· Steve Guerdat · World Economic Forum · Ueli Maurer · CERN ·· Who is who 2013: 100 profiles · Swiss Commission for UNESCO ·

NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2013 CHF 7.50

SWISS ARMY KNIVES CUTLERY TIMEPIECES TRAVEL GEAR FASHION FRAGRANCES I WWW.VICTORINOX.COM

DIVEMASTERSWISS CHAMP SPECTRA

EXPLORER JACKET FRAGRANCE

CONTENTS

10 questions with... 06 Ueli Maurer – The new Swiss President

Swiss News survey 22 Swiss News readers’ survey

Made in Switzerland 08 Swiss Commission for UNESCO – Greater good

Finance column 11 World Economic Forum – 2013 topics

Entrepreneur in focus 12 Pioneers’ Club – Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit

Insider 15 CERN – Frontiers of knowledge

Profile 25 Who is who 2013 – 100 profiles

Celebrity interview 36 Steve Guerdat – Golden boy

Off the beaten track 40 Vals – Valley deep, mountain high

Photo gallery 44 Vals – Panoramic views

Healthy living 50 Iron – Back to basics

Lifestyle special 52 Alpine caviar – Sustainable and Swiss

Healthy indulgence 55 Hiltl – New year’s resolutions

Fashion column 56 Changing room – The new professional

Books 57 English books at Orell Füssli

What’s on 62 February – Highlights around the country

A day in the life of... 64 Behind the scenes at the World Economic Forum

Directory 58 Goods and services in Switzerland

Classifieds 66 Noticeboard

Images from top:Steve Guerdat, © Carina Scheuringer

Vals, © Nico Schärer

CERN, © CERN

World Economic Forum, © Christos & Christos

Front cover: Steve Guerdat, © Carina Scheuringer

36

b u s i n e s s

p e o p l e

t r a v e l

l i f e s t y l e

a r t & c u l t u r e

15

64

40

Ueli Maurerceiling of more than CHF 5 billion as of 2015, so that thereplacement of the Tiger aircraft could also be financed.Meanwhile, the armed forces will face greater cuts in thecontext of 2014 Consolidation and Task Evaluation Package(CAP 14), which comes into operation in 2015. It is inevitablethat [there will be a discrepancy] between what is desirableand what is feasible, if the constitutionally required debt cap isto be observed and the various needs of all departments areto be taken into account. With a budget of CHF 4.7 billion from2015, the DDPS will have to adapt the performance profile ofthe armed forces – after all, the Armed Forces 2010 reportwas [originally based] on a CHF 5.4 billion budget. If thebudget was to be increased, a substantial part of thatincrease has already been earmarked (by both Parliamentand Federal Council) for the acquisition of 22 Gripen E fighteraircrafts. Another part should be used [for the] acquisition ofand investment in defence [measures].

4. Would you resign if the Gripen deal fell through?In Switzerland, Federal Councillors do not usually tie theirpolitical fate to particular projects, issues or decisions, and Ido not intend to make an exception here. The Gripenprocurement is an important project – and one I considernecessary for the security of this country. But I do not intend tolink it to the length of my stay in office. Also, I am convincedthat Switzerland will finally decide in favour of the Gripen,because it is the best way to ensure the security of our country.

5. Why does Switzerland still have a military army ratherthan a smaller, but better equipped professional army?I am convinced that armed forces based on conscription –and in particular on the Swiss military system – are bettersuited to Switzerland than professional armed forces would

1. What does it mean to you to be the new FederalPresident of the Swiss Confederation?Traditionally, this office is both a challenge and an honour. Iam much more fascinated by the challenges, i.e. the work[that needs to be done] and the political aspects, than the so-called honour, which is often simply a matter of formalities.This office allows me to serve my country. We muststrengthen what we share, as we have much more thatunites us than divides us. Despite all our differing interests,we are still one country. As Federal Councillor, I will havethe opportunity to point out all the things that unite us atvarious events this year.

2. What is your top priority as the Head of the FederalDepartment of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports?My top priority as the Head of the Federal Department ofDefence, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS) – or DefenceMinister, as it is called in other countries – is to ensure thatthe armed forces receive the means (above all, thefinancial means) necessary to carry out their tasks. And notjust for this year, but for the future. For more than a decade,the Swiss armed forces have been hit by serious budgetcuts. Savings have been realised by unsustainable cuts.This must not continue. We must provide the armed forceswith a budget that is sufficient for both operations andinvestment. Having said that, I will also do everythingpossible to achieve real savings within the armed forces.

3. Do you think that the budget for the Swiss army issufficient as it is now or should it be increased?On 25 April 2012, the Federal Council set the budget for theSwiss armed forces at CHF 4.7 billion from 2015 onwards.This followed a decision by the Parliament to accept a cost

1 0 q u e s t i o n s w i t h . . . | f e b r u a r y

Questions with...

On 1 January 2013, 62-year-old Ueli Maurer assumed office as the new President (Federal Councillor) of the Swiss Confederation,succeeding Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf from the Conservative Democratic Party (CDP). A resident of Adelboden and Hinwil, the father ofsix is a leading figure of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and has been a member of the Federal Council since 2008, when he became theHead of the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports. Prior to his election to the Federal Council, Maurer wasDirector of the Zurich Farmer’s Association and President of the Swiss Vegetable Farmers’ and Machinery Associations. We speak toMaurer following his election to learn about his hopes and visions for 2013.

