Recommend July 2013 - (Page 18)

COURTESY OF ELEVEN EXPERIENCE (3) Despite having no sleep on the transatlantic journey and a couple of glasses of champagne at lunch, Bernholtz accommodated the wishes of myself and another hardcore skier for an unscheduled run at the nearby Sainte Foy ski area, which would also be the backcountry skiing destination for the next day. This “preview” served to amp our adrenalin and whet our appetites for what was in store in the coming days. Bernholtz, his unofﬁcial title—self-appointed perhaps—”guide operations director,” likely chosen for its initials, but nevertheless appropriate given his mastery for delivering on all components of a unique, luxurious, adventurous experience, analyzed the group by ski ability and created custom itineraries accordingly. According to Bernholtz, ofﬁcially holding the position of general manager/lead guide, “Eleven’s goal is to provide adventure, and ﬁrst-class comfort, with all needs being anticipated by the chalet and its staff, and focus on delivering memories of a lifetime to the avid alpine skier.” Mission accomplished for this writer! A former mayor of Crested Butte Colorado, Bernholtz is full of positive energy, knowledge, good humor, and is a master alpine ski guide who directed our expert and advanced ski group of three to six people to the greatest the French and Italian Alps has to offer. He is also very attentive to guests of all skill levels, their needs and desire for adventure, along with an everpresent concern for safety and well-being, which, given the foreign nature of the different ski areas and variable weather and ski conditions, is of maximum importance in these parts. As for our ski days, well, of course, they were full of adventure: DAY 1—Sainte Foy, in the foothills of Mont Blanc, unspoiled compared to many mountain villages and ski areas in France, was highlighted by backcountry touring. After slipping on avalanche packs (mandatory), it was up to the peak to get a couple of on-piste warm up runs. Then the real adventure began when we took a short hike up the peak, tipped the boards over the backside of the mountain and “ﬂoated” down untouched soft virgin powder. Add to that the jaw-dropping scenery of the French Alps in all directions and one knows they’re in for a special and unforgettable experience. (continued on page 28) 18 july 2013 16-17 EU ChaletPelerin.indd 18 All photos: Chalet guests have access to off-piste skiing in the Alps, as well as top-ofthe-line amenities such as an indoor pool and communal dining room. recommend.com 6/19/13 12:06 PM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend July 2013

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Eleven Experience
Tour Talk: DuVine Cycling + Adventure
Expedition Cruising: Explore the Unexplored
Eleven Experience's Chalet Pelerin
Brazil Travel Planner
Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa
Guatemala Travel Planner
Latin America Specialist Courses
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
5 Ways to Adventure in North America
Swain Tours Shines in the Land Down Under
Seeing African Wonders Through a Viewfinder
Trinidad & Tobago
Soaring to New Heights in Saint Lucia

Recommend July 2013