Aftermath: European ski trip
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Aftermath: European ski trip
I got home late yesterday afternoon and after getting up in the wee hours because of jet lag, I'm still trying to figure out if it's day or evening.
We first landed in Zurich and made our way to Furigen on Lake Lucern a couple hours away in the wee hours. It's gorgeous out there. In the morning we headed to Lauterbrunnen just up the hill from Interlaken where we got on the train up towards Wengen where we stayed at the Beausite Park Hotel situated on the side of the massive peaks of the Jungfrau mountains.
My brother Calvin and friend, Guillaume both came both came here 6 years ago with me. They're saying that they haven't had this much snow here in 10 years so we definitely picked a good time to come!
I skied at two of the three different ski areas here so far. Both are massive in the sense that it redefines scale on a new level for those skiers accustomized to ski areas back home. Big doesn't even begin to describe this place. There are several mountainous peaks in the area that are all over 13k feet high. Eiger (13,026 ft), meaning 'the devil,' Monch (13,475 ft), meaning 'Monk,' and finally Jungfrau meaning "Virgin." (13,462 ft). The trio peaks are the main peaks surrounding Wengen where we're staying. Each was conquered in this order, 1811 - Jungfrau, 1857 - Monch, 1858 - Eiger.
The three peaks as seen from the top of Schilthorn Piz Gloria
Me at the top
I even took the time to ski down a "non-controlled area" where there was endless powder all the way down the ridge. I was the only one brave enough to do it.
Going down Piz Gloria outside the controlled area
Wednesday a group of us went up to Jungfraujoch, the observation deck on top. It's at about 11,333 ft up and is pretty cool actually. You take a train up there and most of the ride is done through a tunnel lasting for almost 40 minutes before reaching the first of 3 stops (Eigerwand and Eismeer) before the top. There are rescue "outlets" situated at each train stop for the search & rescue team to begin their descent down towards trapped or disabled climbers. That's how serious the Swiss are about their work. You could also either hike around the region surrounding the top or ski on the glacier on top later in the spring with a guide. I was hoping to do both but not this time around. Maybe next time if I ever come back. We also went up to the observation deck which is situated next to the research lab. This station was originally created as a means for scientists from varying fields, (astrologists, atmospheric scientists, etc). It's also the host of one of 16 stations of the national air pollution monitoring network NABEL. There are 16 situated all over Switzerland and they observe the varying air pollution levels from very low to very high.
We also visited the 'Ice Palace' within the deep bowels of the complex where everything is literally made of ice. The flooring, curved wall/ceiling, etc. There are ice sculptures, a tiny tunnel walkway, and even an ice counter. What's even more interesting is that I was here 5 years ago and it was noticeably different this time around. The ice counter was much smaller with a transparent countertop where money currency from all over the world were placed underneath and then the ice column where I'd hung myself onto was gone, etc. Ice is ever changing as this place proves. I also spent the better part of my time "outdoors" taking as many pictures as I could before I lost feeling in my face, ears, hands, etc due to the whipping cold air.
I had another great day skiing with George. The logistics of getting from one place to another in place would choke most folks!
Take the train down to town, grab the gondola up the hill, take a ski lift over to that ridge, ski down the cat trail over to another vertical rail then take another gondola to the top, a palmer t-bar lift, then ski down to yet another gondola, etc. It took us almost 2 hours just to get to the very top of Piz Gloria, the highest ski peak in the Jungfrau region. This would also be my second time making the trip and this time it didn't feel quite as long. It was worth it though because the one closest to our hotel was overcast making for poor visibility. The snow over at Piz Gloria was absolutely sublime. I skied down a couple of times through the 'non-controlled' semi-closed areas (meaning it's not patrolled on a normal basis). It was pretty nice! I came close to a cliff a couple times but of course me being a professional, I knew what I was doing. Getting back, if Calvin and Guillaume would remember for us was a long bus ride back. This time though, we figured out a better way. Skiing all the way down to the train station in Lauterbrunnen then riding up to Wengen.
