Aspire To Ski

Silver-lined clouds

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:42:00 +0000

The weather last week was constantly challenging with most days cloudy and with flat light. This made it difficult to see the pistes and most importantly the nature of the gradient. Plus the freezing level bounced around a little which meant we had a mixture of rain, mucky sleet and then finally snow.

But when it did snow, we were all in for a real treat with perfect, light, fluffy, ego-massaging champagne textures. I immediately introduced Arthur, Tess and their brothers and sisters to this experience.

You should have heard their screams of joy and delight. They all had great fun, but I heard comments like 'I love this snow, but it's really difficult skiing'.

I did my best to give them technical assistance. For instance keeping their arms forward, staying balanced over their skis, and making smooth movements whilst turning. But deep down they were just happy to go and play in the fluffy stuff.

My job was to find areas where they could practise these techniques, and then experiment in a safe environment, without getting over excited.

Occasionally there was the odd slow motion pain-free tumble, immediately followed by un-controllable giggles, especially from me!?!

We even got to ski within the depths of the forest.

I was so pleased that they all had a great day, they deserved it after the challenging weather earlier in the week.

It was one of those days that they will all never forget. I'm sure that you have similar memories from your skiing holidays, it's what keeps you coming back every winter isn't it?

Martin

P.S. Thanks to Arthur's and Tess's parents for allowing me to take these photos and using them on this blog. I hope you all enjoy them as much as I do.

P.P.S. I'm really chuffed at how much both Arthur and Tess improved over the week, especially again because of the conditions that they had to deal with. Top effort.

The Noughties

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:49:00 +0000

It seems that everyone is looking back on the 'Noughties'. Harriet and I were in the bar the other evening doing the same thing, thinking about our last ten winters. Then it dawned on us, why shouldn't I write a little about my skiing experiences, since 2000, on my blog? Here goes.

With ten European winters in Méribel and two winters down in New Zealand, sooo much has happened this decade. To become fully qualified as a ski instructor at the highest level, one of the hardest exams to pass is the 'European Speed Test'. This is a giant slalom race that has to be completed within a set time. Very tough if you have never raced (like me) or even if you have (plenty of French candidates struggle with it too).

I needed many Autumns on European glaciers and two winters down in New Zealand just to train for this one exam. Most mornings meant heading up to the mountain in the dark just before sunrise, to be ready in position for our first training runs.

Awesome experiences, but really tough at the same time. Our training squad was often joined on the mountain by the Austrian and US world cup squads on their own summer camps. See the photo of a nervous Martin alongside the super-chilled Bode Miller.

Some of the time that I was training to get fully qualified in the early 'Noughties', I was also able to teach here in Méribel, as a "stagiere"or trainee. But occasionally silly fun would be had with friends. Like jumping off the roof of a mountain hut.

And getting the landing slightly wrong !?!

A few years ago I finally completed the gruelling process of becoming fully qualified as an internationally recognised ski instructor, plus even more importantly gaining 'Full French Equivalence'. A massive relief after such an effort. This then meant my ski teaching future in France was guaranteed, and I could throw myself into full time ski teaching.

Does this mean work replaces fun on skis? NO WAY. NOT A CHANCE. I really look forward to the start of each winter. To feeling the sub-zero temperatures when the early season snow cannons are switched on to create massive piles of man-made snow.

Each time a major snow storm invades the mountains, I can't help but stare out of my apartment window to see thousands of snowflakes falling, feeling excited. Then the next morning popping down to the boulangerie in fresh snow, regularly looking at my watch just to double check I won't be late for my first lesson and ski lifts.

During the 'Noughties' I've met hundreds and hundreds of eager beginners, intermediates and expert skiers. They've been motivated, nervous, shy, athletic, sometimes hungover, sometimes out-of-shape, cosmopolitan, even tearful (!), usually excited to be on skis. All ready to share some of their precious holiday time with me. Some days I have no idea who I'm going to meet and what will happen.

An awesome decade. So what on earth will follow the 'Noughties'? No idea, but I can't wait to continue having the best job in the world, and to continue meeting more of you all in what I believe is sheer paradise.

Martin

Happy Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 06:36:00 +0000

Christmas greetings from Méribel. I hope you all had a fantastic time yesterday; Harriet and I certainly did.

My last post stated that I was quiet with work this week, silly boy, how wrong was I. Loads of work came in via the school and I've had some great fun. I've taught a US Naval Officer, an Australian physiotherapist, another Australian this time a chemical engineer, a Serbian architect, an English IT guru and then back with boy racer Robbie again for some amazing powder skiing on Christmas Eve.

For the first time in twelve winters, I booked off Christmas Day. Harriet and I pootled around, opening presents etc (thanks for my new helmet and goggles Harriet). Later in the morning we prepared for skiing: Harriet on normal alpine skis, but I opted for my telemarking kit. We then skied to one of our favourite mountain restaurants for a slap up Christmas lunch with a bunch of friends. A lovely way to spend the day, especially with it snowing off and on, a real white Christmas.

Later this morning I'm skiing with Robbie's sister Olivia, who is also rather impressive on skis. Then I'll be looking forward to skiing with Arthur and his family next week.

