COURCHEVEL, FRANCE

Last week the owners of Fat Tire Bike Tours, David & Kelly, treated all of the European managers and spouses to a wonderful excursion in the French Alps. We stayed in Courchevel and were able to ski three full days. It was an AMAZING trip and Jack is already trying to find out how we can go back again soon. We had perfect weather and were with a wonderful group of people. 

I'm almost as white as the snow

Courchevel has three valleys. We stayed in the portion of town called Courchevel 1650 (named after it's altitude). The area was used to accommodate several of the Olympic competitors from the 1992 winter games in Albertville, France. On our way up the mountain to our apartment, we drove right past the ski jumping stadium that was used.

Making my way down...slow and steady wins the race

I have been skiing probably half a dozen times in Colorado, and Jack only twice, but it's been six years since either of us had been on the slopes. To help us ease back into it, we both went to ski school for a few hours on the first day. Neither of us impressed our instructor. He quickly told Jack that he was the worst in the group, and that I simply couldn't ski the right way. Luckily, we are both pretty athletic and improved from our initial evaluations quickly, especially Jack. By the end of the week Jack had moved on from the easy green slopes to the steep reds with the rest of the veterans in our group. I didn't go with him on any of the advanced runs, but everyone said he did great.

Jack on the gondola on the way up. Our lodging was at the base of the slopes just feet from the lift. So great!

With the Robinsons

Graham, David (London Manager), Jack, & David (Jack's boss) - (L to R)

 Liam (left) & David (right) - London managers

Grabbing a drink at a local pub with Amanda and a few others. 

Graham (right) & Weston (left)

Leigh with David & Kelly's daughter, Caroline

Every night we would take turns making dinner. Everyone's favorite was when we got to use the Raclette. You take a wheel of cheese and melt it with this lamp. You spread the melted cheese over a plate of mixed cured meats, boiled potatoes, and grilled veggies. It's the most hearty meal you can imagine and is perfect after a long day in the snow.

We've been dying to travel since we moved here in October, and couldn't have asked for a better first trip. We already have Valentine's Day circled for our next adventure. I can't wait!