By Remo Kuhn and Fabia Bernet

Informationwww.admin.ch

7

“In order to defend [Switzerland’s]interests, I would travel to the endof the world if necessary.” Ueli Maurer, President

be. A military army has stronger roots in civil society; itbrings along civilian skills and represents the different partsof society; and, finally, it is less expensive. In addition, thearmed forces [as they are now] can contribute to thecohesion between the various parts of Switzerland in termsof language, region and social group.

6. Despite the changing nature of threats to a nationnowadays (e.g. the rise of terrorism), the structure ofthe Swiss armed forces has changed little in the past50 to 60 years. Should the structure not be adapted?I am convinced that while our armed forces were well suitedfor the Cold War, they are equally well adapted to the presentsituation. In both cases, Switzerland – a neutral state thatcannot rely on support from other states in the event of anarmed conflict – needs relatively large numbers of soldiers todefend or protect the country and its citizens. Following themodel of other countries is not an objective in itself. Our modelis good for us and suits the needs of an independent country.

7. Switzerland is surrounded by countries that aremembers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO). Being a member of NATO could allowSwitzerland’s armed forces to operate more efficientlyand in a more modern way within a smaller budget.Why is it so important to Switzerland to remain neutral– and what are the advantages of this neutrality?Switzerland currently spends about 0.8 per cent of its GrossNational Product on defence measures. I don’t believe thisis enough, but that’s how it is. There is no reason to assumethat we might be able to spend less by joining NATO. I alsodo not see how joining NATO would increase our security –if Switzerland did not think it necessary to join NATO at a

time of great military threat (e.g. during the Cold War), thereis even less of a reason to do so nowadays. Moreover,according to polls, 80 to 90 per cent of Swiss citizens areconsistently in favour of retaining our neutrality.

8. Do you think that Switzerland will be successful inits bid to host the 2022 Olympic Games? The Olympic Winter Games would be a shared project thatwould bring people in Switzerland together – regardless oftheir language, political affiliations, origins or interests.Switzerland needs the Olympic Games to position itsqualities, values and strengths.

9. What are your greatest goals as Federal Councillor?I want to give a new boost to the spirit of community withinSwitzerland – the feeling that people live together and notjust next to each other – be they young or old, modern ortraditional, and based in urban or rural areas. The FederalPresident has a duty to cultivate contacts with thepopulation. This is not in order to get the citizens to buy acertain policy, but to address their worries and concernsand to find good solutions – this is because, ultimately,sovereignty in Switzerland lies with the people. In thatsense, they are my superiors as well. As Federal Councillor,I will travel to Brussels or to other cities whenever mypresence can make a difference to Switzerland’s interests.Indeed, in order to defend our interests, I would travel to theend of the world if necessary.

10. What will you do after you have left the FederalCouncil?Perhaps I will then be able to realise a great sports dreamand ride my bicycle from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.

© Bundesbehörden der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft, 2007

8

Swiss Commission for UNESCO

b u s i n e s s | m a d e i n s w i t z e r l a n d

Greater goodBy Carina Scheuringer

objectives and implementation of its programme.” With anannual budget of CHF 500,000, the Swiss Commissionbecame part of a global network of 195 commissions, whichtoday constitute a major pillar of UNESCO.

Closer to homeIn its 64th year of existence, the Swiss Commission ofUNESCO has 20 members; all appointed ad personam bythe Federal Council for a period of four years. “In the earlydays, there used to be three times as many of us as thereare now,” muses Münch, before adding humorously, “Iguess this means that we have to work three times as hard!”The current line-up includes named personalities from thefields of science, education, culture and communication.

“The main selection criteria is the positive contribution thatpeople can make based on their competences – theirinternational, intercultural and interdisciplinary mindsetsand track records – as well as their wide networks,” explainsMünch, before listing language and regional distribution astwo further aspects. The eleventh President, the Doctor ofPolitical Science, follows in a long line of remarkablepersonalities to hold the honourable position within theSwiss Commission for UNESCO. His appointment on 1January 2012 was a match made in heaven.

With a distinguished career in audiovisual media andcommunication (including top management roles at SRGSSR and European Broadcasting), Münch has crucialinsights into multicultural Switzerland – and a greatunderstanding of cultural differences within the languageregions. “I guess these elements – as well as my leadershipqualities as the head of a large international organisationmust have been why I ended up on the list of potentialcandidates. One day, I just got the call,” the great man sayswith charming modesty.

Embracing his new office with passion, he feels “honoured”by the trust and belief bestowed on him and has found that– in the past 12 months – he has in fact “dedicated muchmore time than I was told I would!” he chuckles heartily. It iseasy to see that Münch has been a breath of fresh air for theCommission, taking it a step closer to its goal of raising theprofile of UNESCO and its activities. “It is about time that wechange the fact that when people hear UNESCO, they thinkWorld Heritage,” he says on a more serious note.” Withouttaking away from this great programme, there is much moreto UNESCO than safeguarding symbolic sites.”

