From Wengen to Eiger

After a few wonderful days spent relaxing in Lausanne, I travelled with the Hamners to Lauterbrunnen Valley for a weekend of skiing. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am in love with this area. In the summer time, it's like watching Tolkien's Rivendell spring to life. In the fall, it transforms into a valley of waterfalls. And in the winter, the steep mountains and thick snow drifts are practically begging for someone to sledge or ski down them.

I am fairly convinced I could return to Lauterbrunnen Valley once a month for the rest of my life and still never stop being amazed at just how beautiful it really is.

Although there are several small villages surrounding Lauterbrunnen Valley, for this trip, we stayed in Wengen, a Christmas-card-perfect town perched high on the cliffs above the left side of the valley, and just at the base of some fantastic ski runs. For two wonderful days, we enjoyed incredible views, good company, delicious food, and absolutely perfect skiing conditions. It was quite possibly one of my all-time favorite ski trips, and I'm already thinking about when I can go back.

mark, me, chris, and ben: skis in hand and ready to hit the slopes!

not only were the snow conditions great, but the views were absolutely
superb. 

ben and me, skis on and ready to go!

mark, chris, me, ben: deciding which run to take next.

there is nothing quite like skiing in the alps. when zooming down a run,
mountains all round me- I feel like I could fly.  

I loved the bright gondolas crossing over the icy creek. 

I loved how many of the ski runs were built through residential or
farming areas. this shelter for sheep was stationed directly in the center
of a ski run!

chair lift. 

paraglider! despite the colder weather, we saw several people enjoying
the alps from this unique point of view. 

I love how snowy mountains make shadows seem much more pronounced.

mark and ben, taking a break after a long run. 

me + ben

I love the contrast between rough, grey rock and soft, white snow. 

ben, pausing for a (very, very scenic) photo

we saw an avalanche! it was fairly far away, but
the thunder-like rumble was unmistakable. this is
the rock face where the avalanche happened, mere
seconds after the sheet of snow tumbled down. 

ben,  at the bottom of a fantastic run. 

me, pausing for yet another super-scenic photo. 

can you spot ben, zooming down the mountain?

ben again, cutting a turn. 

I love the feeling you get at the top of a steep and fantastic run. It's
incredible.

*Please note: a lot of these photos were taken by Susan Hamner, not me :)