Ten walkers and a dog met in glorious springlike sunshine at the Place de l’ancienne Gare in Divonne les Bains for the 2.8km saunter along the old railway line to the Restaurant des Bergers in Grilly. The walk took us by the homes of two of the participants where we noted the wife of one was working hard in their garden pruning roses and the other participant joined us having sat on a bench in the sun waiting our arrival about 1km into our journey.
We were joined by the final participant at the restaurant itself so there were twelve of us who sat down to eat an excellent fondue washed down with a delightful Chablis.
After such a lunch, the return journey was most welcome.
Participants: Jeff C, Norman E, Mike M and Nessie, Robert O’R, Mike P, Richard S, Paul S, Rudolf S, Gerry S, Gary V, Ralph W and Mark 2R.
Ed: Many thanks to Mark for organising the walk and lunch and for the blog.
This time a different trio – Mark 2ts, St.Cergue Stephen and myself signed-up for a day in the Grand Massif starting from Samoens, where we met up shortly after 10am after an easy drive.
By 11o’clock we were coasting down towards Flaine to enjoy the still surprisingly good snow above 2000m. We weren’t alone as the half-term holidays were still attracting lots of intermediate skiers who bloated the lift queues and littered the slopes. However they seemed to head for the restaurants before noon leaving the well prepared pistes down from Grandes Platières delightfully empty. Stephen, fresh from his numerous outings in Les Rousses, but venturing into the Alps for the first time so far this year, exhibited fine form on his unforgiving GS planks.
Stephen and Mervyn spoiling a stupendous view of Mt Blanc
An al fresco mid morning coffee was followed by a late lunch at Le Blanchot. Were the portions too generous or was Mark just too exhausted even to finish his salad?
Under continuing clear sunny skies we headed back up to the top of Flaine for a final descent before covering the several kilometres back to Samoens. We set off for the return drive at 4pm after another glorious outing. Thanks guys!
An exhilarating day began as 8 hardy souls (plus two 4-legged companions) awaited the 10:12 train at the Col de la Givrine. We joined two other hardy souls already in the train for the short trip to our starting point.
The hike began at the La Cure train station with just a small amount of snow on the ground and quite clement weather.
Attending were: Kobie, Mark2rs, Mark2ts, Mervyn, MichaelH, Nathan, PeterT, PeterS, Philip, Richard, Rob, Rocco, Ross, and Stephen. Excuses received spanned from a wishy-washy claim of lousy weather (fake news!), I’ll come only if it’s dry (which it was, so he participated) and a last minute abandon with no reason given but it was assumed to be a force-majeure.
Assessing the recent fire damage at Chez Mamac
When we arrived at the restaurant Chez Mamac to assess the recent fire damage, some of the more clairvoyant amongst us decided to don their snow shoes as the snow became a bit deeper.
Beyond Chez Mamac the snow slowly became more abundant
Others preferred to wait until the snow was knee-deep.
One of the group members decided not to use his snow shoes at all and simply strategically hiked behind someone approximately his height who was kindly blazing the trail. This worked well until our friend missed a step and fell into a hole. Luckily for him a nearby mate came to his rescue or we may have lost him forever.
One member, with his vintage snow-shoes, struggled a bit because near the beginning of the day his shoe tightening strap broke. A fellow hiker helped find an adequate solution with a strap from his sack. Nonetheless continuing the hike with one shoe only somewhat tied to his snow shoe was a courageous endeavour and deserves recognition.
The snow was deep enough to cover the paths and there were a few discussions about which direction we should take but we managed to maintain cohesion and all 12 of us arrived at Pré du Four for a well earned refreshment pause.
Although we were a bit behind schedule we decided refreshments were needed.
After the pause, an alternate route was selected which took us past Le Grütli and through a lovely forest that was not part of the initial plan. It turned out to be an excellent choice.
Just before the restaurant we parted company with two members who descended directly to La Givrine rather enjoying a meal with us.
Lunch discussion subjects largely included the antics of the present USA president (fondly known as The Orange Monster). It seems that the group has lost interest in Scottish independence for the moment.
