In keeping with tradition, the CMSC Europe Trip 2017 started with a lot of preparation behind the scenes. The real start to the trip begins at O’Hare airport with a warm greeting and trip packets for all. After the long plane ride and gathering everyone onto two buses, we rolled down the highway toward Davos. The bus ride included a stop for snacks and Swiss francs at a rest area.

The scenery in Switzerland is beautiful. Lots of rolling hills, tunnels, and a few lakes, decorate the landscape. Davos is a long valley with two ends, Davos Dorf and Davos Platz. The main promenade is lined with shops and restaurants. Our lodging was in Davos Platz at the Club Hotel, where we were greeted by Loraine, a nice Dutch woman with a bubbly personality. We checked into rooms and came back soon to get instructions about meals, ski rental, and general information.

Breakfast and dinner each day at the Hotel were wonderful. After breakfast the first day, the folks eager to ski met at the bus stop just across the street from the Hotel. A packed bus ride down the valley to Davos Dorf and up the Par Senn Bahn we went. Bill Gleason led a group each day to a different sk area, some which included a return trip on a train.

Sunday and Monday were sunny blue bird days. Tuesday and Wednesday it snowed. Thursday and Friday we skied in and out of the clouds. Wednesday, some folks enjoyed a powder day at Rinerhorn. On Friday at Jakobshorn, the USA Women’s ski team was practicing, and some folks caught a glimpse of Lindsey Vaughn. Overall, the skiing, the views, the Huttes, were terrific. Davos had plenty of skiing to offer.

Saturday, we boarded two buses for Zurich where some folks went back to Chicago, the others headed for the extension to Nice France. I think everyone who went to Nice was pleasantly surprised. Staying at the Westminster Hotel was exquisite. Nice was a great place to visit for 3 days of walking the promenade (yes, there was a promenade at both places) and finding restaurants. When walking around, if you stopped to read a menu in front of a restaurant, someone would come out to invite your group inside.

A gazebo in a park just outside of old town was turned into a memorial for the lives lost in the terrorist attack of 2016. We saw construction of additional barriers along the public walking areas to provide separation from traffic. The highlight of the trip was a chauffeured tour to areas of Monaco, EZE, a perfume factory, and a Medieval city. These locations were worth the time and money to see.

Tuesday was the long journey from Nice, to Zurich, to Chicago, to wherever home is located. The most impressive component of this trip was the personalities of all the participants. There were too many ski clubs represented to mention by name, but there were Dentists, business people, retirees, those hoping to retire, and other various individuals that had a great time. The mix of people contributed greatly to the fun.

Mike Pogar and I thank you all for being great folks to meet, mingle, eat, drink, and tour with for the 10 day trip. We hope you find your way on another CMSC Europe trip someday in the future.

Ed Gordon, Assistant trip leader, CMSC Europe Trip 2017 to Davos