Features in English: Recent Episodes
Features in English
Mountain Radio is a network of radio stations providing international news, local information, weather and piste conditions for Alpine ski resorts.
Our Website is http://mountainradio.info
Eric Balet hosts a team of Champions, raising funds for www.righttoplay.ch in memory of his daughter, Estelle
In memory of Estelle Balet, more than a dozen world champions gather to raise funds and awareness of the Right To Play
Holmlands presents the award winning Ruin & Rose ski movie exclusively at the W Hotel. Doors open at 19h with heaps of prizes to win. Grab your tickets at www.skimovielondon.com
I s
The latest model of Mini's Convertible was unveiled in Verbier at the Place Blanche. We got a sneak preview of the new features.
@sergiarola68 describes Haute Cuisine, 2-5 December @wverbier. With @alaincaron57, @nachomanzano
Hans Rudolf Herren, president of the Millennium Institute, says that Industrial Agriculture is a catastrophe for the world. What's more, the system contributes to around half of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Big-mouths sell Switzerland. That's according to Ambassador Nicolas Bideau, tasked with promoting the country around the world
5x FWT Snowboard Champion, Steeve Klassen (USA), on his 18th, and final competitive decent of the Bec des Rosses, with good friend Lori Gibbs (USA) Women's Champion 1997 #verbier #freerideworldtour #snowboard
Superhuman Spanish athlete Killian Jornet is a world champion ski-mountaineer in Winter and mountain trail runner in Summer. And we spoke to him in Verbier following his win in the Vertical Race during the 2015 Ski-Mountaineering World Championships
The 2015 Ski Mountaineering World Championships are being held in #verbier this February. We spoke to Patrick Messeiller of the organising committee.
Father Christmas himself is flying over Lake Geneva by the Montreux Christmas market. And we interviewed him!
World renowned French DJ Dmitri From Paris was the guest DJ at #wverbier hotel, playing at the @Carve nightclub and reminiscing with Conor from Mountain Radio Verbier about the 90s music scene in Paris!
The primary school students at Verbier International School are using sculpture to spark their interest in the legends and culture of the Middle Ages. And also to get their hands dirty! More information at www.lvis.ch
When it comes to keeping you safe in case of natural disaster, Louis-Ernest Sidoli is a name you should know. We spoke to him earlier about his job at the Commune.
Caroline Barsalou is the director of UBS Wealth Management in Lausanne. She came to talk to us during our special show to mark the 2014 International Women's Day. And if you're interested, here is the famous 40 page UBS dress code we discussed: http://www.letemps.ch/rw/Le_Temps/Quotidien/2010/12/09/Culture%20&%20Societe/ImagesWeb/Dresscode_F.pdf
Fanny Monnet is a young virtuoso pianist from the small village of Vollèges, a short distance from Verbier. She was a guest on our special show in Verbier to celebrate 2014 International Women's Day.
Ilinca Vlad is a jewellery designer and director of the Janus Gallery in Montreux. She was one of our guests on our special show in Verbier to celebrate 2014 International Women's Day.
On Chamonix Voices we meet the people who make the Valley special. Jean-Louis Verdier is a highly respected mountain guide, and responsible for security in the Chamonix Municipality.
Powder connoisseurs from Chamonix and Verbier have been coming to Marécottes for years. On the 60th anniversary of the 1st skilift opening, we headed to the Trient Valley to find out why.
The special guest at our first show in the mountains, Eric Fournier arrived at the Rider Café fresh from competing in the Mont-Blanc Challenge!
A stunning new attraction at the top of the Aiguille de Midi: step into a glass floored box and feel what it's like to climb the Mont Blanc Massif!
Krav Maga is a martial art used for defence and protection. Schools in Switzerland can be found via www.kravmagatactical.org
Highly recommended for a visit, the cantonal museum is in the ground of Valère Castle, above the regional capital, Sion.
The new marketing manager for Verbier Destination is Pierre-André Gremaud. We spoke to him about his priorities for the region.