Bigger pictureUNESCO’s explicit mission is “to contribute to the building of

On a bitterly cold winter morning, the sophisticatedresidences of Berne’s Bundesgasse reach majestically into acrisp cerulean sky. Commuters hustle past purposefully,wrapped head to toe in woollies. Eyes focused on theBundesplatz ahead, they take little notice of the shiny glassdoors leading into number 28. There, President Jean-Bernand Münch (pictured in the centre on page 9 and on theleft on page 10) warmly welcomes me to the SwissCommission for the United Nations Educational, Scientificand Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) – an institutionentrusted with the task of acting as an interface between theinternational community and Switzerland’s civil society, andpolitical as well as non-political entities.

“Switzerland’s association with UNESCO dates backdecades,” says Münch by way of explaining the origins of theCommission. “Both were united by the same goal – to fosterand safeguard a culture of peace.” While Switzerland hasmaintained a neutral status since 1815 and has acted as amediator in many international conflicts, the United Nationsagency is based on the belief that lasting global peace can beachieved – not only through economic or political alliances –but if built “upon the intellectual and moral solidarity ofmankind.”

Peace of mindThe prospect of lasting peace inspired great hope in aworld ridden by wars, uniting people beyond cultural andnational borders. Following ratification by 20 signatories, 37countries signed the UNESCO Constitution on 16November 1945 in London, agreeing “to contribute topeace and security by promoting collaboration among thenations through education, science and culture in order tofurther universal respect for justice, for the rule of law andfor the human rights and fundamental freedoms which areaffirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction ofrace, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the UnitedNations.” Although present at this milestone event andaffiliated with the organisation from the onset, Switzerlandwas not amongst the founding states. The Confederationfiled its application for membership in 1946 and wasofficially admitted on 28 January 1949.

In May of the same year, Switzerland’s Federal Councilestablished the Swiss Commission for UNESCO in Berne inaccordance with Article VII of the UNESCO Constitution. Apermanent “agency of consultation, liaison and information,”the Commission was tasked with associating civil society aswell as governmental and non-governmental bodies with thework of the international community, thus making“substantial contributions in the advancement of UNESCO’s

Silvesterklausen, © swiss-image.ch/Daisy Gilardini

Old City of Berne, © Schweizerische UNESCO-Kommission

Three castles, © swiss-image.ch/Edmondo ViselliLavaux vineyard terraces, © Carina Scheuringer

Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, © swiss-image.ch/Ritz

Jean-Bernard Münch, © Carina Scheuringer

Theme early childhood, © Schweizerische UNESCO-Kommission

Convent of St Gall, © swiss-image.ch/Damian Imhof

Rhaetian Railway, © swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger

a source of information and to support the implementationprocess by advising governmental and non-governmentalorganisations as well as fostering relationships with the privatesector and civil society. For each legislation period, a numberof focus areas are identified on which the activities andresources of the Commission are focused. “Our current maintopics for the period of 2012 to 2015 are education for all, earlychildhood education, intangible cultural heritage and culturaldiversity, and world heritage,” outlines Münch.

The Commission engages specialist organisations,universities and other relevant parties in identifying areaswhere improvements could be made so that they can bringtogether all stakeholders necessary to realise a change.“Sometimes new structures need to be established; othertimes, the task rests with the stakeholders themselves,”explains the President. Once the ball is rolling, theCommission takes a step back to focus its efforts on thenext project. And the amount of work is not to be sneered atnext to your day job!

Looking to the futureAware that the fate of the world lies firmly in the hands of theleaders of tomorrow, the agency is associated with oversixty schools in Switzerland, who are dedicated topromoting the values of UNESCO within their curriculum. “Itis essential to inspire the next generation,” agrees Münch,“but to do so, your values have to be tangible. We need todirect more efforts towards developing modern websitesand platforms to enable new synergies within our network ofpartners (UNESCO Clubs, UNESCO Chairs, the UNESCOAssociated School Network, federal offices, politicians andprivate partners etc.) so that the youth of today can trulyappreciate what the international community has achieved.Take Switzerland’s eleven World Heritage sites for instance –it’s not enough to simply take kids to any one of them andexpect that they understand; they need to experience themto truly understand what they are worth.”

On a more general note, the President hopes “that the SwissCommission can continue its good work in the friendly anddedicated manner it does now – and that we will manage toraise the profile of the Commission. And not for the sake ofglory, but for the good values that it stands for.“

peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable developmentand intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences,culture, communication and information.” As well as twoglobal priorities – Africa and gender equality – UNESCO hasidentified a number of overarching objectives, including‘education for all’, addressing social and ethical challenges aswell as fostering cultural diversity.

“We are fortunate to live in a developed country, which is notinvolved in any conflicts or potential crisis,” says Münch. “Inother countries, very little would happen without the work ofUNESCO. I don’t see Switzerland so much on the benefittingend of the international scale, but more as an influencer andsupporter.” The President lists the conventions andrecommendations amongst the greatest achievements of theorganisation, highlighting the Convention for Protection andPromotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (Paris,2005). “One should also not underestimate the significance ofgetting people all at one table to discuss these things.” AndSwitzerland has been deeply involved.

