Powder Puppies

In response to a comment from the previous post, just a couple more powder photos from last winter.


My mate Martin Jeffers is also a Ski Instructor and a keen photographer. We have great fun skiing together in these sought after conditions. I'm in red, and he is in black, taking it in turns to ski and photograph each other.


I've just come off the phone this evening with mates and colleagues Ian and Suzy Saunders. They live in the Méribel valley all year, and are sounding like excited children. Why? It's been snowing in the last few days, that's why. Hey, my feet have gone fidgety all of a sudden.

Martin

P.S. Less than three weeks to go......

Last winter reviewed

Here goes with Hemsley's review of last winter. Great memories of carving on blue slopes......

quiet moments......

snowploughers racing.....

friends training together.....

and countless powder days with mates......


Right, that's enough of looking back on last winter. Maybe I won't win an award for the best review of 2009........but here's looking forward to this one! You have booked your next skiing holiday, haven't you?


Martin

Being inspired

After recently viewing another blog of a professional climber and photographer http://www.ianparnellphotography.blogspot.com/ I was encouraged to watch a YouTube video clip of current marathon world record holder Haile Gebreselassie breaking a record. I'm far from being an elite long distance runner, but I still couldn't fail to being inspired by such a sporting performance. So surely my own personal best time in a half marathon could be 'smashed' on the next attempt, right?

The normal butterflies appeared on cue at the start line of the Kenilworth Half Marathon last Sunday. A combination of having carbo-loaded (pasta!) the night before; weather sunny and fine, and surrounded by very motivated athletes was a recipe for success. But for some reason the legs didn't feel fresh in the first hour of running. There were plenty of distractions including being surrounded by other runners breathing heavily, something I'm not used to. Plus running in the company of two chaps, one pushing the other who was sat in a wheelchair. I would get overtaken by them on the downhill sections, but I soon caught them up on the uphill sections. They happily refused any help of pushing from us during those stretches.

After eight miles the legs suddenly loosened up, so time to up the tempo and dream of being the new Haile or Paula Radcliffe. So again the 'race' was on for a new PB. Every time a distance marker was passed, a quick look at the watch confirmed that my minutes per mile were dropping.

Have you ever watched the London Marathon, or other long distance running on TV and noticed how some people, after they cross the finish line, have a complete lack of coordination? Why do they bumble sideways? Perhaps cruelly I've been guilty of chuckling at them but at the same time feeling slightly sorry as well. Yep you've guessed, it happened to me. After crossing the finishing line and gasping for precious air, I tried my best to walk straight ahead to Harriet. It wasn't happening, a stare down at my feet didn't make any difference, they would not go one in front of the other. I looked forward in desperation to Harriet as I went sideways and backwards. It was most unsettling. Can someone out there please explain why that happens?

However, just as I regained the ability to walk vaguely forwards, there were massive cheers from all around to celebrate the success of the wheelchair pilot and passenger crossing the finish line just five minutes behind me. Now THAT's inspiring.

On the next post I will review last winter, with photos that didn't quite make the cut then - just like these two.

Martin

P.S. After 13.1 miles of running did I better my personal best time? Nope, missed it by just 21 seconds !?! The things you do, to try to get fit for the next ski season......

Base fitness

A summer holiday wasn't possible for us this year, so instead Harriet and I have made the most of long weekends away. We returned from Cornwall and Devon last weekend.

What a trip, we ate the obligatory Cornish pasties, ice creams and cream teas, oh and the odd ale was supped. So we were both surprised when on returning home we realised that we both actually weighed less. But on reflection, our weight loss now makes more sense. Due to several long walks along the South West Coastal Path and a couple of decent runs, more calories were being burnt than were being shoved in!?!


So why go running on a mini break, I hear people ask? For a start it's now officially Autumn which means I'm thinking one season ahead to Winter, plus I have only eight more weeks before heading back out to Méribel again. In other words I've got to get fitter; time to crank it up.


I hate the thought and feeling of getting knackered when teaching and free skiing, so any hard work now will really pay off in a few months' time. Have you ever had the dull ache and loss of freshness in your thighs when skiing? Yep, me too, countless times, it's unavoidable really if out skiing all day. But how about delaying that moment until later in the afternoon just before the lifts close........Let's face it, the lift pass costs enough money, so don't you deserve to get good value out of it?


It did feel slightly strange running along the Penzance promenade, looking out to sea thinking about skiers' legs. Even odder, when the next morning running opposite St.Michael's Mount, I found myself wondering what its elevation was, and how long it would take to ski down and then use a drag lift back up again! Perhaps I shouldn't share such random thoughts to people who may stumble upon and read this blog - but maybe that's what a passion for skiing is all about, looking forward to the next time those planks are back on.



