Goodbye to Courchevel; The Group Departs

Thursday, the last day in Courchevel, was a perfect day for skiing, sailing or doing whatever. 

Carrie, the catering manager!



The biggest event of the day was the result of Carrie McCabe’s initiative. Wednesday, while skiing at Val Thorens, Carrie found a hillside restaurant she thought would be ideal for a last ski day gathering. She and Vicki took a late run up and made a Thursday lunch reservation for 25. Wednesday, at dinner, she provided a map and informed everyone the place was available. Anybody and everybody was invited.

Val Thorens is the furthest valley from Courchevel. Just getting there can take several hours of lifts and skiing. Despite the distance, 24 Ski Masters converged and had a wonderful last lunch among friends surrounded by some of the finest ski slopes in Europe.

A special thanks to Carrie for conceiving the event. It wouldn’t have happened without her.

Those that chose not to make the Val Thorens trek found plenty to do closer to home.

Tom McGrath, showing no signs of memory loss (at least no more than normal) accompanied his roommate, Judy Wood, up the mountain for her parasail ride. She reports it was exhilarating.

Some skied the Courchevel area. Some stayed near the hotel, taking it easier the last day in town.

Claudeen, our leader, took the day off to fight off persistent cold symptoms that have slowed her for several days.

As the day ended the packing ritual began. Skis and boots were dried and packed. Many were scratching their heads trying to figure out how they got everything in their suitcases in the first place. But, by 9:00 Friday morning all will be tucked beneath the bus and we will be on our way to Annecy, the first step on our way home or other destinations.

Once again SMEuro has put together a fabulous trip with interesting and active people. Plans are underway for the 2012 trip. If you are interested drop Claudeen a note at smetrips@gmail.com . Don’t delay; the trips fill up fast.