The chalet we were staying in was up the hill from the others, a little skiddoo and trailer hauled our bags to the door. We scampered in like excited puppies tumbling over each other in the pleasure of having arrived.
There were 27 of us on the ski trip this year, many from the village, the rest from all over. All of us connected somehow to the Skeltons. A mix of skiing abilities, and a fine blend of characters. Two chalets full of laughing people. People who knew each other well, new members who were quickly absorbed into the joking banter. Clare told us of her resolution to write a 365 word short story every day of 2013.
(We tried to help her out with a little bit of dictation: “Today I went skiing. It was good. And then I had some cake. And then I had a gin and tonic. And then Ruth beat me at Scrabble. And then Hannah made up some really long words that I didn’t understand. And then James left his stinky socks on the bathroom floor and we all went POOOOH, what a WHIFF. ” For some reason she ignored us and wrote her own story, can’t think why.)
The snow was thick and soft, much like the wonderful down quilts on our beds. Stoked by porridge and poached eggs for breakfast, we went out in search of the deep stuff.
New skis last season provided the tipping point into successful offpiste turns after many years of dogged persistance. This season the snow provided the playground from day one. Bitter cold temperatures kept the snow light and dreamy, the skies were blue, conditions were perfect.
Long swooshing powdery turns were made (well done offpiste buddy Clare!). At the end of the day we made our way home with weary legs and faces tingling from the icy air. Cake was eaten, steaming hot mugs of tea were drunk. We ate too much every evening (well, we needed the energy to ski, and it was so very cold…we needed to eat lots….)
Adventures were had in the backcountry with Peter and Margaret who’d discovered amazing areas in la Plagne. Deep breaths to steady irrational nerves before committing to a slightly exposed steep section, adrenaline pumping. Digging for my ski before trying to stand up to make sure I didn’t lose it (and that was on a traverse!). Feeling the thump of my heart from the extra effort of skiing in steep, deep and slightly heavier snow. Feeling the exhilaration flood my system. Looking back at the turns engraved on the slope.
The Col de la Chal was a delight; untouched snow that undulated through little groups of summer chalets, down a forest track to Nancroix where we gathered, laughing, to catch the navette back, munching a celebratory Ovomaltine bar. Could life be any better?
Looks like you had a great time, Kerry-girl! Lovely pics.
Great pix Kerry, I am extremely jealous {:-(
I’ve told you before my anglo australian friend. There is a solution. Move back! No more blisteringly hot summers and forest fires to fear…. (just floods and snow and rainy summers, hmmmmm.)
We had a brill time, thanks Sue! I’ve got a bit more to show and tell yet…. and I can’t take credit for ALL the pics – Dave took a couple (the majestic mountains and the bottom shot of Peter and me)xx
Nice hat
That hat is amazing – it got covered in snow a few times (it did actually snow while we were away, it wasn’t from me doing a head plant) and when I shook it off the hat was still dry inside. Proper shetland wool, my good old sheepheid….
Pics are great but I can’t read the text on the fancy background ………moan moan!!!!!
Is that the same problem you were having at Christmas? Is it only on your Mac?
Have now read your narrative. Can’t understand why Clare ignored your help!
This post looks great on my tablet – have you done something recently to make the blog look good for android? I recall an earlier post a while back was hard to read – I could only make it out on the desktop. ( The hardships we have to endure to keep up with your life …)
YES! I’m sitting here sizzling my brain cells trying to get everything working. Fixing one part breaks another but I’m so delighted to hear that you are able to see everything better. I’ll keep at it!
Hello
Soo when did you go ?
If there is space next year and it is in holiday time, Phil would love those conditions. He could not get enough cross country last week, out most days; made up for last year.
There is skiing in Oz, I believe.
See you soon.
Rutsxx
They may well have skiing in Oz, Ruth my friend. BUT they don’t have skiing in the French Alps!!! Not that I’m biased, of course….
Let’s hope we have more snow this winter so that we can all get out more locally – we skied in the Cheviots last weekend….
Hello
Soo where were you when we called in around 5 pm on Sunday ?