As many of you might have noticed on my instagram feed…I was recently in Switzerland. OMG. Words cannot describe. Every single aspect of this trip changed my life. Forevahhhh… Nothing starts the year off better than a life changing trip to somewhere amazing, with the best people to join you! Here’s my experience in Davos & Klosters, Switzerland…I ski toured with the pros at Alpenglow Ski Safaris, a trekking & off piste ski company based here in Telluride, CO. Join us on this winters journey…   Last year I skied the Alps. Kind of. It was an on piste self guided adventure in Zermatt. My trip was amazing, but I knew something big was missing. As I was planning this years to the Alps, the wonderful powers that be put me in touch with the folks at Alpenglow Ski Safaris, located right here in my glorious Telluride backyard. What was missing from Zermatt? Off piste Alps skiing. Theres nothing like breaking through that orange rope. With the properly trained people… On this trip our rock star guides were Ken Fuhrer & Daniel Sunquvist. They are amazing guys who became wonderful friends. There were 4 of us in this group with the 2 guides. I made amazing friends & have all ready visited with two of them in NYC! Look at that powder!! It was epic! It snowed every day we were there. Ken & Daniel would carefully map out each day to maximize our ski thrills. We would duck inside during stormy moments, then bust back outdoors when windows of sun allowed us to see. And oh could we see. Forever! Each & every powder turn was amazing…we skied through alpine farms, villages & wide open fields…the powder was deep, fresh & exhilarating! The forests were amazing! Out of a storybook… I learned many things when we skied. I had never done this freeriding/freeskiing before. What is that? Great question! It’s lift accessed back country skiing that includes skinning to get where you want to go. You need a beacon, a shovel & a probe. An avalanche kit is essential & seasoned guides. So where did we stop for food & drink? Ahhhhh. I love the food in the Swiss Alps. It’s true rustic/comfort food served with charm & grace. Each chalet was decorated with furry seats & lots of red & white gingham… With each meal there the espresso was flowing (during the day) and the vino at night. I had my fair share of Swiss cakes, french fries and my new favorite meal ever… Alpen Macaroni. OMG. This dish is a super rich, carb heavy mac & cheese, with the best Swiss cheeses & lots of cream & potaotoes. All topped with fried onions, bacon. It’s served with a side of homemade applesauce. This touch of sweetness makes this dish extra regional & very flavorful. Don’t be shy to eat them together! It’s meant to be that way… I also have a new favorite cocktail. The Schumli Phumli. This is a hot coffee & plum schnapps libation with pillows of slightly sweetened whipped cream. Warming & heavenly! Skiing hard meant lots of food! Eaten with gusto. There was plenty of Swiss brandy, plum cakes & apple strudel too… So where did we stay on this epic journey? The historic Chesa Grischuna, located in the charming town of Klosters. They made sure every creature comfort was well tended to. This historic, romantic inn is well known throughout the world. It’s a destination for honeymooners, families & world class skiers. The hotel is built of mostly local handicraft & that careful work is present in all the wood details, door hinges & textiles. Every morning we enjoyed a full breakfast in the restaurant & a gourmet dinner at night. Chef Micheal Bless uses seasonal & local ingredients when available. The cuisine has international flair & the wine list is very impressive! If you are looking for great outdoors adventures all year round contact the excellent team at Ryder Walker: The Global Trekking Specialists & Alpenglow Ski Safaris. Tell them Marla sent you & you will be in great hands! Follow Alpenglow Ski Safaris on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook. Never stop adventuring! SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave]]>