Khristian Snyder – Travel Journal

The Alps

After a couple of last hikes in the Dolomites, we left and made our way west, exploring the last bit of Italy before putting in a long travel day in Switzerland. We explored a few glaciers and even caught sight of the Matterhorn in the distance before arriving in Chamonix, France. Chamonix was a blast! The Ultra Trail Mont Blanc was in town, one of the most prestigious trail running events in the world. Thousands of the fittest athletes I’ve ever seen, prepping and racing some incredible distances through imposing terrain. I felt inspired as I sat there eating my gelato, watching the racers arrive at the finish line. We did some fun hikes around Chamonix and also took the cable car waaaaaay up the slopes onto Mont Blanc. It was even snowing up there in August!

Leaving Chamonix, we made our way to Les Gets to enjoy a World Cup downhill mountain bike race. The racing was intense as the course was super muddy, and the crowd was even more intense. Chainsaws blared nonstop as racers sped down the singletrack to the finish line.

After the race, we made our way to Annecy, France, for a quick night before arriving in Lyon, where we stayed for a couple last nights, enjoying some good French food, Aperol Spritzes, and last croissants before flying home.

After nearly a month exploring 6 countries in Europe, the trip came to an end. It was such a great trip and a perfect mix of city and nature. Can’t wait for the next adventure!