Interlaken, Switzerland - December 2005

April: The next leg of our Journey was outstanding. We collected our skies in London and headed to Chamonix, France, where we stayed for 6 days. It was still early in the ski season, so our options were limited. We made the best of it though, and skied 4 days in Chamonix and also took a day trip to the other side of Mt. Blanc, and skied in Aosta, Italy.

After France, we took the train to Interlaken, Switzerland. We stayed in a small town about 20 km outside Interlaken, called Habkern. It was a very cute area, with many cow fields, a mill, and the best gingerbread and spiced wine I have ever had. Being away from the train station made it difficult to get to the ski areas though. We had to hike to the bus stop in the dark, ride the bus for 20 minutes, then catch a train for another hour or more to the slopes. It was well worth it though....we experienced an outstanding view of the North Face and phenomenal untracked powder:) It was like a dream!

Our next ski destination was Mayrhofen, Austria, where we celebrated Christmas. We stayed in an ideal flat, just 100 feet from the ski lift. We shopped, skied, relaxed, and visited with the owners of our flat. They are all skiers, and their daughter is a very accomplished racer. I have never seen so many trophies and medals in one location before. They were all very hospitable and made our stay fun.

Look at that powder...this is heaven

Royce in front of the North Face

Skiing in Grindewald

Our accommodations in Habkern