Global Adventure - Ski-Walk Austria and France, Explore Germany and Switzerland

Start:  Munich 3 PM, 2015 at the City Hotel

End:  Geneva 7 am March 22 at the Geneva airport

Download a detailed itinerary.

Trip Preview: Monday August 4, 7 PM Mercer Island Library

Itinerary Highlights:   Begin by touring Munich’s Old Town before boarding a train to visit Regensberg, an UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Danube dating to the Stone age. Then on our way to Sölden, Austria, take the boat to the Royal Palace of Mad Ludwig II (the fairytale King) at  Herrenchiemsee.  In Sölden, we’ll ski, winter-walk and XC-ski for 5 days from our new, 3-star ski-in, ski-out pension overlooking the town with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.  Skiing here is from 5,900-10,600 ft, with 36 lifts and 91 miles of prepared runs, including glacier skiing. Walkers can ride the lifts to the top stations. Then travel to Les Carroz, France through the rolling hills and lakes of Switzerland, stopping on the way to tour Lucerne, Switzerland. Arriving at Les Carroz, France, we’ll enjoy a second week of skiing and or winter walking from a BioClimatic Hotel on a plateau overlooking the valley below. With an elevation of over 8,100 ft., 68 ski lifts and 165 miles of groomed runs, the Grand Massif links resorts of Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and Flaine.  As you walk in the village, the fumes from a pot of vin chaud sitting outside a wine shop will tempt you to stop, relax, and think about your great day of skiing. Finally, before leaving Europe we will spend a day touring Geneva, Switzerland.

 Time of Year:   This trip is offered when there is a chance of many days of sun but still an occasional 24 hours of storm offering new snow.  In February many days have white-out conditions.

 Lodging:   Large hotels in Geneva and Munich; a lovely ski-in, ski-out 3-star pension in Solden, and a BioClimatic Hotel in Les Carroz. (As a bioclimatic hotel, the materials used in the construction were local and often recycled materials. Wood and solar energy are used and rainwater is recycled. The menu is organic. A vegetative roof will added soon.)

 Food:   Features French, Austrian and German specialities.  Breakfasts are American Buffet and dinners are multi-course.

Leader’s Experience:  Patti is the director of the winter sports program at Meany lodge. She has lead over 30 international tours for the Mountaineers and 8 state side hiking trips to NewHampshire and Maine.

 Participant Requirements: Must be a current Mountaineers member with waiver on file.  Must enjoy snow, sun, skiing. snowboarding or winter walking, photography, European Culture and travel.

Trip Price Detail: $3060, including all  hotels, land transportation, tours, tips,  and most breakfasts and dinners, plus a portion of the leader’s expenses and a Mountaineers administrative fee.

Registration Instructions:  For permission to come on the trip, call the Leader at 206 525 7464 and submit an application.   Once approved, please call The Mountaineers at 206-521-6001 to pay a 50% deposit in order to hold your space on the roster. Registration will close on November 1, 2014.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel because of an emergency, you may receive a refund less expenses incurred and a $100 administrative fee.