Wow. That's about the only word that I can come up with: wow. The size of the Trois Vallees is almost incomprehensible -- 4 times the size of Whistler-Blackcomb, and 6 times the size of Vail. Nearly 200 lifts. We skied to Val Thorens and back, and our guide estimated that we'd covered 100 km (62 miles) on skis that day.
The whole opposite ridge in Mirabel Mottaret is covered with lifts
Courchevel
We skied this chute in Val Thorens:
Val Thorens chute
Plenty of snow above, say, 1600 meters, and sunny and 50-60 degrees every day -- perfect for those European lunches out on the sun deck. Try finding this in an on-mountain restaurant in the States:
Canadian Salad at Cap Horn in Courchevel
Accomodations are first-rate, although if I ever return on my own I think that I'd have to stay practically down in Moutiers to be able to afford it. Courchevel is the Dear Valet of Europe, and the prices are reflected in it. It's the first time I've seen a bottle of wine for over $22,000 on the wine list. Rumor has it that they sell a bottle or two a year to the Russians, who then proceed to cut it with Coca-Cola.
Never was able to hook up with Chromer. Called his hotel, but they didn't recognize his name (the real one, of course). Tried for two days on the FRS, but in a place this size it was like finding a needle in a haystack. <BR> <BR>Finally, if you ever get the chance to fly business class on Swiss, do it. They actually matched the level of service that we enjoyed in Courchevel. Five-course meals, and my feet couldn't reach the seat in front of me. The seat reclined to nearly a horizontal position, perfect for catching z's on the long flight over the pond. <BR> <BR>Our story, more photos, and an original video presentation will follow between now and the summer.
The whole opposite ridge in Mirabel Mottaret is covered with lifts
Courchevel
We skied this chute in Val Thorens:
Val Thorens chute
Plenty of snow above, say, 1600 meters, and sunny and 50-60 degrees every day -- perfect for those European lunches out on the sun deck. Try finding this in an on-mountain restaurant in the States:
Canadian Salad at Cap Horn in Courchevel
Accomodations are first-rate, although if I ever return on my own I think that I'd have to stay practically down in Moutiers to be able to afford it. Courchevel is the Dear Valet of Europe, and the prices are reflected in it. It's the first time I've seen a bottle of wine for over $22,000 on the wine list. Rumor has it that they sell a bottle or two a year to the Russians, who then proceed to cut it with Coca-Cola.
Never was able to hook up with Chromer. Called his hotel, but they didn't recognize his name (the real one, of course). Tried for two days on the FRS, but in a place this size it was like finding a needle in a haystack. <BR> <BR>Finally, if you ever get the chance to fly business class on Swiss, do it. They actually matched the level of service that we enjoyed in Courchevel. Five-course meals, and my feet couldn't reach the seat in front of me. The seat reclined to nearly a horizontal position, perfect for catching z's on the long flight over the pond. <BR> <BR>Our story, more photos, and an original video presentation will follow between now and the summer.