Next weekend I'm running in the Kenilworth Half Marathon which will enable me to have 13 miles of running time to daydream again of the forthcoming winter, without anyone knowing. Will I be spotted doing feisty slalom turns around the course, or snowplough racing tucks through the drinks stations, or even powder turns over the finish line?

Martin


P.S. Thanks to Harriet's patience allowing me time with Canon and tripod last weekend.

Oh, those Welsh mountains

With my wife attending a weekend conference recently, I was left to my own devices. What was I to do, stay in the city, or head out to the hills.....? A quick visit to the Youth Hostel website did the trick, Idwal Cottage was available in the Snowdonia National Park.

It was the turn of Wales to welcome me, with my smelly walking boots and my mate Canon who came along to take some photographs. Holy cow, what a weekend. The weather was amazing for September, decent temperatures and very little cloud.

I managed to get up at daft o'clock each day for the sunrise, apologies to my room-mates in the hostel for the 5.15 alarm clock disturbance. Then some stonkingly high altitude walks up around the Glyder Fawr and Fach peaks and then Y Garn looking across to Snowdon.

Mountains, whether summer or winter, just hit the spot. I can't describe exactly how it makes me feel, I guess a combination of being soothed, relaxed, at peace, exhilarated, energised and empowered all at once.

On the drive back home on the Sunday afternoon Canon, sitting next to me in the front of the car, asked 'Hey Martin, how long is it until we get back to the French Alps this winter?'

I replied ' Just ten weeks to go, hang on in there'.

Martin

P.S. This will be the first of several posts before heading back to the Alps, so keep browsing.

Silence is broken

After having received several enquiries recently about why the blog has gone quiet, I thought that I ought to at least post something. There was I last summer thinking that this was only a skiing blog. It seems like a long time ago that I left Méribel late spring. My UK work routine is in full swing, which means endless city views compared to my favoured landscapes.

But Harriet and I have already managed to have a couple of weekends away this summer to The Lake District and The Yorkshire Dales.

We were based at Keswick in the northern part of The Lakes, where Derwent Water gave us amazing views and rich coloured sunsets each evening. During the day we enjoyed the fresh (windy) air higher up on the mountains.

Then the following weekend we met up with a whole bunch of friends at Ingleton in The Yorkshire Dales. We hadn't seen them since last year during a previous walking trip in the autumn. Many of them are skiers, so it was great catching up with all of their stories and experiences from their skiing holidays. Did it feel weird talking about skiing in Yorkshire in the summer? Not at all.

My non human mate called Canon came along as well, to record excursions up the high peaks of Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent. Not everyones walking boots coped though, Bol still reckons that super glue will fix his boots !?!

So far this summer I've got a lovely bunch of learner drivers through BSM, where the demand for lessons continues. We've had success already with driving test passes. Such an emotional rollercoaster each time, but what a buzz when the examiner gives them their freedom. It was also nice to give 'Noddy', my BSM car, some fresh Yorkshire air.

I hope that you are all having a great summer, whether you are wearing sun block or waterproofs.

Martin

PS, couldn't resist showing you one final photo of the White Scar limestone pavement with the Ingleborough peak hidden in cloud in the background. Canon and I hoiked up the dales after dinner to capture this late low golden light. We then stumbled down in the dark just in time to make last orders. Grand.

The final ski

For ages Ian and I had been waiting for a break in the weather for our final ski of the season.

At the beginning of this week we eventually spotted our opportunity, and ventured upon a two day ski tour up inside the amazing and beautiful Vanoise National Park.

We stayed overnight in a mountain refuge before an early morning start up La Grande Casse, a towering mountain with a huge steep glacier visible from many miles away. This was our way of celebrating the end of the winter and spring together. We were both in the environment that we love, skiing in the high mountains.

During the trip we spoke about how good our winter had been. We spoke about the great snow conditions, and also about how much we loved our jobs as instructors. It's always good to communicate with colleagues and learn from each others experiences.

For the record we didn't quite reach the peak at 3,850 meters, however an amazing experience for us both all the same. It has to be said that crampons attached to our boots were used more than skins under our skis for safety going up.

I leave Méribel on Friday to return back to England for the summer. There is plenty for me to look forward to. For a start I haven't seen my wife for over three weeks. Plus I'm really excited about catching up with my family again, to see how much my nephews and nieces have grown, and also friends who I haven't seen since I left the UK November last year.

At the end of next week, I will pick up 'Noddy' my new little BSM car, when I shall start straight away with a new batch of learner drivers. Back to teaching again, in a very different environment, but enjoyable in a different way. I'm aiming for a high pass rate for my learners again this summer, but also without any crashes this year, wish me luck !?!


Hopefully I will see some of you over the summer, but especially again back in Méribel next winter. I hope you have all enjoyed reading my blog this winter, and I wish you all an amazing summer wherever you are.


