Where in the world am I? Sometimes I have to stop, check the street signs and ask myself that very same question…as I am always on the move, scouting out new DuVine Destinations and checking in on old friends and colleagues around the globe.

This week finds me back in France on a twofold mission – attending the GrandSki event in Annecy and then off to Switzerland to pre-trip our exciting new ski tour (not to mention –  fitting in some epic skiing along the way!)

First stop, Annecy. Alors! What a wonderful place – just as beautiful in winter as it is in summer. And what a picturesque location – situated on a lake at the base of the Alps. It is no wonder Annecy is a potential candidate for the 2018 Winter Olympics. I remember being here this past July, cheering on Lance at the 2009 Tour de France Individual Time Trial. Perhaps the bid for the Olympics will turn out better than Lance’s TT?

My first day I spent exploring the town where I found a great crepe shop along the canal. Lunch consisted of a salade Nicoise followed by an lightly toasted and simply delicious banana nutella almond crepe and cafe noissette.  I love how everything is so fresh and hand-made here in France!

I did have to check the signs to remind myself of where I was that evening on my stroll along the canals -  as the streets were aglow with light and masqueraders filled the scene. For a moment I felt as if  I had been transported to Venice for Carnival!

Back to life, back to reality….Yes, my next day was spent at the GrandSki trade show – the annual French tourism show for ski tour operators – where I met some great vendors and attended the hot JC de Castelbajac ski wear fashion show at the gala. If you’re looking for some cool companies and new products – check out my twitter feed from the show.

A couple of days inside at the ski show had me itching to get outside and actually SKI! So, off to Megeve I went.  And I must confess, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the new gorgeous hotel Alpaga in Megeve – wow!

Aaaah…my first day on the slopes of Megeve – fresh snow, no people, a gorgeous day – what more could you ask for? Yup, several runs at Mont Blanc and I’m in powder heaven. Not to mention, I ended up skiing the day with a legend – the former French Alpine Skier and World Champion Adrien Duvillard.

Well,  it gets even better! I’m headed out tomorrow to join our bike/ski guide Gregory in Switzerland to pre-trip our epic new ski tour where we ski 3 countries in 1 week. Home base for the week is at le Bristol in Villars, Switzerland and then its day trips to ski the Swiss, Italian and French Alps. Not to mention, doing this ’all DuVine style‘…with great food, great wine and of course, a great hotel apres ski.

Ok, are you jealous yet? Well… you can always join me next time when I return in March…

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