This Christmas

This is where we are spending Christmas - in Saas Fee! (Not in that cabin, though, at Hotel Alphubel!)

It was an easy ride down. We took a playground train from Zurich all the way to Visp (E planned it so we didn't have to change in Bern) and then the bus to Saas Fee. The bus trip through the mountains wasn't as terrifying as I thought it might be. Along the way we got to see some sights from R's infamous school trip. None of the mountains looked at all hikeable. We were met at the bus station by an electric shuttle from our hotel. The hotel had already picked up our ski equipment which had been shipped ahead. Once all the guests arrive the hotel will bring everyone's equipment to their storage area near the slopes where we have lockers. We won't even see the skis until the shuttle drops us off at the slopes tomorrow.  

The hotel is very nice - cozy and comfortable, incredibly friendly (T has already gotten kisses from the owner), and we have adjoining rooms with views of the mountains. We have already asked if we could extend our visit by a day, but no luck. We knew it was a long shot this time of year, but it doesn't hurt to ask. 

Now E has gone out with S and L to see the town, time the walk to the ski school, and buy our lift tickets, if he can. While we are skiing L will stay in childcare at the hotel. T will have lessons and then be picked up and brought back to the hotel for afternoon care. We are taking our meals at the hotel, too. We've only been here a couple of hours and already I am amazed by how easy travel can be if you pay for extras. I'll try not to let it spoil me since our usual style has to be mountain huts with outhouses and shared rooms or hostels with the occasional break-in. But it is Christmas!

p.s. from R: After posting this Mama and I turned off our lights and looked out the window. The view we have looks almost exactly like the first 10 seconds of the video! The lighting is the same, the snow is the same. Can't wait to go skiing tomorrow!