It so happened that unexpectedly for ourselves we got involved in this event called "Alex Sidelnikov's Ski Safari". Looking ahead, I will say right away that we have never, not for a moment, regretted it.
Unexpectedly because, having a lot of experience in traveling and organizing them, including to the mountains, a vast geography, we could not even imagine that we would decide on something like this. We always gathered groups of friends, sometimes large ones, and considered this the only acceptable solution for us. This year, we did not find anyone willing to go in January, we decided to skip it. And suddenly ...
I came across an offer that attracted me for several reasons:
1) the ability to choose ski areas depending on the weather, snow, wind direction, mood, stars in the sky and God knows what else;
2) no need to make this choice ourselves;
3) enthusiastic reviews, the veracity of which I did not consider it possible to doubt;
4) the unusualness of such an experience for us;
5) a conversation with Alex, who dispelled the last doubts, including about age, training, etc.
The decision was made and paid for. No questions arose, although in fairness, I will note that 2.5-3 months later (a couple of weeks before the trip) a seditious thought flashed: something is quiet, is it suspicious, is everything okay with the trip. But a message came, then a tour chat was opened in WhatsApp, and off we went... It was amazing: fun, comfortable, cheerful - there are not enough epithets. The team, consisting of people who were initially complete strangers, from different parts of our country, despite the differences in views, characters, tastes and passions, turned out to be wonderful and became close and dear. Perhaps we were lucky (I always want to think that we are so good), but, as far as I know, everyone is so lucky. And this means that Alex deserves credit. He has an amazing way of winning people over from the first second of communication (even on the phone) and imperceptibly sets the mood for the upcoming vacation. That is why those who come are already disposed to each other, friendly and attentive. And a separate book can be written about Alex's reverent attitude towards us.
All questions and wishes, whether it was renting, repairing and exchanging skis, buying groceries for us, or wanting to walk around the city, were easily and, it seems to me, with pleasure resolved by Alex. Alex perfectly organized and implemented all the declared options. Unique skiing regions in three countries, absolutely comfortable skiing for all levels and the omnipresent Alex is always nearby, ready to give advice and support (it seems to me that he even agreed on the weather, and for the entire period). One day after skiing, a climb to the L'Aiguille du Midi observation deck (3842 m). Excellent restaurants organized by Alex: both authentic Savoyard cuisine and wonderful Italian on the mountain. Thermal baths for those who want them on a day of rest. Sauna and hydromassage pool in the apartments. Fireplace, giving comfort and warmth every day - an indispensable participant in our evening gatherings with a glass of something, with conversations, music, games, films and songs. Wonderful atmosphere and people, friendly and ready to help. Having a huge experience of vacationing in apartments, I can say with confidence that such breakfasts have never been. Everything was done easily and cheerfully!