Ski the Alps

Ski the Alps

I grew up in Europe and skied the Alps regularly. They stretch more than 750 miles across eight countries. Top of the line ski resorts abound in France, Italy and Switzerland and your best bet especially for first timers or families, is to book an all inclusive ski resort package. With lift tickets, transfers, group ski or snowboard lessons, meals, drinks, apres- ski parties and much more all included. The savings can be substantial, and with everything taken care of ahead of time, you can enjoy the experience instead of standing in endless lines.

When I first came to California, I was a skiing fanatic, and when I started dating the American chap who is now my husband I said very firmly, “I would never get serious with anyone who wasn’t’ a skier. He came back very quickly, “I would never get serious with anyone who couldn’t fly”. What happened is we got married, I became a lousy pilot found ground school very difficult, and he became a great skier. First thing I did was take him to Europe for a skiing holiday, and he agreed with me, there is a certain magic in the Alps.

Whether you are on your own, a couple, or a family, it is important to talk to a professional travel consultant and make sure you select the right resort for your needs. Even if one of the group is not a skier, they can find activities to enjoy. You can have snowmobile riding, ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and one which I love, shopping. The youngsters and teens have fun in classes with many nationalities, and the evenings are something special no matter what your age is.

There is a saying in France, “if you’ve never skied the Alps, then you’ve never skied”. My parents loved St.Moritz, in Switzerland, Les Trois Vallees (the world’s largest ski area) and Chamonix Mont Blanc in France and I was lucky to grow up staying there many times. We went on the train from England and I tell people I grew up on Rail Europe.

On average, the Alps provide a larger vertical drop than the Rockies. In America, a respectable drop ranges from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. Resorts in the Alps regularly boast verticals of 4,500 to 6,000 feet, and with the help of professional instructors, you can learn to ski safely on slopes at higher altitudes. I love riding a ski lift to above the tree line to see a spectacular view.

High quality, high altitude dining is out of this world. You can enjoy authentic local and regional specialties with are always smashing. The coffee and hot chocolate are outstanding. Each village is unique, history, architecture, cafes, and shopping. Fun to wander around. I saw a clock in a shop window and each morning I stopped only to find a sign on the door “gone skiing”. A chap with good taste.

Unlike ski resorts in America, European slopes don’t get crowded until midmorning. You don’t find the long lines since the runs are so much longer and you have lots of options. You can book a chalet for your family, with your own ski instructor. A ski in and ski out experience you will want to repeat.

I just read a brochure with an offer which is wonderful. Club Med is a great company for good value and you cannot find a smashing offer like lift tickets, ski lessons for every level, gourmet cuisine, full open bar day and night, apres-ski activities, French service and so much more, and the best item, it includes air from the U.S. all for $1999. www.clubmedta.com/ski

Why don’t you say “Sorry Rockies – I’m skiing the Alps” this winter.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park

650-961-2340 Direct

Maureen.Jones@Frosch.com

www.allhorizonstvl.com