Joel Sciboz is the new head of Verbier's tourist office: he's looking forward to getting to grips with the resort before the coming Winter season.
The current Bagnes museum exhibition unveils the story behind the Îtres, the stone huts dotted around the commune. Entrance is free, and the exhibition continues until the 8th of December.
One of the region's most iconic buildings is the 5 Star Crans-Ambassador hotel. Shaped like a mountain, it overlooks the resort of Crans-Montana. After bankruptcy and years of closure the Crans-Ambassador will reopen this Winter. Mountain Radio spoke to the new owner, Jean-Mehdi Azuelos.
TMR is Transport Martigny Region, the transport company which runs the Mont-Blanc Express, St Bernard Express and runs regular coaches from Martigny to Aosta in Italy (passing through Sembrancher).
On the 27th of August DJ Spooky takes part in a multimedia performance at Verbier's Pub Mont-Fort. He came to our Verbier Village studios to talk about his work.
A new reason to head to the Haut Val de Bagnes! This Via Ferrata can be reached by bus from Le Châble. Madzeria is a 10 minute walk from Mauvoisin
Yes, taking time out from his busy Christmas schedule, he comes to the Pays du St Bernard every year. And he's picked up the local accent...
The Valais isn't just a tourism mecca, but also a hotbed of scientific innovation. The SATOM incineration plant has a pilot "district heating" project, which will heat around 25'000 homes. And it's pollution-free.
The long-planned gondola from Le Châble direct to the slopes in Bruson is finally going to be built!
The South of France begins in Martigny! Fabian Claivaz from the Martigny Tourist Office unveils the new, sunkissed Place Centrale.
The Orsières resort of La Fouly hosts an annual "désalpe", with herds of cows heading down from the high pastures to the "mayens".
Johann Roduit is one of the organisers of the first-ever TEDx event in the Valais. He spoke to Mountain Radio's Marc Menichini after the event.
Géraldine Fasnacht, former champion snowboarder, is now best known for jumping off cliffs in a wing-suit. At TEDx Martigny, she told Marc Menichini why she thinks she, and her sport, are misunderstood.
The first-ever TEDx Martigny saw some impressive, high-profile speakers take to the stage, such as Bineta Diop, described by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential women in the world
Raphaël Domjan was one of the speakers at TEDx Martigny, the first ever TED event in the Valais. He was there to talk about Planet Solar, the solar-powered boat that successfully circled the globe in 2012.
Trient is the last commune before France, on the road to Chamonix. A calm region for hiking, mountain-biking and snowshoeing with some stunning views.
The Sion Festival 2012 takes place between the 18th of August and the 9th of September. On the opening night, we met up with the new president of the festival, Chantal Balet, and the president of Sion town, Marcel Maurer.
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design conference) is coming to Valais and Mountain Radio is proud to be media partner with the first ever TEDx Martigny. To have a chance to attend, contact the organisers at www.tedxmartigny.com
Diccon Bewes writes entertaining and very informative books about Switzerland. At the House of Switzerland during the 2012 Olympics he launched his latest: Swisscellany
The Moulin de Valsorey in Bourg St Pierre (in the Verbier St Bernard destination) is a wonderfully restored, fully working water mill. You can take a tour every Sunday between 15:00 and 17:00 during the Summer season.
Marcelline Kuonen is the director of Switzerland Tourism for UK and Ireland. John Bristow caught up with her at the House of Switzerland in London during the 2012 Olympic Games.
Mountain Radio's John Bristow met Fabrice Filliez, Bagnard and economic counsellor at the Swiss Embassy in London during the 2012 Olympics.
Elspeth Baxter is responsible for sport at the Swiss Embassy in London. She spoke to John Bristow at the House of Switzerland during the London 2012 Olympics
Ambassador Nicolas Bideau, director of Presence Switzerland, speaks to Mountain Radio's John Bristow at the Swiss House on the Thames during the 2012 Olympics in London
The Verbier Bike Fest is back for a 2nd edition between the 7th and the 9th of September 2012. President of the organising committee Christian Sarbach explains what's on the programme.
