One of the perks of living in Switzerland, a small country with such contrasting landscapes, is that within a few hours drive, you can enter what feels like another universe.
Over the long Easter weekend, we drove along the Gold Coast of Lake Geneva, around Montreux, the Swiss Riviera, through the Glion Tunnel into the Rhone Valley and onto the famous wine region of Leytron. Half way up the Alps, we reached our destination, Ovronnaz, an alpine village in the Valais region, perched on a plateau at 1350 meters, known for its thermal spa and ski ranges at 2500 meters. Ovronnaz’s proximity to the plains makes it easily accessible for short getaway trips from Geneva.
Our hotel, located just outside of the village in the Muverans mountain range, offers stunning views of the valley of the Rhone on a clear day, but from our balcony we could barely distinguish the mountains in the mist.
The all-purpose Nordic center offers a winter wonderland of cross-country, snowshoe, downhill and telemark skiing trails. Summer activities are equally enticing for outdoor adventurers and include 90 miles worth of trails for hiking, via ferrata, paragliding, skydiving and mountain biking. We were caught between seasons; no snow remained in the village for cross-country skiing and the downhill ski trails were closing.
To understand why the Valaisan are such hardy folks one must explore the area on foot; it is impossible to walk anywhere without going up. The treacherously steep trails are imposing to a flatlander with bad knees. Invariably, ze Frenchman would bound off ahead on a trail that he was sure looped back down to the village, but at every turn in the trail led upward. Whining about my aching knees, I begged him to turn back. Though the trails are marked, so many overlap, it was easy to get lost.
Yet by venturing off on the beaten path we saw wildlife. We marveled at the mama deer and her doe bounding through the pines. Under a gentle snowfall, we hiked on trails of soft pine needle and through occasional patches of snow. Birds chirped, wild flowers peeked out and trees budded gave hints of the glorious spring soon to arrive.
After a long hike, nothing is more revitalizing than a long soak in 
the mineral rich baths in one of the three pools with water at various temperature levels. Naturally, I like it hot, so I spent my time in the outdoor pool at 85°. While snowflakes tickled my cheeks, the steaming waters soothed my aching joints. The contrast between the hot water and cold air was invigorating as we floated in a mini paradise surrounded by snow clad mountain peeks.
Forty-eight hours later, we threw open our shutters of our balcony for one last look at the Valais at it’s best. A ray of sunshine illuminates the valley and brings the jagged edges of the surrounding mountains into focus. We wind back down the mountainside toward Lausanne. “Et hop” its back to work in the lowlands.
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What a breathtaking getaway, Pat! Thanks for sharing the experience through your words and pictures. I could feel those achey knees during the club but I could also feel those snowflakes hitting my face as I soaked in that hot tub. Oh what a relief it is. 🙂
You must stop by here on your next trip to Italy.
Um mm, that warm soak after a beautiful hike through glorious sites. There’s magic in your storytelling, my friend. So looking forward to your next book! Take the scenic route please. 🙂
Ha ha ha, you are so funny, Clara. Will do.
A great reminder of how much I love Switzerland! Time to come back and see more! Just subscribed and know I’ll get plenty of inspiration from your blog!
Carol
http://www.carolcassara.com
Thanks. Let me know when you get back across the Big Pond.
Switzerland looks so incredibly spectacular…
It sure is on a clear day, but there are many times that the cloud cover is so heavy, you have no clue that you are surrounded by all that splendor.
What spectacular mountain views! So glad you could get away and explore. I didn’t realize the extremes of geography. Your writing paints beautiful pictures!
You, my dear artist friend, would love painting over here with the ever changing light and spectacular scenery.
Oh wow, I am feeling as though I missed out… 13 years living in Switzerland and I never went to Ovronnaz (or even heard of it). Ze Frenchman sure does a good job of inspiring you to venture where no Pat has been before… Bravo Gerald! Keep on enjoying the mountains and carry those memories back with you in your heart and soul to our dear la Chat students. Hugs, Rach xxxx 🙂
As you will remember we get so worn out from the school pace that we often forget to notice how spectacular our environment is. It is always worth the energy to take those side trips though to renew the energy for the classroom.
What a gorgeous view you had from your hotel. It sounds like a wonderful getaway at a lovely destination. The hot mineral baths after a day of activity must have felt exquisite.
Even though the sun didn’t shine until the day we left, the beauty of being in a thermal bath is that it makes no difference if it is raining or snowing. No matter what kind of weather, the thermal bath heals whatever ails you.
What a beautiful weekend getaway, Pat! I almost felt like I was there, too (see? You ARE a writer!!). Your entire body must’ve needed that soaking in warm water — how cool that snowflakes were falling at the same time!
It was surreal to be in warm water during snowfall. Now that I am back at school in the fog and rain, it feels like I made up the whole getaway. Good thing I have photos for proof.ha