What?
Skiing in Switzerland.
After feeling deprived of vitamin D throughout January and February, we enjoyed the winter sun and filled our lungs with mountain air whilst skiing in Switzerland. We were invited to stay in a lodge in Thyon and ski in the Four Valleys.
Not only did we enjoy the winter sun, the alpine air and a spot of skiing, the surrounding scenery and views were also stunning. From the lodge you could see the peak of the Matterhorn (the Toblerone mountain), and we’d often stop and pause on the slopes to admire it all.
We found our ski legs on day 1 and enjoyed skiing down the blue and red slopes around the Printze domain on day 2. We stopped for a couple of hot chocolates and discovered a great lunch spot. Adrenaline ran high the next day as we skied well down a couple of tough red runs, Veyssonaz and Piste De l’Ours. We then treated ourselves at lunch with steak tarte and fondue.
On our final day of skiing, we pushed ourselves and skied over to Combatseline, Siviez, Tortin, and Tracouet. To get there and back we had to ski down and across some serious red runs, involving narrow paths with sheer drops and really steep sections of slope. Typically, my first fall happened on our last day while on these slopes. My second fall shortly followed my first!
Lunch on our last day was amazing. We found another little secluded spot accessible only if you skied. We shared large rostis topped with mushrooms, ham, cheese and friend eggs and drank homemade ice tea. The views alongside were a match for the food. Following our food and drink we collapsed into comfy sofas and sun bathed, dozing off before the long ski home.
At the end of everyday at 4:30 pm, we’d all meet up for a bit of Après Ski. We’d have beers, an Aperol Spritz or a Monaco (beer and grenadine), and then ski back down the mountain to the lodge.
We’d get back to the lodge just as the sun was setting, reflecting beautifully of the snow-capped peaks. We’d then spend our evenings relaxing in the sauna or in front of the fire, going out to admire the stars, cooking and playing games.
How?
Return flight from Heathrow to Geneva, train from Geneva to Sion, 30 minute drive from Sion to Thyon.
How long?
5 nights.
How much?
Not as much of a blow-out holiday as expected, as we were really lucky to be invited to stay in the self-catered lodge and borrowed a lot of gear. Main expenses were:
Return flight from Heathrow to Geneva, £150
Return train from Geneva to Sion, £40
Ski and boot rental,
Ski pass,
Insurance, £20-£35
Lunch on the slopes, about £30 a day
Total,
