There was much enthusiasm when I suggested one of our classic outings to Franck’s, but unfortunately several of our stalwarts were otherwise engaged, often apparently engaged in zipping up and down ski slopes. Anyway, in the end, nine of us met up at the large car park at the Crozet lift station at 10.00. We were very pleased to welcome a new member, Michael Matthews from Arzier who fitted the GIN mold perfectly.
After paying our €9 lift fee, we left the grey and rainy car park which is at about 600m and took the Fierney cable car up to the top station at 1300m into a completely different world. No question about whether to use snowshoes or not, so everyone buckled up quickly and we set off in our usual Northerly direction across the bottom of the ski pistes.
The route was somewhat indistinct, there were no previous footprints to follow, but we had a fairly good idea of where to go. It was quite hard going (for some of us, mostly me) through the reasonably-deep snow and we wound our way upwards. There were a few tumbles in the powder, but no harm done, fortunately.
At one point Peter and Kobie decided to take a narrow path or ledge above us and it soon became evident that it was perhaps not the best choice. Peter adopted a hybrid approach with one boot and one snowshoe but soon had to abandon even that innovation and slide down to us.
The team strung out but we gathered at the table d’orientation at the Col de Crozet (1485m) and consumed coffee and who knows what from a small flask!
The clouds were lowering as we left the viewpoint, and landmarks were disappearing so there was some discussion about the direction to take towards the Catheline lift station. Peter and Nathan seemed confident and led us unerringly to the said goal. We crossed the wide ski slopes and entered the small track through the snow-laden trees to cover the 1km or so to La Loge.
Franck, Cathy and Laos, their Australian sheepdog, were there to welcome us and he (Laos) and Kobie were pleased to rub noses. After an assortment of drinks, we were offered a choice of croute au fromage and salad or saucisse and lentils. The, as usual, hearty meals followed by brownies and crème anglaise were washed down by various liquids.
Franck went to some lengths to excuse the fact that there was no tarte au myrtilles as the Catheline lift had been out of action due to variations in snow cover, so supplies were limited. He said that one day, a metre of snow outside disappeared within 24 hours and all became green outside. No such problems today as we could see that it was snowing quite hard outside. Many interesting discussions took place, often involving a certain Mr T across the pond, whilst Kobie did the rounds to check on anything edible for him. Cathy told us that he was in the rubbish bin in the kitchen at one point!
Franck then brought out the shot glasses and served us the traditional génépi from a large container. When the bill arrived, this was offered as well as the coffee and we all happily paid the princely sum of €25.
Snowshoes donned, we trudged back to the Catheline through an even more magical forest and then followed the direct route back to Fierney at the side of the ski pistes, only being warned once by an irate skier to keep well away from him.
We arrived back at the top station with less than a quarter of an hour before it closed, thankful not to have to walk all the way down.
Everyone agreed that the hike had lived up to its reputation as one of our classics and we were blessed with copious amounts of snow.
Personally, I struggled with my fitness on the uphill stretches, possibly due to my treatment last year, but possibly because I seemed to have developed a chest cold in the evening. Whatever, I am really indebted to everyone’s patience and caring which illustrates the wonderful camaraderie amongst our GIN members. Long may it continue!
Our hike was carried out under the shadow of events in La Cure whereby Chez Mamac was burnt to the ground on Monday night and the perpetrator was fortunately prevented from doing the same to the Vermeilley later on. One of our favourite lunch spots lost, but happily one saved.
Thanks to everyone who sent photos – the 2 Peters, Mark 2tts and Michael.
Present: Peters S and T, Marks 2rrs and 2tts, Andrew, Nathan, David, Michael and myself.
Distance by my Garmin watch: 6.25, Dénivellation: 298 metres.