A Christmas Adventure
Come join me for a holiday on the slopes!
Eight years ago I started a new Christmas tradition
I wanted to spend Christmas Day snowboarding in one of the best destinations on the planet. Unsurprisingly I had so much fun that I’ve decided to do it every year since then, covering a new mountain each time. So far I’ve spent the holidays in:
Chamonix, France (2017)
Whistler, Canada (2018)
St Anton, Austria (2019)
Lake Tahoe, California (2020)
Lake Louise, Canada (2021)
Verbier, Switzerland (2022)
The Dolomites, Italy (2023)
Niseko, Japan (2024)
This year I’m going to Zermatt, Switzerland; and I’m looking for a crew to join me!
If you don’t know anything about the place, let’s just say it’s probably the most picturesque ski resort imaginable! …and one of the most expensive too, so let’s start saving our pennies now. More details below.
I want this to be the most memorable Christmas you’ve had in years.
Goal: International ski holiday with friends
To Do:
[]Create a pitch [page on website]
[]Set deadline for survey responses / email list
Guest requirements:
Commitment + non-refundable Deposit
Responsible for their own transportation to our lodging
Flexibility
Utilizing the Google Doc
Utilize the WhatsApp group chat, turn on notifications
Bringing a holiday tradition to share
Activities:
Skiing and snowboarding
Snowmobiles
Dogsledding
Snow tubing
Snowshoeing
Snowman building contest
Yoga / stretching
Evenings:
Aprés ski drinks, music, and dancing
Family dinner [once]
Date night / dine-arounds with optional late night at a bar [once]
Bonfire / Fireplace chill
Game night (Spot-it, Jungle Speed, Hanabi, Exploding Kittens, The Mind, Mafia, poker)
Walking Main Street (bar crawl, shopping, art galleries)
Meals:
Breakfasts are casual, buffet style with alternating cooking/cleaning crew
Lunch is on your own
Dinner is communal except date night. A mix of dining out and cooking in
Ideal Accommodations:
Enough beds for everyone
Fireplace
Jacuzzi
Wifi
Ski-in / ski-out
Fully stocked kitchen
Dining table to fit everyone
Laundry room
Traditions:
“You Gotta Get Up” on Christmas morning
Blanket fort + movies on Christmas Eve
Misc:
Shared photo album
Expenses handled on SplitWise / Group cash bucket
Group chat on WhatsApp
I will share all my notes and suggestions in a Google Doc
I’ll send ideas for traveling cheaply, if people want to extend their stay in Europe without spending a lot
Flights are usually a lot cheaper on Christmas Day, if cost is the main factor
I’m a photographer and filmmaker, so you might even get some sweet new content for your dating profile.
Vibe:
I want people to feel like this is the best adult Christmas they’ve ever had.
I want it to be planned yet flexible. No one is expected to do everything, yet be sensitive that some things are important to others.
Background: In 2017 I wanted to celebrate Christmas differently. As a single adult I no longer fit into the traditional American family holiday narrative, so I decided to go snowboarding in the Alps instead. It quickly became a tradition and goal to spend the holidays snowboarding at the best destinations around the world.
2017 in Chamonix, France
2018 in Whistler, Canada
2019 in St Anton, Austria
2020 in Lake Tahoe, California
2021 in Lake Louise, Canada
2022 in Verbier, Switzerland
2023 in the Dolomites, Italy
2024 in Niseko, Japan
2025 in Zermatt, Switzerland
2026 back in France (Resort TBD)
The Dream: What started as a solo adventure has grown a little each year. My dream is to rent a cabin with a handful of friends and celebrate the holidays skiing, laughing, playing games, watching movies, sharing meals, sipping drinks, and telling stories around the fireplace. Ideally everyone would bring a piece of their own holiday traditions for us to celebrate together.
This year we’re going to ____! Did I mention I’m a photographer? Y’all will have some great photos and videos to share after the trip even if you never take out your phone.
All details are below. Just tell me when you’re coming ;)
Get excited!