While the level of influence of one country is hardly tangiblewithin a group of 195 member and eight associate memberstates, the Confederation has served on the organisation’sconstitutional organs numerous times, starting with JeanPiaget on the Executive Board (responsible for theexecution of the programme adopted by the GeneralConference) in 1950. “We are a small country and cannotalways expect to have high profile roles,” notes Münch.“However, that does not mean that our voice is not heard.”

“Ad hoc coalitions with other countries which share our stanceare one way in which we can exert influence – and Switzerlandis highly respected and trusted,” the President explains. “It isalso one of 183 member states to have established aPermanent Delegation and Permanent Observer Mission toUNESCO and thus is present during meetings – and as in anyorganisation, sometimes the conversations in the hallways arejust as important as those held during official meetings,” hesays with a twinkle in his eye.

Making a differenceOnce a programme or initiative has been signed off, it is theresponsibility of the Swiss Commission for UNESCO to act as

Swiss Commissionfor UNESCO

Bundesgasse 283003 Berne

031 325 14 26www.unesco.ch (in French

and German)

UNESCOwww.unesco.org

La Chaux-de-Fonds, © Schweizerische UNESCO-Kommission

“Women in science”, Dr Cornelia Hagmann, © Patrizia Human

Jean-Bernard Münch, © Carina Scheuringer

Business agenda • How to create new value in the face of generational andstructural shifts that are reshaping business models• How to adapt to the future evolution of social technology in abusiness context• How to leverage rapid and far-reaching advances inscience, technology and medicine

After arrival, registration and a welcome address, receptionand concert on 22 January, participants have a programme offour full days of plenary sessions, lunches, as well asinteractive and working sessions. They will share theirexpertise on strategic and structural changes, formalisesolutions and collaborate on risks and opportunities in theyear ahead.

As stated by the WEF, the ultimate aim is to embrace the‘Davos Spirit’ and develop bold ideas and innovative solutionsin a unique environment.

The general public can participate through social media(YouTube, Facebook, Twitter), in the Open Forum organisedby the WEF and civil society organisations – and can availthemselves of the special media coverage of the events. TheWEF’s weblog also allows people to have their say. For moreinformation, please go to www.weforum.org.

Did you know?In a recent annual survey of 850 members of the WEF’sNetwork of Global Agenda Councils, the most troubling issuewas cited to be the eurozone crisis, followed by the unstableglobal outlook. Last year’s leading concern – the public debtcrisis – is now tenth on the list.

About the WEFThe World Economic Forum was established as a non-profitorganisation in January 1971, when a group of Europeanbusiness leaders met under the partronage of the EuropeanCommission and European industrial associations. German-born Klaus Schwab, then Professor of Business Policy at theUniversity of Geneva, chaired the gathering, which took placein Davos, Switzerland. He remains the Executive Chairman.

From 23 to 27 January 2013, the world’s foremost stakeholdercommunity of leaders will come together in Davos for theWorld Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting. Amongst the2,500 attendees will be political and business leaders,technology pioneers, global shapers (people under the age of30 who have ‘earned’ their place in Davos through hard work,innovation and success) and cultural leaders (amongstothers). Participation is by invitation only. The topic is ‘ResilientDynamism’ – nations’ and organisations’ ability “to masterstrategic agility and build risk resilience” so that confidence inmarkets can be rebuilt and stable growth can be restored.Central to this will be questions of leadership in the face of“adaptive challenges and transformational opportunities.”

The WEF executive summary outlines the following discussionpoints:

Global agenda• How to get the global economy back on to a path of stablegrowth and higher employment• How to address persistent vulnerabilities within theinternational financial system • How to increase global, national and industry resilience tomajor systemic and catastrophic risks

Regional agenda • How to adapt to leadership transitions among G20 membersand to understand their geopolitical and geo-economicimplications• How to navigate the political and economic transformationsin Europe, the Middle East and North Africa• How to ensure that protectionism and nationalism do notderail regional economic integration and multilateraleconomic cooperation in Asia, Africa and the Americas

Industry agenda • How to thrive when global competitiveness is increasinglydriven by talent and innovation• How to ensure stable, sustainable and affordable supplies ofcritical natural resources• How to navigate a changing regulatory environment whilepursuing new growth opportunities

b u s i n e s s | f i n a n c e c o l u m n

11World Economic Forum 2013

Driving dynamism and protecting prosperityBy Brien Donnellon

For over four decades, the World Economic Forum has provided leaders of the world with a platform to shapeglobal, regional, industrial and business agendas in an effort to improve the state of the world.

Brien DonnellonBrien Donnellon is the owner

of KEY INVESTMENT, afinancial services company

providing unbiased financialadvice and solutions for Swiss-

based expatriates, HRdepartments and foreigninvestors. The company,

formed in 1997, is authorisedand regulated by the Swiss

Federal Banking Commission.