Fondue, various croutes and röstis were welcome accompaniments to the beer. Being 10 people helped immensely to determine the cost per person.
While we were replenishing our energy, our two 4 legged companions renewed their friendship with Moos, their host, and went frolicking outside in the snow.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and after a few beers and a delicious meal we decided to take the direct route back to the car park.
The day went very well: the weather cooperated, no injuries were incurred (although there was a helicopter that flew by to check on us) and we managed a distance of 9 km with a 360m climb.
Not sure in which activity category this fits – walking, dining, culture(?), or a new and separate activity – just drinking?
After yours truly had availed himself of a BuyClub voucher, back in the autumn, for a private group guided visit to the Calvinus brewery in Carouge plus beer tasting, he set about fixing a date for interested members. This proved far more difficult than he would have imagined, given the attractiveness of the offer. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that five beer lovers were able to finally settle on a mutually agreed date – February 26th.
That evening saw four of us, Peter D, Peter T, Stephen and myself assemble at Coppet station to catch the 17:41 Leman Express to Lancy Pont Rouge, the nearest station to the brewery at 51 Route des Jeunes near La Praille. Not having these beer lovers behind a steering wheel that evening was considered a prudent decision! A fifth member, who shall remain nameless, having forgotten the date, drove to the venue, arrived late, missed most of the brewery tour, passed on the substantive tasting (he did sip them all) and drank only the non-alcoholic beer.
Calvinus, the latinisation of Jean Calvin, one of Geneva’s most famous residents, was chosen as the name of the only brewery in the canton of Geneva in 1999. Although not exactly known for his riotous or even pleasurable life-style, but instead for his strict religious teachings, Calvin was apparently experimenting with the brewing process in later life:
In Birae Predestinas
“Shortly before his death in 1564, Calvin, who was already unwell, would spend many hours cloistered in his house at rue des Chanoines in Geneva. Strange odours would emerge from his laboratory and percolate right up to the foot of the ramparts. He was even suspected by his enemies of practising alchemy – a pursuit forbidden by the Inquisition. In fact, assisted by a former Trappist monk, he was learning the art of brewing beer. His doctors had forbidden him to consume any communion wine, so terribly did its abysmal quality affect his complexion and gnaw away at his internal organs.
Alas, one fine Sunday in May, a dreadful bilious attack put a premature end to his life and his work. In memory of Calvin, we, Les Frères Papinot, have resumed his valuable research. After countless efforts, we have finally succeeded and the Calvinus beers have been born.”
Calvin on fire
Our guide for the visit, Arthur Papinot, son of one of the founders, showed us round the small brewing plant and explained the process.
Arthur explains the early stages of the processesArthur with some malt The fermentation vessels
He emphasised the attention paid to using quality raw materials – malted organic barley, hop concentrate in pellet form, yeast and spring water – and the absence of artificial preservatives, stabilisers, or pasteurisation. The ancient brewing traditions are respected, although the equipment used is stainless steel and ultra-modern. Calvinus produces about 100,000(?) litres of beer of various types annually – blonde, blanche, ambrée, IPA, noir(stout). It is sent to Appenzell for bottling and sold to restaurants and shops and at festivals in and around Geneva.
A fifth member arrives just in time for the tastingsIn the Brasserie, tasting the BlondeMark with the five beers we tasted
The tour concluded with a tasting of five of the beers produced accompanied by a cheese and cold meat platter. The consensus was that all the beers were indeed pleasant but not outstanding. The stout was characterised by its distinct coffee aroma and taste. The price of beers has gone up during the past couple of years due to the Ukraine war forcing a steep rise in the price of raw materials and energy. After a rapid expansion in the number of small artisanal breweries in Switzerland during the past decade some are now proving uneconomic and are closing. We hope Calvinus will not be amongst them and so to show our support we stayed on and sank several additional glasses.
Poor old Calvin. He never got to drink Calvinus! (Neither did Mark…(Ed.)).
8am on a rather grey drizzly morning saw four of us (Ralph, Mervyn, Mark and his grandson Henry) set off in Ralph’s comfortably commodious car in a Champéry direction, hoping to find more clement weather.
