study an international curriculum in a wonderful school with exceptional cocurricular opportunities should contact us at admissions@lvis.ch.â
âą Enjoy a unique, free, magical journey in which, for a moment, everyone becomes a bit of a magician. Enter Gianfrancoâs world for moments of laughter, emotion, and pure magic. Watch the impossible come true at the Parc de Loisirs from 2pm to 3pm on August 13. For more information go to www.verbier.ch
âą This summer, hidden behind the Verbier Library, you will find the Parc de Loisirs tent where, from July 8 to August 18, no matter what the weather decides to do, children and families can take part in fun, dynamic activities include slackline, games, crafts, a funfair and circus world. For the dates of each activity check out the full programme on www.verbier.ch
âą This summerâs âCoop Rando Familleâ, an interactive themed hike for the whole family, in the heart of nature, will take place in Bruson on Sunday, July 14. Accompany Sam, a budding young archaeologist who discovers a mysterious cave near his village, housing a golden book full of hieroglyphics. Then begins a wonderful adventure between the pyramids, pharaohs and temples of ancient Egypt, the first mission of which will be sent to you by post! Lift pass: Adults 10 CHF, Children CHF 5. www.ticketino.com/fr/event/coop-rando-famille---bruson-val-de-bagnes-vs-/188822
âą The holidays are the perfect opportunity to spend time with your family away from the daily routine; summer is the time to decompress. On Sunday, August 4, gather the troops and head to La Chaux for the traditional Family Festival, an event full of outdoor activities, along with a selection of food and drink stands. A bouncy castle, climbing wall, slackline, music and artists are on site to entertain everyone, everything is taken care of to ensure fun memories of the day are engraved on the memory of all the members of the family, both young and old. www.verbier.ch
âą What better way to test a downhill mountain-bike than under the watchful eye of a local pro. Each Monday from 1pm to 4pm up until October 15 you can be accompanied by a professional guide who will introduce you to the regionâs dirt roads, paths and cycle tracks. The cost is CHF 50 (50% off with a VIP pass) and this includes bike hire, bikepass, guide and a drink. Mandatory sign up before midday the day before. For more information, www.verbier.ch
âą This summer, Clinic Les Alpes invites you to maximise your health potential in the serene backdrop of the Swiss Alps. âOffering more than a tranquil âget awayâ, our clinic offers the latest in medical treatments and therapies to promote a healthy mind, body, and soul. This season, we are thrilled to introduce a range of new holistic treatment programmes designed to support individuals and their families looking for recovery from mental illness or dependencies. Tailored to the unique needs of each guest, our therapies integrate cutting-edge medical insights and evidence-based therapeutic techniques with traditional wellness practices. Contact us to discover more about our personalised health experiences that blend world-class treatment and health restoration, all while soaking in the natural beauty and luxury that only Clinic Les Alpes can offer.â www.cliniclesalpes.com
âą After ten years of BMX racing and dirt biking, Fabrice, universally known as Trifon, began downhill biking in 2004, achieving his dream of competing in the Downhill World Cup in 2009 and 2010. His passion, experience and know-how made him the perfect candidate to develop mountain biking in Verbier as Director of Promobike Verbier â a position he has occupied since 2007. Verbier Life last interviewed Trifon back in 2009; a lot has happened with the biking scene in Verbier since thenâŠ
âą VL: We last interviewed you nearly 15 years ago: can you try and sum up how biking has developed since you took on the task?
Iâve so had my head down, always focusing on the next five to ten years, and I havenât often taken the time to review what has actually happened. Verbierâs evolution has been pretty incredible, but that of downhill biking in general has been massive; as much with respect to technological developments as the number of disciplines reaching an ever-increasing diversity of participants. To sum up, when I started out, riders were either climbers or descenders and there was nothing in between. Then came the advent of enduro which became popular around 2013, about the same time as authorisation to use hiking trails. After that, the e-bike arrived which saw huge growth over 2020/21. This whole evolution gradually made mountain biking more widely accepted though unfortunately there remain negative perceptions at every level. I remember when I was young, summer opening was limited to between mid-July and mid-August, almost everything was closed in Verbier and there wasnât much happening in the mountains; so the evolution has indeed been huge, itâs great to see and, most of all, great to be here to experience it!
