Chamonix Market and trip to Zermatt

Slept in and packed up for an afternoon transfer bus trip to Zermatt. The snow was coming down in soft blankets throughout the morning so we were worried that the short trip through the mountain pass would be closed and we would have to go via Geneva. By noon the snow had stopped and blue-skies beckoned but so much snow had fallen the pass was closed. It was a Saturday so the morning markets were on in the central square and we trekked down to check its wares and purchase some local produce, fromage, saucissons (sausages) and bread. Nissan had a stage up in the town and the kids were able to participate in some of the games and won some toy cars. We also visited this wonderful toy store which had probably the best selection of lego that we've ever seen. The kids were in heaven and we agreed to get some small things to occupy the evenings in Zermatt. Zermatt was a good 3.5 hours from Chamonix the longway but we were able to see some castles, incredibly terraced vineyards and fields, and some wonderful peaks along the way. Zermatt itself has no petrol-powered vehicles allowed in the town so many park in Tasch (just outside) and take the train in to town. Otherwise the small transfer buses can make the drive but the road narrows to single lane at many points involving a few reverses and tight passes. The buses stop on the edge of town and small electric vehicles which have been modified to place baggage and passengers inside then transfer you to your hotel. We had organized to stay in an apartment as otherwise we would have to have 3 hotel rooms at the conference venue due to our numbers (8). The apartment is less than a year old and some of the appliances look as though they've never been used. It has this great vaulted/beamed ceiling with exposed wood and A-framed windows which view the mighty Matterhorn and central street area adjacent. The furniture is made of this pale hard wood ? oak/beech? with the same for hardwood flooring - it's absolutely beautiful (with in house elevator to boot)! Needless to say we're feeling a bit luxurious. It's about one kilometre walk to the conference venue at the Hotel Christiania - it looks plain and very traditional at the back entrance but further exploration reveals a 4 lane 25 m indoor pool with massive wicker lounging chairs - one that is a complete oval with cushioned lying area on the inside. I was a little set back as the introductory drink session disclosed I actually have another session (unexpected) later in the week! Back at the apartment the lego "prizes" were quickly being built and pizza bronzed in the oven. Today we will get our bearings, rent some equipment and organize our week.