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January 9, 2012

In Search of Snow?

Filed under: Skiing, Switzerland — Bike tour guru @ 4:04 pm

What a difference a year makes.  In early 2011, across Europe was heard the weeping of skiers; their tears not freezing on their cheeks, rolling from their simpering lips onto the unfeeling rock of the Alps.  There was no snow for skiing.  The scene is being repeated around much of North America this year.  Snowboarders around America are waiting for that first order of deep fluffy to land, forgetting that Mother Nature is not operating an on-line shop.

She’s favoring the Alps this year- major snowfalls in Switzerland, France and Italy were we have several of our DuVine ski tours.  People are smiling, enjoying the powder; the snow lies heavily on the mountaintops, but the only avalanches are the thundering roars of laughter and good times.  Good times!  Just look at this photo.

ski tours in Europe

Come to Villars

Go to where the action is!

DuVine Adventures is offering two luxury tours of skiing that involves real snow drifting gently from the heavens. Giddy adventure and dizzying runs await you in zigzagging boundaries of Switzerland, France and Italy on our Swiss ski March 11-16. Villars-sur-Ollon, Chamonix and Valle d’ Aosta are singing and ringing the praises of snow glorious snow!

ski tours in Europe

Powder awaits

Or for some of the most dramatic mountain views visit the Dolomites from March 18-23.  With the Rosa Alpina and Cristallo as two of the hotels, you might be too preoccupied with their beauty and service to hit the slopes!

There is not much left to say but to summarize: BEAUTY AND SNOW. We could continue to write about these tours, but it is better to talk with one of our staff.  1-888-396-5383 Sign up now, the snow is just getting deeper!

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October 3, 2011

Swissify your life!

Filed under: Skiing, Switzerland — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:18 pm

Switzerland is beautiful. Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring.

bike tours switzerland

Beautiful Switzerland

There is no time throughout the year when you are not taken aback by some kind of natural beauty in this alpine wonderland, and don’t get me started about the views!

The spring, which is very popular for bike tours in Switzerland, brings many wild flowers unique to Switzerland and the ascent of the cows to the hills to graze for the next several months.

The summer brings legendary, crisp clear views of the green valleys around and flowing alpine lakes and streams.  Ideal for hiking and biking!

bike tours switzerland

Wildflowers abloom

The fall brings the beautiful autumnal colors as the vines and other plants start to turn all different shades of yellow, red, and orange.

The winter is a skier/snowboarders’ paradise with quaint alpine chalets welcoming you with warm Swiss hospitality, endless kilometers of ‘hors piste’ slopes, and great culinary treats to get you re-energized for all the action packed days.  Not to forget the little pit stops half way down the slopes to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate with only local ingredients!

Our Switzerland summer bike tour is a mix of adventures and gastronomic treats that spoil your senses every day of the week.  Starting in the vines around Lac Leman Marina Bovard tells you all about her many different styles of wine she can make with such little production.  Not to mention her vineyard location overlooking the lake.

The tour makes its way around the lake on tranquil bike paths to the base of the Alps in the Vaud area. You’ll have the options of biking OR taking a cog train and the chair lifts to bypass the challenging climbs to get to the heart of the majestic mountains.

bike tours switzerland

View from the Royalp...the stunning pink sky

The stay at the Royalp is like no other.  While we had dinner with the guests we saw a stunning sunset over the surrounding peaks, the Mont Blanc was a bright shade of pink! The hike that is organized by the guides is weather and ability dependent.

Regardless of the scenario, you end up at this alpine lakeside restaurant that can only be accessed by foot and cow.  We had a great lunch with cool breezes and warm rays of sun.  That was the perfect amount of energy consumed to help continue on our way down towards the hotel.  On the day I was there the weather conditions were so ideal that we were given the option of paragliding back down to the hotel.  What a treat!  The flying experience is truly unforgettable, but not for the faint hearted.  You cruise over flocks of sheep, herds of cows, the tips of the tall pines and then the village below.  One with the eagles…

paragliding in switzerland

Paragliding back to the hotel...

The remainder of the week is just as exciting once you make it over the Col des Diablerets down to the next Swiss village of Gstaad.  Here you can get some shopping done and buy yourself that walking stick you’ve always dreamed about or the lederhosen to match your boots.  This is also the place you’ll have the best fondue of your life.   Don’t worry, you pedaled hard for this so every calorie gained is a calorie well earned.

