Petter Wallberg: ChamShake Founder & Entrepreneur

One guy who wants to literally 'shake' us all up and get things like this happening, is Petter Wallberg. He set up ChamShake after realising that there is a lot of creative talent throughout the Chamonix valley, and he spotted an opportunity to get people talking, mixing, learning, sharing.. and bringing all this hidden talent out into the open..

What was the idea behind setting up ChamShake and how many people make up the team?

I believe people behave like water, they choose the easiest way - meaning that many people often hang out in their own national community which prevents them mixing with other groups, Chamshake aims to change that. We use different forms of creativity and everyones shared passion for the mountains as tools to bring people together. It's been a lot of fun and quite successful so far.

ChamShake is a big community of people but it is predominantly 6 people that are more involved than others. We are a mix of nationalities, genders, ages and that is the key to make ChamShake something that everyone in the valley can relate to and get involved with.

Tell us a bit about what you do here (work and play)?

I run the new marketplace for the Alps called Yodl with my two friends Patrik and Ransu. On Yodl you can buy and sell everything from cars to sports gear, find a new job or advertise for services you provide. When I am not working you can find me on the mountain. I often go ski-touring but I also like going for a run now and then. At the moment I am training for a 90km race in Sweden, the goal is to finish the race with a smile on my face rather than crawling over the finish line...

What brought you to Chamonix and what makes this a special place for you?

The skiing of course! First time I came to Chamonix was with the UCPA in Argentiére and I loved it, I promised my-self that I would come back for a at least a season and now I live here full-time. Chamonix has given me so many opportunities and joy in life both on the mountain and in the valley. The valley has a very diverse community of people from different countries and backgrounds and we all share the same passion for the mountains.

There have been a few films nights, parties and ChamShake gatherings so far, what's next on the agenda? How can people get involved?

The next big event is a Video Challenge which La Mairie have granted us access to use the Salle du Bicentenaire for. The idea is to sign up a team of between 3-5 people and create a short film within 48 hours. We will have a screening with all the teams and their final videos on the 12th of April, and the winner will be presented during the after party.

Where do you see things going with ChamShake, what are your plans for the future?

I want ChamShake to be a hub of activities, events and creative meetups in Chamonix. There are many people in the valley that have common interests like artists, film-makers and musicians who can work together to create amazing things. We are always looking for more help and if you want to get involved you can join our ChamShake group, contact our facebook page or send me an e-mail - petter@yodl.net.

What's your favourite piste or off-piste area & top tip to go skiing?

Les Houches of course, everyone should go there on powder days, leave the Aiguille du Midi for me....

Your favourite place for lunch or dinner?

My own apartment, my room mate can cook amazing pasta.

What's your favourite thing to do in resort when not skiing?

I love trail running so you might see me stumbling back home after a long run

What do you do in the summer?

Climbing, trail running and hopefully this year, some paragliding

Where are we most likely to find you for après-ski?!

BardUp is the place to be, not only for après but the first thursday every month there is a ChamGeeks meeting. All geeks are welcome! Please..

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Petter also set up the Chamonix facebook group, so be social, sign up and spread the word :-)