VL: Preparing the trails is time-intensive hard labour: can you tell us about the team and the work that goes into building the runs? The team has really grown, there were only two of us when I started and now there are 13 of us. We manage the whole product from A to Z, from building to maintenance, covering safety, project development, etc⊠The work involved with such upkeep is colossal and the trail and bikepark teams achieve it brilliantly Just like the teams who prepare the ski slopes, it is behind-the-scenes work that few people think about and without this high standard, the resort would not be what it is.
VL: What makes Verbier Bike Park stand out from other biking destinations?
VL: Whatâs the best way for beginners to get started?
Our Bikerâs Guide contains a âtrail progressionâ table which lists all the runs in order of difficulty level, so itâs good to start by following this order. The green run in La Chaux is obviously the place for beginners to start feeling their way, next the La Tzoumaz flowtrail is magnificent but, because itâs so long, it requires high fitness levels. The best way is always to take a half-day lesson, so the instructor can explain all the basics for safe initiation.
VL: Are there any events we need to look out for this summer?
For biking there are many events of varying envergure with, of course, the E-Bike festival in mid-August being the main feature but also, since last year we have the MTB European Downhill Cup in midSeptember. Interspersing these events are others such as FOX Hit the Park and, this year, a XC marathon, a preparatory race for the 2025 World Championships in Valais.
VL: How do you see biking in Verbier developing in the years ahead?
There is a big gap between what I would like for the region and what we can achieve with respect to authorisations required from the Canton, as much in terms of feasibility as the time it takes to
obtain them. My job entails more diplomacy and dealing with beaurocacy than I would wish but someone has to do it. I am fighting to obtain a full range of options so that we can meet everyoneâs expectations and have a comprehensive network. It is also important that we consider the local populationâs need for year-round biking infrastructures. It would be a dream come true if, one day, the locals bike as much as they ski.
VL : Do you have any other involvement with downhill biking in addition to your job?
Yes, my passion for biking doesnât stop there. This winter I joined ProVTT, an association which defends the rights of mountain bikers, I also recently joined the Valais Cycling Federation, which has created a âGravityâ branch to help talented youngsters from Valais. I was and still am competitive, itâs a discipline I cannot give up. I also created the Verbier Racing team in 2023 with four racers, two of whom are locals, plus me. I love training with them, itâs really motivating. I urge everyone to come and support the Bagnard racers at the European Cup in Verbier on Sunday September 15! www.verbierbikepark.ch
Photo:
Verbier
Bike Park
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âą Antoine Blaizeau from Basecamp Events and photographer, Melody Sky, have teamed up to create a unique mountain photography workshop and last summer, I was lucky enough to be part of their test group.
Ă lâaube, ouvrir la tente, regarder les montagnes,
âą Camping out at high altitude is a magical experience: watching sunset colour the peaks, the stars coming out and, in the morning, the first rays of sun lighting up our landscape. With an expert photographer explaining how to get the best shots, eating and sleeping in the greatest comfort with no effort or concern for logistics, authorisations or environmental impact, the experience becomes exceptional.
âWeâre wanting to create maximum adventure with minimum effort and environmental impact.You will arrive at a fully set-up camp with all amenities provided, meaning you can focus on capturing awe-inspiring images while we take care of the rest,â they told me.
They were true to their word. Arriving late in the afternoon at the close of a perfectly balmy, sunny August day, distinctive yellow-domed The North Face tents were already in place, furnished with thick warm sleeping bags and sturdy inflatable matressess to ensure a comfortable night. Lit from inside they looked like lantern globes nestling in the grassy terrain.
The remote location did not have any impact on the ability of talented chef, Vincent, to prepare a delicious meal and eating outdoors at altitude enhanced our ability to savour his summer gazpacho, grilled local meat and cheese. With full stomachs, the group enjoyed a final drink together before either heading to bed or joining Melody to take photos of the night sky.
Even on hot summer evenings, temperatures drop rapidly at night and I was grateful for my cosy sleeping bag and substantial mattress. I slept soundly.
Unzipping my tent at dawn, looking over the mountains,
Pour plus de renseignements sur les camps, rendezvous sur www.melodysky.com/verbier-switzerland
taking in the colours, the smells and the silence was nothing short of magical. I savoured the moment, listening to the sounds and movements of a waking camp and breathing in the crisp, clear, early morning air. Gradually all the campers were up and moving about and Vincent delivered a breakfast that reflected the outstanding quality of this unique campsite â coffee, fruit, pain au chocolat â as we watched the mountain life stir and another day begin.
âIâm thrilled to offer these new photography workshops in partnership with Antoine and Basecamp Events. Weâve lots of exciting things planned, we even have a sauna and telescopes for stargazing along with special camps featuring an astrophysicist and a glaciologist to enrich the experience,â comments Melody.