Pipo is legendary. He yodels, lives with his cows, and makes his own really really good cheese.  The time spent with him is unforgettable and magical in a way.   He’s always so excited to see new cyclists show up, eager to hear his stories. I can’t tell you everything because he’s just so full of surprises.

bike tours switzerland

Pipo the cheese man

Your guides will treat you with historical facts and tabs of the best chocolate all along the way.

It’s sad leaving all this stunning nature behind and heading back to your normal life but the Swiss will always be there eager to show you around and try their artisan specialties.  You can count on them for that.

What’s not to love about this place?  It’s time to Swissify your life!

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September 19, 2011

DuVine Apres Velo – Lausanne Switzerland

Filed under: DuVine Apres Velo, European bike tours, Skiing, Switzerland — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 12:26 pm

As part of our DuVine Apres Velo series we take a look at Lausanne, a smaller, lesser known city in Switzerland that has more to offer a visitor than it is given credit for, located on the northern tip of Lake Geneva. Before a bike tour in Switzerland or even a ski trip in Switzerland, Lausanne is a great city to enjoy the young culture in a city with a wealth of museums, each holding a unique part of the area’s history.

Bike Tour Lausanne Switzerland

Colors of Old Town

Lausanne, home to two major universities in Switzerland, has a young population that is catered to by the energetic nightlife. In addition, an artsy culture has emerged around the Flon district of the city. The museums have benefited from this culture and interest in the artwork that the museums offer has increased.

Because the International Olympic Committee is based in Lausanne, the Olympic Museum is located here. Every sports fan will love this museum, as it has a large amount of great exhibits on hand for all Olympic sports. Some historic pieces of equipment used by athletes throughout Olympic history will feed your competitive and athletic fire, bringing back great memories of incredible performances. It could be a great inspiration before hopping on the bike or skis and tackling the Alps.

The Old Town is the best place to explore in the city. There is a huge section of carless walkways that are very fun to walk around. Because of the hilly nature of the area no cars can drive up here and disturb the pedestrians. The shops are open all day and will keep you busy for a great amount of time. Once night falls, the Flon districts influence spreads into the area, as hip nightclubs and dinner spots start opening for business.

Bike Tour Lausanne Switzerland

Sauvabelin Tower

In the Ouchy district is the city’s nearest lakefront. A popular place to walk, there are many shops and cafes along the lake making resting and soaking up the sun easy and enjoyable. Lake Geneva itself offers great activities that are very exciting if there is time. Water skiing, sailing, and fishing are all things you can do on the beautiful turquoise water. Walking the picturesque, well-maintained paths that trace the lake or enjoying a picnic along the water are both incredibly relaxing experiences.

The Sauvabelin Forrest is another great place to visit. The tower offers an incredible 360 degree view of the center, the lake, and the Alps. With the right visibility, this makes for a beautiful picture. The city is one of the greenest in the country and should be recognized as such. Spend time in the many parks the city has to offer to fully grasp what Lausanne is all about.

Before a bike tour in Switzerland or a winter ski trip in Switzerland, Lausanne is an amazing place to prepare you for a week of riding or skiing. The mix of nightlife culture and relaxing environments is great for any travelers looking to have a good time and experience life in a foreign place.

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March 15, 2011

DuVine Snowwater Heli ski trip

Filed under: Canada, Canadian Rockies, Skiing — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 4:36 pm

So you like to ski?

What if I told you could avoid lift lines completely, make fresh tracks in 5 ft deep untouched powder and have exclusive access to the most incredible backcountry skiing imaginable?

Untouched wilderness

Welcome to Snowwater. Now this, my friends, is skiing. This is skiing in the raw – raw uncontrolled and untamed nature;  this is skiing deep – both in the backcountry and in endless feet of fresh kootenay pow; and this is guaranteed skiing – guaranteed powder and a guaranteed 7 hours-worth a day of skiing (if you can handle it!) – via heli or Snowcat.