We also went skiing at one of the smaller ski area up by Grinderwald to try out their new Zip Line ride from one peak to another! The Zip line was unfortunately closed that day because of windy conditions! Can you imagine zipping down a thin line in a barely there basket with the wind whipping around you? I would've done it but I guess safety came first to those folks. I'll do it next time I go back.
Basically every morning we all get together for a breakfast buffet as a group and small groups get together to discuss the day plans according to everyone's ski levels, preferences and such. I usually ski with the same folks because we're the fastest ones on the hill.
And by the end of the day we all eat a 5 course meal as a group. One person would pass on the 'spoon' to each unfortunate 'victim' deemed worthy based on the stupid mistakes he or she made earlier that day. One forgot his ski outfit, another locked himself out on the deck, another forgot her ski ticket, etc. All very funny making for a perfect way to end the day.
After Wengen, we headed to Alpe d'Huez on Saturday. That place from what I've heard is massive! Almost one hundred ski lifts with over one hundred ski trails! This place is a mole hill by comparison but the peaks aren't as majestic nor as high. It was a 6 hour bus ride getting to Alpe d'Huez.
Alpe d'Huez is one of the largest ski areas in the world with four distinct areas to explore. It took us a total of 5 days to explore the entire ski area
Alpe d'Huez as seen from the midpoint station
On the morning of our last day, all I could think of is how good this trip was for me. I skied 9 days total on this trip. A few days beforehand, we'd initially feared the worst the day before yesterday when a storm rolled into the area late in the day. We all thought that we wouldn't be able to ski on our last day but our fears turned out to be unfounded because it turned out to be the best skiing day! We had fresh powder all morning as we skied on the South slope. Along with Mark, Claudeen (leader of our group) and a few others we were literally the first ones on the slope so we got to reap in all the good stuff before it got thrashed into bits. Many beginners went all over the place shortly after we did ruining the fresh snow but we managed to find more and more. By late afternoon when I was on the other side I could see all the freshies were gone. It was well worth it. Gretchen, Kevin, Sylvie and I headed over to L'Apellete to grab some delicious wood fired thin pizza at L'Grange. The weather couldn't possibly be any better as we took in the sun while sipping wine. The French have a warmed red wine which was surprisingly good. I think I've drank more on this trip than I'd had in my entire life. The other night we had a liquor shoot out and I almost kept up with the veterans but my constuition wouldn't have it. I had to step out. This place, I keep thinking is unreal because it really was that big. One of the world's largest ski areas and it took us 5 days of skiing to explore most of it. One of my favorite treats was that chocolate covered waffle I had just before heading over to L'Grange for lunch. Dessert before lunch, FTW!
Every morning my view from the balcony of room 702 on the 7th floor looked like this
Self portrait and yes, that's a helmet camera on top
Powder, powder and more powder!
Some of the tracks me and my friends left
The best waffles I've ever had before!
Me and Gretchen at L'Grange having some wood fired pizza and wine
It was an awesome day of skiing for Sylvie
You could almost think you're at the beach
Oh by the way, I've taken close to 6,500 pictures so far . I also took several hours worth of video footage using my helmet camera setup. Gigabytes and gigabytes of pictures and videos to sort through. I'll post more stories and pictures as I finish them up. I also skied 9 days with only one day off because I wanted to make my way to Jungfraujoch.
We first landed in Zurich and made our way to Furigen on Lake Lucern a couple hours away in the wee hours. It's gorgeous out there. In the morning we headed to Lauterbrunnen just up the hill from Interlaken where we got on the train up towards Wengen where we stayed at the Beausite Park Hotel situated on the side of the massive peaks of the Jungfrau mountains.
My brother Calvin and friend, Guillaume both came both came here 6 years ago with me. They're saying that they haven't had this much snow here in 10 years so we definitely picked a good time to come!
