Zermatt vs. Aspen

Hello, blog viewers. This week's entry is about my amazing week in Zermatt and how it compares to my time in Aspen, Colorado, another world-class ski resort. The first thing I noticed about these two five-star ski mountains is that the gradation of the ski runs was favorably different in Zermatt than in Aspen. The easiest runs were labeled blue in Zermatt (but they were actually quite challenging!) The moderate runs, graded as over-your-head red, and the most difficult were marked in black. Overall, the slopes were far more adventurous than in Aspen. Compared to Aspen, where a lot of the intermediate runs were fairly manageable, that wasn't the case in Zermatt, because the moderate slopes are not for the faint of heart. For example, a run I observed off the Piste 29 called Internationzle appeared to be the equivalent of a diamond run at Aspen Mountain, first, because it was steep and second, it was icy-slick and quick as lightning. My favorite run was a red run at Gornergrat that was steep, wide and fast, and I tore it up like a rollocking white water raft on the Colorado River! Another heart-racing hill was the red run down from Rothorn, which was steep, curvy, and wide, and fast as a racing roller coaster ride! There was also a challenging long red from the gondola that corkscrewed like a crazy slithering serpent, and was as powerful as a thunderstorm on a hot summer's day. And for all you die-hard expert skiers reading this blog, you will fall in love with the heart-stopping expert slopes of Zermatt and a whole lot more.

If you're still thirsty for adventure, you won't be disappointed by Zermatt's vast variety of expert runs. For example, the National run is a slope strictly for the experts that will water the mouths of the highest-ranking skiers. And another black run (also off of Run 29) seemed to be fast, steep and great for quick radius turns (if those are what you're into carving.) Skiers will also enjoy the black run not far from the top of Rothorn, which seems like a deceptively challenging run at first, but then suddenly the moguls appear as huge as the skyscrapers in New York City, and the headwalls are as sheer as the shafts of ice at the edge of an immense glacier. Your heart race will race faster than you as you carve your way down the mountain on this epic traverse run. Plus, if you're hunting for adventures off the beaten path, there's a lot of untamed powder snow in the trees, or it's not hard to find dreamy moguls down the center of off piste sections, while staying on trail. The best place to discover that is Gornergrat. What makes it worth it is the swaths of amazing expert terrain that you normally can't find at places like Aspen. After you've finished conquering the mountain, you'll probably be craving an equally amazing meal.

For super expert skiers, one special feature is the extremely long black run off the Northwest side of Gornergrat, with unprecedented 39-degree precipices that make the off-piste trails seem like child's play. Also, the Rifflealp gondola, as mentioned in the beginning of this article, serves a long, heart-stopping twisting run for experts only, with unworldly steeps and razor-thin switchbacks that hurtle as fast as a Mustang Racer. No bailouts exist, and the entire run is so treacherous and uneasy that it could make the National Run look like a cruise in one's sleep. Another killer run is Internationzle, which dives into a deep, thick, skinny, endless forest at the end with no way out. The long run down to Furi is a narrow, winding run that goes as fast as a mountain lion, with one very steep dip in the center that blazes at the speed of a NASA rocket. Lastly, the Piste 29 is an unbearably rocky, steep, turning run with outstandingly plummeting ledges off to either side.

A marvelous treat for all skiers is the hour-long descent into Italy. The near-expert red run, Highway 7, is a seemingly endless slope with sheer drops to gush down as fast as an eagle preparing to take maximum flight, and knifing turns to carve your way around faster than sound. You will be rewarded

For the apres ski, treat yourself to the dreamy food at L'Amante. Your taste buds are in for a treat because of the marvelous array of choices on their menu of Italian food, not to mention an extensive wine list.

If you’re seeking the best tasting and highest quality Italian food in Zermatt, look no further than L'Amante. Owners Kevin Cleary and his wife, Kathy ensure that all tastes will be more than satisfied with just one look at the deliciously creative menu. On the appetizer list, there are plenty of exquisite choices from the crispy, wafer-thin la crosta margherita that's bathed in rich, oozing mozzarella and fresh basil. Another specialty is the earthy squash blossom fritters served with a crunchy tempura-style batter, melt-in-your-mouth taleggio cheese, and topped off in sweet honey. The only caveat is that if you’re there in a certain season, certain items may not be available.

For an entree, customers can choose from several delectable homemade pastas nestled in tasty sauces. The ricotta ravioli is just simply remarkable. With its fresh, floury ravioli noodles, creamy ricotta cheese, and crispy, delicate eggplant, this dish will knock diners out of their world. If you’re in the mood for poultry or fish, several great options await. Kevin’s signature dish, sea bass with citrus butter sauce and potatoes, is highlighted with a zesty, sweet lemon buerre blanc and crunchy potatoes arranged meticulously carefully on top. Served beneath this award-winning dish is a medley of fresh spinach. If you like chicken, you won’t believe your taste buds the minute you bite into the succulent chicken paired with buttery mashed potatoes and broccoli rabe. Enjoy!