Neither snow, nor wind, nor lack of heli flight – the skiing must go on! And here at Snowwater…you will never sacrifice a day of skiing. If you can’t fly up the mountain for drop off…you cat it up! I guess you can surmise…this was my latest test-run of a new DuVine ski tour. And what a run it was! Let me set the scene… I flew into Spokane and rented a 4-wheel drive truck for the 3 hour drive to Snowwater central – in the Selkirk Mountains near Nelson, British Columbia.

Upon arrival, I parked the truck, met up with my fellow guests (12 total) and hopped in a Snowcat for our ride up the mountain and into the dense Canadian wilderness. (Oh, and mind you…it had just dumped yet another fresh foot overnight and was snowing up a storm!) Talk about a winter wonderland! And the festive atmosphere was only further enhanced by the supply of local beer and great music in the Snowcat. There was no turning back…the party was just beginning!

Our Snowcat

We were greeted at the lodge with hot towels and flutes of champagne…and thus began my 3 day adrenaline-packed heli ski fest!

That’s not to say it is all fun and games here. This is untamed backcountry wilderness…a completely uncontrolled and chaotic environment. Here we don’t control nature, it controls us. And in reverence to this, we must pay heed and learn the proper safety procedures.

Hence in order to be able to ski here, you must participate in a 2 hour avalanche safety and training class where you are taught how to use your probe, shovel and beacon. And if any time during the week that you forget to abide by these policies…your guides make it abundantly clear. Yes, I have to admit that I was one of those guys. One day I forgot my backpack that contained my shovel and probe and was forced to don granny pants for the rest of the day from the time my guides noticed the absence as a reminder to me, and all my fellow ski mates that safety is always the upmost priority. (And yes, I looked like a tool for the day and took a lot of flack for it….needless to say, I never forgot my pack again!)

What’s a typical day on the mountain like? Let’s see…breakfast is served at 7:30 and skiing begins at 8:30. If it happens to be snowing too much to fly (as it was our first day), we head out on the Snowcat. But never fear… the backup terrain is steep, deep, magnificently gladed tree skiing right out the backdoor! We split up into groups of 4 with a guide per group and headed out in the most incredible powder you can imagine. Kootenay powder, to be exact.  Each day featured1800 – 3000 ft of vertical drop on each run…and we usually fit in between 9 – 13 laps per day; meeting up with the group midday for surprisingly delicious lunches on the mountain. I swear the hardest part of the day was the continual process of taking off your skis, hopping in the heli and then having to put them back on and drop back into 5’ deep pow every run! Talk about exhausting! Not for the faint of heart (or the fearful of heli flying!).

Not for the fearful of heli flying!

The ski day usually ended around 3:30 when we headed back to the lodge for some quality hot tub time. The lodge has 2 hot tubs outside hosted by a great bartender – who is ready to mix you whatever potent potable you might desire. (The sake-tini…a heavenly concoction of sake and cucumber was my personal fav). After some relaxing downtime with a apres cocktail in the hot tub, each night is followed by a 4-5 course gourmet dinner. Really…how could I complain. This is heaven.  And I spent 3 days enjoying every minute of this high flying, high end, heli skiing adventure.

Yes…this is skiing …DuVine-style!

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February 15, 2011

Ski Safari in the Dolomites

Filed under: Active Travel, Bike, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing — Tags: , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:15 pm

Here’s a tip – get in last, turn and face the window and walk backwards….

Hmmm…wondering what I’m referring to? The gondolas in the Dolomites, of course! It’s the perfect way to guarantee that you’ll be the first on piste to lay fresh tracks in powder! And believe me…you’ll enjoy every minute of this unique Italian ski safari through the labyrinth of interconnected mountains that comprise the Dolomites.

Exploring the Dolomites with Augustina

I was recently invited to explore this isolated region in the mountains of Italy by a colleague, Augustina, who I met this past summer at the ATWS conference in Scotland. Augustina, who is well-known in the industry here, set me up with all the perfect connections. She and her team of guides led us around this secluded skiing paradise from San Cassiano to Cortina…skiing over 40km a day crossing the Dolomites.

A great escape...

