Fighting For Snow On A Warming Planet - Verbier, Switzerland

Nils and Anna Meyer have been coming to Verbier since they were young. Their families have deep roots in the south-western canton of Valais. It is a holiday resort, winter sports mecca and ski destination in the Swiss Alps and is widely recognized as one of the premiere backcountry ski resorts in the world. Historically much of the mountains in Verbier have been covered with snow all year. Skiers, boarders, climbers and cross-country enthusiasts have settled in the Verbier area in order to take advantage of the slopes, varied conditions, and rich Swiss culture. However, climate change and recent warming has threatened the history and snow culture of this magnificent place.

Nils heard about a project that would allow them to combine their love of snow and their love of contemporary art. Nils reached out to us to request a sample vial so that he and Anna could collect a small amount of snow from the top of their favorite black run from the top of the Mont Fort cable car. Gentianes-Tortin starts below Col des Gentianes at roughly 3,000m and Nils wanted to immortalize the snow from all around this special spot in an artwork for their beautiful but modest home near the Swiss capital of Bern in the west-central part of Switzerland. They were excited to work with fine artist Taylor Smith to commission a bright, tight contemporary painting to hang near their fireplace in the heart of their home which reflected their love of snow with their dedication to help in the fight to protect our winters. They were overjoyed that 40% of the price they paid for their painting would be donated directly to their favorite non-profit organization dedicated to fighting climate change and protecting the snow in Switzerland.

So if you ever have the chance to visit Bern, Nils and Anna highly recommend it. Bern’s charming Old City is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and is widely acclaimed for its medieval arcades and the myriad of 16th-century fountains. Also, and a favorite of this art and winter sport loving couple, Bern boasts one of the world’s most impressive collections of the artist Paul Klee, which is located in the Zentrum Paul Klee — designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. Check it out when you make your next visit to this beautiful area of Switzerland. And take the Mont Fort lift up to the heavens and collect a bit of snow. You can make a difference and become part of the movement. Fight Climate Change Through Fine Art. A win-win for the 21st century.

Coming Soon … More Stories About Protecting Our Winters And Snow Through Contemporary Art

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