There are plenty of ski areas in Switzerland, and of course all of the Alps, but for some reason, Zermatt keeps calling me back. The Matterhorn is definitely one of the draws. After 5 visits I still find myself completely mesmerized by this hunk of granite as I see it from different view points and in different lights.
This was the view from our chalet apartment. Every night, it was hard for me to stop staring at the shadowed mountain, with the twinkling stars behind it and the quaint and bright little village below. The last time I was here was 2 years ago. when I skied around from the back of this scene into Zermatt while finishing the Haute Route. I was with a pack of girlfriends and we were skiing stealthily, silently, trying not to disturb any avalanches, but we couldn’t help ourselves from stopping occasionally to take in the the wondrous views and different perspectives of this monolith.
Another factor about this Station de ski {as they call it in France} is the fact that you can ski over to Italy if you’d like a little pasta for lunch, no passport required. We were driving to Zermatt from the South of France, a route that can take 7+ hours. But the drive to Cervinia, Italy takes just under 4 hours {after Cervinia you have to wind around the mountain routes}.
We needed to check into the chalet at a certain time so SOMEONE had to take the gondola up from Cervinia, Italy, go over the top of the mountains and then ski down to Zermatt, Switzerland to make the date. Okay, I’ll admit it, I just am just not really a “road trip” girl, I don’t know why, but I just don’t have a passion for being in a car for a long period of time. I know some people do, and I have actually enjoyed some fun road trips, but it just isn’t my preferred mode of travel.
In contrast, Mr. Splendid LOVES a lengthy auto route cruise and if it includes high mountain passageways and extensive, intricate tunnels and international signs, all the better. So, the decision was simple, my son and I were taking our backpacks and heading over the pass.
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Another thing I love about Zermatt {and Cervinia} are the number of unique quality restaurants, {or rifugio’s as they are called in Italy} that can be found on the mountain. As you are ripping down the gloriously endless groomed runs, signs tempt you.
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Or, in the middle of a white expanse, you may hear some music or laughter echoing off the mountains that beckon you.
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A sunny deck and your favorite song may be the best invitation for a cup of cocoa or a good plate of gnocchi.
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On a whim, we stopped at Biata Gran Sometta for lunch on the last day of the year. They served enriching minestrone soup, flavorful pasta dishes and fortifying osso bucco, among other things. Glasses of procesco flowed freely in celebration of the last day of the year.
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We loved the rustic, authentic and generous charm of this place and the sunny deck was a wonderful international petri dish. What a great way to finish 2012.
Caio!
Emily..these pictures are out of this world! OMG how beautiful. That view…I think it would be impossible to fall asleep,I would just want to stare at the twinkling lights all night long, love the idea of "skiiing over to Italy" for pasta! Great post…next best thing to being there:)
Speechless. Until your blog, which I incidentally discovered when you just returned from Zurich, I did not know places like this existed. I can't even imagine how they get the food there and employees? Are there enough skiers whizzing by to keep these restaurants open? Is there a parking lot behind filled with SUV's?
Unbelievable posts. Thanks for sharing!
xo
S
Emily-
These images are breathtaking! I have always said that I would love to live in a chalet in the mountains, and you have convinced me I was right. I am alos wanted to take several foreign languages, lol.
Have fun living my dream!
Happy Friday.
Teresa
xoxo
I hope to visit one day. The mountains of Vermont are seeming a little small right now. Have a wonderful weekend!
Phyllis
Emily these are absolutely stunning views and I can tell how much fun you had! Bravo!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena