
Published on April 1, 2025
Inspired by the American president, we seized the opportunity to strengthen our local presence by renaming Europe's largest Alpine lake. As of today, Lake LĂ©man is officiallyâŠ
As of today, Lake Léman is officially renamed "Lake TOTEM," because let's face it, everything sounds better in English (plus it'll make our expat friends happy)!
Today, at TOTEM, we're living a historic moment. With our 6 espaces perfectly positioned around Lake Léman, we're proud (and barely surprised by our own strategic genius) to announce this big news, following an exceptional agreement signed with local authorities after months of negotiations (and fondue tastings used as bribes). No more confusion between Lake Léman and Lake Geneva! Say hello to a name that's crystal clear, concise, easy to remember, and above all, incredibly modest: "Lake TOTEM".
Obviously, like any visionary decision, this one's already stirring up controversy. Our friends at Grimper called it out as "Megalomaniacal drift worthy of a banana republic. We thought it was pretty clear that climbing is us. Proof? It's literally in our company name!".
The president of a group called "Save Lake Léman" declared, outraged: "What's next? Renaming the Matterhorn to TOTEM Peak? That's frankly ridiculous!".
AtQoQathey're pretty worked up too. Our buddy Michel commented (anonymously, of course). "Who do these aâŠâŠles think they are? Everyone knows it's us who do crazy stuff!".
Even Trump commented on the announcement: "Great move by TOTEM, truly fantastic branding. But hey guys, how about a partnership combining golf and climbing? Golfing vertically, now that's innovation! Just a suggestion, we should call it TRUMP Golfbing!". Uh, Donald, chill outâisn't Greenland enough for you?
Arthur, one of our founders, ever the enthusiast, commented: "We're totally owning this decision. We felt Lake Léman was seriously lacking in branding. With Lake TOTEM, it's a whole other vibe: fun, dynamic, and downright wild, just like us!".
To celebrate the event, we'll soon install a giant inflatable TOTEM floating in the middle of the lake, between Lausanne and Ăvian, equipped with LED lights visible from space (that'll show Musk who's lighting us up from up there). A festive inauguration is planned, with tastings of flavored liquid chalk and free distribution of "Make LĂ©man TOTEM Again" caps.
So, ready to sail the majestic waters of Lake TOTEM? Get set to make the most of a lake now in our image: welcoming, innovative, and just slightly over the top.
See you soon on the shores of Lake TOTEM (already sounds pretty awesome, doesn't it?!).
#LakeTOTEM #MakeLémanTOTEMAgain #MegaloButOwnIt #CantStopWontStop

Published on October 22, 2026
Celebrate Halloween at all six TOTEM spaces on Saturday 31 October: Monster Blocs, costumes, sweets and prizes. Come in costume and your entry is free!
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Published on October 22, 2026
An evening with fellow climbers, four films and plenty to talk about at the bar: REEL ROCK 20 comes to Vernier on 29 October and Ecublens on 6 November, at 20:30.
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Published on March 17, 2025
March 29, 2025 | TOTEM Vernier | Avenue de l'Ătang 67 | 1219 Vernier TOTEM Escalade is inviting you on Saturday, March 29, 2025 to TOTEM Vernier for an unforgettable experience, underâŠ
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