mountains & medicine.: End of the Season: Saas Fee

This past weekend, I, along with heaps of friends from the EPFL, I headed to Saas Fee for the last ski trip of the season.

from the top of the mountain: peaks poking through the clouds.

The trip was hosted by ACIDE (Association du Corps Intermediaire de l'EPFL) , the EPFL's research scientist organization. ACIDE is an advocacy organization for anyone conducting research at the EPFL that is not a class-taking student or a faculty member-- in other words, all PhD students, post-docs, and visiting research scientists. At the EPFL, the ACIDE is super active and is one of the reason's PhD students at the EPFL get so many fantastic job perks.

In addition to advocating for EPFL scientists in general, ACIDE also host several fantastic trips. Although I missed out on some of their fall excursions, I definitely jumped on board for their spring ski trip to the gorgeous Saas Fee.

The Highlights:

Spring Skiing! Woo hoo! Warm and sunny slopes (we definitely needed sunscreen!) , fewer crowds, and a great atmosphere. Yes, yes, and yes.
Smooth snow and steep slopes. Saas Fee had heaps of groomed black runs, which I absolutely love. This is probably a downside for those that like lumps, bumps, and powder, but these trails were right up my alley. I keep telling myself that I'll one day conquer my fear of moguls, but for now, I'll stick to the smooth and steep :)
Everything was taken care of. I've mentioned this before, but sometimes it's nice to go on a trip planned by somebody else. We paid one flat fee, and proceeded to have our transportation, lodging, lift tickets, and food all taken care of. Although there are definitely downsides (see below) to trips like this, it certainly is relaxing.
So. many. friends! Nearly all the PhD students and fellowship students from my lab came along, as well as friends from across the EPFL. There was always somebody to ski with, eat with, or play a silly game (I learned a pretty fantastic one on the bus ride back) with.

The Not-So-Highlights:

The "chalet." On past Swiss ski excursions, I've had the opportunity to stay in some really gorgeous chalets. This was not one of them. It kind of reminded me of a really, really run-down dorm room-- several halls of small rooms, lots of metal bunk beds, and a large, utilitarian kitchen. There was also no hot water, a rather unpleasant surprise after a long day on the slopes. It was a bit dark, cold, and dank, and was quickly christened "The Prison" by many of the folks from my lab.
Slushy snow. Along with warm and sunny spring weather comes heavy and slushy snow. While this wasn't so much of a problem near the top of the mountain, cutting and turning near the bottom was considerably more difficult.
My sore, sore arms. It always amazes me that every time I come back from a weekend of skiing my arms are sore. Sure, my calves and thighs were a little tight, but my arms? Absolutely killing me. Lugging skis and boots around = excellent upper body work out.
The end. I suppose this is better filed under "bittersweet" than "not-so-highlight", but this was the last ski trip of the season. It's been a fantastic, fantastic season (see here, here, here, and here!) and I am so grateful for having the opportunity to ski my way through the gorgeous Alps!

snowboarders stopping to rest after a great run. I wish
it were as easy to sit down in skis!

our enormous and fantastic ski group!

confession: I know a lot of folks don't, but I personally love groomed runs.

vidya, tearing up the slopes.

stopping to admire the incredible views.

mountains + ben. two of my favorite things :)

marcela, guiseppe, and amy- after a looong day on the slopes!

the adorable town of saas fee.

chocolat de la maison, or the house hot chocolate. rich, thick, and super-
chocolatey. the container on the right holds homemade white chocolate
whipped cream. delish!