Olympic gold medalist!

Max Julen, the proprietor of the Hotel Beau-Rivage where we stayed, won Olympic Gold in Sarajevo in 1984 in the Giant Slalom. It was an exciting event for the crowd. At that time, Yugoslavia had never won an Olympic medal and Jure Franko of Yugoslavia was in the lead until Max Julen's run, which can be viewed on Youtube. Max's training in Zermatt had prepared him very well for the course on Bjelasnica Mountain.

Giant Slalom is a technical alpine ski racing event (as opposed to a speed event such as downhill), comprised of two runs, held on different courses on the same ski run. Speeds in this event can hit 50+ mph! I can't even imagine going that fast, let alone trying to turn skis and stay on a course. Incredible!

We really enjoyed our stay in Zermatt, but, to quote Chaucer, all good things must come to an end. The skiing, the scenery, the restaurants, the hotel, the village, the company... It was all fabulous!