By 9:30 we were parked up and heading for the téléphérique to take us up to Planachaux and the start of our skiing – to our 10:30 rendezvous with Stephen, who was joining us from Morgins having escaped grandparenting duties for the day. Our French resident member was unable to use his on-line purchased ski ticket because seemingly he had specified Morzine (in France) rather than Champéry (in Switzerland) as his entry point into the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil ski domain. This was rectified by the payment of an additional supplement, but because of the queue at the guichet, also cost him two missed cable-cars and, in true GIN fashion, some mild piss-taking.
So somewhat behind schedule we set off but were soon enveloped in thick cloud as we groped our way along the ridge and down the long but gentle Abricotine run to Les Brochaux. The youth member of the team, on his first outing of the season, found that his skiing improved markedly once he’d done up his boots. Hot drinks and banter raised the spirits and with the visibility improving we headed towards Avoriaz to enjoy the Coupe du Monde and other long runs.
Lunch was taken at an old favourite, the erstwhile “soup kitchen” above Prodain whose menu now included fondue and tartiflette. After a tasty draught IPA we were soon tucking into the afore-mentioned fare plus wine and coffee for a very reasonable €40. For the information of our only €uroland dweller it’s a cash only establishment. He has now ratcheted up a debt as well as sundry fines.
Timid blue patches of sky were now turning into the forecast sunshine and we spent a pleasant afternoon playing on Arare and Fornet. The exciting off-piste was the scene of much sitting down skiing by one of our number, who complained that an old war-wound was giving him some gyp.
Returning to Switzerland, we rather sensibly opted for a descent of Chavanette by chairlift and enjoyed(?) the spectacle of numerous skiers who had clearly overestimated their ability to handle one of the most fearsome mogul fields in the Alps. Stephen left us at Les Crosets to ski back to Morgins and tired legs was the excuse for the rest of us to head back to Champéry the shortest way.
The return home in just over 1h30 was surprisingly easy and thanks to Ralph for his excellent driving and general bonhomie. Thanks too to Stephen for his guiding, to Henry for fitting in so well and lowering the average age of the group and to Mark for his customary good humour and displaying unorthodox drag-lift technique.
We were so busy enjoying ourselves no one had time to take any photos. Nor was distance or denivelation recorded, but it seemed lots.
At least one intending snow shoer inquired as to whether this hike could be moved from Thursday to Wednesday in view of the poor weather forecast for Thursday, but following the addage that there is no such thing as wrong weather, only wrong gear, we ploughed ahead.
11 and a dog showed up at Le Coutzet parking at 1160m, at 10am, just as a very large truck was loading up very large logs in the car park.
Loading logs with dexterity and finesse
Happily the log loader had done this many times before and we were not threatened by falling wood.
Attending : Mark2ts, MichaelM, Stephen, Rob, Nathan, Andrew, Ross, Drew, Mervyn, Ralph and me and Kobie. Apologies were received from many, some of them with reasonable sounding excuses. Sad that Larry had had to return to Canada to lower his blood pressure.
I was quite surprised that all 10 others who said they would come, actually turned up on the day. The forecast was indeed not great. My hope was that the precipation would turn to snow as we gained height – and indeed this turned out to be the case. Despite this being a snow-shoe hike, and with it being mild and slushy at the car park we unanimously took the decision to leave our raquettes behind in the cars, and “wing it” on boots. I must admit to being a little apprehensive about this, especially as the snow arrived in spades not long after we had left the car park, both underfoot and falling on us !
Anyway without the snow shoes we were lighter and more nimble as we slid our way up the initial slopes.
Nimbly taking in the initial slush
Stephen led upward and he seemed to be in fine form after his hiking holiday in La Gomera, despite his somewhat niggling replacement knee, possibly to be re-replaced soon. He sported an orange plastic bag which reminded us of another member who also has this in his lexicon of kit (and who also hikes La Gomera).
The team in a “Before” shot, looking positively charged
We had been in reasonably dry weather to begin with. The precipitation soon came. Rain, then sleet then snow. Stopping for a breather at the Bent Tree (now more bent as you may discern) brought back memories of winter hikes past.