The beautiful resort of Champex-Lac needs your help! The ski lifts need investment in order to upgrade and stay in business. For more info go to www.telechampex.ch
The Grammy Award-winning Soloists of Moscow celebrate their 20th Anniversay at the Verbier Festival. Their founder and legendary violist Yuri Bashmet tells Mountain Radio how much he likes Verbier and remembers the creation of his Chamber Orchestra. (photo by Nicolas Brodard / Verbier Festival)
Dutch born Jaap Van Zweden is America's Conductor of the Year. He was in Verbier to conduct a Schubert Violin and Orchestra concerto and Mahler's 4th Symphony. Just before going on stage, he welcomes Mountain Radio for an interview. (photo by Nicolas Brodard / Verbier Festival)
New talent Alice Sara Ott performs for the first time at the Verbier Festival. Her recital included pieces by Schubert and Moussorgski. The German Japanese artist spoke with Mountain Radio straight after her concert.
By the end of the Verbier Festival, French cellist Gautier Capuçon will have given 5 concerts. His love of the cello is limitless. He remembers for Mountain Radio how it all started at the age of four and a half. (photo by Nicolas Brodard / Verbier Festival)
Robert Smith is the Artistic Coordinator of the Verbier Festival Orchestras. He tells Mountain Radio how the members of these ensembles are selected. (photo by NIcolas Brodard / Verbier Festival)
She's the new classic music sensation, lauded world wide for her pianistic prowess. In Verbier, she recalls her memories of the Festival and talks about Liszt, her "first love". (photo by Aline Paley / Verbier Festival)
If you think classic music is not for children, have a look at the Verbier Festival's Discovery youth programme. Ariane Woringer, coordinator of Discovery, and her staff have organised activies aimed at releasing the artist in your child.
Bertrand Piccard spoke to Mountain Radio's John Bristow live from the cockpit of the Solar Impulse aeroplane, on his way from Toulouse to Payerne in Switzerland
On one side, you've the "in festival", mainly dedicated to classical music. On the other one, you've the Fest'Off where it's all about jazz, balades and jam sessions. And it's all happening in Verbier. Director of Fest'Off, Frankie Witmer presents the 2012 edition.
French contralto and conductor Nathalie Stutzmann performed at the Verbier Festival with her chamber music ensemble Orfeo 55. She tells Mountain Radio's Marc Menichini about the challenges of being a singer, conductor and ensemble manager... all at the same time.
Mountain Radio speaks with maestro Charles Dutoit at the 2012 Verbier Festival. (photo by Aline Paley/Verbier Festival)
British violonist Daniel Hope, one of today's most talented soloist, talks to Mountain Radio about his passion for music composed in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. (photo by Nicolas Brodard / Verbier Festival)
The director of the Verbier Academy tells Mountain Radio's Marc Menichini about the new photo exhibition at Le Hameau (Verbier). (photo by Nicolas Brodard / Verbier Festival)
Founder and General Director of the Verbier Festival talks with Marc Menichini about the 2012 edition. (photo by Luca Ricchi / Verbier Festival)
Eric Crettaz from the Thyon tourist office explains why he's brought Discgolf the mountains
Mountain Radio met some of the world's best cyclists in Verbier following the 2nd stage of the 2012 Tour
A new Website to help you plan your Tour du Mont Blanc. Mountain Radio was at the launch, held at the Salon International de la Randonée, in the resort of Villars.
In 2012 the artist exhibiting in the gardens is Zaric, whose sculptures depict humanised animal forms. The gardens are a living museum, with over 4000 varieties of mountain plants and flowers.
Sarreyer, a sunny village in the Val de Bagnes, has a working 19th Century flour mill. Every Autumn the villagers gather to thresh the wheat by hand, just as their ancestors did in years gone by.
In May 2012 national Swiss TV broadcast, for the first time, a Catholic mass containing elements of the original language of the lower Valais: Francoprovençal. Mountain Radio was at the church, in the commune of Savièse.