What I love about this region, in part, is its inaccessibility. It is 2 hours from Venice and Innsbruck, Austria…no trains in or out…isolated by big mountains and populated by great restaurants! That’s right… food plays a big role in this diverse region…a very important factor. As you cross through the mountains, you will be sampling some of the best Italian foods from ravioli filled with venison, beets, speck or truffles to pasta with wild mushrooms at Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s all about great skiing and amazing food in a remote (and virtually tourist-free!) outdoor sport wild wonderland!

The wild winter wonderland...

Some guys have all the luck…and apparently I was one of them while in the Dolomites. I was treated to sunshine and blue bird days at every turn. And speaking of the slopes…these are the kind of pistes that are made for those who love to ski but not go too extreme – long and scenic (honestly, I could see for miles and miles!) immaculately maintained and great for all levels, including families. Plus a plethora of options to go off-piste, ice-climb, randonee, you-name-it…if it’s a winter sport…it’s here!
It all began in Sellaronda.

Well…first stop was at Rosa Alpina, the Relais & Chateaux in Alta Badia. What a way to begin the adventure! This place epitomizes the perfect ski chalet…with welcoming open fireplaces in your room and an incredible Michelin-starred Restaurant St. Hubertus on-site. Named after the patron saint of hunters, this epic restaurant features a huge exposed kitchen and meals to die for! (Imagine…Austrian-style with outrageously delicious and creative Italian food)  This place is a culture of its own – part Austrian, part Italian and a whole lot of Dolomites! Rosa Alpina is a great spot – my only suggestion is that they need to turn up the heat in the hot tub! Not warm enough for me.

On the slopes in Sellaronda

First day out was on the slopes in Sellaronda – sweet! A 50 km loop began our week long ski safari from rifugi to rifugi eating amazing food and skiing epic powder through the Dolomites.  The concept: skiing and fine cuisine – specially crafted Michelin-star dishes in the alpine huts of Alta Badia – the best of both worlds! A joint effort between the Dolomitici (Alta Badia Michelin-starred chefs), fellow starred chefs from Europe, and ten rifugi. The aim is to focus on and promote the winning combination of skiing and fine food, which are undoubtedly two of the Alta Badia’s strong points. Each chef is teamed up with a specific rifugio, creating recipes which use the best of typical South Tyrol’s produce – each a refined, yet simple and genuine, gourmet dish that the rifugio offers on their menu.

Alta Badia food and wine fest

And I must admit…it is truly a winning combination!
And the skiing, as I have already mentioned…is epic. The vistas are incredible! From the mesmerizing views of the Marmolada Glacier to Passo San Pellegrino and Civetta, resort that offer some of the most stunning views of the Veneto and Trentino Dolomites…and the grand finale…Cortina d’Ampezzo, well-known all over the world for its fascinating beauty and as host to the 1956 Winter Olympics.

What better place to conclude your week long skiing extravaganza than in Cortina? What a town! Feels like a cross between Aspen and St. Moritz ( …a little more St. Moritz than Aspen) but nonetheless, you get the idea….

The Dolomites are definitely the place to be for winter activities…but are also an incredible destination for year round athletic pursuits. Ski, hike, bike, or try via ferrata. Whatever you do here in the Dolomites, you’ll certainly enjoy every minute of it!

Sunshine and blue bird days...

But remember… get in last, turn and face the window and walk backwards….

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December 21, 2010

Andy’s Top 10 Hotels of 2010

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bike, Ecuador, France, Galapagos Islands, Italy, Jordan, Skiing, Switzerland, Top 10 lists, Tuscany, Umbria — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:33 pm

Welcome to our third installment in the DuVine Adventures Top 10 for 2010.  Our first two Top 10’s were Top 10 Bike Rides and Top 10 wines and now we bring you our Top 10 Hotels for 2010.

“SLEEP” is an equal and integral part of the DuVine equation for luxury bicycle tours and adventure travel…so when it comes to our choice of hotels, we select not only the “must-see” places of interest, but also properties that provide a real sense of local charm. Remember…DuVine style is all about the experience…be it on the bike, while dining, sampling the local potables, or relaxing for the evening. Hence, I take great care when deciding which properties measure up our standards. And although each may be special in its own right…I’d like to share where a few of my favorites places to stay have been this year.
I guess you could call these my top 10 hotels of the year…(in no particular order of preference…)

