Between mountains & palm trees
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Our youngest son, Luis (3 years old), has just woken up from his afternoon nap, rubs the sleep from his eyes, and calmly looks at this beautiful panorama. It’s his first visit to Lake Geneva. I, on the other hand, am reminiscing. As a teenager, I traveled along this lake by train dozens of times. The twin town of my hometown is Bron in France. I took part in every school exchange because traveling has always been my passion.
These memories make me smile, and I feel grateful that I can be here today with my family. My enthusiasm for this region has remained, and I am full of anticipation for what awaits us over the next few days in the Vaud Alps.
Happiness is the salt in the soup
And that’s when I’m torn from my thoughts. “Mom, I’m hungry!” says our eldest son, Kilian (6 years old), sticking his cute little tummy out at me. Luckily, we got a tip for an uncomplicated Italian restaurant in Bex, Restaurant Grotto – right on the main road, impossible to miss but highly recommended.
The large glass front to the kitchen is particularly fascinating for our two boys: “Mom, what are they cooking? When are they cooking our food? And why are they wearing such funny hats?” Yes, even I don’t get bored while we wait for our food. Boredom is one of the few states of mind we haven’t experienced during this vacation.
In the salt mine in Bex, I clearly felt my own limits. Confined spaces, darkness, high humidity, and the knowledge of having tons of stone above me are simply not my world. Our children and my husband are curious and can’t understand my feelings – fortunately. I decide to say goodbye after the first item on the program and wait outside in nature for my loved ones.
It was worth it, because this salt mine is in a beautiful location. Hikes start from here directly along the clear Gryonne River. At the end of the salt mine tour, there is a salt tasting, which I participate in again – very tasty and interesting.
Surprise in the ski area
After this exciting day, including a train ride in the tunnel, everyone is exhausted and tired from all the impressions. It’s a good thing that our hotel is not far away. The Hotel Alpe Fleurie in Villars-sur-Ollon has made the most of the pandemic and created enchanting family rooms. No wonder the children sleep through the night.
Well fortified after a relaxed breakfast, we head to the Dätwyler sports store just a few steps away from the hotel. Now in its third generation, the shop not only sells all kinds of winter sports equipment but also rents it out – skis and sledges for young and old. As we couldn’t make up our minds, we simply rented both.
Then it’s straight off to Frience, a small family ski resort in the large ski area of the Alpes Vaudoises – and to our surprise, it’s free of charge! Small and manageable, of course, just what you want with small children. What you can’t miss is a hut to stop off at. The Refuge de Frience offers a wonderful view and delicious food. My husband and I really enjoyed the break – it was one of those moments that you simply can’t forget or, as John Strelecky would say, “a museum moment”! A moment, an event that you would hang up in your own life museum.
Fresh air, sport in the snow, sunshine, and laughter are the mottos on this glorious morning in the mountains. After lunch, our children get tired, and we use this phase to continue our journey to Les Diablerets to the Eurotel Victoria.
Chocolate flatrate
As soon as they arrive, there is another surprise for our boys. At check-in, they are ceremoniously presented with a chocolate pass. This entitles children to report to reception at any time to receive a piece of the finest Swiss chocolate.
Kilian is in heaven and can hardly believe his luck. The hotel, a family-run business managed by a loving couple and exceptionally friendly staff, is located in the middle of Diablerets with a view of „Les Mazots“, including the toboggan run.
„Mom, faster! Come on, overtake Dad and Luis“, Kilian cheers me on, and we have great fun as a family! The slope is perfect – not too steep, lots of snow, wonderful views, and, of course, we go down this unique toboggan run one more time.
Our children are just as enthusiastic when we organize a dog sled ride with Bertrand Pidoux in Gryon the next day. It’s the first dog sled ride for us. It was only about 300 meters from the parking lot in Cergnement to the small Crepecidre hut, where 26 sled dogs were waiting for us right behind it.
This experience touches me, and we are all enchanted from the very first moment.
Dizzying heights
A visit to the „GLACIER 3000“, including the world’s first suspension bridge connecting two peaks, is a must when traveling in this region. The view of the surrounding mountains includes twenty-four four-thousand-meter peaks, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Bernese Alps.
The mountain station, designed by star architect Mario Botta, and the Botta restaurant alone are worth a visit. And as you can imagine, we didn’t go home hungry here either.
When we talk to our children about this vacation today, they still rave about that delicious cheese fondue up at 3,000 meters.