Kobie at the Bent Tree – before the thick snow arrivedKobie at the Bent Tree April 2023looking back from the Bent Tree
Morale seemed good so we ploughed on up towards the Chalet des apprentis
Thicker snow falling – the Chalet des apprentis on the rightLooking back at the Chalet des apprentis, Nathan in his Norwegian white jacket
Kobie led the way up, sensing or smelling the chamois whom we spotted hunkered down on the steep cliffs left of the Col de Porte which was reached in good time for some aperos.
Aperos and coffee at the ColThe same spot in April 2023
Sheltering under the lee of the hut at the Col de Porte (1557m) we were looking out at falling snow, reminiscent of April 2023 when Nathan had led us up here. These are the winter walks at their best !
Thus far we had seen precisely nobody else about, and the trails were virgin snow, surprisingly easy to walk on without raquettes. The descent began at 12.10 pm and indeed it took us only half an hour descending in pleasant powder snow, passed lower down on the piste by the odd skier enjoying very pleasant snow conditions.
Looking back up to the Col de PorteThe trees beginnig to take on a Schilligers look
We arrived at the Restaurant Couvaloup de Crans (1280m) only a little behind schedule. There were a number of skiers taking refreshment, but a big table had been set for us. Dr Gabs beer was soon delivered and a relaxed feeling that “the worst is over” seemed to be coming through. Of course this was a false sense of reality – but more of that later.
Various dishes were ordered duly deliverd and consumed, including much rösti and croute fromage and mushroom. One member misrembered his order and started eating the plate of another, but a diplomatic incident was averted as a new dish was required to be cooked and came in good time.
Michael and Mark hold the far endMervyn eyes his tartelette de citron
Stephen related an Irish joke from La Gomera. It was funny but I cannot relate it here as the Censor would make noises. We drank the health of absent friends, sorry to miss them and sorry they were missing another classic.
At this juncture I can tell you that I’m typing this on 13 February – ie the same day as this outing. We(I) did inquire of Rob as to when his blog of the SS outing 4 weeks ago was going to be seen, but he seemed to fall back on the “no rules” “rule” of GinClub, some would say a line of argument on thin ice. Given that he is the SS Organiser (and is having an abstemious quarter), he does have rank over me here, so I’m resting my case.
It was snowing outside and the fire inside was keeping us nice and warm. More beer then dessert and coffees arrived and Drew shared some Scotch.
Andrew and Ralph pondering the likelihood of escaping aliveGenral view with our efficient and friendly hostess
It was time to pay up and go, the bill being divided unfairly or fairly as to ones choices, but in fact I think we tried to be fairer than a straight split by 11.
Off out into the precipitation now being more sleety rain than rainy sleet.
Wending our way up the trail to Fin Château
We opted for the shorter higher trail home. Indeed I did not recall this from earlier (April 23 visit) in particular that the trail rises up well over 110m on the way back. Clearly nobody had been this way for some time, trees had fallen across the trail which at times seemed to disappear.
Following the rather sketchy trail
This route followed a trail on the map just south of Le Kikajon to the Fin Château, the latter being not obvious as, if there ever had been such an establishment, it’s Fin was some time ago. We descended steeply to a clearing and a trail more indicative of use and stopped for a breather and a photo.
The “After” photo – many still smiling. Kobie seemed a bit resigned though.
It was indeed not too far now to the cars. The rain/sleet had subsided. If there was any grumbling, I did not hear it. Even Kobie had enjoyed himself (when does he not?).
A hike of nearly 11km and 550m denivellation. Some gear was tested. Some found good, some not so. Lessons for the future. And I believe we all agreed that given the soft conditions and low depth of snow that wearing snow shoes would have been worse. Thanks for all the fun folks. Until the next time.
A rather short-notice proposal for a ski day on Tuesday, to take advantage of recent good snow and very favourable weather resulted in just two of us, Joe and Mervyn, heading off in Joe’s car to the easternmost end of the canton, Les Diablerets, for a high-level adventure.