Orto degli Angeli

Orto degli Angeli in Umbria
Imagine lying back in bed after a wonderful day cycling through the Sagrantino vineyards and a delicious dinner in a restaurant located in the remains of a Roman amphitheater and looking up to see an original Frescoe painted on the ceiling above you? That’s right…our ancient villa, Orto degli Angeli, with the original noble family still in residence, is a museum in itself. This historic hotel where Francesco Antonini dei Conti Angeli Nieri Mongalli’s family has lived since 1788 integrates architectural elements and original building materials from the ancient world and overlooks the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre and temple. A vaulted underground room, which was a part of the two thousand year old theatre, serves as the dining room of the restaurant, creating an unforgettable dining experience. You will sleep like royalty in this unique property.  You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Umbria, Italy.

Flocon de Sel

Flocon de Sel in Megeve, France
What can I say? When I first read the mission statement from the owners of this hotel – “to stay unique, to give to our guests the possibility to make the most of the tranquility of the place, with luxury services offered in a convivial atmosphere, without ostentation and at the same time help with exploring the landscape, this unique environment which is ours” – I knew this place would be DuVine! The service is flawless, the location – set in the mountain pastures with commanding views of the valley below – is incredibly intimate and the 2 star rated Michelin restaurant definitely put this on the top 10 list! This is available on our bicycle tours in the Alps.

Villa Beccaris in Piedmont
What makes a hotel special? Is it the personal connections made with the staff, the incredible views out your window, the linens, the impeccable and attentive service, the amount of luxury services offered? Or is it a just a feeling you get when you enter a room? Perhaps sometimes that is all it takes! When you walk into the limonaia , the glassed-in Belle Epoque breakfast room with views over Barolo vineyards at Villa Beccaris, you will understand why this hotel ranks on the list! You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Umbria, Italy. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Piedmont, Italy.

Hotel Adriana

Hotel Adriana in Hvar
Not only is it Croatia’s first and only member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World… but the views from the Adriana  – a panorama that includes the Cathedral, the Arsenal, the Venetian piazza, the yacht harbor and the bay all in one – are absolutely stunning! Talk about an island paradise… and the Top bar is the place to be! Location, location, location. Oh…and a little bit of St. Tropez and Ibiza all in one. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Croatia.

 

Bastide de Gordes in Provence
Talk about the perfect perch! Bastide de Gordes sits high above the Luberon valley offering some absolutely gorgeous views. What better way to spend an afternoon post-ride than lounging by the pool admiring the scenery? or better yet…at the world-famous Spa Sisley located on the property? Yes, definitely a must on the list. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Provence, France.

Bastide de Gordes

Relais San Maurizio in Piedmont
There is no place that makes you feel as if you are on top of the world [literally and figuratively] like the San Maurizio! Surrounded by the Langhe hills with panoramic vineyards views, it is the perfect vantage point for a journey of the colors, fragrances and flavors of Piedmont. Originally a 17th century monastery, the property has been transformed into a stunning and discreet resort…one that gives new meaning the word exclusivity! Oh, and did I mention the vinotherapy spa Caudalie? It is epic zen - italiano style! You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Piedmont, Italy.

La Chiusa

 La Chiusa in Tuscany
This charming little relais and restaurant holds a very special place in our hearts. La Chiusa is the product of the lifelong work of two of our dear friends, Dania and Umberto. It was Umberto’s vision that transformed his family’s medieval olive mill into a stunning luxury hotel. In many of the hotel’s fifteen rooms, you can find old millstones and other reminders of the building’s agricultural past.  Umberto is a true Tuscan man and makes sure his guests get anything they want. Every afternoon you can find him overseeing his splendid staff from his table under the pergola where he will be happy to share a bottle of prosecco, fresh grapes from his vineyards, and the story of how he brought running water to the town.Dania is a world-renowned Tuscan chef and the Ristorante La Chiusa, where we eat on the first night of the tour, is her baby. She has devoted a lifetime to preserving traditional Tuscan cuisine, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients and age- old methods. Her meals are unforgettable. She always makes a point of coming to our table after the meal and giving us a tour of the kitchen or autographing copies of her cookbook. There is also an extraordinary selection of local wines. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Tuscany, Italy.

