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Europe Trip - Val d'Isere, France & Barcelona, Spain
Jan. 28 - Feb. 8, 2022

Copper MointainThe CMSC Europe trip went to Val d’Isere, France and Barcelona, Spain, January 28 – February 8, 2022. 84 signed up but we left with only 69, mostly due to issues with COVID. Fortunately, all 69 had the required negative COVID test result to board our departure flight.

COVID requirements were new to everyone, from the people who were making to the rules to the people enforcing them, and the people who had to follow them. We spent a lot of time and effort before the trip determining how the rules applied to us. In the end, most of the preparation wasn’t inspected but was necessary just in case someone asked for it.

For the first time, the Europe trip was split into 2 flights leaving Chicago’s O’Hare airport, one using Swiss Air and the other on Lufthansa. On arrival in Geneva the first flight found they were not met by a bus. We contacted another bus company and arranged for busses for both arrival groups.

We had no problems with COVID requirements on arrival into Switzerland and crossing the border by bus into France.

The Hotel Val d’Isere in Val d’Isere, France was completely remodeled. Nice rooms, spa and bar. The dining room was less than we hoped for. The staff was outstanding.

We picked up our prearranged French Health Passes at the nearby pharmacy, and then on to pick up rental skiis. Rental in Europe is usually cheaper than in the US and the quality of the skiis is every bit as good. Killy sports was next to the hotel and was a full-service shop for equipment and rental. Not only did they give our group a 35% discount, but they only charged for the number of days each person skied without having to turn in the skis on non-ski days.

The ski runs were completely snow covered. I never saw a rock on piste. The snow off piste was, wind packed and held the risk of hidden rocks. We got a little snow a couple days during the week. Val d’Isere and Tignes provided a large variety of skiing for beginners to expert. A very few didn’t ski at all. Many skied all 6 days. We had to show the French health pass several times in ski area lift lines and in restaurants. We also had to wear masks in some restaurants, both on the hill and off.

Non-ski days were spent in Val d’Isere and Tignes. They had a free shuttle in Val d’Isere and a regional bus to other areas.

On Saturday, we bussed back to Geneva, Switzerland for our flight to Barcelona, Spain. Some completed the health form for Switzerland, others used the forms we completed a week earlier. Because Switzerland, France and Spain are all Schengen countries, COVID requirements between countries was becoming easier while we were there.

The Oriente Atiram Hotel in Barcelona was built in 1643 and has been under a major renovation, which is now delayed due to COVID. Most of the work has been done. The biggest part not completed is the massive lobby that takes up the entire 1st floor of the hotel. Many of the people of Barcelona don’t want the renovation because of the historic importance of the building. To compromise, they are leaving one wall in the first floor lobby and one wall in the 2nd floor dining room untouched.

Barcelona had a lot to do. On Sunday morning we had a 4-hour tour. We saw the major sights and were able to choose sights we wanted to return to. Many returned to La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family) by Antoni Gaudi, as well as several other Gaudi houses; the Gothic Quarter, the Picasso Museum; the beach; and so much more.

We tested for COVID on Monday before our Tuesday departure. Six tested positive and had to stay in Barcelona for an additional 7 days. On Thursday an additional 2 who had extended their trip also tested positive and had to quarantine for an additional 7 days.

Everyone eventually made it home safely. I want to thank Sue Finis who stepped in as Assistant trip leader, and all the participants who provided second opinions when I asked, as well as everyone who sent information in this year of COVID rules.

Copper Mountain

 

Perfect day on the slopes


Randy Baustert, Trip Leader


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