Martin

PS, Over the winter I often crave for fine English food and drink. So this weekend I will probably dive into fish and chips with mushy peas, washed down with proper beer, fine English ale. How big will my belly expand after such delights?

Searching for Marmottes

In between dodging daily rain showers and decorating duties this week I've been searching for one of my favourite high mountain creatures, marmottes.

They are lovely little furry animals who hibernate over the winter, often underneath chairlifts, and pop out of their burrows from late April onwards. Some of them tolerate humans from a distance, others certainly don't. So to be able to observe them from a distance has been an amazing treat this week.

Sometimes they crawl along their bellies like commandos, for some reason. But this chap got bored and let out an almighty yawn, even though it looks like a war cry. Check out the teeth and claws.

The area that I've been looking for them has been in the majestic Vanoise National Park. Méribel is right on the edge of this stunning area and includes towering peaks, calm lakes, untouched and strictly protected flower and fauna. A truly spiritual place to experience.

Ian and I are closely keeping an eye on the weather for our last ski, but I'm now quickly running out of time. I'm leaving Méribel at the end of next week, so I'm not sure if our planned trip will be possible. As always, I'll keep you posted.

Martin

PS, Have you ever played a competition called 'Spot the ant in the flower' before? Me neither, so heads down, concentrate, and best of luck to you all. The first prize is a Tartiflette next winter courtesy of me.

Charlotte the Chevreuil

After a day of decorating, I decided to go for a stroll before dinner. My faithful friend called Canon came along as well. Would we see a sunset, more spring flowers or any wildlife?

No sunset because of clouds, plenty of spring flowers to trample over, but the bonus of the evening was bumping into this young Chevreuil. Being part of the deer family means that they are very timid and nervous of us humans. But Charlotte, as I've named her, seemed very relaxed and was happy to pose for a staggeringly long five seconds before 'BOYYING', off into the trees she darted. Thanks Charlotte for this experience, I enjoyed meeting you briefly.

The resort has ground to a halt with holiday visitors. Building work has re-started, chairlifts are being serviced, even apartments are being decorated !?! Which leaves time for exploring the area on foot. I'm constantly finding new footpaths, trying to remember routes for mountain biking and walking in the summer, or even skiing off the beaten track next winter.

I love stumbling across spring flowers next to remote mountain huts and wonder what history they all have. This one was a lovely suprise, full of character, and a reflection of the Mont Vallon peak in the window.

Ian and I are still planning a final ski tour at high altitude. But we have to wait for a clear weather window of two full days up at 3,800 meters. But also away from something called the Champions League, says Ian, whatever that means? In the mean time, back to the decorating grind for me, and the occasional walk with my mate Canon of course.

Martin

PS, Harriet, I promise that the decorating list is being ticked off, honestly !?!

Méribel's Gebroulaz glacier

Over the last few years my passion for ski touring has continued to grow. There's nothing like being miles away from any man-made structures, experiencing the best that the high altitude mountain environment can provide.

Before each ski tour many questions are asked, how much physical effort is required, how many hours will it take, what might the snow be like, what are the dangers, will the risk assessment be accurate ?


Last Saturday Ian Saunders - a great friend and colleague of many years - and I went through this list before we commited to our latest adventure, the access and descent of the Gebroulaz glacier. Most visitors to Méribel don't realise that at the head of the valley exists this massive glacier. This is mainly because there are only two places in the valley to see this huge expanse of slow moving solid ice.... from the top of the Saulire peak and behind the Mont Vallon bubble.

With the bottom half of the Three Valley ski area quickly melting, the Gebroulaz stands proud, strong and very white, thousands of meters above. The peak is at a breathtaking, and lung busting (for ski tourers), 3,450 meters or 11,500 feet above sea level.

For the record, the snow was awesome due to a sudden drop of temperature. It took the usual eight hours for the round trip from Méribel. The high risk of crevasses on the glacier was always evident and reminded us to be cautious.

Once the main part of the descent was completed we stopped next to the Refuge du Saut for our picnic. After which we had to continue down to Mottaret, via Lac du Tueda.


At 2,000 meters we ran out of snow to ski on: fortunately our ski touring boots can turn into 'rigid' walking boots from normal ski boots to help in such eventualities. How weird did it feel being in full ski kit, walking through fields of spring flowers, watched by bewildered visitors ?


I also had a fantastic weekend with Harriet before she flew back to England this afternoon. We are now planning our summer in the UK (damn, no high alpine mountains !?!). But hang on a minute, it's been raining and snowing heavily here in the last 24 hours. Can Ian and I possibly squeeze in another adventure? I'll keep you posted.

Martin

Suddenly that's it !?!

