Arrival in Geneva. Your private chauffeur is already waiting. He is a charming man that knows all the names of all the peaks you pass by on your way to Courmayeur. As you drive deeper into the Alps, the scenery unfolds before your eyes. You unpack quickly and go for a walk around town. On the way out, you meet one of your guides. He is hospitable and he calmly reassures you that a week of perfect skiing awaits. You chuckle: he looks positively enthusiastic; like a child who knows a secret, and cannot wait to let you in on it.
The day begins with what your guide calls “a gentle exploration of the local skiing”... 3000 meters above sea level. He is patient and gives you some pointers on technique and you soon begin to enjoy the breathtaking descents. You stumble here and there: the views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn keep you entranced. The kids do not seem to share your contemplation, they are too distracted having the time of their lives. You end the day relaxing in the thermal springs, because when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Yesterday during the apres-ski, you asked one of the guides about the plan for the days ahead. She tells you what they had planned, but it turns out some weather reports came in during the night. At first, you have a few misgivings, it seems improvised, to say the least. But she knows what she is talking about. The change of plans does not disappoint. You get to ski on sections of the Alps that have the purest snow you have ever seen. Apparently, the tourists didn’t get the memo, and you have the mountain for yourself. The next day, you get to ski from the Mer de Glace back to Chamonix. It is a 27km long descent. A bit later, back in Italy, as you raise your glass with the local skiers and exchange stories, you feel quite at home. After all, you have just skied one of Europe’s mythical descents.
The crown of this adventure has to be Mont Blanc. By cable car you reach the glacier, and then your guides lead you to a spot on the mountain where, to your great amazement, there are no tourists at all. Mont Blanc for yourself, let that sink in. Eventually you get hungry and have lunch with the cable car workers and locals in a hidden restaurant. The Italian fare is obviously abundant and the wine runs candidly. “If you like this food, then you’ll love Tony’s,” they say. He owns a small eatery, but he always makes room for Andrea’s friends. Another tip, this one for the kids: order the Crepe Suzette.
The final adventure on this trip is one your family will always remember. At first it seems strange, as your guides strap leathers to your skis. The idea is that they don’t slip and you can walk uphill. You go on a lovely hike up to the Great St. Bernard Pass, right on the Swiss side of the Alps. The pass is legendary, and once was a very important commercial route. Nowadays, it stands almost deserted, but the monks still man the Hospice at the top of the pass. They are famous for their tea, and their rescue dogs. And no wonder! The amount of snow is overwhelming. You welcome the warm tea and the hospitality. You remove the leather from your skis, and descend back to Courmayeur. As you relax in the evening and walk in the charming cobbled streets with the iconic peaks above, you gladly acknowledge that at least for a week, the Alps have been yours.
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