You too can now experience magical photogenic nights in the mountains with Melody.
For more information on the camps, go to www.melodysky.com/verbier-switzerland
Swiss excellence in the treatment of mental health and issues of substance and behavioural dependency
Clinic Les Alpes is an exceptionally private and secluded retreat. Located in a setting of outstanding natural beauty in the mountains close to the town of Montreux, Switzerland, the clinic has the added convenience of proximity to all major swiss airports.
This exclusive clinic is fully medically licensed by the Swiss Department of Health and treats patients and their families with the issues of substance and behavioural dependency, along with debilitating emotional and mental conditions, such as anxiety, stress, depression and burnout.
Clinic Les Alpes provides a fully integrated approach to treatment and each patient receives a bespoke programme created together with the medical team for his or her individual needs and requirements. The expertise of an international, highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team of medical, psychiatric, psychotherapeutic and complementary practitioners is on hand and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to be of service to patients and their families who are referred from around the globe. The clinic is multilingual with the primary language being English.
Clinic Les Alpes is beautifully appointed and each of the private ensuite bedrooms has superb views of lake Geneva, the snow capped mountains and alpine meadows. Below the main chateau building, three floors have been excavated from solid rock, flooded with natural light and housing state of the art medical and therapeutic facilities along with a complete floor dedicated to a full medical spa.
Many services claim to deliver excellence. At Clinic Les Alpes we have set our sights on defining it.
We are here to assist. Contact us in complete confidence at:
âą Lorraine Truong was a top-level downhill and enduro mountain biker. In 2015, she suffered a serious fall that left her with a traumatic brain injury. Her life was turned upside down that day, but her strength, willpower and perseverance were to see her through this difficult ordeal. She had to learn to live with a disability, pain, limitations and a new reality. With the help of rehabilitation, courage and motivation, she felt ready to take up a sport in a wheelchair. Once her choice was made, she launched herself into wheelchair freestyle, winning world championship titles in 2022 and 2023. Here she talks about the role of sport in her life.
AST: Can you describe the role sport plays in your daily life?
Lorraine: Sport is a big part of my life. Iâve been a top-level athlete since I was a teenager and, for me, sport has always been a comfortable place. While Iâm in a training session itâs like being cut off from the chaos of society. What has changed since the accident is the amount of time I can devote to sport. Nowadays, I have to factor in the fatigue that comes with my disability, the extra sleeping time I need and the daily constraints. Itâs frustrating. But itâs also motivating. It gives me a reason to optimise my time. If I can effectively manage my medical condition and the hindrances of my disability, that leaves me with the energy to train. Sport is one of the rare moments when I do something for myself for pleasure, not for rehabilitation or recovery. Just because I want to and it makes me happy.
AST: What role did sport play in your rehabilitation process and in your acceptance of your disability?
Lorraine: For the first two years after my accident, my elite sports background probably slowed down the rehabilitation process. On one hand, not being able to get back on the bike and face up to my difficulties weighed heavily on me and, on the other, physical activity for rehabilitation purposes is different from the quest for performance. Where previously Iâd learnt to give everything to achieve a goal, I had to learn to observe my body and understand its limits. The situation changed completely when I discovered adaptive sport. Sitting in a sports wheelchair, I no longer make comparisons with what I used to do. I ride just as well and without limits. On the contrary, because the sport is adapted, I feel competent and I can focus on my performance.
This has helped me enormously in my rehabilitation, including for walking. Being able to take part in adapted physical activity has enabled me to rebuild my strength and stamina, and to enjoy all the psychological benefits of sport, without the intense fatigue that standing sport causes me. It has also helped me to accept the chair in everyday life, seeing it as a machine on wheels that gives me freedom and enables me to do more activities, rather than as a limitation.
AST: What are your next sporting goals?
Lorraine: In terms of competitive-level wheelchair freestyle (WCMX), my main objectives are to win the 2024 World Cup â which means managing my year effectively so that I donât have to miss too many rounds â and to retain my world championship title in Brazil in October.
On a personal level, Iâd finally like to be able to land the backflip on a hard surface and a handplant (which would be a world first for women) in a chair. I also want to work on building up my shoulders so that I can enjoy skiing next winter and the bike park this summer!
A New Home for Bees Un nouveau foyer pour les abeilles
The main aim of the Bee Centre, which expects to become fully operational over the next two years, is to provide a multi-faceted service for local beekeepers and help them meet the many current and future challenges in caring for their bees.