For further information: 081 257 13 14

bd@keyinvestment.ch www.keyinvestment.ch

40

t r a v e l | o f f t h e b e a t e n t r a c k

“You do not get to Vals by chance. From Ilanz, you climb

upwards through ravines and meadows [and] the scenery

grows wilder as you go forward. By the time you reach

Vals, the feeling of quiet has started to spread in the

consciousness.” Vera Wichmann, Hotel Therme Vals

All photos on this page © Nico Schärer

ValsThe efforts Truffer and her husband have put into Truffer AG(which today has 50 employees, exports 60 per cent of itsproducts and is currently paving Zurich’s 14,000 metressquared Sechseläutenplatz) have led to advanced finishingand cutting techniques – the couple know the region’s stone,Valser Quartzite, inside out. Its high compressive strength (thevillage’s rooftops with hand-cut tiles are two to three hundredyears old) is popular with architects the world over.

This is telling perhaps no more so than in Therme Vals, themineral baths designed in the stone by Pritzker ArchitecturePrize-winning Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. “We are veryproud of the Therme,” smiles Truffer, of the project that costCHF 26 million and, alongside the hotel company Hotel undThermalbad Vals AG, was until recently owned by the Valscommunity*. “Working with Zumthor to develop a kind ofstone application that was quite new at the time wasexciting. The slabs are long and thin, which is possiblethanks to the quartzite’s compressive strength.”

Referring to Therme Vals as a “benchmark for the rest of thevillage” that inspires the locals to live their lives to a highstandard, Truffer says she is still overwhelmed by its beauty.A whisper of steam amidst a collection of 1960s buildings isall I can see of it from here. I decide to venture closer.Between the four accommodation buildings that constitutethe Hotel Therme Vals complex, the mineral baths are in arectangular, grey structure that opened in 1996 and twoyears’ later was named a listed building. They are reachedby a dark tunnel and through turnstiles reminiscent ofentering a football stadium.

Monastic bathingAlthough it pays to get up early and enjoy the baths beforethey become too crowded, I relax at twilight in Therme Vals’outdoor, cubular 36-degrees-Celsius pool where smooth,high walls meet at sharp angles. Steam rising eerily from thewater, which has an ethereal, ice-green glow, obscures themountains visible through vast square openings onlyslightly. Their summits peep over the abrupt, cubicperimeter. Acoustically, the pool is like an amphitheatre. Ishut my eyes and escape with the sound of trickling waterthat reminds me of amplified mountain springs.

It is, however, not wellness in a cushy sense: there is no aquagadgetry such as massage jets. Instead, guests can focus ontheir perceptions of the interplay between the baths and themountains, and the luscious touch of the smooth, stone slabsagainst their bare feet. Indoors, walls run parallel to oneanother in different directions, creating a maze of six cubicchambers. Nothing – no hooks or railings – perturbs theirperfection until they meet with the high ceiling. The effect is

Cradled in the Alps at the end of the Valser Valley in theBündner Oberland of Canton Graubünden lies a hamlet-likevillage, with a handful of shops, cafés and restaurants.Despite its sleepy character, several successful industriesthrive in Vals. Awarded the Europäischer Dorf-erneuerungspreis 2012 (European Prize of VillageInnovation), the village is home to one of Switzerland’s mostrenowned mineral baths, Therme Vals. Nevertheless, Valshas retained a transcendent quality that charms all thosewho venture off the beaten track to find it.

An ancient landscapeIn Vals dialect, es Giifelti translates as ‘a light sprinkling ofsnow’ – meanwhile, en uu Chlapf means ‘a very large amount’.To me the snow underfoot is deep, crunchy, and looks perfectfor making snow angels. Instead, I continue along betweenthe pine trees in the direction of Lake Zervreila, a dammedreservoir surrounded by 3,000-metre summits. The damprotects the world below from floods and avalanches.

I catch glimpses between the frosty branches of skiers atthe small Dachberg resort and the cluster of buildingsbelow at 1,252 metres above sea level. Vals is 30 minutesfrom the nearest town, Ilanz, and makes for a fairytalescene. Its stone-flagged rooftops form a patchwork blanketof snow, divided only by the Valser Rhine, a tributary of theRiver Rhine. The scene is a wash of white with occasionalwhiskers of ochre or chocolate brown in the larch buildings.

Cowbells jingle – at this time of year from barns in the villagerather than mountain pastures. On the valley slopes – theancient landscape of the Adula mountain range –19th-centurylog stables are hewn into wintry fields. They are peacefulflecks beneath the summit of Piz Aul (3,121 metres above sealevel) and Hora (2,409 metres above sea level). “That is myfavourite mountain,” says local Pia Truffer, of the latter. “Valspeople call it ‘Höreli’, but I remember when we took anAmerican group of architects up there for a hike. They calledthe mountain chain that it is part of the ‘Four Crowns’. Sincethen, that is also how we have referred to them.”

Unique stoneWorking with architects is part of Truffer’s daily life. TrufferAG, the quarry she and her husband founded about thirtyyears ago, was the first in the valley to extract ValserQuartzite commercially. “Beforehand, whenever there was abuilding project, the clients would have to go and look forstones themselves. People in Vals referred to this practiceas ‘picking stones’ and almost everybody had a certainknowledge of how to ‘split’ (cut) a stone,” explains Truffer.“The quarry where we extract stone now was first opened inthe 1930s with two workers and no machines.”

