Mark promised 8km, 400m deniv, mixed weather but great food and a warm welcome at La Loge and we were not disappointed. Assembling at the Crozet lift at 9.45 am saw Leader Mark, Guido Richard, and punters Philip, Mervyn and me. We packed snow shoes, emergency gear and not a lot else. We wore our warm gear and sunglasses and after the Eu 9 tickets purchased by Philip we ascended the lift to the station at 1300m in bright sun and blue skies with a potential for a cold N wind higher up.
Recent snow and below freezing temperatures portended excellent conditions and indeed we immediately donned our raquettes to head off rightwards away from the ski pistes and up an icy track dusted with blown snow, heading for the Col at 1560m.
We made good progress in the bright sun and we soon in sight of the summit for the day enjoying magnificent views in the cold air.
This was a very pleasant and yet mildly strenuous ascent.
It was not long before we reached the viewpoint summit col.
At this point Richard brought out some strong liquid which he served in cracked cups – we need to invest in some Pashley goblets. Rum from Guatemala (sic) had us dancing in the wind.
From the viewpoint it was an easy descent down the other side past the Lelex lift and snow blowers across through snow laden firs to La Loge 140m below the col.
We received very warm welcome from Franck at his window from which he served us aperos outside on the banquettes.
Suitably revved we entered the Loge’s warm and welcoming saloon. Christmas lights and a large warm stove, a friendly smile from hostess Kate underneath her mask and we we soon tucking into sausage and Jurassien Croute washed down with some suitable red. We toasted absent friends – they were sadly missing a really great lunch, and outing, as we missed them. We also toasted to all of us still being the right side of the sod.
There were only a few other diners and we were treated right royally, taking our desert tartes around the stove, even playing a game of chess – Richard’s first in several years and he played a blinder.
Franck came over with a box of Genepi, mental note for shopping list. Right. We were ready for the off.
Which of course required an ascent back up to the col. Where had the sun gone? Instead of blue sky we were in cloud and a freezing wind. But we were suitably fortified and were soon back at the col and descending powdery slopes on the way home.
Altogether one of the best snow-shoe outings I have been on. La Loge is highly recommended and it is reachable with not a lot of effort. Thanks again to Mark. Here’s to many more.
Looks like a fine outing. Snow envy from here in Blighty!