Super Mountain Founder Mario Weichselmann, originally from Berlin, first came to St. Moritz as an assistant to Rolf Sachs. He later became the manager of the renowned Dracula Club and founded Super Mountain Market, an art-meets-fashion pop-up, which he operates with his partner, Angelo De Luca. This concept has been a significant success among the young cosmopolitan crowd visiting St. Moritz for the season.
Recently, Mario launched a second venture, Super Mountain Studio, in collaboration with Dutch architect and interior designer Marick Baars, known for his redesign of the Berliner Kaffeerösterei Bonanza cafes.
Since the beginning of the year, the multi-talented Mario Weichselmann has also taken on the role of Head of Projects and Events for St. Moritz Tourismus AG, overseeing all tourism-related organizational and marketing activities in St. Moritz.
Me met them in their store to chat about his plans for the season and St Moritz not only as a location. Starting this season you can also find our collection, Jasmin Khezri Collection at Super Mountain Market, Via Brattas 2, 7500 St. Moritz (10:00 – 19:00).
IRMA: Could you share the story on how you arrived in St. Moritz?
MARIO WEICHSELMANN: It was my boss at the time, Rolf Sachs, who, through his very creative and inclusive view of St. Moritz, introduced me to the codes, rituals and everyday customs of this unique place. Through my job as Rolf Sachs’ PA, I always spent a few weeks in the valley in winter and summer. Until Rolf and his Dracula Club Committee appointed me as the club manager of the Dracula Club. My fascination with the place grew and I decided to launch my own project – the Super Mountain Market – during the summer months. At some point, together with my partner Angelo De Luca, I was running so many different projects in St. Moritz that we decided to move our life to the Engadin. No regrets!
IRMA: It’s the people who make a place special, or does a special place attracts certain people. What elements of living in St. Moritz do you find most exciting/ interesting?
MARIO WEICHSELMANN: I am an admirer of curated concepts that are thought through down to the smallest detail. This is something you can experience in many of the traditional hotels or restaurants in St. Moritz. When everything is orchestrated like a ballet, moments arise that are almost impossible to copy or reproduce. All of this is only possible with the very characteristic people here with that open-minded attitude towards the unknown. For me, life in the Engadin mountains represents exactly this: I keep getting to know super interesting people from a wide variety of backgrounds. The backdrop of the mountains, the nature, the light and the various meeting places make these moments incomparable. Something, money can’t buy!
IRMA: How do you envision the St. Moritz brand” evolving over the next decade?
MARIO WEICHSELMANN: I am very grateful that we as a team can make our contribution to a “future St. Moritz” with the Super Mountain projects. Ultimately, it is about returning to what made the place great: young-minded, crazy personalities who invest their pioneering spirit in new projects. Back in February, when I told a person sitting next to me in a café on Abbot Kenney Road in Los Angeles that I live in St. Moritz, the word gets around the whole coffee shop within five minutes. St. Moritz is associated with pioneering spirit all over the world! I would be delighted if we could get more collaborative projects going within St. Moritz. There is enough space up here for many new ideas and people who value these initiatives.
IRMA: What is the most significant lesson you’ve learned on your journey so far?
MARIO WEICHSELMANN: A lesson from the valley that I understand and embody increasingly: The balance between beauty, a materialistic and sometimes superficial worldview and solitude, peace, mindfulness and minimalism may lead me on a path to inner freedom.
IRMA: In what ways does Super Mountain Studio reflect your vision and complement the St. Moritz landscape?
MARIO WEICHSELMANN: Super Mountain Studio’s intention is to create exactly that: A balance between spatial, thought through concepts that enable meaningful encounters between spirited people.
IRMA: As you plan to take the Super Mountain Studio concept global, where do you intend to expand, and can you share already some ideas what will be coming up?
MARIO WEICHSELMANN: I would actually prefer to only think global and work local by bringing the world to St. Moritz. Since I am living here, I would love to spend most of the time in the valley.
IRMA: A favorite Engadin place in summer?
MARIO WEICHSELMANN: During the busiest periods in summer, I enjoy taking my bike on a short but intense 30 minutes climb up to Alp Muntatsch above Samedan. A beautiful, very simple and family run place serving freshly made Kaiserschmarrn with home-made cranberry sauce on the side.