Christmas days pass in a familiar, cosy rhythm: an endlessly long breakfast together in our sunlit conservatory, with a fantastic view of the mountain landscape. Then it's off to the ski or hiking piste!
But first there is the usual chaos of getting dressed: everyone is looking for gloves, scarves, helmets, ski or snowboard boots, and we pack small rucksacks with dog blankets, leads, snacks for Max and tea for us. Somehow it feels like we're travelling with small children. Not that I miss that, but my heart pounds with joy when I watch the little rascals.
Gerd takes the children to the piste, while my girlfriend - who has now also arrived up here in Bellwald - and I go hiking with Max. Sometime around midday, we meet up on one of the many sunny viewing benches or in one of the rustic mountain inns, nibble on carrot cake, almond croissants or the sandwiches we've brought with us and swap stories about our experiences. We learn that the other family members' fitness levels also leave something to be desired (okay, not all of them), but we all get our money's worth.
These cloudless, sunny days up here at 1500 to 2500 metres are so good for us all! We laugh a lot, finally get some exercise and create wonderful memories together.
Bellwald itself is a charming mountain village in the canton of Valais. Situated at around 1,600 metres above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps. The village is known for its traditional Valais architecture with old wooden houses and an authentic, tranquil atmosphere. Again and again we have to say to ourselves: we could hardly have dreamed of it being as perfect as it is here right now. I, for one, am a pro at making wishes and manifesting them, but even I couldn't have foreseen this. For me, the time together was important. And yes, a bit of snow would have been great too. But for over 50 cm of fresh snow to transform the landscape into a winter wonderland from 24 December, for the sun to make the snow cover glisten for days on end and for us all to get on so well: I would never have expected this mega combination. But that's the way it is: you have to let yourself be surprised!
We spend the afternoons in our sunny chalet with mulled wine, eggnog and punch. We nibble on nuts and eat tangerines by the kilo. At some point, when the sun disappears behind the mountains, our son-in-law lights the fireplace and we enter another phase of cosiness. We are not only united by the desire to be together, but also by the aching muscles from the unaccustomed movement. Everyone doubts whether they will be able to climb the stairs in the house the next day. And: everyone laughs about it, knowing full well that we are all in the same situation!
And almost every evening ends in a similar way: full, happy and very tired, we go to bed early. Some of us leave as early as 9 o'clock, others often follow at half past 9 p.m. And the best thing is: it's simply wonderful!
Merci for "travelling with us
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