Les Ski Bums

Our friends invite us to ski with them in Courchevel, France so after Tim's sister, Tessa, and brother-in-law, Charlie pick us up in Geneva, Switzerland we set off, but not before lunch beside the Palais de I'isle jail in the canaled city of Annecy. The jail, originally a castle built in 1132, has a triangular shape reminiscent of a prow of a galley anchored in the harbour.

Courchevel is part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world located in the Savoie region of the French Alps. Tim's been here many times and doesn't need the tourist office but the beautiful building begs for a photo.

There's so much to love about France starting with fromage and saucisson in this shop in La Croissette.

The slopes beckon.

After all that fresh air we're more than ready for the gourmet dinner our chef and chalet girl are about to serve.

We cheer on our friend Nicola competing in a ski race with a vin chaud (hot wine) from Le Chabichou Hotel. The French are so civilized.

There he goes!

After another day on the slopes we drive to a neighbouring village for a traditional dinner at one of the local haunts.

Escargot, gambas, crozets et beaucoup de vin.

The sweeping views of the surrounding mountains outside Chalet Eboulis where we are staying in Courchevel 1850.

Another day in paradise has to include another large, French lunch. 

We say, "Au revoir mes amis" and head for Tessa and Charlie's chalet in Chatel, France. Along the way we stop at Megève, a famous ski resort near the Mont-Blanc which many consider it to be one of the most beautiful resorts in the world.

A chic French couple relax in the sun.

A sculpture of Adam and Eve graces one of the squares.

Arriving in Chatel, a ski resort in the Portes du Soleil region, Tim takes in the panoramic view from the balcony of the chalet. To the right...

 and to the left. Breathtaking.

Charlie and Tessa treat us to a day of sightseeing starting in Aigle, where we pick up Tim and Tessa's nephew, George. The 12th century Chateau Aigle is renowned as one of the most important castle sites in Switzerland.

Snapshots from the road.

Onto Chateau D'Oex for a coffee break and a climb up the hill to see the old church.

Next stop Gruyères, a medieval town on a small hill with a castle, which gives it's name to the well-known cheese.

Our last stop is Montreux, located on Lake Geneva. Just outside of town is the Chateau de Chillon, dating from 1005.

Many thanks to our friends and family for making this such a fun and memorable trip.