Hello everybody, and welcome to my last post about my work this winter. I finished my teaching with Diane and Rachel on Friday. We discussed the power of the mind, how to feel relaxed on skis, and ultimately how to say 'no' to situations and people. Can I just say that at this point I just love my job, it's the best thing ever without being smug. But boy oh boy do I get tired at the end of each winter season. With that in mind, I did absolutely nothing for three days other than recover, and take these photos.

But what a great place to do that, spring time in the Alps. The flowers stop you in your tracks, the trees slowly wake up, and the noise of the streams just explode. Each day gets warmer and warmer. Snow depths that build up all winter suddenly melt and that in turn expands the rivers, as seen here of the Doron cascading down the Méribel valley.

I hope you don't object, but I would like to continue the blog for a couple of more weeks, even though my work has finished. I would like to share with you my experiences in the high mountains before heading back to England. In the next few days Ian Saunders, a great friend and colleague, and I have planned a few ski tours. Plus, my wife Harriet is coming out for a long weekend this weekend. Happy days.

Martin

PS, for those who know me, I'm about to return to my place and worst ever state of fear, the Peclet glacier very soon.....

Crop circles cont'd

More about the crop circles later, but in the mean time Méribel has received spring weather at full throttle in the last week.

The warmer weather of the last couple of weeks has been relentless, without fresh snow, but at least most nights the pistes have been freezing well. The snow on the lower pistes are thinning, and wild spring flowers are popping up all over the place. If you know where to go and at what time of the day, you can make the best of the conditions. Which is what Caroline and I did for our couple of sessions over the weekend.

During our first session Caroline admitted that she was sometimes getting frustrated by skiing in a group, struggling to keep up with them, not knowing what technique to use and hating the burning feeling in her legs. Now bearing in mind that she ran the London marathon last year in a very respectable time, it became clear that fitness was not the issue. My task was to try and simplify her knowledge of technique and tactics, and then prioritise the process of improvement. It was the first time that I used frogs during a ski lesson, but hey, it worked !?! It was great for me to hear Caroline say at the start of our second session that her group had already noticed significant changes.

Terry and Brandon, father and son, had four sessions with me over the Easter weekend. We built confidence on the green slopes, worked hard on energy efficient skiing. And then the grand finale was me taking Brandon up to the top of Saulire and skiing him down a couple of steep blue slopes on the last morning.

Ok, here goes with crop circles under the Cote Brune chairlift again. I've been caught off guard by the response about my previous post titled 'Crop Circles' last week. I've received phone calls from friends in resort, to find out if it was all true. Plus I've received emails from British and French enthusiasts who I suspect have never put ski boots on before. The French guy is a website adminstrator on sightings, with the British guy having written a thesis about crop circles. So, for your enjoyment crop circle lovers, here is a photo of the second pattern.


My teaching work will fizzle out in the next couple of days. I shall have a few days off skis to re-charge, take in the spring sights including random Savoyard buildings below, but also prepare myself hopefully for some end of season ski touring. Please do keep reading in the next few weeks, even though it may feel as though the winter has finished.


Martin

PS, Good luck to Robbie with his ACL reconstruction operation at the end of this week. Can't wait to ski with you again next winter as long as you lose that awful low-hanging trouser builders- crack look !?!

Crop circles

The Oxford English Dictionary defines phenomenon as 'a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially in one whose cause is in question'.


There have been many been dropped jaws, shrugged shoulders, and conspiracy theories going around resort in the last couple of days. Two 'crop circles' have apppeared from nowhere underneath the Cote Brune chairlift high above Méribel Mottaret. Produced by bored pisteurs, out-of-work ski instuctors or friendly alien visitors? Who knows, but they are very precise!?! And no it's not April Fools Day.

The Joneses are back in town this week. Robbie, the son, is busy being bored because he is unable to ski due to an ACL operation next week. Olivia, the daughter, is busy training in the ESF Competition group. She has so far picked up a silver award in the Chamois slalom race, and a vermeil award in the Fleche giant slalom race, well done. Which only leaves Helen, Chris and I to go searching for spring snow conditions off piste.


Spring snow is where the snow is still frozen from the overnight cooling, it then transforms into softer smooth layers just before turning into stodge as the sun and air temperatures heat the crystals. If caught early enough it provides lovely delicate sensations. We worked on sensitive pressure control, and how to use both of our feet as one unit for steering the skis. Helen and Chris described it as 'like skiing over pillows'. A new description that I haven't heard before, but I just smiled, nodded and agreed with them!?!


Don't tell anyone, but I'm slowly getting photographic geek tendancies, where most evenings I take all my kit to a secret location to take sunset shots. Each evening, in a geeky fashion remember, I capture mountain images each one different depending on weather conditions. The other evening my solitude was rudely interrupted by a piste basher, captured below in a blurred fashion, but I don't think I was spotted shuffling behind the tripod to hide.

Easter is suddenly busy with work, in what is bound to be stonking spring weather again. Have a great Easter weekend.



Martin