We duly arrived at the Col du Pillon, boarded the téléphérique and were quickly up at 3000m by 10:30. The sky was stunningly sunny and cloudless, the snow deep but firm, and crowds absent. After taking a few moments to absorb the view we decided to test our legs firstly on the relatively easy slopes on the top of the glacier. Indeed the T-bars were the most problematic feature, the skiing being effortless on the pristine pistes. Suitably encouraged we ventured down the magnificent Combe d’Audon, the first of several descents on this 7 km long, empty itinerary piste to Oldenalp some 1200m lower. The only disappointment was that the normally forgiving powder was crusty and uninviting.
Easy pistes to start with on the glacier
Time for a mid-morning coffee at the only open restaurant on the mountain, the recently restored Le Carnotzet at the summit, Scex Rouge. My all-time favourite watering hole, Refuge de l’Espace, nestled beside the iconic Quille du Diable is closed (for ever?) and the Cabane des Diablerets had its shutters firmly closed and no sign of a flag flying. One cannot visit Glacier 3000 without making the exhilarating Peak to Peak suspended walk, widely promoted throughout the region and the country. It was the perfect day to do so and we were rewarded with a breathtaking full 360° panorama, extending from the Jura, the cloud-covered lake, Gstaad and the Saanenland, the Bernese Oberland, the Valaisian Alps, to the Mt Blanc massif.
On the Peak to Peak walk.Joe on top of the (Vaudois) world
After more runs we took an al-fresco lunch at the cowshed at Oldenalp, now bathed in sunshine and transformed into a pop-up bar with barbecue. The menu was limited but wholesome – bratwurst mit rösti – and almost made the infuriatingly long wait worthwhile. Perhaps the cowherd needs to stick to his day job, or get some extra help. The afternoon saw us completing all the available runs and repeating the best of them. We were relieved to see that the recently constructed and infamous Black Wall was closed, requiring us to descend to the Col du Pillon by cable car, but with a clear conscience. A long 46° icy black run is not recommended at the end of the day! We were back in the car by 4:15 and home well before 6pm. All in all a great day and one to repeat, but only in sunny weather and preferably after fresh snow has fallen.
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.
Upwards and onwards
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.
Peter making snow angels
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!
Warming beverages
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.
Peekaboo
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.
A motley crew!
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!
What did you say?
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.
Franck and his magic potionBack on the road
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.
On the way downWhat a wonderful world
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.
Down at last
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.
Two outings were scheduled on consecutive days this week due to the excellent prevailing weather conditions at altitude. The call to action received a disappointingly small response due to injury, sickness, therapy, travel and work(?) commitments. Time for some realignment of priorities, surely.
Bright (or rather, foggy) and early on Monday morning Mark and Mervyn set off to Champéry. The autoroute traffic in our direction was pleasingly fluid and we were soon booted, ticketed and on the 10am téléphérique and up into the glorious sunshine. Some gentle cruising on empty pistes saw us rendezvous with Stephen and Kate for an early coffee at Les Brochaux. Stephen was making his first GIN outing of the new year, having led us to expect him to be hors de combat for the season. Having a stubbornly gammy knee has done nothing to reduce his speed on skis but has required a modified technique for getting on and off chair lifts.
The rest of the morning was spent enjoying at speed the long, almost empty, slopes around Avoriaz before a welcome lunchtime beer and excellent plat du jour Chez Flo. Stephen departed to return early to Morgins leaving the two elder statesmen to wend their way back the pretty way to Champèry via Mossettes, Les Crosets, Ripaille and Grand Paradis. It was a testament to the good snow conditions that the long itinerary route was skiable, with the delightful Chalet Clavets open to provide drinks en route.
We left at 4pm and were back home by 5:30 after a trouble-free return journey.
Stephen and Mark chez FloMervyn and Mark at Les Portes du Soleil
The next day, Tuesday, a different trio (David, Ralph and Mervyn) ventured out to ski Le Grand Massif. We drove via Bardonnex onto the A40 to Cluses and thence to Samoens. There was thick fog in the Arve valley and high polluting lorries were forbidden from using the autoroute, which was something of a blessing. We duly arrived without incident and in sunshine and were up on the snow by 10am. The two super-seniors in the party were granted free lift passes whilst the youngster paid his dues with good grace. Whether the same largesse is available to him when he reaches 75 remains to be seen.
