Val D’Isere

We just returned from a special 40th birthday party of a very dear friend in the French Alps. It was a weekend of snow, ski, rose, fondue, meat, relaxation, and lots of fun. An incredible experience that we will never forget.

 

Val D'Isere is located in the French Alps, a three hour drive from Geneva. We landed early morning in Geneva, took a bus to our chalet, got fitted for skis, and went straight to the mountain. No wasted time on this trip!

Val D’Isere is located in the French Alps, a three hour drive from Geneva. We landed early morning in Geneva, took a bus to our chalet, got fitted for skis, and went straight to the mountain. No wasted time!

After skiing, we went to apres skiing, which consisted of a big lunch, lots of rose, dancing on tables, loud music (and bass) and bootie shaking. So super duper fun, what a great experience.

There was skiing, and then there was apres-skiing, which consisted of a big lunch, lots of rose, dancing on tables, loud music (and bass) and bootie shaking. Super duper fun…

The group hanging out.

The group hanging out. Check out the neon ski suits in the background — Real or joke? Unclear.

Eating. Basically, what we did the whole time.

Eating. Basically, what we did the whole time.

Two blondes (walk into a bar....)

Two blondes (walk into a bar….)

Our chalet and the view. Pretty incredible. There was also a gym in our private house, an indoor swimming pool, a steam room, a hot tub, and rooms for us all. Pretty special place.

Our chalet and the view. Pretty incredible. There was also a gym, an indoor swimming pool, a steam room, a hot tub, and rooms for us all. Pretty special place.

On the mountain, there were gondolas, normal chairlifts, foniculars, etc...literally every mode of transportation on the mountain. Thank goodness we had ski guides as it was a huge resort and I would surely have gotten lost.

On the mountain, there were gondolas, normal chairlifts, funiculars, etc…literally every mode of ski transportation.

Our helmet collection

Our helmet collection

At night, we would hang out in our onesies (a gift from the hosts). I must say, these are the most comfortable clothing, and Natori needs to start making them. My favorite new outfit.

At night, we would hang out in our onesies (a gift from the hosts).  Super comfortable, and Natori needs to start making them. My favorite new outfit.

On our last full day, there was a major snow storm so half the group went skiing, and half went snow shoeing.

On our last full day, there was a major snow storm so half the group went skiing, and half went snow shoeing.

I am in the chevron jacket and decided to snow shoe -- holy crap, what a great experience with vertical climbs. Loved every minute of it.

I am in the chevron jacket and decided to snow shoe — holy crap, what a great experience with vertical climbs. Loved every minute of it.

Lounging in the snow storm.

Lounging in the snow storm.

We consumed a ton of cheese -- lunch, snack, and dinner. When in France, live like the french!

We ate a LOT of cheese — lunch, snack, and dinner. When in France, live like the french!

The one night we went out, we ate at a fondue-raclette restaurant that was unbelievably cute (and Michelin star !). The fondue and raclette, although heavy, was so delicious and a festive occasion for a festive weekend.

The one night we went out, we ate at a fondue-raclette restaurant that was unbelievably cute (and Michelin star !). The fondue and raclette, although heavy, was so delicious.

Dancing Chevron Lady.

Dancing Chevron Lady.

The best photograph of the trip -- taken by Ken Natori.

The best photograph of the trip — taken by Ken Natori.

The crew. The group was a mishmash of friends from different points in our friend's life, but everyone got along so well together and the group was cohesive, fun, festive, smart, and great. I miss everyone already!

The crew. I miss everyone already!

 

What a great weekend… one for the books. Thanks to our friends for hosting a wonderful birthday vacation. Can we go back again soon?

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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7 Comments

  1. Oh my goodness! What a gorgeous winter wonderland to spend the weekend. Looks like you guys had a blast. Very jealous! Beautiful pictures!

  2. Ken’s photography is amazing! That one picture looks professional. I hope you guys had a blast!

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