Feb 16-24<br>This was our 2nd visit to Zermatt. We were very excited to be returning.<br> Flew Lufthansa from JFK to Geneva via Frankfurt. Got out of JFK before the big storm hit, yeah! Except for a few big bounces the flights were fine. Arrived Geneva at 900a. We took the train to Zermatt. It was so easy since the train leaves directly from the airport. Just follow the signs to the train station. If you have a rail pass you must get it validated at the ticket window before boarding. The trains are clean, comfortable and on time. <br> In Zermatt we stayed at the Hotel City, a 3 star hotel. The owners are wonderful. The rooms have simple furnishings, very clean, nice size with a mini bar fridge. Our room had a balcony with a wonderful view of the Matterhorn. Breakfast only included in the rate. <br> We did not get any new snow during our stay. But the weather was beautiful. Sunny skies with little or no wind. The snow was ok, a little hard packed but very little ice. Nicely groomed trails. The scenary is amazing.<br> We skied all areas of the mountian. But spent most of our time in the Klein Matterhorn area. We loved the new Matterhorn Express Gondola. It went from the village to Furi to Schwarzsee. The trams are crazy as ever. They really do squeeze everyone into them like sardines. It's always a mad rush when you board to try to get by a window. <br> We skied over to the Cervinia ski area in Italy twice. The snow was actually better over there. It is very neat to be able to ski between 2 countries.<br> We enjoyed some nice dinners. We usaully went with the price fixe. We did splurge our last evening. We had dinner at the Mont Cervin Hotel. We also went to the casino our last night. I'm not really much of a gambler but we had fun playing the slots. Even left with money in our pockets.<br> There are a lot more taxis driving around the village than in 1996. I think there were too many. Even though the taxis are only the size of an extra large golf cart. It did decrease the charm of the village a bit. <br> We spent one night in Geneva since we were taking the early flight home. We had the afternoon to wander around the "old town" enjoying the old buildings, quaint alleys and small cafes. <br>We stayed at the Sofitel. It's a beautiful hotel. Our room was lovely. The staff was friendly and helpful. They had happy hour snacks in the lounge with the fireplace lit. We opted to have dinner at the hotel. Great service and the food was very good. And the price was not so bad since they offered a price fixe.<br> We really had a wonderful time even without any new snow. <br>Carole