Ivo Burgener, commandant of the Patrouille des Glaciers 2012 on keeping the competitors safe
Colonel David Beeler of the Swiss Army on the organisation of the Patrouille des Glaciers.
in Zermatt we asked Christophe Darbellay, president of the Swiss Christian Democrats, what the Patrouille des Glaciers means to him
Ueli Maurer is the Swiss Federal Councillor responible for defence. Mountain Radio met him in Zermatt during the 2012 Patrouille des Glaciers
This year the Tour de Suisse, the 4th biggest cycle race in the world, is coming to Verbier. On the 10th of June the 2nd stage of the Tour will end in the mountain resort. More information at www.tourdesuisse.ch
Felix Ruppen is from Naters in the Swiss-German speaking Upper Valais. We met him during his inauguration. To find out more about tourism in the Naters region, go to www.brig-belalp.ch
The current art exhibition at the Musée de Bagnes, La Fôret Rouge, brings together 7 Swiss artists and a mix of sculpture, conceptual art and painting. More information at www.museedebagnes.ch
Mountain Radio visited the village of Orsières for the Radical Party's brass band festival, and discovered the links between music and politics!
Hervé Fournier from Business Valais, and Philippe Rubod, CEO of Crans-Montana tourism discuss what Valais resorts need to do to keep attracting visitors
British baritone singer Jonathan Jeremiah on paying his dues and wearing a Russian hat!
John Bristow talking to up and coming singer Ruarri Joseph after his gig on the New Talent stage
We grabbed a few words with singer-songwriter Newton Faulker and asked him why he played his gig in his socks!
Christoph Bürgin, Zermatt's Mayor, on what the Unplugged festival means to him (and his love of Country & Western!)
Marc tells us about his involvement with Zermatt's big music festival and his secret ski tips...
Conor from Mountain Radio met up with Counteract, an English-speaking hip-hop artists from Lausanne.
The Manchester duo Lamb, best known for their hit Gorécki, chat to Mountain Radio's John Bristow
German producer Zombie Nation, best know for Kernkamp 400, backstage at the club stage at Caprices 2012
The singer from Lausanne, very popular in Switzerland, speaking with John Bristow at the Caprices music festival
Nadine from the Veysonnaz tourist office takes us through the events in the resort over the next few days.
Gabrielle from the Nendaz tourist office takes us through the Easter and end of season events in the resort.
Bruson is the resort facing Verbier across the Val de Bagnes. The 50th anniversary was celebrated in 2012 and the future is bright!
The best skiers in Switzerland are racing down the Piste de L'Ours for the 2012 championships. Nadine from the Veysonnaz tourist office takes us through the highlights!
Jean-Luc Pittet, the Secretary-General of Terre des Hommes Switzerland, came to Verbier to talk about why Fair Trade is so important when it comes to improving childrens' rights.
Nadine, the manager of the Veysonnaz tourist office, on the week's highlights on and off the pistes
The Musée de Bagnes is exhibiting extraordinary photographs of wild animals taken in the Commune of Bagnes. The artists, Christophe Masson, Betrand Gabbud and Didier Bruchez, are all from villages within the commune. The exhibition, Braconniers d'Images, runs until the 15th of April. www.museedebagnes.ch
Flavien Claivaz from Nendaz Tourism on Switzerland's only Woodpark and the Wintergolf course
The Verbier e-motion project plans to reduce petrol fumes in the resort by renting electric cars. Thanks to the Cristal Garage, Mountain Radio already drives around in a 100% electric Mitsubishi i-Miev!
Jean-Noël on the exotic flora and fauna to be found on walks around the 4 Vallées region
Mountain Radio caught up with Didier Cuche on the 2nd day of the 2012 Ski World Cup in Crans-Montana
Arnaud from the Nendaz tourist office takes us through the resort's iPhone app, which uses augmented reality to help you discover the region
Emilie from the Nendaz tourist office on the events taking place in the resort during carnival time
Emilie from the Nendaz Tourist Office takes us through the carnival events in the resort
The 7th Avalanche Festival takes place on the 24th & 25th of February with a great line up including The Mondrians and Bastian Baker! Mountain Radio spoke to founder and organiser Julien Kalbermatten, who started by telling us how the festival began.
