On a summer morning, the sun is shining over Verbier and my dogs can’t wait to go for a walk. But where should we go? There are so many options, but today, I’d like to combine my two favourite things: art and dogs. So, I’ll be taking you to Les Ruinettes on a cultural walk through the 3-D Sculpture Park accompanied by little Cali and the excitable Bogota.
The 3-D Parc is an exhibition of sculptures by international artists invited by the Verbier 3-D Foundation. Perched at an altitude of 2,200m, these pieces created in situ are the results of an artistic exploration combining the environment and materials.
Heading to the hills above Verbier
Our walk starts by taking the Barnes line (ten-seater cable car) up to Les Ruinettes. It is advised to keep dogs on lead, as there are both cyclists and pedestrians and the car does not come to a complete stop. In respect of other users, the dogs lie down on the floor of the cable car where they can look out over the expansive mountains.
Once at Les Ruinettes, we head to La Chaux mountain pasture to reach the entrance of the 3-D Park indicated by a colourful sign. The sign depicts the oil on canvas Sans Souci (No Worries) painted by Tessa Perutz after completing her artist residency at Verbier as a tribute to that familiar Swiss expression we know so well. The park has all the ingredients for both families and hikers to enjoy the breathtaking view without too much effort. The path through the pasture is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
An art exhibition at altitude
Our immersion in alpine culture kicks off with a panoramic view of the Bagnes Valley. To the right, multicoloured paragliders take off overlooking Bruson, and to the left, we can already catch glimpses of the region’s iconic peaks.
The sculptures blend in with the landscape, so it isn’t always easy to see them, making the walk even more interesting and fun! We decided to stay on the mountain pasture path, but the pieces can also be admired from a section of the Bisse du Levron trail.
I stop at every sculpture to scan the QR code and understand the artists’ thought processes. Some of them are more intriguing than others, and I find that camouflaging the pieces between the mountains and the flowers makes the walk all the more stimulating and enjoyable.
This open-air gallery encourages visitors to fully experience the piece: you can touch the materials, pass through the sculptures, and interact with the mobile installations.
Gallery
3-D Parc
The sculptures are unusual in their materials, sometimes made from recycled elements found at the ski resort, but also in their shapes and locations. I take the time to contemplate the pieces from different angles, and gradually, I’m warming to this entertaining show.
The further we go, the more spectacular the view. The sculptures take root on the mountainside, offering a picture postcard of the Combins to round off the walk. In summer, you can take a break on the benches along the path through the pasture, and there are also natural springs – perfect for dogs!
Options for venturing further afield
Once at La Chaux, my dogs were still full of energy, so I decided to walk back the way I came. However, there are other options:
- Take the La Chaux Express hybrid lift down to Médran
- Take the cable car up to Les Gentianes or Mont-Fort
- Keep walking to reach the Cabane du Mont Fort, the Bisse du Levron or Lac des Vaux (not accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs)
To my surprise, on my way back, I came across new sculptures that I had missed the first time. Plus, I was lucky enough to pass through at just the right moment to see the installation of a new piece by Rana Begum, inaugurated on 22 July 2024. Every two years, the Verbier 3-D Foundation exhibits a new piece at the 3-D Park to commemorate the work accomplished by the artist in residence.
This walk is a must for families with children or for older people. Or if you’re like me and you want to combine a leisurely walk with your dogs and a spot of culture.
My favourite piece
This piece by Kiki Thompson, an international artist based in Verbier and co-founder of the Verbier 3-D Sculpture Park’s artist residency, was particularly captivating. Visually, the sculpture is so striking. The artist has mastered the art of immersion with the piece’s sinuous curves and charcoal texture – a parallel to the rocks, pine trees and herds of cattle in the background, evoking the continuity of the natural cycle of elements in their surroundings.
