Snowbound

Charming Ski town of Saint Lary Soulan in the Pyrennees, my second home

My oldest memory is a vague image of myself, wearing a hand knit red sweater, a big grin on my face and small wooden skies on my feet...it might be an  actual memory or some recollection of an old photograph. I always dreamed of being snowbound, crying (even as an adult) when the moment came  to turn my back to the mountains and return to school or later in life, to work. I was snow bound for a full week in my college, Babson College, outside of Boston during the most extraordinary snowstorm! Loved every moment of it as I had great food reserve (packages were sent from France on a regular basis by my parents) and skis. I skied out of my second floor room to my friend's dorm at Wellesley college. To this day, I still feel the stillness of the air, the soundless, pure white landscape.

Paris under the snow is a rare and beautiful event. Earlier in january,I left Paris to meet my parents in the Pyrenees for some relaxation time,  skiing and nice evenings chatting by the fireplace.
I woke up to 6 feet of snow ...a dream... a few lifts were open..the french ski resorts are a little more lax than our US counterpart when it comes to safety. Needless to say I was off, in fierce winds, total white out, and deep powder. Heart pumping, lost in the unforgiving landscape, I forgot all the worries and stress of work and life that keep me up at night, to focus on a single task: avoid avalanches, listen for sounds and ski. Made it down the mountain to find out that the slopes were actually closed, the tram shut down and the only road shut down by avalanches. SNOWBOUND!

giving my dad moral support

 The Pyrenees, steep mountain range between France and Spain

I woke up yesterday morning to this magical landscape. In my pjs and slippers, I grabbed my camera to capture the moment. I rushed to the attic to get my Xcountry skis, snow pants and off I went to our woods... blissfull hours, alone in deep snow , skiing along the river, up the hills, following deer footprints...

My dogs are not too keen on the snow..trying to convince how fun it is to play in the snow

I am off for some Xcoutry skiing...

A Bientôt,

Francine

My favorites: A chalet in the French Alps

Les fermes de Marie

image:tablet hotels

I am indulging one of my great passions: skiing. I am in Whistler, B.C. which has been my favorite destination for years, great skiing, powder and steeps and when my knees can take it, throw in the most amazing tree runs and moguls... We are being pampered in the ultimate resort/hotel with ski concierge that carries your skis and dry your boots (that is the only privilege of being older). After all, I need to preserve my energy to race down the slopes with 20's something boarders and skiers. The hotel is absolutely perfect but lacks the European alpine atmosphere that makes a ski vacation such a memorable experience. Wished they would hire me to design the rooms! They do need a little creative help in the style and design department.

The ultimate refuge from the cold and real life can be experienced at the Megeve (France) hotel and chalets: Les Fermes de Marie.

Please have a seat in your favorite chair, coffee, tea or wine in hand and enjoy...

The perfect association of rough old materials and leather in subdued natural tones to create warmth and calm

The game room

The ultimate mountain dining experience

 Modest antique furnishings add to the cozy atmosphere

 Open kitchen

A spa with a view

And of course the skiing with the ultimate lunch stop...

All photos courtesy of Les Fermes de marie

Ready to start packing?

Tablet Hotels can take care of your reservation

http://www.tablethotels.com/Les-Fermes-de-Marie-Hotel/Megève-Hotels-Alps-France/2443

Taking Down the tree

Holidays passed and gone...I did not even send my wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year... Not for a lack of trying... up in the morning at the wee hour, computer on my lap...and then...a new email expecting an immediate and urgent response, clients meetings, a tree to decorate, a meal to plan, my young cousin and her friends to attend to... worked late on New Years Eve, went home for our traditional fondue party, excused myself during our celebration to never return to the table. My guests (Thank God also my close friends) found me sound asleep on my bed.

So, this is a belated Happy New Year!

I never make resolutions for  New Year...I just have wishes and try to make them happen...I also reflect on the past year and give my thanks. Thank you for the most wonderful loving family which keeps me on my toes, especially my sons and their gang of friends with their various tribulations...(at least they maintain my spirit young), my friends, my business...this tough economy forces me to be alert and more creative than ever, and my clients who challenge me to think constantly outside of the box and allow me to live my passion for design...and my Interieurs team...I have great plans for all of us.

One wish though...I would love to meet my blogging friends and hope our paths will cross.

Now the fun stuff...off to live my true passion.

WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST FOR 2011

BONNE ANNEE