Valley deep, mountain highBy Emily Mawson

41

t r a v e l | o f f t h e b e a t e n t r a c k

42

Communal sitting roomVals has none of the glitz and glam of larger resorts likeZermatt and St. Moritz but, although it is small, it is worthexploring. There is a small Sennerei (Alpine dairy) and ahandful of cafés and restaurants (it is Wildzeit when I visit,so specialities include meat hunted locally and chestnutsimported from nearby Italy). The village square is sleepyand surrounded by four hundred-year-old houses. Each hasan engraved symbol to mark ownership, and a winter storeof firewood under a blanket of snow.

Here, German is spoken. It is the legacy of 13th-centurysettlers from Valais who created this German-speakingenclave in a Romansch territory. “There is a stereotype thatValser people are withdrawn and suspicious of change,”says Schmid. Wichmann, who moved to Vals three yearsago, has made a different experience. “I have found thepeople in Vals very open and friendly towards me from thestart,” she smiles. “Now, it’s funny how I will go to the pistes,meet my neighbours and start chatting. You feel like part ofthe family. The Vals people treat the ski area like their sittingroom.”

The sound of silenceLater, from my room at Hotel Therme Vals, I observe theancient landscape and think that this is a view I could nevertire of looking at. The world beyond the black-framed windowsof the stylish, cave-like room, one of 40 ‘Temporaries’renovated by Peter Zumthor and with fittings by Mies van derRohe et al., is a wash of white. All I can hear is the sound of myown breathing. Like an Indian Ashram forces you to get cosywith your demons, so does the complex. There is no TV, only awindow onto the world. I am loath to put on one of therelaxation CDs beside the CD player – the sound of silence isone I have not heard for a long time.

“It is wonderful to live in a place with no through road,” saysWichmann, who has worked around the world, but describesVals as perhaps the most exotic location of all. “You are notsucked into a system that directs you to all the things there areto see and do,” she adds. Later that night, I sit in the BlaueHalle lounge sipping leaf tea and listen to the jazz pianist inthe corner. I feel I could be in New York then look outside,beyond the waves of lamps that trace the ceiling, and seesnowy slopes etched into the darkness. In harmony with themountains – now that seems to be what Vals is all about.

monastic. Like loud whispers, sounds bounce off the silvery,slate-coloured walls of layered quartzite. “We definitely attractpeople who are interested in design, or who are studyingarchitecture and looking for inspiration,” reveals Director ofHotel Therme Vals Vera Wichmann, of the building that haswon numerous awards including Bündner KulturpreisGraubünden 1998 and Daylight Award 2010. “Staying hereshould be an experience for the mind, in arousing curiosityand a desire for an avant-garde lifestyle.”

Source of lifeEven if you arrive to admire the architecture, you are sure toleave with a sense of wellbeing. The building is arrangedaround six thermal pools, including the fire and ice baths (42and 14 degrees Celcius respectively), the flower bath (wherefragrance is infused into the chamber every few minutes) andthe sound bath (where the sound of chiming stones isprojected). “A friend recommended Therme Vals as being ahaven of peace and relaxation, and he was right,” says MarionDesilles, a consultant at Swisslinx AG, who visited last yearwith her boyfriend. “The mystical atmosphere and thearchitecture impressed us a lot. For couples, it is a great placeto find silence and serenity.”

In one chamber you can sample Vals’ mineral water from theSt. Peter source, the only thermal spring in CantonGraubünden. It has a vivid metallic taste having seepedthrough schist to a depth of 1,000 metres and resurfaced at atemperature of 30 degrees Celcius. The highly mineralisedwater is therapeutic and has been used within the village’s spacomplex – now the Hotel Therme Vals – since 1893, whenrooms cost a mere CHF 5 per night and the journey from Churtook eight hours by horse and carriage.

As well as being used within the Hotel Therme Vals complex,the mineral water is bottled by Valser Mineralquellen.Alongside the Hotel Therme, Truffer AG and the power plantKraftwerke Zervreila AG, the water company is one of thelargest employers in the valley. The village’s economic driveand in particular its sustainable development – farming inVals is organically certified and the village’s power supply isrenewable – was marked with the European Prize of VillageInnovation 2012. “I think Vals is so successful because ithas different economic pillars,” theorises mayor StefanSchmid, “so local children can go to school here and thereare jobs for adults. This means the village life is still intact.”

Where to stayIn its four buildings, Hotel

Therme Vals has 145 rooms inthree categories, including the

40 stylish ‘Temporaries’renovated by Peter Zumthor.Prices start at CHF 107 per

person per night with breakfastand access to Therme Vals.

Packages are availableincluding ‘Get Away’ and‘From the Therme to the

Slopes’. The hotel has tworestaurants and a bar.

What to doThe Dachberg ski area at

3,000 metres above sea levelhas 25 kilometres of pistes,

three lifts and children’s slopes.There are also five sledgingruns, and 20 kilometres of

prepared winter walking andsnow shoeing trails. ThermeVals has six thermal pools, a

wellness centre with 14treatment rooms (and a range

of water-related treatments)and various relaxation

chambers with mountainviews. Day access costs

CHF 40 per adult.

DiningThe Red Restaurant at Hotel

Therme Vals was renovated byPeter Zumthor and has 15

Gault-Millau points.Meanwhile, the complex’s

Restaurant Chessi offerstraditional, hearty fare.

