I awoke Saturday after a going away party for a friend and started out of Geneva with J again. In Geneva it was a wonderful 7c, rainy day. On that, you would never think the rain and gloom could turn into the pics below. After a little Swiss hang-over cure, cheese and bread, we headed towards Les Diablerets (www.diablerets.ch) and the SNOW! We hit Montreaux and the temp started to dip to 3c. A few KM later it was 2c and by Aigle it was 0c and starting to "puke" After a quick stop at the local ski shop we headed up the pass. Up to Les Diablerete is was wet snow, but at around 1800M it started to get fluffy, fluffy, love. After traveling a little more we were at G3 (Col du Pillon Cable Car www.monsterpark.ch) We decided that it was to late to ski, so we headed down the back side to Gsteig and Gstaad. After realizing I had no gas it was time to stop at one of the great unattended gas stations....it was still puking!
In Gstaad we walked around as saw a few sheep in the streets...they were liking the snow too!
After a little walking we decided that the little village of Gsteig was more "us" and we headed back up the pass. When we arrived the snow was building and it looked like my prediction of 3ft was coming true! When driving into the village we were advised that there was a Christmas Market...so this was a bonus.. gluehwine and Raclette! We stayed at the Hotel Baren where we met Marcel the manager/chef/owner. He was very chill and gave us a perfect ski bum room. Good duve, warm shower, and 4KM from the G3....woohooo!
After a quick check-in we headed to the Christmas Market and some Swiss cocktails. We proceeded to walk into a postcard. Kids running around, handmade crafts, food, guys with cool hat, mustaches, and SNOW! We chilled there for a little while and hung with the locals. This is what the Germans call a "Swedish Oven". It is a log split and a fire started in the middle. After our pre-cocktails we took a nap and headed off to a great dinner in the basement of the hotel. This was also postcard with people coming in wearing there town colors and sitting together (locals at the Stammtisch) eating fondue...classic! If you asked me what the "real" Switzerland is....I would say this!
After a great nights sleep we awoke early and had a nice Swiss breakfast that came with the price of the room and said goodbye to Marcel. After a little wait at the Col Du Pillon, we caught the second "bucket" and we arrived to this.....and it was on!
This was out first time at G3, so we followed a few people and found the goods!
A little hike off piste we noticed this was just ridiculous....it was at least knee to waist deep in places....it was time to ski and we did.....
Look Mom...watch me shred the fresh!
After many, many, fresh tracks we were tired and headed back to the parking lot. I think the smile on my face says it all.
Overall another great weekend. I really am speechless at times when I look back and review what I experienced. I want to thank J for the company and motivation to "feel" CH. This is another one for the records! -G
PS: Visit the Hotel Baren and ask for Marcel and a few local Kirsh Wassers!
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