Base building

It was less than a week ago that I was still in the UK dreaming about the mountains, hoping for cold temperatures, praying for regular snowfalls, visualising snow cannons blasting away and imagining piste bashers thundering by.


Guess what, that's all been happening every day since I arrived. It's a perfect start to this coming ski season - and it's still not December.


That all important 'base' is being formed both naturally and artificially. So whilst many people are shivering in the UK at the moment, I've personally got a massive smile on my face because of these conditions. Some people could say this is selfish, maybe, but the positives are worth it for us skiers in winter.


Even though the lifts don't open here for another week, I'm hoping to put on my skis soon. I'll either skin up the mountain somewhere, as long as the clouds disappear. Or I'll head over to Tignes and Val d'Isere for a cheeky first slide. Time to dust off the ski kit methinks, and make sure my Icebreaker thermals are to hand, it's freezing out here.



Martin

How very French.

My last evening in the UK was spent in Sussex. Harriet and I drove down to catch up with friends who I used to work with decades ago in the IT industry. Both Rog and Dickie were on fine form during our curry, how very English! Then the next morning I was off over (or rather, under) the channel to France, before stopping overnight in Gevrey Chambertin in Bourgogne (Burgundy).


The next morning I decided to have a walk about with Canon to ease myself back into France. Gevrey Chambertin is the home to some very very fine wine. Last winter season I was fortunate enough to taste some amazing examples during a 'wine tasting' session with The Joneses. You really do get the feeling of excellence in this area. The architecture, road signs, vineyards and the politeness of the people all enhance the experience.


Whilst I was trying to find a shop to buy some credit for my French mobile, I bumped into this girl pushing a wheelbarrow. Normally you would expect rubble, or perhaps manure being loaded into a wheelbarrow. Not this one, which was full to the brim with bottles of red wine. It was the village of Gevrey Chambertin darling after all !?!


I continued my search for shops, but they were all closed. Even the local post office was shut, how come? It was Monday, and shops are closed on a Monday in some villages, of course, how silly of me. My topping up of mobile credit would have to wait for another day. How very French.


I arrived in Méribel early yesterday evening. So how does it look? Difficult to tell, because it's been very cloudy, chilly and lightly snowing since I've got here. The forecast: temperatures to continue to drop with a few snow showers coming our way this week. It's looking to be a great start to the winter.


I'll keep you posted as always.


Martin

What do we want?

We want mountains....

We want winter storms....

With heavy snow falls....

We want ski lifts....

We want deep powder....

We want groomed pistes to have fun....

We want silliness....

And we want mountain tranquility....

So when do we want it?

NOW.

Martin

P.S. It's not too much to ask is it? I handed back my BSM driving school car today. Last minute packing now because I'm off back to Méribel in a couple of days time. Come on Canon, let's get going.

P.P.S. Have a quick look at the webcams, http://www.merinet.com/webcam/meribel/34 . It looks so much better than this time last year already, FANTASTIC.

Last winter's favourites

In no particular order or priority, here are my favourite photos from the winter of 2009/2010....

It's been fun selecting them from my archives.

Happy days, having fun with like minded people.

In paradise.

In anticipation for this next winter.

Even Canon has started fidgeting in his camera bag sensing the sub-zero temperatures.

Enjoy.

You have booked your ski holiday for this winter haven't you?

And your fitness program has started already hasn't it?

Martin