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 !?!