I skied at two of the three different ski areas here so far. Both are massive in the sense that it redefines scale on a new level for those skiers accustomized to ski areas back home. Big doesn't even begin to describe this place. There are several mountainous peaks in the area that are all over 13k feet high. Eiger (13,026 ft), meaning 'the devil,' Monch (13,475 ft), meaning 'Monk,' and finally Jungfrau meaning "Virgin." (13,462 ft). The trio peaks are the main peaks surrounding Wengen where we're staying. Each was conquered in this order, 1811 - Jungfrau, 1857 - Monch, 1858 - Eiger.
The three peaks as seen from the top of Schilthorn Piz Gloria
Me at the top
I even took the time to ski down a "non-controlled area" where there was endless powder all the way down the ridge. I was the only one brave enough to do it.
Going down Piz Gloria outside the controlled area
Wednesday a group of us went up to Jungfraujoch, the observation deck on top. It's at about 11,333 ft up and is pretty cool actually. You take a train up there and most of the ride is done through a tunnel lasting for almost 40 minutes before reaching the first of 3 stops (Eigerwand and Eismeer) before the top. There are rescue "outlets" situated at each train stop for the search & rescue team to begin their descent down towards trapped or disabled climbers. That's how serious the Swiss are about their work. You could also either hike around the region surrounding the top or ski on the glacier on top later in the spring with a guide. I was hoping to do both but not this time around. Maybe next time if I ever come back. We also went up to the observation deck which is situated next to the research lab. This station was originally created as a means for scientists from varying fields, (astrologists, atmospheric scientists, etc). It's also the host of one of 16 stations of the national air pollution monitoring network NABEL. There are 16 situated all over Switzerland and they observe the varying air pollution levels from very low to very high.
We also visited the 'Ice Palace' within the deep bowels of the complex where everything is literally made of ice. The flooring, curved wall/ceiling, etc. There are ice sculptures, a tiny tunnel walkway, and even an ice counter. What's even more interesting is that I was here 5 years ago and it was noticeably different this time around. The ice counter was much smaller with a transparent countertop where money currency from all over the world were placed underneath and then the ice column where I'd hung myself onto was gone, etc. Ice is ever changing as this place proves. I also spent the better part of my time "outdoors" taking as many pictures as I could before I lost feeling in my face, ears, hands, etc due to the whipping cold air.
I had another great day skiing with George. The logistics of getting from one place to another in place would choke most folks!
Take the train down to town, grab the gondola up the hill, take a ski lift over to that ridge, ski down the cat trail over to another vertical rail then take another gondola to the top, a palmer t-bar lift, then ski down to yet another gondola, etc. It took us almost 2 hours just to get to the very top of Piz Gloria, the highest ski peak in the Jungfrau region. This would also be my second time making the trip and this time it didn't feel quite as long. It was worth it though because the one closest to our hotel was overcast making for poor visibility. The snow over at Piz Gloria was absolutely sublime. I skied down a couple of times through the 'non-controlled' semi-closed areas (meaning it's not patrolled on a normal basis). It was pretty nice! I came close to a cliff a couple times but of course me being a professional, I knew what I was doing. Getting back, if Calvin and Guillaume would remember for us was a long bus ride back. This time though, we figured out a better way. Skiing all the way down to the train station in Lauterbrunnen then riding up to Wengen.
We also went skiing at one of the smaller ski area up by Grinderwald to try out their new Zip Line ride from one peak to another! The Zip line was unfortunately closed that day because of windy conditions! Can you imagine zipping down a thin line in a barely there basket with the wind whipping around you? I would've done it but I guess safety came first to those folks. I'll do it next time I go back.
Basically every morning we all get together for a breakfast buffet as a group and small groups get together to discuss the day plans according to everyone's ski levels, preferences and such. I usually ski with the same folks because we're the fastest ones on the hill.