This had all the makings of a great day and so it was to be. The slopes everywhere and particularly above Flaine were in remarkably good snowy condition and the mountain vistas quite breath-taking. The photos don’t do it justice, not least because there are three guys spoiling the view. We enjoyed the long, wide sweeping blues and reds above the treeline from Les Grandes Platières (2480m) before stopping for a late lunch of classic mountain fare at Le Blanchot.
Unfortunately, the long scenic route down to Sixt was closed so we retraced our way back to Samoens the way we came. It’s quite some distance but the lift system is very efficient and the crowds at this time of year are virtually non-existent. There was the suspicion of a fall by one of our number, but as it wasn’t witnessed and is therefore unverifiable, GIN rules imply that it never happened. Three tired but happy and injury-free bodies set off for home shortly after 4pm.
I shall be away for the next two weeks, so if anyone reading this wishes to organise an outing then, please feel free to do so.
2 Super-Seniors on top of the worldMountain panoramaDavid, Ralph, Mervyn spoiling the view
The three musketeers, ventured in two separate cars (Ralphs with Mark), and Mervyn making his own way . Bleary eyed we set off at 7.45 ish expecting to hit some rush hour traffic, amazingly it was quiet, especially zigzagging round Versoix and Ferney, to hit the motorway by the airport .
We were well behaved with our speed and saw no camera flashes apart from the occasional French lunatic flashing his lights to pass . Surprisingly we reached les Contamines at 9.20 well before our planned meeting time with Mervyn and another friend of Ralphs, Brian, who is also known through Ex DuPont colleagues .
Brass monkeys was an apt description when we arrived being a balmy -10.5 deg C at the car park by the lift. Yes you can guess fitting ones boots is bad enough at 5 deg c but -10 is indeed a challenge , however with a lot of heaving and grunting this task was completed leaving ample time to Mark and Ralph to partake Coffee and croissants. These were eagerly consumed .
Brian arrived just after 10 am and we headed off up to Signal , sharing catch up stories of what’s been happening recently , plus latest Medical issues .
What a glorious day with clear blue sky and a crisp dry air , Mont Blanc showing all her might and glory. It had been dumping snow on the Friday and Saturday hence the snow conditions were excellent above 1700 metres , disappointingly below , it had been raining , hence with cold temps this had frozen , so edges had to be sharp to ski on this .
We were also pleased that it was not too windy , the day before in Geneva, there were serious gusts , fortunately not many lifts were closed , only ones where avalanches are a big risk .
From Signal we did a few blue runs to get all moving parts working , then headed up to Montjoie , skiing down Aig Croche , followed by Tierces and Coins a few times , aiming to stay in the sunnier slopes. The snow conditions allowed for easy carving
Around 12 .15 we headed off for lunch at the farm at Rouelle, Whilst I was taking off my skis (Ralph) I found myself on the ground trying to bend my ski pole straight , with my thigh . Falling over whist drunk I guess is acceptable but being stone cold sober was a first. Landing on a pole on ice is not that much fun , still have an enormous bruise as a reminder , however a great lunch dulled the pain .
Plat de jour (duck and spicy chips )washed down with beers. ( Not too sure that eating on the terrace was a great decision though )
Brian had to depart after 2.30 pm to pick up his wife from the station so the 3 -standing die hards , managed to do some interesting runs like the Olympic , Doing this without stopping suggests ones fitness is not too shabby . Choucas , far right slope from top of the col du Joly , is usually a very enjoyable run , however today it was bobbly and icy . We skied several runs on the col side avoiding north face slopes , then back over for another blast down the Olympic before returning back to signal .
It’s possible to ski all the way back to bottom of the lift in the village , however due to the icy slopes we skied to the top of the first bubble then stopped for some well- deserved refreshments. Taking the bubble down was a sensible decision , all arriving safely to our cars.
Great day out , and super company indeed a very enjoyable time.
