V for Val Cenis and vegan vine leafs

It has been three years since I've been a part of the Ski Club International des Journalistes (SCIJ). This year's meeting is in France, at Val Cenis, a ski resort close to the Italian border. As we depart from Torino Airport, I have a feeling that it will be more like a spring meeting, as the trees along the way are already blossoming. The first impression of our home to be for one week is mixed. We have a feeling that the place is almost deserted, as it is the end of season, with little slushy snow here and there in patches. Our French friends affirm us that there will be fantastic skiing with excellent snow in the week to come. Having walked under heavy rain to the opening ceremony of the meeting, it is hard to believe. However, they are right. Miracle happens and the raindrops turn into the most pillowy featherlike snowflakes. It is magic!

SCIJ was first founded in France in 1955 at the "founding" meeting of Méribel, since then France has hosted a total of nine international meetings including the one in l'Alpe d'Huez to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the club. This year, from March 25th to April 1st, it is the turn of the resort of Val Cenis in Haute-Maurienne Vanoise (Savoie), at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park. So the French team was right, the skiing season here lasts longer than most places, normally till the last week of April. When we thought we came to a snowless area, we open our eyes to a white Sunday as if it is Christmas time. The snowflakes welcomed us in the heart of the Alps. 

SCIJ has a unique sense to it. Every year 200 to 250 journalists from 32 countries gather to have a convivial meeting to ski, race, network and have discussions on issues that concern journalists globally. For most seasoned regulars it has become...

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