It's snow time in Flims and a fluffy white Christmas
When we first stepped foot in resort three weeks ago our big chunky snow boots came straight into contact with grass... and mud, and pavement, tarmac and just plain old ground, no different to what we'd just left behind in England.
So, nervously we begun our season with our fingers sweatily crossed under all of our layers, watched the sunny skies and begged them to bring us a big white fluffy Christmas present. And now, three weeks on we're delighted to report that the arrival of our first clients has also brought the arrival of another very welcome guest – the snow!
And not just a sprinkling, an all-out complete explosion of a snow dump, that has turned the little Swiss village of Flims into a complete winter wonderland. So, the team were lucky enough to experience a white Christmas this year: I'm sure anyone would agree that it's the ideal setting for the season to kick off with, and with Yetis, SnoZone, creche and the adult guiding programme in full swing, everyone out here is wrapping up warm and getting out on those powdery slopes. After a not-so-spectacular end to the season snow-wise last year, old faces in resort have breathed a sigh of relief now that the snow has started falling, and has yet to stop!
Into our third week now, Team Flims have had a whirlwind few weeks getting everything into place for the arrival of our first guests. Now, after getting used to the peace and quiet of the tranquil town, we have had a swarm of wild Yetis let loose upon the place, making noise and going mad – and we're right out there with them.
For the smaller ones, so much snow (up to most Yetis waists!) is tough to ski in all day, and so we've been spending our time adding to the landscape in our own way: For the stronger children we have been skiing hard and shredding the powder as much as possible, in preparation for the big race that falls every Friday. The SnoZone have been having an awesome time up there too, with both groups skiing every possible area of the mountain during their day and perfecting their technique in the deep snow. They hate to lose a second off the piste and are even out two evenings a week ice skating and at the Freestyle Academy – they're running us off our feet!
Outside of the clubs, Flims still has a lot to offer during the festive period, and lots of our guests are taking advantage of the natural Swiss charm and really getting involved in something a bit different this Christmas. A few families are taking a cosy ride on a horse-drawn sleigh through town, while others have dared the Toboggan course, and of course everyone is getting stuck into a festive fondue.
Since Christmas Day has been and gone, we've been busting out the cheer wherever possible for weeks, and with the newest influx of guests it hasn't slowed. It was a stormer up the mountain this year, with a Big Family Christmas meal followed by the Yeti Race! It was the the ideal way to round off the week, with all our families celebrating together and cheering on the sprogs.
With conditions remaining perfect, we haven't had to embellish any chat about the snow on the mountain, and even the locals are saying it's the most white stuff they've seen in years! Even the lifties are jolly... and now with 28 out of 28 lifts open there's no reason not to have a massive grin plastered across our faces.
The Powder Byrne apartment is bustling with lots of life at the moment, as several more members of staff have come out to lend a hand; we've had very little elbow room around our table too!
We hope you had a very Merry Christmas and are looking forward to a Happy New Year!
With lots of festive love
The Powder Byrne Flims Team
