Ski

When the hyperactivity of the city gets the best of me, when the pollution from exhaust pipes and the deafening sound of heavy traffic become too much to handle, I would give anything for a nature break to recharge my batteries in the mountains. Faced with imposing, powerful and stately summits rising up to the sky, I feel a sense of humility, joy and serenity all at the same time. No longer is there any need to look for a deserted island at the end of the world since the mountains are more easily accessible. Europeans for example, are much closer to the Alps and the Pyrenees, with their ancient and vertiginous carved rocks. For years, doctors have praised the virtues of the mountains as a remedy for asthma and a number of other illnesses. Thermal cures at high altitudes have always been recommended, and in many cases, prescribed by the medical profession. Mountain hotels therefore, are traditionally geared towards wellness and body care. A vacation in one of these establishments includes a spa, water therapy as well as physical exercise in a breathtaking setting. And when the snow begins to melt and the wild flowers and grass come out of hiding, hiking and other explorations replace skiing and winter sports. What I look for above all in a luxury hotel is a site near the ski slopes or the lakes and thermal springs. The atmosphere of these establishments is always warm, blending in with the environment thanks to the use of mountain materials such as raw wood and stone, thus respecting the virginal purity of the mountains. What I want is a cozy, comfortable and well deserved refuge after an emotional day of winter sports and fresh mountain air.