Stephanie Noble's striking oils of the 4 Vallées mountains are on show at the Nanuq Gallery in Verbier. You can see more of Stephanie's work at www.stephanienoble.co.uk
Conor spoke to Cedric Schaffner, head of security in for the Veysonnaz sector of the 4 Vallées, about avalanche safety.
Veysonnaz timing helps organise the many elite sporting events in the resort, as Nadine Ruchti from the tourist office explains.
The Cro-Magnons played live for Mountain Radio at Bar'louca in Veysonnaz on the 20th of January 2012. This is their beautiful song about the human condition: "I Burp, I Fart, My Feet Smell". Enjoy!
Rachel D'Arcy is a fantastic singer-songwriter, and she came to play for us at the Al Capone restaurant on the 3rd of January. She's playing live in Verbier during February 2012.
John got the regulars at the Café de la Poste in Le Châble to say Happy New Year in dozens of languages including patois and Swiss-German!
Venture capitalist Robert Howe is one of the organisers of the Green Business Forum at the Verbier Green Pioneering Summit. We spoke about the way business and policy-makers can drive sustainable development.
Brice Lalonde is a former French minister for the Environment and is now executive coordinator of the UN Conference on sustainable development.
We interviewed the people who run the Cristal Garage in Martigny at the Verbier GPS. Thanks to them we drive around in a fully electric car, the Mitsubishi iMiev. www.cristalgarage.ch
Christophe Dumoulin is the President of the Commune of Bagnes, which contains the resorts of Verbier and Bruson. As president, he a patron of the Verbier Green Pioneering Summit. www.bagnes.ch
Eric Nanchen runs the Foundation for Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions for the Canton of Valais. He is the organiser of the 2nd day of the Verbier Green Pioneering Summit. http://www.fddm.ch/
Gerald Page is the founder of Equinox Energy Partners, a company that provides international financial advisory and fund management services to the renewable energy sector.
Our first guest at the 2011 Verbier GPS was the founder Marinah Embiricos, who explained why she started the summit and the aims of the 3 day event.
A great project to encourage take-up of electric cars in Verbier: http://www.verbier-emotion.com/fr/
I followed a group of hunters in Pralong, Val d'Hérens, to find out why hunting is so important in this part of Switzerland.
The Espace Mont-Blanc takes in parts of Haute Savoie in France, Valais in Switzerland and Aoste in Italy. Divided by mountains, the region has a shared culture and language (French is an official language of Aosta).
A new series on Mountain Radio, in association with our friends at the Verbier Language School. Useful (or just fun) phrases you'll hear in Switzerland!
Jérome Rudin's latest exhibition in Valais is at the Vidondée cultural centre in Riddes until the 14th of November 2011.
When he was younger, Jean-Jacques Rey was a member of the Swiss Ski team, competing at a World Cup level for his country. Now he runs "Swiss Discovery" which takes guests via helicopter to the most beautiful and impressive parts of the canton, from famous resorts to lesser-known gems.
Switzerland's reputation as a world leader in hospitality and tourism continues to attract students from all over the world. César Ritz is one of the country's leading schools of international hospitality and is described by one senior manager as a mini-United Nations...which works!
Mountain Radio featured on Radio Suisse Romande on the 18th of October 2011: we were recognised as the first tourist radio station in Switzerland!
A new destination has been created in the Valais region of Switzerland, based around the Mont-Blanc Express train, which offers passengers views of the Swiss and French Alps as it winds its way from Martigny to Chamonix, taking in the Trient glacier, the Marécottes and Vallorcine ski resorts and the Emosson dam.
Mountain Radio was invited to the 2011 International Tourism Symposium in Zermatt. We found out what the experts believe the future holds for the industry in the Swiss Alps.