Zermatt, Switzerland

Unfortunately I'm home sick today, but it gives me the perfect opportunity to tell about our most recent adventure...

During the second week of February, we went on a ski trip to Zermatt, Switzerland! Our friends Kyle and Andrea came along with us, and we stayed in a fully-catered chalet. Zermatt is one of the most unique and beautiful places I've been yet, and I would totally recommend it to anyone who loves the outdoors!

First of all, Zermatt is interesting in the fact that the town has not allowed combustion-engine cars since 1947. The reason for this is that they want to preserve their beautiful view of the Matterhorn (see below). The only cars you will see in town are electric-powered taxis and buses. You have to be careful walking around, because the electro-taxis are almost silent, so they can creep up behind you rather quickly! Because of the car ban, it is a bit of a haul to get into Zermatt. We had to fly into Geneva, and then take a three-hour bus ride to a train station about 20 minutes out of Zermatt. We rode the train in, and then had to take an electric taxi to our chalet. However, it was well worth it, and we TRULY felt like we were able to "get away from it all".

Our chalet housed 10 guests including us, and we were extremely lucky to be staying with a wonderful bunch of people. One family was from Scotland, visiting their daughter (and sister) Rhona, who was our chalet host. We were able to get to know them all really well, and we have hopes to visit them up north the next chance we get!

Rhona cooked breakfast for us each morning, and had afternoon tea and a yummy cake awaiting our return from the mountain each day. Then we were served a five-course meal every night, with unlimited wine! Talk about being pampered!

At dinner the first night.

Jordan and I spent four out of seven days skiing, which was plenty for us. Two out of those four, we bought passes allowing us to ski over on the Italian side of the mountain. After our first run in Italy, we stopped for a Cappuccino, and then continued skiing until lunchtime. It was much more reasonable to eat on the mountain in Italy, so we indulged in some lasagna and spaghetti.

Here we are, loving the snow in Zermatt!

After warming up with a cappuccino in Italy.

Crossing back into Switzerland after skiing in Italy.

We took countless pictures of the Matterhorn, because the look of it differs so much at different times during the day and as the weather changes. By the way...you might recognize it. The Matterhorn is displayed on the logos of Toblerone chocolate and Paramount Pictures. :)

Walking through town at night.

We decided to go tobogganing one evening with some of our mates from our chalet. We had an awesome time flying down the mountain after one another. Half way down, our guide took us to a little pub for a drink, and we raced down the rest even faster!

Getting ready to go!

Skiing the alps was definitely a big mark on our "list of things to do/places to see", and we had a wonderful time! If you would like to see some more pictures from our trip, Click here to view my album on facebook.