Located in southern Switzerland near the town of Sierre, Grimentz, is a small mountain town reached by driving a winding, mountain road up into the clouds. The drive takes about 30 minutes from the valley and your ears pop at least once on the drive up.

Located in Grimentz is a very popular ski resort and a cozy, family-run hotel and restaurant called the Hotel de Moiry. Run by the Salamin family, the hotel de Moiry makes delicious, traditional Swiss food while giving their guests comfortable rooms a short walk from the slopes.

The Salamin’s hosted me for over a week while I was visiting in Switzerland and I was very grateful for their hospitality. I ventured onto the Alps ski slopes twice and managed not to break a leg or worse. Falling down 3 times each wasn’t too bad considering I’ve only skied 3 times in my life before then. I don’t count cross country skiing in that number.

One afternoon was spent hiking up to the Moiry Dam and the view was spectacular and the snow pristine. It’s the first time in my life that I’ve been “highly encouraged” to wear a radio-tracking device in case we should encounter avalanches.

It was a treat to see the town preparing for the 100 year anniversary of their Ski Club and to help celebrate they created 3 large igloos throughout the town. Quite a sight.

If you happen to visit Switzerland and are looking for a quaint town to spend your vacation in and ski some great slopes, check out Grimentz and the Hotel de Moiry.