As I sit down to write this editorial, I’ve just stepped off the night train from Austria back to the Netherlands. In fact, I’m still wearing my ski pants and merino woolen thermals. I was completely done after a year of hard work, topped off with the madness of the holiday season. My battery was pretty much drained, even though I’m naturally more of a Duracell bunny.

There’s nothing that recharges my battery faster than dancing across the snow high in the mountains. The wind on your face, the stunning views, your body protesting every bit of effort yet secretly loving it. And then that blissful feeling, that pleasant tiredness that washes over you when the evening is still young, and the schnitzel and schnapps have just been devoured. Early to bed under a warm duvet, and in the morning—off you go—into a hot shower to loosen up those muscles and get ready for another day.

Slopes and mountains are my happy place. During the year, all it takes is a quick memory of a great run, and there’s a smile on my face again. But even without skis, the mountains are magical, aren’t they?

Could your battery use a little boost too? In this issue, you’ll find winter stories from our team. Stories from the Alps—Austria and Switzerland. Stories from the Pyrenees—both the French and the Catalan side.

I personally went to test the Catalan Pyrenees with my best mates. Well, let me tell you, it’s worth it! Just a bit more budget-friendly than the other countries and easy to get to. And, of course, with friends. Because what’s better than sliding down a mountain? Sliding down a mountain with the people you care about, of course!

I wish you lots of reading and viewing pleasure, and I hope we inspire you to get moving. And now, I’d better go and get changed.

Happy trails, amigos and amigas.

Marco Barneveld
Global Editor-in-Chief

Let’s go!