Beekeepers will receive support and advice to combat and protect their colonies from threats such as the Varoa parasite, Asian hornets, winter losses, pollution and loss of food sources, notably, through the provision of nuclei to replace lost colonies.
Jean-Baptiste Moulin, the Centreâs enthusiastic project manager, explains that the concept is to create a sustainable blueprint for the future. Recent surveys indicate that the number of small-scale beekeepers is increasing, and these small undertakings need a solid support structure. The Bee Centre is therefore equipped with extraction facilities to help those small producers comply with increasingly stringent food production norms and receive the âGrand Entremontâ label.
The building, financed by public, charitable and private donations, cost CHF 2.2 million to build: its wooden frame was sourced entirely from our local forests and it was built by local companies. Its outline is designed to resemble the wings of a bee in flight, and its base, a hive. If too subtle, there is also a large bee sign on the centreâs facade.
Ingeniously conceived, the Centre can adapt its space according to fluctuating needs. The entire lower floor is modular with one small sealed extraction room with a viewing window for visitors. However, during peak periods in late summer, in order to accommodate a high number of beekeepers all wanting to extract their honey at the same time, larger sections of the ground floor space can be sectioned off for extraction activities and isolated to respect hygiene standards, but still permitting visitors to watch on.
For research, development and education purposes the Centre has outdoor demonstration hives, a laboratory and classrooms. This summer, students will be researching the flower sources from which our local bees are gathering nectar, the Asian hornet and heritage fruit trees. The results of these studies will be used to steer the local population towards measures they can take to encourage biodiversity in the mountains. Jean-Baptiste Moulin explains that if we can identify which plants bees are favouring for gathering nectar then we can establish what they are eating, when, and work out ways to supplement their available food sources He specifies that all types of bees are covered by the Bee Centreâs research activities, âWe cannot just look after the honeybees because they are useful to us. Our domestic bees are indicators: if they are not doing well then it means none of the pollinators in the chain are doing well and our environment is in trouble.â
The Centreâs focus is strongly on the future, transmission of knowledge and techniques to the young; school visits will therefore be a priority. Jean-Baptiste sees it as vital that future generations understand biodiversity and interdependence, âDomestic bees are insects that have kept their wild instincts. In studying them we gain a greater understanding of how different species interact. Plus, bees are fascinating, they manage to live without impacting their environment, on the contrary, they pollinate and fertilise nature.â
In the long-term, the Centre hopes to help local beekeepers to pool their resources allowing them to make them scale economies through the bulk ordering of equipment. Whilst the sale of honey is never a problem, the Centre plans, through its storage facilities, to purchase honey from local beekeepers and spread the supply of Entremont honey over the year.
Pour plus de renseignements ou pour faire un don, envoyez un e-mail Ă Jean-Baptiste Moulin Ă lâadresse info-cca@netplus.ch
The Centre also houses a shop with bee-derivative products and a space offering apitherapies.
This wonderful initiative in our region is a force for positive progress: as Jean-Baptiste Moulin says, âOur world is changing and I truly believe that we need to be innovative in the ways we co-exist, share our economy and conserve our natural resources. If the CCA project takes off and gets established, I think it will be a constructive exchange platform for understanding and sustainably managing our environment.â
Get involved
Become a member of Club Mellonia and receive regular invitations to participate in the Centreâs activities. Individual membership: CHF 50, couples: CHF 80, Businesses: CHF 150, Young people: CHF 30. www.cca-abeille.ch
Visitors are welcome to the Bee Centre, which is fully accessible for people of limited mobility. It will add to the year-round touristic attractions of our region with ambitious plans for an experience inside the world of bees. The exhibition space currently houses a small exhibition including photos by internationally renowned honeybee photographer, Eric Tourneret. Adults: CHF 5, children up to 12 years: free. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm. Guided visits by appointment. Further information on cca-abeille.ch.
The Centre is also looking for volunteers and occasional helpers in all areas.
For further information or to donate, email Jean-Baptiste Moulin at info-cca@netplus.ch
âą Hiking through Col des Gentianes this summer, you may be aware that the name originates from the trumpet-shaped flower with the unique shade of blue that also bears its name. However, this classic alpine flower is just one member of a very large, multi-coloured family.
