Will had an adventurous plan in mind for his road trip with a close friend – an electric vehicle adventure that would revolve around skiing and savoring great meals. They were determined to see skiing through a fresh perspective, one that deviated from the standard chalet week. Their journey took place in Spring 2023, a period with less-than-ideal snow conditions. However, the flexibility provided by their safari and the support they received granted them the freedom to chase the snow wherever it might be found. Will shared his excitement, saying, “Having the car there, coupled with the thrill of getting there, was such a bonus. Without wheels, you simply can’t satisfy the itch for exploration.”
Pit Stop 1: Martigny
Upon their arrival from the UK, they reached Martigny, strategically situated between the “Devils Peaks” cluster and the back door to Verbier. While their initial plan had been to start slowly in the resort of Leysin, the central location of Martigny allowed them to adapt based on conditions and sample the heights of Verbier. Will pointed out, “Being able to access the back door to Portes du Soleil from the Swiss side and French Chatel within half an hour, in addition to the other resorts you promote, makes Martigny a fantastic hub.” They were delighted by the local Gastronomic Hotel, which offered incredible tasting menus and fine wines, a culinary experience not typically found on the slopes.
Pit Stop 2: Saint Luc, Val d’Anniviers
Their next destination was Saint Luc, serving as a base to explore some of Switzerland’s finest skiing. In addition to skiing in Saint Luc, they ventured to Grimentz and Zinal, relishing both the skiing adventures and the exhilarating mountain roads. Will enthusiastically recounted, “We thought day 1 in Saint Luc was a blast, but on Day 2, we skied ourselves to a standstill.” They extended their stay, enjoying more days of skiing in Grimentz from their Saint Luc base. Will noted that while Grimentz and Zinal were slightly busier, they found the experience hugely enjoyable. A few high-speed chairlifts offered some much-needed respite for their weary legs, and the vast terrain kept them entertained.
Pit Stop 3: City of Aosta
Their next move was a change of scenery, with a stay in the city of Aosta. This allowed for more nighttime exploration and the chance to sample different pubs and restaurants. However, their focus on skiing remained intact, particularly in Pila, a resort that Will fell in love with and where they spent their skiing days. With a number of resorts still unexplored, they look forward to their next visit.
In summary, their adventure spanned 13 days, encompassing 6 resorts across 2 countries, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery, invigorating driving, and exhausting but exhilarating skiing. Will described it as an “unforgettable experience,” with Aosta being a fantastic addition to their tour, boasting a stunning town and an attractive ski area.