Harriet and I would like to wish you all the very best for this festive period.

Martin

Regulars

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:24:00 +0000

Over the last five winters I've had the pleasure of skiing with Chris, Helen, Robbie and Olivia several times each winter. It's been satisfying to observe Robbie and Olivia develop their skiing, which is now geared towards race training. But at the same time helping their parents to continue working towards their own goals in a less competitive manner.

Today Chris, Helen (pictured above) and I skied together and re-focused. They spoke about what was going through their minds in the last couple of days when freesking with Olivia. They commented that as soon as I was skiing in front of them this morning, their performance and focus immediately changed. We went to work on double checking that old bad habits were gradually being wiped out. The Japanese call this process 'Kaizen', and is best translated as 'constant and never ending improvement'. Phew, Hemsley, that's a little intense !?!

On Saturday and Sunday I skied with their son Robbie. As mentioned in the previous post, he had an unlucky accident last winter which resulted in a major knee operation. So my responsibility was to ease him back into skiing. Hmmm, a 15 year old ski racer easing himself back, on perfect snow, empty pistes and accompanied by a well-motivated instructor. Let's just say that we skied miles and miles. However, being a perfectionist, Robbie soon got frustrated by the occasional weaker turn like this.

Although it may look impressive as an action photo, if Robbie skied in this same way on a steep icy race course he would soon lose the racing line and precious time. So we spoke about having a stable robust body position, required for these speeds. Incidently, positioning the body over the sweetspot of the ski is exactly what we aim for whatever our level, a snowplough skier, a parallel skier or a budding ski racer. In Robbie's case it looks a little more extreme that's all.

You should have seen his beaming smile after nailing together a few of these turns. It was the same type of smile that Lynn had over a week ago when overcoming her green and blue piste fears.

So what's happening in the next few days? Most importantly my wife Harriet is flying out from Stansted on Wednesday. Or I hope so anyway, I've heard that it's been nippy and a little snowy in the UK recently that's affected a few things !?!

I have very little work now until the weekend, so maybe Harriet and I will get to ski together over the Christmas period, and bump into the odd stunning 'Dali' sculpture on the mountain. Have a great festive period.

Martin

P.S. Thanks to Robbie's parents for allowing me to take and use these photos.

Brass monkeys

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:59:00 +0000

It's now officially uber freezing. I went to Chaudanne first thing this morning where the bottom of the lifts and pistes are located, also the warmest place in the Méribel, and noticed the temperature at minus 17 degrees.

'Global warming', I hear some of you cry. If so then I personally blame the flatulent alpine cows !?! They munch away in the lush meadows during the summer to faithfully produce amazing beaufort, tomme du savoie and reblochon cheese. So maybe this comes at a price like now with our extreme temperatures.

But it's perfect conditions for the resort to continue launching into the production of man made snow. It's pretty impressive stuff to observe. The snow is blasted out at very high pressure which soon creates huge piles of the stuff. How big do these mounds get? This big.

Normally during the ski season we are unaware of what can be done with these snow cannons, mainly because the deep snow base has already been produced. Often the cannons are used to just 'freshen up' the pistes.

So how do the big muscular piste grooming machines flatten the mounds? Cue my mate Canon, who stayed as dedicated as ever and focused on the same mound.....

On Friday I hope to ski with Nicole, who by all accounts sounds like a rather impressive skier for an eight year old. Then this Saturday and Sunday I'm skiing with Robbie. He unfortunately had major surgery this summer on his knee, due to an accident whilst training for the British Schools Championships last winter in Italy. Robbie and I have skied together for many winters, and he always turns up in his catsuit plus jacket. Bearing in mind how stupidly cold it is here, I hope he doesn't end up too chilly.

Martin

Continuous improvement

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:50:00 +0000

It's getting cold, very cold. Which is brilliant for snow making and for keeping the conditions in check. However there are times when you are reminded that popping over to Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, requires certain extra clothing considerations. Fortunately my first lesson of this winter included Paul, Rick and Caroline who are very experienced skiers and were prepared accordingly.

I've skied with them all over a number of years. Basically they are able to ski on anything that the massive 'Three Valleys' can put in front of them. Now that's saying something. So why do they book further lessons? I guess it's because deep down they each feel as though they are capable of an even better performance and experience. So we spoke about and broke down the different aspects of technical excellence, and fine-tuned these movements on the empty pistes.

What a buzz for me to see them respond so positively and dynamically. One of the last pistes that we skied on before a very tasty lunch at the Mont Valon restaurant, was Lac de la Chambre. Half way down the piste, we re-grouped and agreed to re-name it the 'Big Grin Piste'. Emotions were running high, but I didn't want to get carried away with it all, so I decided to hold back and look at their tracks left in the snow as they skied off to lunch. Track analysis is the same as 'the camera never lies'. Caroline was the last of the skiers, so it was easier for me to double check her carving lines. Check these out, perfect clean lines, with her outside turning ski track deep, clean, stable and grippy. Fantastic.

