An Unforgettable Evening in Trois Vallee, France
March 2026 duing Morningstar Ski Tours week
One of the many reasons our annual ski week in the Three Valleys is so special is our longtime friend and guide, Phillipe. Having skied with Skiman’s groups for at least 14 ski weeks, he has become much more than a guide—he has become an integral part of the experience and a close friend. Phillipe has a unique talent for creating memorable adventures exclusively for our Morningstar groups, experiences he doesn’t offer to anyone else.
His connection to the region runs deep. His family has lived in the Three Valleys for generations, and he takes great pride in sharing the area’s rich history, traditions, and culture. Every day on the mountain feels like a journey through both the landscape and the stories that have shaped it.
One evening during last year’s ski week, Phillipe surprised us with an adventure that none of us will ever forget. As dusk settled over the mountains, our group of twenty five gathered at the base of a lift, each carrying a large light. The fading sunlight painted the snow in shades of blue and purple as we were pulled by snow cat up the slopes into the quiet of the evening.
What followed was a magical 90-minute ski through the mountains under the gathering darkness. Our lights danced across the snow as we wound our way through forests and trails, eventually arriving at a small cabin hidden deep in the woods. This was no ordinary cabin—it had belonged to Phillipe’s great-grandfather, adding another layer of history to an already remarkable evening.
Inside, the cabin was warm and inviting. We unpacked the food and wine we had carried with us and shared a wonderful dinner together. Laughter echoed off the wooden walls as stories were exchanged and glasses were raised. It felt as though we had stepped back in time, enjoying a simple but perfect mountain gathering far from the bustle of the ski resorts.
As the evening came to an end and we prepared to ski back, Phillipe asked everyone to step outside. He told us he had one final surprise.
Standing in the cold night air, we wondered what could possibly top the experience we had already enjoyed. Then, without warning, the sky exploded with color.
To our absolute amazement, Phillipe launched a spectacular fireworks display from the clearing beside the cabin. For nearly three minutes, brilliant bursts of light illuminated the entire valley. Reds, golds, blues, and silvers reflected off the snow-covered mountains, transforming the quiet wilderness into a dazzling spectacle. The surrounding peaks seemed to glow as the fireworks echoed through the valley.
We starred upward in awe. It was one of those rare experiences that transcends description—a perfect combination of friendship, history, adventure, and surprise.
Even now, when I think back on our ski week in the Three Valleys, that magical evening stands above all the others. It wasn’t just the fireworks or the cabin or the skiing. It was the generosity and passion of someone who loves his home and enjoys sharing it with others. Thanks to Phillipe, we experienced not just the mountains, but the heart and soul of the Three Valleys itself.