Crans-Montana Switzerland

One of the best weeks of the school year, and one of the best perks is ski week. A week of skiing at Crans-Monana in the French speaking part of Switzerland.

Driving over Simplon pass.

Curling- the only chance most people have at a gold medal.

Poker night for the students.

Fondue dinner

After snowshoeing for 30 minutes you think they were going to die of exhaustion.

A very large piece of meat at the Argentinian restaurant. Notice it looks raw, that's what the hot plate below is for.

The majority of the terrain in the Alps is 'off piste' which means there is only a few groomed runs and the rest is open for the taking.

Plain Morte-The top of the glacier looking toward the Matterhorn.

Josh and I decided to hike over a ridge to get to some fresh powder.

Not trying to rub it in or anything.

I live for powder.

Amadeus-

Our mid-mountain watering hole. Oh yeah the beard turned into ridiculousness throughout the week.

Apre-ski courage.

I'll keep you guessing whether I made it all the way around.

Clouds rolling down the valley.

One of our lunch spots during the week.

Faculty vs. Students hockey game. I managed to not break anything!

Two idiots one pond.

Long story short is I bet Matt $100 to jump into the freezing pond. He did, and then offered me the same bet so I did. This photo is taken after as our teeth are frozen together.

Matt attempting to freeze dry himself

Post dip.

Good morning

Spectacular!

Riding down the mountain to this sunset.

Fear the mustache.

One of my luckier photography moments as I stuck the camera out the small window of the gondola. The black border on top was the window frame, but it kind of makes it look like it is taken from space.

Vals Switzerland

After frolicking the hills of Salzburg we decided to treat ourselves to a spa day in the little Swiss mountain village of Vals.

Driving through the Arlberg tunnel, Austria's longest tunnel (9 miles).

On our way up to the thermal baths we spotted this billboard we have heard so much about.
It is a political ad that says "Expulsion initiative YES, Propose an alternative NO". I think the picture speaks for itself.

Built in 8756...or was that the address?

Easy to find me, good luck finding Em.

Looking out over Vals, and ready to jump in the thermal pools.

This spa has won many architectural awards and has pools that purposely cater to all your senses.

The outdoor bath with the snow falling.

The lava cauldron where the water is heated.

Just kidding it is just an orange light.

Relaxing on a lounge chair, watching the snow fall and trying not to think about the drive home.

Salzburg Austria

Having just bought a car, Emily and I decided to take a road trip to Salzburg for Thanksgiving break and meet up with another group from TASIS.

The winter scene outside our B and B room.

Great way to start the day.

It wasn't turkey and stuffing, but it was good.

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Salzburg is the Sound of Music Tour.

Lauren, we wish you could have joined us.

They are 16 going on 17.

The church in Mondsee where the wedding of Maria and the Baron was filmed.

Inside the church.

The Pegasus Fountain = Do-Re- try and find -Me

Nothing like hot Gluewine (spiced wine) when the cold starts to set in.

One of the many Christmas markets around town.

Goodies.

The fellas snuck off to the Augustiner beer house while the ladies shopped.

This guy is about to hammer the tap into the new keg old school style.

We headed to the top floor of this hotel for a drink and a great view of the old town.

Things got a little out of hand and I ended up accidentally throwing my glove off the roof while chucking a snowball into the river below.

No worries, I found it on the street 10 stories below.

Our last day Em and I headed to the lakes region for a beautiful view of Lake Wolfgang (Salzburg is Mozart's birthplace) and its surroundings.

Our new (1996) Opel Astra.

Just passing Innsbruck on our way to the Therme Baths in Vals Switzerland.