âą The traditional image of the gentian features on numerous tourist souvenirs and mountain memorabilia, but the gentian family has approximately 360 species of which 26 can be found in Switzerland. Strolling through the mountain pastures you will see the statuesque yellow gentians, standing proud, like candelabras, amongst the mountain grasses. To find other types, look for blue and purple stars studding the low cushions of tough grass, hiding from the wind and predators. Gentians are truly wild and hard to cultivate in a garden setting so itâs worth making the effort to get out there and see them in their habitat of choice. Here are a few to look out for.
Flowering from June through August, this majestic meadow and mountain dweller prefers lime-free soils. It can also be used for bitter beverages but is most importantly known for its medicinal qualities, particularly in Norway during the 18th and 19th centuries for gastro and respiratory ailments. Recent studies reveal potential anti-inflammatory qualities.
3. Field gentian (Gentiana campestris)
Plentiful in the La Chaux area in mid to late summer, you might not instantly associate these pink or mauve flowers with a gentian, but if you get down low, you will find that trumpet shape hiding beneath the four-petalled star that faces the sky. Its height can range from 5 to 20cm and it often grows in small clumps close to the ground.
4. Stemless gentian (Gentiana acaulis)
This is the classic style of gentian you are most likely to find in our mountains. Itâs 5-15cm high and you can identify it by looking closely inside the flower where, on each of the five-petals you will see tongue shapes, green golden at the tips and striated with tiny black dots. Despite its name, it does actually have a very short stem. Look out for this supermodel of the gentian world throughout the summer.
5. Willow gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea)
This gentian obligingly flowers from August to October for lateseason hikers. Standing 30 to 90cm tall, top-heavy groups of blue, violet-centred trumpets are carried by stems with long, lanceshaped leaves. The willow gentian likes it damp and can sometimes be found where woodland clearing work has taken place, but never much higher than the Old Bisse.
This is a tiny selection of the gentians to be found in our local hills and the information is non-scientific. If you want to understand more about our alpine flora, we cannot recommend strongly enough a hike with a mountain leader. These knowledgeable experts will show you what is currently in flower and where to find it.
www.cherrieswalks.com www.famkevanderelst.com
Remember never to pick, or let your dog trample on, alpine flowers: many of them are protected; cherish the view, take a photo and then leave them to multiply. Close-up photos of flowers are tricky; Sebastien Albert can teach you how to get the best out of your smartphone camera. Find the details of his photography courses in our News section.
Pour half of the cure into a large stain-resistant container, just big enough to hold the fish flat, lay the salmon on top and pour the remaining cure over the fish. Cover and chill for 24 hours.
The following day, remove the salmon and give the cure a good mix. Put the salmon back and spoon the cure back over, cover and chill for a further 24 hours.
To make the pickled cucumber, whisk the white wine vinegar with the caster sugar and 2 tbsp of water in a small saucepan. Bring just to the boil and quickly pour over the cucumber and dill, mix well and leave to pickle for several hours. Strain off the vinegar mix before serving.
Wash the salmon under cold running water and discard the cure. Slice the salmon into 1 cm thick strips and serve with pickled cucumber and toasted rye bread or pumpernickel. Serve with a frozen shot of frozen Verbier Gin, served neat.
âą From Verbier, head south through the Great St. Bernard tunnel and down past Turin, pull off the freeway at Alba and head to the eponymously named town of Barolo for a total immersion in rolling hills, vineyards and quiet country roads. A mini-Tuscany on our doorstep.
The region is known for producing the world-famous wine of Barolo, made with Nebbiolo grapes which are notoriously difficult to grow. The ageing process for Barolo is long, at least 38 months, of which 18 months in oak barrels, so the wines tend to be fairly expensive compared to wines in the neighbouring areas.
Five of the regionâs wine-making villages can be linked to make a great cycling tour. Starting in Montfore dâAlba you can cycle to Barolo and on to La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, and back to your starting point, not forgetting Serralunga dâAlba on the way. Short vertical climbs of several hundred metres keep the tour interesting but not too challenging.
There are many small restaurants in the area too, so a lunch to accompany your wine discoveries is easily organised. If you go in the autumn, you can add the gustatory luxury of the famous white truffles from the Alba area. The town of Alba organises a truffle market and fair every year in autumn with medieval games and processions as well as competitions for the best (and biggest) truffle. You can, of course, buy a few to take home.
Barbaresco is just next door and, although not as famous as Barolo, produces some wonderfully rounded, full-bodied reds. The grapes tend to ripen earlier than in Barolo, due to the climate, and therefore produce a slightly less tannic wine that can be drunk earlier than Barolo.
