Nendaz Ski Resort in Switzerland

Guest Post by : Vivian B Capiña

Winter season has always meant skiing, snowboarding, running ski lifts, and easy ski passes. One of the world's ski resorts that winter enthusiasts love to visit again and again is Nendaz 4 Vallées (Four Valleys) located in Sion, the capital of Valais, Switzerland with a total vertical drop of 6,328 feet, a base elevation of 4,597 feet, and a summit elevation of 10,925 feet.

It has a tiny village with conventional timber houses, barns and grain stores, and with its continuous expansion and development, chalets were built, a number of coffee shops and restaurants came forth, supermarkets, and every bit of services a petite village can offer. In addition to these services, an absolutely free bus ride is available everyday, taking skiers to and from the Telecabine where cablecars go up and down the ski resort uninterrupted.

They also offer various programs for children aside from ski courses for little skiers. They provide child-minding services and toddler facilities in oder that adults can have all the time they need to enjoy the slopes without having to worry about their children who aren't geared up enough to do combat with snow and slopes.

It felt so amazing to be in a place I only used to see in postcards and movies! And what's more overwhelming than finding myself skiing?! Never thought I would one day walk like a clone trooper in Star Wars in stiff cylindrical ski boots. Up the slopes a resto bar is open for refreshments while live music adds to the relaxing and very friendly ambience.

Various lifts are accessible like chairlifts, button lifts and magic carpets. Somewhere in the midst of a vast domain of ice another but smaller refresher café sits, chairs and tables are as well settled outside, and a fountain of jazz music is sheltered close by.

The whole huge area between the Magic Carpet and the Button Lift is actually a lake in the summer! As a first time skier, I sort of felt apprehensive when I was crossing it but in my resolute desire to attempt a bit steeper slope I put fear behind me and carried on.

It was indeed a one in a million experience for me. And that day will always remind me that in this world itself are a whole lot of dazzling new worlds for one who is determined to explore.

All Excited For A Cooler Weather

Finally, summer is over and I am all excited for a cooler weather. Though I won't be wearing my woolrich parka any time soon here in Florida, I sure can use it when I visit Missouri next month. In October, their lowest normal temperature is about 46 degrees so; wearing parkas are great help keeping warm in a cooler season right? I prefer a cooler temperature but, dislike a freezing weather too. That will be a hassle especially when you have to deal it every day driving on a frozen road to your work place. I don't want to be in that situation.

In cooler weather, I have the luxury to wear stylish boots, long sleeve tops and comfy sweaters. That is fun for me and I admit, I look forward to wearing all that. I am all excited for winter time and Christmas holidays. The smell of pine trees, enjoying a cup of eggnog, catching the snowflakes and busy shopping for the holidays are so much fun and gives me a thrilling sensation.

Anytime this week, I will start unpacking my winter clothes and footwear. I stored them at the top area of my closet. Oh yeah, that's how excited I am!

The Frozen Fountain and Me

It is winter but, we never had snow. We have cold weather but not for almost three weeks of below freezing temperature. This weather happened because of Arctic Blast or Cold Snap as others call it. I never experience living in a snowy place so; seeing a frozen fountain like this, fascinated me.

We really had to drive all the way here just to take this picture.

Ice in the Bird Bath

The past days, we were experiencing a sudden period of cold weather, not just cold but, below freezing temperature. Outside, I stepped in the bird bath just to convince myself that the water here is not liquid anymore. Kidding! This picture is for the purpose of picture taking only. I love cold weather but not freezing weather like this.

Icycles From Orange Tree

The weather here in Mississippi is below freezing but no snow yet. There is a possibility though. Because of the cold snap, there was one casualty in our area already. Cold Weather is dangerous specially to those people who live in old homes with no heater. An old man was found dead in his home suffering from hypothermia. This Cold Weather brings danger to humans, vegetation, fruit crops and animals. The picture below was taken in Plant City, Florida shows an orange with hanging icicles.

Pretty ironic that the weather in the Sunshine State will turn like this. Anyway, the farmers spray a fine mist of water to cover and protect oranges.