When Thrills & Luxury Collide: A Watchonista Weekend with Alpina for the Extreme Freeride World Tour

Amidst the stunning alpine backdrop of the Swiss ski mecca Verbier, Watchonista had the privilege of experiencing an extraordinary blend of adrenaline-pumping action, luxurious indulgence, insightful conversations, and slope-ready timepieces courtesy of Alpina Watches.

Hosted during the exhilarating Alpina-sponsored extreme ski event, the Freeride World Tour, the weekend was a perfect fusion of adventure and relaxation, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the world of edge-of-your-seat freeriding ski expertise and Swiss hospitality.

In a similar vein to last year’s event and partnership, the highlight of the weekend undoubtedly revolved around witnessing the incredible feats of athleticism and courage at the Freeride World Tour events.

Ski and snowboard athletes dropped from the top of the iconic Bec des Rosses peak for the first time since 2018, providing a leg-burning 600-meter elevation drop that is littered with a maze of technical obstacles and serious cliff bands.
 

From stomach-flipping cliff drops to breathtaking descents, every moment was a testament to the sheer determination and skill of these athletes. Needless to say, it’s a challenge for even the most adept professionals.

Standing at the exclusive Alpina viewing area (and luxuriating in the never-ending raclette service!), the energy and excitement were palpable as competitors pushed the boundaries of what was, in our eyes, impossible physical challenges.

Here’s a video recap that will give you a sense of the snow-in-the-goggles vibe:
 

No Swiss getaway would be complete without indulging in fine culinary experiences, and our visit to Verbier did not disappoint. A wine tasting at the hotel’s Frenchie Verbier offered a tantalizing journey through the rich flavors of Swiss wines (very delicious!), complemented by an incredible amuse-bouche from the venue’s Michelin Star Chef Gregory Marchand.
 

Additionally, we enjoyed a cocktail masterclass at the Experimental Cocktail Club Verbier, which proved to be a fun and interactive way to learn the art of mixology under the expert guidance of the Cocktail Club’s manager.
 

Alpina ambassadors Max Palm and Sybille Blanjean, both seasoned veterans of the Freeride World Tour, shared insights into the sport itself, from the thrill of conquering untouched slopes to the challenges of navigating treacherous terrain. Their shared passion for the sport was evident in every word, serving as a source of inspiration for all who aspire to push their limits and chase their dreams.

Both wore the latest Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic, which is defined by a spirit of adventure. The brand etched its mark in history by pioneering the very concept of the sports watch with the Alpina 4 in 1938: a steel timepiece that was impact-resistant, anti-magnetic, and water-resistant.
 

Since its inception, Alpina's mission has been to craft luxury sports watches that deliver unparalleled precision and reliability, even in the most extreme environments. The brand has forged robust partnerships and assembled a team of athletes united by a shared ambition: to conquer new heights amidst the most formidable conditions.

Suffice it to say, at least from our impressions, the Alpina/Freeride World Tour partnership is a spot-on embodiment of that spirit.

Until next time, au revoir, Verbier!

(Photography by Nicole Jarvis)