Come as you are
The search for the perfect winter sports destination ends here and if it’s action you’re after, this is THE place to be. Upbeat but down-played.
Great ski pistes, a fabulous snowpark, plus gastro-delights, raclette and local wine, cool cafés and bars, not to mention the awesome shopping and stunning scenery. And then there’s the legendary Ski World Cup where the best female skiers in the world meet on the stunning Mont-Lachaux piste.
Here are my latest tips to ensure you know what’s what and where to find it.
A casy place in Crans-Montana
Did you know that the name CASY comes from the 2 owners’ names – Caroline and Sylvain? Caroline takes care of the service in the restaurant and Sylvain is the kitchen chef. When going to the Casy, ask Caroline which coffee she recommends, she will be happy to offer her latest favourite from the Origins range of Nespresso Professional Coffee.
A sip of sunshine
Clicquot, the visionary force behind this legendary champagne house, embodied courage and entrepreneurial spirit. Like a sip of sunshine captured in the bottle with the iconic yellow label, this champagne is a perfect companion to celebrate life in all its fascinating facets.
LOOP collection
Practicality meets consciousness with reusable cups from the Nespresso LOOP collection. Each cup is crafted with up to 30% recovered coffee husks elegantly applied on the outer wall of the cup.
Ready for winter
Be prepared in these classic calf skin boots HORSE for ladies in style.
English styling
The world’s finest knitwear! The superb quality of John Smedley is THE insider’s tip for the best quality and styling out there. Talk about classy… Take it from me, I wouldn’t be caught dead without it! Available at selected stores and online throughout Switzerland.
Step by step
The profiled hiking sole guarantees a secure grip on snow and ice, the leather is hydrophobic and promises high water resistance. Design and colour contrast give the shoe its cult look. The lambskin lining absorbs the foot moisture and thus provides excellent protection against the cold. As with all Kandahar shoes, the insole made of cork and lambswool also provides warmth from below.
Contemporary art
Take time off to visit the Fondation Opale in neighbouring Lens housing the only contemporary art collection dedicated to the promotion of Aboriginal art in Europe. A cultural highlight in the stunning Alpine landscape. With a delightful restaurant overlooking the lake.
A new shop in town
Visit KA/NOA on the main street and find your perfect hoodie. Warm, soft and the sporty adventurous best companion.
Tonto
The felt tipi made of 100% wool creates an adventurous atmosphere and serves as a cosy retreat at the same time. It’s easy to set up and comes with a zip – in case you take it with you on your travels.
A punto
Claudio Del Principe and the sensual way he writes about food are irresistible. His surprising, amusing, and profound texts strike a chord with many of us – entertainment and opulence aimed at people who appreciate good food.
Place to be
A luxurious winter setting in the heart of Basel: Maison Ruinart’s elegant pop-up on the terrace of Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois – the place to be in Basel. Enjoy a glass of Ruinart champagne paired with oysters and shellfish: a match made in heaven for an elevated dining experience. Discover various Maison Ruinart’s emblematic cuvées and indulge in a festive moment with your loved ones.
Sparkling diamonds, endlessly turning
Modern, pure and unparalleled – the GIRELLO SKYLINE Rotating Ring draws on bold lines to create new perspectives. A homage to the goldsmith’s delicate craftsmanship and the most precious materials – made of 950 platinum with 43 diamonds in princess cut.
Take care of your skin
Citronella, with SPF 30 sun protection, is enriched with aloe vera and olive, as well as anti-inflammatory components such as shea butter and lavender. It contains the natural repellents citronella and pelargonium. Suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
Atlantic Blue, Lagoon Green and Terracotta
Following the spectrum from ocean to earth, OMEGA’s Seamaster Aqua Terra Shade collection draws its unique tones directly from nature’s palette. Choose from two polished stainless-steel case sizes—38 mm or 34 mm—each equipped with a Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement.
Cristiana Vegan
Dress to impress with this extremely chic and classy vegan bag. The Swiss brand Tondini embodies the very essence of luxury. Created from high class materials and of a superb design, the Cristiana Vegan Shoulder Bag is THE object of desire, the ultimate in style.
Cheeky & funny
Grimm’s fairy tales reinterpreted. Inspiring comic and storybook with anarchistic humour, not only for children. Author Boris Zatko lives and works as a freelance author and illustrator in Basel. He has been obsessed with storytelling since early childhood.
Pen of the year
No chance of writer’s block with this magnificent fountain pen from the house of Faber-Castell! Their consistent standard of perfection in creating timeless quality over and over again is no more evident than in the exquisite design of this Old Egypt limited edition – the pen of the year.
Words Clifford Lilley
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