Chalet Royalp

Chalet Royalp in Villars
Imagine being nestled in at your 1,300 ft ‘”base camp” of Villars sur Ollon in the heart of the Vaud Alps looking out from your private balcony at the idyllic setting that spans in front of you – featuring a spectacular panorama extending from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc.  This charming chalet is the perfect ski “lodge” …the perfect combination of a typical mountain lodge atmosphere with the exquisite elegance of an exclusive high end resort. Oh, and it’s also the first ski-in and ski-out hotel in the Vaudauoise Alpes – offering direct access to the ski resort. You will stay here on our ski trip in the Alps.

Iguana Crossing on Isabella Island, Galapagos
Staying here is like escaping to your own private island – scarcely populated except for the flora and incredible variety of fauna to be found – including, of course, the ubiquitous marine iguanas. Located in between the pristine white sand beaches with their emerald green water and directly behind a wildlife-filled lagoon, this spot couldn’t be more special. Even better, as  you relax in your room, you can listen to the soothing sound of surf and watch the volcano beyond the wetlands come alive.  Yes, a true island getaway awaits you at Iguana Crossing! This hotel is available on our adventure travel Galapagos Islands tour.

Beach at Iguana Crossing

Taybet Zaman in Petra, Jordan
Step back in time, but not in luxury at this uniquely modern interpretation of 19th century Jordan – complete with an exotic dash of Arab indulgence. As you walk through the village and its ancient stone structures, you feel transported back to the old village, complete with the scents and sounds of the market…a very sensory experience. Staying at Taybet Zama, with its unique blend of modern elegance and rustic charm, is unlike any other typical hotel stay…especially when you consider that just outside your window is a view unlike any other…one of the modern wonders of the world, Petra. You will stay here on our adventure travel tour in Jordan.

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August 19, 2010

It’s always summer somewhere!

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Argentina, Bike, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, Israel, Jordan, Skiing, South Africa, Switzerland — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:50 pm

Warm weather, smooth roads and unique experiences is what we love about bike tours and adventure travel during the summer months, and chasing that summer time feeling around the world is what we are doing at DuVine.

check your mailbox

It used to be that when the summer and early fall came to a close in Europe and North America we could look forward to a little rest ourselves but we have grown steadily over the years and now offer bike tours and adventure travel in every major continent, during every season, which means that we can provide our guests with a bit of “summer somewhere” in the world no matter what the weather or season may be in their home town.

This year, because of the number of new tours and locations, we have actually decided to create a specific winter catalog for our guests, which highlights the following destinations and tour types:

postcards from paradise

The nice thing about these tours is that if you are from the Northern Hemisphere they are all taking place during the summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so it will be your chance to push back on old man winter.  Having said that of course, there is nothing wrong with winter, especially if you love skiing, so we have included a great ski trip to Switzerland for those who say “winter, bring it on!”

Just to warn you, the catalog is not your standard 10 pages stapled in the middle and dropped in your mailbox, because that isn’t the DuVine way.  No, we took the unique approach (thanks to our incredibly talented staff) of devising a catalog that when opened folds out into a set of cool postcards highlighting each destination, perfect for mailing back to your friends when you are on your trip and they are pulling on their sweaters and turning up the heat back home.

So, check your mailbox and prepare for a grand opening – we hope the postcards from paradise will add a little excitement to your day…as you watch your dreams literally unfold before you and inspire plans for winter travel.

And don’t forget to send us a postcard from paradise!

If by chance you don’t receive the winter catalog give us a ring or send us an email at webinquiries@duvine.com and we will send one out to you right away.

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January 28, 2010

Skiing the Alps – Video Blog – DuVine TV

Filed under: DuVine TV, France, Italy, Skiing, Switzerland — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 4:24 pm

As you know from last week’s blog post “Where in the World is Andy” he was working on the final details of our upcoming ski tour to the Swiss, French and Italian Alps.  As luck would have it when he returned to Boston on Sunday the New York Times had an article in the Travel Section titled: “Fresh Powder meets Fine Dining”.   This of course was exactly what the DuVine experience is all about and while the NYT was writing about it we have put it all in place for our clients.

Check out DuVine “Off Piste” TV and come join us this March for round #2.

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January 21, 2010

Where in the World is Andy?

Filed under: Bike, France, Skiing, Switzerland — Tags: , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:59 pm

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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