After several years of quietly working away, Wavegarden and Alaïa SA today jointly announced that construction of a Wavegarden Cove has commenced in Sion, Valais, in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
The addition of a Wavegarden Cove to Alaïa’s already impressive action sports center is welcome news for the country’s 40,000 strong population of surfers. The Alaïa Bay project will give rise to the world’s first surfing lagoon in this mountainous region, otherwise renowned for its world-class ski resorts.
Situated in the zone referred to as “Les Iles” (The Islands), the initial stages of construction of the surfing lagoon – which spans 8500 m2 – has already commenced with the public opening slated for early 2021.
The facility will provide great waves for experienced surfers, but also for beginners and families who can learn to surf under the supervision of professional instructors. Viewing areas and amenities will also cater for the general public to watch all the action and soak up the atmosphere.
The co-founder of Alaïa SA, Adam Bonvin, is delighted to finally go public with this news. “This is a historic moment and I still have a hard time realizing that the project we were dreaming about is actually coming true”, Bonvin said. “Swiss surfers will finally be able to indulge in their passion in Sion, Valais. This project is perfectly in line with the desire to diversify tourism activities with a 4 seasons offer. It will now be possible to ski / snowboard, skateboard and surf on the same day.”
Wavegarden’s Chief Commercial Officer, Fernando Odriozola, is equally proud of this announcement. “A Wavegarden Cove in the heart of the Swiss Alps is going to be a big draw for the region and we are proud to work with the team at Alaïa SA, who share our company’s vision to bring great waves to people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to them”.
With the recent opening of a public facility in Bristol, (www.thewave.com) and another facility soon to open in Melbourne (http://www.urbnsurf.com), 2019 has proved to be an extraordinary year for Wavegarden. 2020 is shaping up to be just as impressive with projects in various stages of construction in South Korea, Brazil, USA and Scotland.
