Today… we’re going skiing! And we’re doing it in style in France, Switzerland, Italy, and other European destinations. I wanted to pull together this episode not only because skiing in Europe is an amazing cultural experience, but also because it’s looking pretty darn good from a value perspective right now. The Euro and Dollar are currently on par and lift tickets and lessons are massively cheaper in Europe than in the US. 

Our guests today are the brother and sister team, Rick Reichsfeld and Richelle Blanken. The duo grew up skiing competitively, both raced in college, and then Richelle even raced in the Olympics. When Richelle left the national team – brother and sister teamed up to find a way to make a living from helping others experience the joy of skiing and the duo are our partners in planning amazing ski trips around the world for Bell & Bly Travel clients.  

We discuss everything from Michelin starred mountain food, to unique lifts across Europe, to the most luxurious resorts, spas, and even non-skiing winter activities.

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Listen to hear:

• 02:33 – About the view at the top of their favorite European ski run
• 05:16 – What moment made Rick fall in love with skiing
• 06:38.- How Richelle remembers the 1992 Winter Olympics in France
• 10:01 – What the value of a European ski trip is
• 14:38 – How the ski trips in Europe differ from the ones in the US
• 16:16 – When you should visit for the best snow seasons
• 17:07 – Why you will be surprised when skiing in Europe vs the US
• 20:13 – What their top recommendations for a luxury European ski trip are
• 22:51 – About the winter activities you can enjoy beyond skiing
• 28:52 – What the top après ski spots in Europe are
• 31:58 – How you can experience off-piste, backcountry skiing, and heli-skiing here
• 35:13 – What the differences between European and American ski resorts are
• 36:00 – Why you should let you travel advisor plan your ski trip here
• 40:27 – How they have a fond memory of a past guest
• 42:49 – About Rick & Richelle’s favorite choices on winter experiences
• 52:04 – What you will learn about the world by taking a ski trip to Europe