2.19.2015

THE ALPS (SWITZERLAND + FRANCE)


We're just back from an epic week in the Alps, and though the return home was less then ideal (-40 degrees > frozen pipes > burst pipes > mini kitchen flood), I'm still riding on the high of the past 10 days. There's just something magical about a ski vacation: long, thigh burning days on the slopes; blue bird skies leaving you with a hint of goggle tan; the relaxing vibe of an après ski beer; the beyond satisfactory feeling of removing your ski boots at the end of the day; and gathering around the table for dinner with a bottle of wine, close friends, and a home cooked meal. Seriously, it doesn't get any better.

The trip started in Zurich, and though we were complete zombies from our overnight flight, we managed to sample some local beer, indulge in a massive rosti and sausage plate, and take a mini stroll along the water. Next up was Zermatt, an adorable Swiss ski town, nestled deep in the mountains. We lucked out with a glorious blue sky ski day, giving us far too many opportunities to stop on the side of the slopes and snag a pic of the Matterhorn. We weren't blown away by the terrain, but the VIEW - whoa, oh, and the fabulous little slope side champagne bar we stumbled into on our last run. We then took the train to Geneva, and while totally mesmerized by the landscape (picture green pastures with snow capped mountainous backdrops), somehow missed the shift from Swiss-German to Swiss-French. We spent the little time we had in Geneva strolling through the old town, and dining on fresh fish (fera) from Lake Geneva.

Then it was time to head to France - no doubt the highlight of the trip. Morzine is a picturesque french mountain town tucked at the base of Avoriaz. We were lucky enough to be hosted by two of the most fabulous people I know, and we couldn't have asked for a better few days. There was a trip to the local farmer's market with maybe a few too many saucissons purchased; a well needed, good for the soul, nature walk; a day trip to Chamonix with possibly the best lunch spot ever; a typical french mountain dinner of raclette and charcuterie; a spring-like, mogul ski day at Avoriaz; après ski drinks and card games; a perfectly appropriate last breakfast before flying home; and all the laughs, fun and relaxation a girl could ask for.

SWITZERLAND | ZURICH //

wandering the streets of the old town
meandering through the shops along bahnhofstrasse
beer, sausage + rosti at zeughauskeller (typical beer hall)
mussels and drinks at les halles (try the appenzeller naturperle)
creative adaptive reuse at the viadukt-strasse 
frau gerolds garten





SWITZERLAND | ZERMATT //

apres ski at the snowboat (mulled white wine!)
schnitzel and live music at schweizerhof
sample some local german pastries at one of the many bakeries in town
fondue at whymper-stube (you will leave smelling like cheese - you've been warned)
champagne bar at the base of rothorn







FRANCE | MORZINE + CHAMONIX //

wednesday morning farmer's market
day trip to chamonix-mont blanc
ski day at avoriaz
apres ski/dinner at the bec jaune
lunch or afternoon coffe at dotty's
eat raclette
all the croissants from la bonbonnière










JK, can't thank you enough. Countdown to September xx