When we first arrived in Switzerland, it was right before the Easter holidays last year. I had no idea most people take the whole week off (because we already get 3 days anyway). This year, we were prepared! It was earlier this year and so we figured it would still be good for ski season. Our neighbor upstairs is Canadian and recommended Verbier. I figured Canadians know their snow - so we booked it! Verbier is in southern Switzerland - the French part.
We left in the evening so we had to endure the switchbacks up the mountain - in fog - late at night. I can see how that drive in snow would take some white knuckles. But we made it! We checked into our place and got the kids into bed to rest up for a big day in the snow.
First things first in the morning - feed the kids! We had a great location right next to the Medran lift and there's a great little cafe called OffShore that serves yummy large breakfast (pancakes! huevos rancheros!)
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| Right on |
We had decided Day 1 wasn't going to be a ski day but more of a "get everything ready to ski" day. So we collected our gear, got groceries, and checked out the town. We found a playground but there was so much snow that hadn't been cleared that it was a little hard to play sometimes. The kids made the best of it.
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| Something is wrong here |
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| Snow is nice soft cushioning |
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| So let's just slide around on the snow |
On our way back, we also passed a quintessential French place that had an amazing variety of wine, cheese, jams, and meats. Made for a very nice snack throughout our time there.
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| Candlelight, cheese, jam, and wine |
On day 2, there was no lazing about! We immediately headed off to Daddy's and Amaya's ski lesson (they were doing it together). Verbier is part of the Four Valley's ski area. For better or worse, this means it is huge. So the bunny hill - Les Esserts - was way across town. Luckily, there are free buses to get around and so we just hopped on the one to get us there (albeit we missed the one we were supposed to get so arrived late). Unfortunately, Amaya wasn't very into her first ski lesson. There was a lot of crying and they had to end early.
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| Ready for skiing, or at least the bus |
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| He wished these were his skis so badly... |
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| Les Esserts |
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| Still trying to find a way to get on skis... |
After that, it was nap time for the kids and I got to head up onto the mountain to do some ski runs myself. It was cloudy and warm at the bottom but much better at the top. I went all the way up so I could be sure to get some nice long runs in if the weather turned. It was a bit icy on parts and lots of bumps. But it felt great to be back on skis! On the way down on my last run, it was so foggy, I couldn't even see the course in front of me.
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| Which way to go? |
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| Enjoying the view |
That was certainly interesting - but I made it down fine. For dinner that evening, we went into town and tried a burger place called The Shed, which did not disappoint! It had great cocktails and delicious burgers!
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| The Shed |
Despite the first day of lessons, we decided to try again. We weren't terribly pleased with the demeanor of the instructor, so we decided to try again and request someone who was specifically known to be good with kids. And we are so glad we did! It was great! Our little skier was having fun and had so much confidence. Daddy didn't do half bad either! ;)
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| Off for another day of fun! |
That night, we stayed in but decided to get a sitter from Petit Verbier so David and I to go have a nice evening out. It went great! I love that these sorts of services are available.
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| Date night - in the snow! |
Last day and we decided to extend the lessons again even though we had to accept a new instructor. However, this day went great too. I had told Amaya that if she did well in her lesson, I would take her up to the top with me (she had been begging to go). So off we went after lunch. She enjoyed the ride up in the gondola and even then rode the high speed quad lift with me without any issues! I had spotted a nice relatively easy slope near the top. Once we were on it, I could see that even though it wasn't steep for me, it would be a bit challenging for a totally new skier. However, she did great trying. After a couple falls, I decided to hold her between my legs for the trickier parts and then let her do it herself on the easier bits. After one run, though (which admittedly was long for a little person), she was ready to call it a day. So we went back down the mountain. We had some ice cream to celebrate!
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| Getting our skis on to go on the high speed lift - she was ready! |
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| At the top of the moutain, ready to tackle the big hills |
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| Celebrating a lot of good work - SO proud of her! |
The snow was falling as we had dinner that evening and it was hard to fathom leaving when there was going to be fresh powder! We seriously considered extending but then decided another time. We also happened to be there during the FreeRide tour. Unfortunately, due to the weather up top, they didn't actually get to the competition while we were there but we watched it afterward on the TV. Those guys (including the girls) are amazing! Wish I could do that! Maybe after a few more lessons... ;)
xo,
The Salimarkles
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