Verbier’s Stunning Slopes Set the Stage for New Global TV Series Fronted by The Lord of the Rings Duo

A new global TV series spotlighting Verbier in Switzerland as a food and drink destination has launched on Amazon Prime, fronted by The Lord of the Rings stars Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan.

For one dedicated episode, the pair explore Verbier in Switzerland for a sprinkling of winter magic, they discovered quirky local traditions, the snowy peaks, the bubbling cheese trail, regional products and the vibrant food scene in one of the world’s most well-known ski resorts.

Billy and Dom Eat the World follows the actors, known for their roles as Merry and Pippin in the film franchise, on a ‘hobbit-style’ approach to travel, with the duo eating their way across the globe.

Filming took place over four days in December 2023, exploring the best of Verbier’s alpine charm. Highlights included a visit to the snow-covered peaks of Mont Fort at 3,330m, where the pair indulged in champagne fondue at the Igloo, Europe’s highest fondue restaurant. They also rolled up their sleeves to bake bread by the traditional method at the Four Banal in Volleges whilst becoming part of the Brotherhood of Bread with a time-honoured flour ceremony. A well needed break was taken to taste locally brewed beer at the artisan brewery Amicale des Brasseurs de Vollèges after sensational crêpes were flipped at Verbier Milk Bar.

No visit to the Val de Bagnes region would be complete without cheese. Raclette AOP du Valais is a tradition and almost a religion here. They spent time with Marc Dubosson, where they crafted Bagnes cheese at Laterie de Verbier and met Roboclette, the first machine in the world capable of scraping melted cheese, part robot part raclette maestro.

The pair also stayed overnight at Cabane Mont Fort, perched high above Verbier at 2,457 metres, with views that stretch across glaciers and jagged peaks. Verbier 4 Valleys is the largest ski area in Switzerland and Cabane Mont Fort is more than just an overnight mountain refuge, it’s a piece of Swiss alpine heritage and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. They tried their hand at cooking Swiss Rosti and preparing croissants at 04.00, for the hungry skiers that would be stopping throughout the day.

In a departure from the food theme, the pair also cosied up to skiers in gondolas and cable cars to reach the top of the mountain, climaxing with a snowball contest.

The 50-minute episode is one of an eight-part series featuring destinations such as Costa Rica, Japan, Manchester, California, and Texas. The show has already aired on platforms including Flavour Network Canada, Now TV Hong Kong, and SBS Australia, and has premiered in the UK on Virgin UHD TV and on Amazon Prime in the UK and USA.

Dominic Monaghan said: “Verbier was cold but the welcome and the food were warming. Such a fantastic experience to be chilly outside and be able to eat melted cheese and drink hot chocolate. Everything was so fresh and nourishing even the air felt good for you. I’ll never forget making croissants in Cabane Mont Fort and drinking champagne and eating fondue on top of the mountain.”

Billy Boyd added: “What an incredible time we had in Verbier. We wanted this show to be a way to get to see a country and its people through food. Switzerland did not disappoint, such a beautiful country, amazing food and wonderful people. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality”

Simon Wiget, Director of Verbier Tourisme, said: “It was a pleasure to work with the team at Dash Pictures and to be able to show the culinary side of Verbier to a global audience as well of course our snowy peaks that we are so well known for.  We hope the series inspires viewers to pack their bags and head to Verbier, where they can discover the mountain vibe, make some ski memories and indulge in the authentic food scene.”

The production was secured by Heaven Publicity, the promotional agency for Verbier Tourisme in the UK, and produced by Dash Pictures, an Emmy award-nominated TV production agency with a global distribution network.

Verbier: www.verbier.ch