Delightful restaurants in thevillage include Gasthof

Edelweiss and RestaurantAlpenrose

Informationwww.therme-vals.ch

www.vals.ch

*The Vals community decided to sell Hotel und Thermalbad Vals AG, due to the cost of renovating some of the hotel, to a private bidder. The buyer has recently been confirmed as local and property developer Remo Stoffel.

© swiss-image.ch/Roland Gerth

WATCHES • SUNGLASSES • POLOS GEAR • ACCESSORIES

ww

w.a

lpin

ecl

ub.c

h

A new online international school from the International School of Berne. Our online school for ages 12 to 19, supported by staff in Berne, Switzerland and backed by the proven K12 Inc. curriculum

and upon graduation, an accredited diploma accepted around the world.

CALL US TODAY: + 41 31 528 01 06

www.isberneonline.com/wef

Guarantee a quality education for your children, anywhere.

Zug, Switzerland | Phone +41 41 729 11 77 | info@montana-zug.ch | www.montana-zug.ch

You do business - we educate the world‘s most critical minds...

Individual Support Classes of max. 15 Students College Counseling

Swiss-International Boarding School

Elementary School Bilingual Programme

International School International Baccalaureate (IB) Cambridge IGCSE

Swiss Gymnasium Swiss Matura (German/bilingual)

Enjoy a luxurious stay at the four-star hotel Kreuz and Post and discover the most attractive ski runs of theBernese Oberland. The hotel is located right in the heart of our beautiful holiday resort.We would love to spoil you with culinary highlights in our restaurants and take care of your well being in oursmall wellness-oasis.Family Martin & Helena Konzett look forward to your visit!

Tel: 0041(0)33 8545492 Fax: 0041(0)33 8545499 e-Mail: info@kreuz-post.ch www.kreuz-post.ch

SKIING AND FUN IN GRINDELWALD

Give your child a great start at school at our campus in Baden for children aged 3 to 14

For more information please call 058 750 25 31

www.zis.ch

Watch the ZIS video by scanning this QR code on your portable device:

Learn, Care, Challenge, Lead

Doctorates in Business/Public Administration

in partnership with Plymouth University (UK)

STUDY IN SWITZERLAND

ICC · Rte de Pré-Bois 20 · 1215 Geneva 15 · SwitzerlandTel.: +41(0)22 710 71 10/12 · Fax: +41(0)22 710 71 11Email: info@iun.ch · www.iun.ch

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY IN GENEVA

Bachelor and Master programs in:

NEW

faculté des lettres

FRENCH LANGUAGE SUMMER COURSES 2013

COURSES AT ALL LEVELS

from June 24th to August 23rd (3 separate sessions)

INTENSIVE COURSE FOR BEGINNERS from June 24th to August 23rd (9 weeks)

UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY COURSE

from July 15th to August 23rd (6 weeks)

FOR PROGRAMMES AND INFORMATION

Uni Bastions, 5 rue De-Candolle, CH-1211 Genève 4T. +41 22 379 74 34cefle@unige.ch | www.fle.unige.ch

- -

-

APRIL 20135 BERLIN Admiralspalast8 AARHUS Store Sal Musikhuset 9 LINKÖPING Crusellhallen 10 OREBRO Conventum Kongress 11 HELSINKI Hartwall Arena 13 STOCKHOLM Friends Arena 14 OSLO Spektrum 15 GOTHENBURG Scandinavium 16 MALMO Malmo Arena 19 AMSTERDAM Heineken Music Hall 20 AMSTERDAM Heineken Music Hall 21 ANTWERP Sportpaleis

25 GENEVA Arena 26 GENEVA Arena 27 ZURICH Hallenstadion

AUSTRALIA | BELGIUM | CANADA | CROATIA | DENMARK | ESTONIA | FINLAND | FRANCE | GERMANY | HONG KONG | INDIA | INDONESIA | IRELAND | LATVIA | MALAYSIA NEPAL | NETHERLANDS | NEW ZEALAND | NORWAY | RUSSIA | SERBIA | SINGAPORE | SLOVENIA | SOUTH AFRICA | SWEDEN | SWITZERLAND | TURKEY | UK | USA

EUROPE eddieizzard.com

M I C K P E R R I N &G U Y S T E V E N S

P R E S E N T S

WORLD RADIO SWITZERLAND

The international magazine of Switzerland

“ I F Y O U W A N T T O S E E T H E M A S T E R O F S T A N D U P C O M E D Y - G O S E E E D D I E I Z Z A R D ! ” - M I C H A E L M I T T E R M E I E R

“ S T A G G E R I N G L Y F U N N Y. T O S P E A K P L A I N L Y, A W E S O M E ! ” - A N T O I N E D E C A U N E S“ W I T H O U T A D O U B T , T H E F U N N I E S T M A N I N T H E W O R L D ! ” - J A M E L D E B O U Z Z E

How would you describe the atmosphere at the WEF? The atmosphere is truly unique and has thus earned its ownnickname – ‘the spirit of Davos.’ Every year, more than3,000 attendees undertake the journey to Davos – whereelse do you meet people from so many differentbackgrounds in one place? Without a shadow of a doubt,the stunning location at 1,560 metres above sea level andsurrounded by snow-capped peaks adds to it all.

