Meribel Mottaret

I have decided that La Felcaz is no longer interesting. The reason...I discovered Meribel Mottaret! This is a ski area that is a part of Les 3 Vallees, which make up the largest ski area in the world. The entire resort being more massive than any ski area I have ever seen. The cost was great to, actually bordering ridiculous. It costs 15 euros for a the lift ticket and round trip bus ride. This is a deal provided through the University and an tremendous opportunity for the college crowd.

I spent the day with two of my Japanese amies. They were both snow boarders and pretty decent as it as well. We spent the entire day on blues, reds (like hard blues) and blacks. Actually I never saw I green run the entire time and I didn't see too many run signs in general. The crowd there was mostly average to advanced skiers and I didn't see a single pizza wedge all day.

The first run started off with a gondola ride that last for what seemed like a half hour but was maybe more like 15 minutes. It just kept on going and going. It had two get-off points but we stayed on until the very top. The view from the top was fatastibo! aka fantastic in Japanese or how I liked to think of it: fantasti-beau(fantastic-beatiful).

We had a lot of fun to say the least. It was the best groomed slopes that I have ever skied on in my life. For lunch we had a picnic at the top and I was even offered a Japanese sandwich: a rice ball wrapped in seaweed, oyshi (sp? tasty!). The day also included an improve snowball fight of US vs Japan. Of course the US won. I account it for their finesse and pure might in snowball-launching capabilities.

There was a break from skiing to sit back and enjoy some hot wine; something that has been growing on me each time I try it. By the time the day was done we were pretty tired and took some time to look around in the village at the base. Tonight I should sleep well with many dreams of skiing. Good Night!