And by the end of the day we all eat a 5 course meal as a group. One person would pass on the 'spoon' to each unfortunate 'victim' deemed worthy based on the stupid mistakes he or she made earlier that day. One forgot his ski outfit, another locked himself out on the deck, another forgot her ski ticket, etc. All very funny making for a perfect way to end the day.
After Wengen, we headed to Alpe d'Huez on Saturday. That place from what I've heard is massive! Almost one hundred ski lifts with over one hundred ski trails! This place is a mole hill by comparison but the peaks aren't as majestic nor as high. It was a 6 hour bus ride getting to Alpe d'Huez.
Alpe d'Huez is one of the largest ski areas in the world with four distinct areas to explore. It took us a total of 5 days to explore the entire ski area
Alpe d'Huez as seen from the midpoint station
On the morning of our last day, all I could think of is how good this trip was for me. I skied 9 days total on this trip. A few days beforehand, we'd initially feared the worst the day before yesterday when a storm rolled into the area late in the day. We all thought that we wouldn't be able to ski on our last day but our fears turned out to be unfounded because it turned out to be the best skiing day! We had fresh powder all morning as we skied on the South slope. Along with Mark, Claudeen (leader of our group) and a few others we were literally the first ones on the slope so we got to reap in all the good stuff before it got thrashed into bits. Many beginners went all over the place shortly after we did ruining the fresh snow but we managed to find more and more. By late afternoon when I was on the other side I could see all the freshies were gone. It was well worth it. Gretchen, Kevin, Sylvie and I headed over to L'Apellete to grab some delicious wood fired thin pizza at L'Grange. The weather couldn't possibly be any better as we took in the sun while sipping wine. The French have a warmed red wine which was surprisingly good. I think I've drank more on this trip than I'd had in my entire life. The other night we had a liquor shoot out and I almost kept up with the veterans but my constuition wouldn't have it. I had to step out. This place, I keep thinking is unreal because it really was that big. One of the world's largest ski areas and it took us 5 days of skiing to explore most of it. One of my favorite treats was that chocolate covered waffle I had just before heading over to L'Grange for lunch. Dessert before lunch, FTW!
Every morning my view from the balcony of room 702 on the 7th floor looked like this
Self portrait and yes, that's a helmet camera on top
Powder, powder and more powder!
Some of the tracks me and my friends left
The best waffles I've ever had before!
Me and Gretchen at L'Grange having some wood fired pizza and wine
It was an awesome day of skiing for Sylvie
You could almost think you're at the beach
Oh by the way, I've taken close to 6,500 pictures so far . I also took several hours worth of video footage using my helmet camera setup. Gigabytes and gigabytes of pictures and videos to sort through. I'll post more stories and pictures as I finish them up. I also skied 9 days with only one day off because I wanted to make my way to Jungfraujoch.
Last edited by atomic80; Mar 30, 2009 at 07:12 PM.
Looks like you have a great skiing adventure in Europe !
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i'm calling you out. let's go surfing. you've never surfed.
JT looks like a great trip. GET A JOB!
JT looks like a great trip. GET A JOB!
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Dude, that is amazing! I'm jealous! And I can't believe you had that much fresh powder. I've skied in almost every state that you can ski in and never had back to back runs of pow like that. 
Looks like I need to get out of the country to find that.
Looks like I need to get out of the country to find that.
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What a nice writeup! THANKS!
This year they got a lot of snow in a short period of time....which is great,but of course the death rate increased accordingly..
anyway,those pics are stunning!Looks like you had a great time!
btw,"Jungfrau" means virgin
This year they got a lot of snow in a short period of time....which is great,but of course the death rate increased accordingly..
anyway,those pics are stunning!Looks like you had a great time!
btw,"Jungfrau" means virgin
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NO ONE goes to Hawaii in July unless you're cheap 
We live in the greatest place on earth and you'll leave it in July. We're done. Westport in July I'd do.
We live in the greatest place on earth and you'll leave it in July. We're done. Westport in July I'd do.