What events take place away from the officialmeetings at the Congress Centre?There is a whole list of events – every day and mostimportantly every evening. Companies host apéros, dinnersor private cocktail parties. Particularly notable is the annualparty organised in the Belvédère swimming pool byMcKinsey, featuring music by Greg Denards. It is an all-night affair! Another highlight is the exclusive ‘Google-party’, complete with music and cocktails. And last but notleast, there is the famous Burda DLD Nightcap event.

How are journalists integrated in these various events?Most of the apéros, dinners and parties take place inDavos’ most noble hotels, e.g. Hotel SteinbergerBelvédère and Hotel Seehof Davos, and are by invite only.Without a personal invitation or explicit permission (apersonalised badge with photo), nobody is allowed in.Security is tight and checks happen regularly throughoutthe day – it’s like being at the airport! We will attend theWEF for the 14th time this year – after all that time, we havea wide network and are thus fortunate to be allowed to joinmany events.

What are your most memorable stories and encountersfrom the past 13 years?There are many! One day, actor Michael Douglas walked upto me and – rather awkwardly – asked for the location of themen’s bathrooms. And at one party, actor Chris Tuckerstarted a conga! On a more serious note, there were of

Meeting the worldcourse moments of historic significance, as when ShimonPeres and Yasser Arafat shook hands.

Who impressed you the most and why?That’s difficult to answer. One year, boxing legend MohammedAli made an appearance and all the guests applauded him.That impressed us a lot, as did Nobel Prize winner BishopDesmond Tutu. He was really friendly and very funny. Perhapsthe most impressive person for us, however, is U2 singer Bono.He has been present at the WEF a lot in the last few years andhis work helping people in developing countries is remarkable.His ONE Campaign, founded in 2004, attempts to fightextreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. He is awonderful person – hats off to a rock star who invests so muchenergy in doing good. I think we could all learn somethingfrom him.

What kinds of discussions take place away from thecongress centre? As a journalist, are you allowed toask anything? Just about everything is discussed, actually. The prevalenttopic last year was the eurozone crisis and how to find a wayout of it. Fundamentally, you are allowed to ask anything, aslong as it is not too personal.

What is life like in Davos when the WEF is taking place?During the WEF, Davos is like a little fortress. Lots of streetsare closed or turned into one-way streets. As well as that,many of the 3,000 participants have chauffeurs, whichquickly leads to congestion. On the other hand, Davos isgreat for winter sports during the WEF – as long as you canfind accommodation – because the pistes are practicallyempty! For us, it is interesting to meet so many differentpeople, whether it is on the street, in cafes or at night in bars.I recommend the Piano Bar in Hotel Europe because this iswhere many participants mingle and celebrate after theday’s meetings. Pianist and entertainer Barry Colsen makessure there is always a great atmosphere here,

a r t & c u l t u r e | a d a y i n t h e l i f e o f

By Christos & Christos

64

Behind the scenes in Davos

Swiss News’ entertainment correspondents, 34-year-old Christos P. and 33-year-old Christos M.from St. Gallen, experienced their first World Economic Forum (WEF) in 1999, when they travelled toDavos as freelance journalists commissioned by a Swiss newspaper. They realised that the eventwas not only attended by leaders in politics and business – but also by celebrities from the world ofshow business. They were immediately intrigued and keen to discover who they might come across.Looking back over 13 years, we reminisce with the duo and find out what makes the WEF so special.

All photos © Christos & Christos

65

· Stephan Siegrist · Kjus · Mary Katrantzou · Züri West walking tour ·

Send your classifieds to:

Swiss BusinessPressSwiss NewsZürcherstrasse 39 8952 Schliereninfo@swissnews.ch

Rates: CHF 2.00 per word, plusCHF 10 if a P.O. Box is required.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

© visualimpact.ch/Thomas Senf

Coming upin MarchOakwood Travel LtdYour complete travel solution.Holidays worldwide includingSwitzerland and the UK.Independent travel agentsoffering customers service andchoice.

Call Jonathan Tighe on +44 1132 400419 or e-mailoakwoodtravel@btopenworld.com

English Counselling inSwitzerlandHighly experienced & qualifiedEnglish Adult, Couples, ChildTherapist. Professional &Confidential telephone supportall over Switzerland or faceappointments in Lugano.

091 600 1873 / 076 577 6687 www.expatcounselling.com

Find Swiss News on Facebook and discover all the latest in Swiss lifestyle, business and current affairs under ‘Swiss News Magazine’

© Alex Sainsbury

ClassifiedsCounselling in EnglishIndividual and couple counselling inZurich. Relationship communication;sex and sexuality; general mentalhealth; transition and integrationissues. Evening appointmentsavailable.

Mac Bischof-Campbell, MA, MHPPsychologist FSP078 829 87 81www.bischof-campbell.com

© Christoph Schuerpf

66

ZHAW School of Management and Law, St.-Georgen-Platz 2, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland

A 10-evening course on all aspects of Swiss culture.

START: MAY / SEPTEMBER 2013. For more information: www.sml.zhaw.ch/expats

Expat Training Course Introduction to the Working Culture and Life in Switzerland

From Living Abroad to Coming Home. Crossing Borders.