Group photo of the Chroniques de Verbier editorial team

team

From left to right: Sari Bruchez, Fredi C. Meyer, Olivier Volluz, Marko Shapiro, Marie-Madeleine Gabioud, Jean-Philippe Jutzi, André Guinard.
Not pictured: Kerry-Jane Lowery, Michael Constant, Sam Bruchez.

The members of the "Histoires de Verbier" association played a key role in bringing this ambitious project to life. By handling the fundraising and logistical aspects of the project, they allowed the author to focus on the writing. Thanks to their dedication, they have contributed to preserving the intangible heritage of Verbier and its inhabitants, ensuring that these stories will endure for many generations to come.

Portrait of Marie-Madeleine Gabioud
picture © Claude Dussez

Marie-Madeleine Gabioud

CONVEYOR OF EMOTIONS

Marie-Madeleine, a journalist and author from the Val de Bagnes now based in Verbier after many years in Lausanne and abroad, has journeyed throughout the region and met dozens of individuals who have lived in or contributed to Verbier's remarkable rise. This book emerged from her desire to share these stories - often unknown, forgotten, surprising, and at times even unconventional - that have shaped the resort's history.

This book was born from her desire to share these stories, often unknown or forgotten, surprising and even unconventional, that have marked the history of the resort.

"The process of writing this book introduced me to incredible people, bold pioneers, and visionary entrepreneurs who, through their generosity, revealed the behind-the-scenes secrets of Verbier’s success. Some of these stories were so extraordinary that I had to conduct thorough journalistic investigations to verify their accuracy."

Portrait of KERRY-JANE LOWERY

KERRY-JANE LOWERY

THE FAIRY GODMOTHER OF THE ENGLISH VERSION


Anthropologist, photographer, author, editor of books and magazines, owner of a small publishing house, writer, and former ICRC delegate, Kerry-Jane has been immersed in writing and imagery since a young age. As a dual citizen of Switzerland and the UK, Verbier feels like home to her. She embraced the challenge of translating and adapting the book into English, delighting in retracing the history of telemark skiing and revisiting the memorable moments spent at the Val de Bagnes resort.

Portrait of Marko Shapiro

marko shapiro

PIONEER OF SKI AND FREERIDE PHOTOGRAPHY

Even for a book of chronicles, high-quality illustrations are essential. The “Histoires de Verbier” association was fortunate to gain access to Marko's extensive image archives - many of which have played a pivotal role in shaping the resort’s iconographic memory. Born in Canada, Marko arrived in Switzerland in 1970 and has been capturing Verbier on film ever since. With his unique eye for light and alpine landscapes, he has immortalised the moments that define the resort’s history.

Portrait of Jean-Philippe Jutzi

jean-philippe jutzi

The Maestro Behind the Scenes

With a long career as a journalist and reporter, followed by his roles as a communications manager and cultural advisor for the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, he played a key role in producing this book. He coordinated the technical, financial, and editorial aspects, kept the momentum going within the team and the fund-raising effort, supported the author in her research, and meticulously proofread the French version.

Portrait of André Guinard

andré guinnard

A Walking Testament to Verbier's Past

A true local icon, André has been an invaluable inspiration for this book. Over the past 60 years, his experiences and collected stories have unveiled a wealth of anecdotes that vividly narrate the history of Verbier. As a keen observer of the resort’s evolution, he uncovered a treasure trove of little-known tales - some even stranger than fiction. His passion for Verbier and unwavering commitment have truly brought this chronicle to life.

Portrait of Fredi C. Meyer

FREDI C. MEYER

Guardian of the accounts

An artistic soul, creative activist, entrepreneur, and explorer, Fredi chose Verbier as his home base in 1989 - captivated by its snow-covered peaks and the blend of local and international culture. His enduring loyalty to the region fuels his passion for skiing and outdoor adventures. In addition to managing the association’s finances, Fredi is the driving force behind SKIBROA, a project that transforms upcycled winter sports materials into art and design objects.

Portrait of Sam Burchez

SAM BRUCHEZ

CREATIVE CONSULTANT

Sam Bruchez, a Swiss-American designer, has recently joined Verbier Chronicles as a creative consultant. Born and raised in Verbier, he spent much of his childhood at Cabane Mont-Fort, which his family managed for 40 years. After studying at the University of Vermont and ÉCAL, Sam built a successful career as a graphic designer in Zurich and New York, specializing in the outdoor and fashion industries. Now back in his hometown, he is eager to combine his design expertise with his deep appreciation for local history. His personal project, Écho Mémo, is a creative exploration of the historical archives of the District of Entremont.

Portrait of Michael Constant

MICHAEL CONSTANT

FINANCIAL Consultant

Michael is a former financial consultant and international project manager who has worked around the globe, spending his childhood in Africa and the Middle East. He founded the digital archive dedicated to Verbier, www.ourverbier.ch, and was eager to get involved in the CHRONIQUES DE VERBIER book project, contributing to its publication and distribution.

Studio Irrésistible

Visual communication - Culture / Diplomacy

Founded in 2009 and based in Paris, this independent Franco-Swiss communications agency specialises in visual identity design, communications strategy consulting, and the creation of high-end print and digital tools for cultural institutions, organisations, brand marketing, and personal branding. Studio Art Director: Jérôme Liniger.

Slatkine logo printing

SLATKINE PUBLISHING


A TRUSTED PARTNER


Slatkine Publishing, renowned for its commitment to culture and literature, has enthusiastically supported this project. Specializing in high quality publications, their expertise helped bring this unique book to life.