Mild temperatures across all of Western Europe mean we had to go high in the Alps to get some snow. Risking to become creatures of habits we headed for Zermatt... again.
This and Grindelwald are probably the most beautiful ski resorts in the Alps. It is a shame that Zermatt attracts the kind of people who have more money than sense and just go there to be seen. Wealthy Russians are very conspicuous.
Fortunately this sort of people spend most of their time shopping for overpriced fashion goods and drinking in their champagne bars. This way they do not disturb too much those who go there for the beautiful mountains and the great skiing.
On the way we stopped at the small resort of Kandersteg for a warm-up. A place to keep in mind as a possible base for tours later in the season.
In Zermatt we had a couple of days on old, hard snow followed by a huge dump of fresh snow. Two great days of skiing powder. On the Italian side, the Police seemed to be very worried about our safety and stopped us, threatened us with a 100 euro fine and confiscation of the ski pass for the terrible crime of skiing on 100% safe terrain a few meters from the groomed pistes.
That sent us back to the Swiss side where skiing off piste is considered normal. But not before we stopped for lunch. In Italy they may take a dim view of free-riding but they know how to prepare simple, delicious food.
Now we are back to the rain and mild temperatures of Belgium and monitoring the weather. As soon as these annoying Atlantic depressions get out of the way and let the Winter begin we'll head for the mountains again.
