So this is Swiss skiing!
Okay, I think I finally get the “hype”! Freddy’s best friend came to town, so naturally we hopped in the car to check out some of the more well-known Swiss ski mountains on a blue-sky weekend. Saturday in Verbier, then Sunday in Zermatt — spot the Matterhorn peaking into the background of all our photos!
I finally felt like I was able to get my skiing legs under me during our full day in Verbier, enjoying the wide open pistes and gorgeous mountain range views. Freddy, meanwhile, is skiing with incredible comfort and skill for someone who just tried skis on for the first time in December. After a few warm ups on blue runs (Switzerland doesn’t do green pistes), we were able to spend most of the day skiing red, which is typically a step between blue and black. Watching him learn this new sport — and being able to join in alongside him — is one of the greatest joys of this move.
Perhaps the most wonderful piece of the weekend, though, was spending time with our dear friend and watching him absolutely crush the slopes behind, ahead, above, and below us. Freddy and I have been mostly skiing together and on family-focused small slopes near Leysin, and it was absolutely mind-blowing to watch our pal as he swooped along (and off) the pistes across the beautiful Swiss mountains.
All-in-all, we liked the skiing at Verbier a bit better than Zermatt, though its hard to beat the majestic view of the Matterhorn across the slopes of Zermatt. Luckily, both are within reasonable driving distance of home and not too expensive for a day pass, so I imagine we’ll be back soon enough to explore the massive mountains, get to know the intricate trails, and improve our skiing skills as the months (and years) go by.
Couldn’t have asked for a better group to ski with. So proud of Fred; so grateful to have a favorite friend in town.
Love from Leysin,
sbmc
