Arosa - Skiing to the Beat of a Different Drummer

We decided early on into ski season that our mission was to visit as many of Switzerland's premiere ski resorts as we could. After Mürren, we put together a list of places we did not want to miss. Flumserberg, although fantastic and close, was not specifically on the list (but always an option for a quick day trip!) First on our list was a place in eastern Switzerland called Arosa. Arosa is in the Graubünden (where several famous alpine resorts are located) and lies 1,800 meters above sea level in a wonderful location at the top of a valley. The train trip to Arosa was beautiful, especially the local ride from Chur which took us up a winding track through the forest and offered tremendous views of the snow-covered valley. One of our favorite memories of the trip was running into a marching band in the middle of one of the slopes. They were there to entertain the skiiers on a beautiful sunny day. As the video illustrates, band geeks are the same the world over. I have to admit, I was a little nostalgic for my piccolo.

Click on video here to view.

A day trip to our local ski hill — Flumserberg

After a quick bite for breakfast, we grab the number 3 tram heading to Zürich's main train station to catch the SBB to Unterterzen. We sit back, relax, and watch the alps roll by. At Unterterzen we are quickly ushered on the gondola that's waiting for us, right next to the stop. Nice. We arrive at the base of the ski lifts 20 minutes later, click into our skis, and sit on the padded chairlift making its way through the trees to the top of the mountain. We pause for a moment to absorb the view. Then we proceed to slide down the face of the mountain. Again. And again. And again...

What a great Sunday.

Mürren - A Sublime Mountain Town

"The only thing of importance that I have to say about the Alps is that the view from Mürren is not only the sublimest thing I have ever seen in Switzerland, but I have seen nothing to compare with it in sublimity." -- Henry Sidgwick, 1869

We agree with Henry. Mürren took our breath away. From the snow-covered Swiss chalets to the incredible mountain vistas, Mürren has Switzerland wrapped around its little car-free streets. Our New Year's weekend here was magical. Fresh powder skiing, a cozy bed and breakfast, and the occasional dog sled really enhanced the experience. We hope the photo video gives you a taste of our trip.

This was also the base location for the James Bond film, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." The Schilthorn Restaurant at Piz Gloria, the world's first rotating restaurant, was used for Blofeld's evil lair. Rent the movie if you haven't seen it, then pack your bags and get here for some awesome skiing before it's too late.

Click video or here to watch.

Ringing in the New Year, Swiss-Style: More Cowbell!

The New Year's tradition in parts of Switzerland gives new meaning to Christopher Walken's cry for more cowbell. If his fever can't be cured by the amount of cowbell the Swiss ring, I fear his illness may never subside. Check it out for yourself, and ring in 2006 with the beautiful banging of bovine bells.

What's this all about?

It is an old folk tradition in Mürren that spirits of darkness walk around the last night of the year. Therefore, the demons must be frightened away with ringing bells, lest they linger and work evil on men and beasts. No wonder Mr. Walken, a.k.a. Bruce Dickenson, "that's right, THE Bruce Dickenson," had a fever!

Click on video or here to watch.