Caroline regularly writes articles for the excellent http://www.merinet.com/. It's well worth a visit for information, webcams and up-to-date snow condition reports just like this latest http://www.merinet.com/snow_report.php?id_snow_report=3663 .

Saturday afternoon I had my first lesson with Lynn. Before this weekend the last time she had skied was ten years ago. She skied with friends the previous day who were better skiers, and had also unfortunately had a nasty head-banging fall the morning before the lesson. When I was introduced to her at the start let's just say that confidence was not showing. However after a chat on the bubble lift up, and a lovely cruise down on a very gentle slope, we soon loosened up and went straight to work. We immediately simplified ski technique and started the practise phase. Goodness me, an instant improvement, quite evident by the more relaxed body language. Again it's such a buzz for me to observe these improvements, whatever the standard.

Oops, I've just quickly re-read this post and realised I've gone on a bit which has probably made it my longest yet. Maybe I'm getting carried away with the teaching again, oh well.

As mentioned earlier, it's pretty chilly out here right now. This meant that Canon and I have observed some impressive snow making and piste grooming today. I'll post some of these photos in a couple of days time.

Martin

A snowshoeing road trip

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:32:00 +0000

Last week Canon and I went to the Chamonix Valley to take some photos for a new website. Joy invited us over and was very keen to introduce snowshoeing to me.

For the last few years Joy has been studying for, and passed, gruelling exams to become an 'Accompagnateur de la Montagne'. During the winter this means that she is fully qualified to guide people around the mountains using snowshoes. Being motivated with this success, she was keen to advertise on the internet, which is where Canon and I came in.

Problem was, I had to wear these things for the first time to get to location for the shots. Snowshoes are short in length, they don't have releasable bindings or sharp metal edges at the side, in otherwords very different to my familiar skis. Mind you they were dead easy to attach to your walking boots. A little unnerving in the first few minutes, but I soon got the hang of it. Actually it was all really good fun (who said that, not a ski instructor surely?).

Jim and Kimberly were the obedient models for the photoshoot until...... Joy suggested everyone had a snow ball fight. "Sure" I said, "Why don't I record it all with Canon?", knowing full well I should avoid getting hit by pesky snowballs with a camera in my hand.

Little did Joy know that both Jim and Kimberly were damn good shots.

In fact I almost felt sorry for her at the end. Tut, children !?!

Anyway, back in Méribel this week the early season skiing has been fab. With mostly cold sunny weather, great snow on the top half of the mountain and very quiet slopes. All of a sudden I've got some lessons starting from tomorrow morning. I'll be meeting up with Paul, Rick and Caroline who I've skied with before. Plus I'll be meeting Lynn for the first time on Saturday who hasn't skied for ten years.

I can't wait to start ski teaching again this winter. But in the back of my mind I'm definitely going to keep a look out for childish snowshoers over my shoulder.

Martin

P.S. Best of luck to Joy O'Flanagan with her venture this winter. Thanks for the introduction to snowshoes, but my alpine skis and telemarks will just stay in front of snowshoes in the ski locker. So much fun to have each winter, in so little time.

P.P.S. When Joys website is up and running I'll let you all know.

First day emotions

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:48:00 +0000

I, amongst many others, had been waiting for today for a long long time. Why, because some of the Méribel valley lifts opened today to officially start the winter of 2009/2010. Problem was, those damn first day emotions appeared right on cue.

Would I remember how to ski? What pocket do I put my lift pass in? How many layers should I wear? What clips do my ski boot buckles stretch to? Will my ski edges be sharp enough? I hope nobody recognised me, so today was out of ski school uniform. It doesn't matter how much experience or mental preparation was involved, the sneaky little doubts still crept in. Get on with it Hemsley, I mumbled unconvincingly.

Both skis thumped down onto the snow, two clunks were heard as my boots attached to the bindings. Just as I pushed off with my ski poles I got distracted with laughter in front of me and nearly fell over!?! But hang on, what was all that fuss about? Couldn't deny that I hardly felt like a world champion, but who cared, I was sliding downhill in absolute heaven.

For the record, the piste conditions on the top half of the mountain were brilliant with soft, light and cold fresh snow. Lower down still had plenty of cover, but with slightly firmer 'man made' snow. This is where I bumped into a friend of mine who is also an instructor. Funnily enough, he also confessed to feeling a little fragile and under pressure within himself.

I'm willing to bet my last glass of Chateauneuf du Pape that Gregoire and I weren't the only people on the mountain today suffering from the dreaded first day emotions. But we all survived and can't wait to get going again tomorrow.

Martin

Snowing

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:21:00 +0000

How much snow at resort level have we had since Sunday night ? This much.

I'm not sure if the pisteurs and tourist office are going to use Hemsley's new method of measuring the snow depths, but you get the picture. It's great seeing Méribel looking like a ski resort again. All of these photos were taken this morning.

Canon and I are heading off over to Chamonix this afternoon for two days. We've been invited to take photos for a new website. I can't wait to see Mont Blanc up close in all of this fresh snow; it should look amazing.

There's more snow forecast again towards the end of the week.

Martin

France

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:43:00 +0000

What is it about France that we Brits love so much?

Is it the food, numerous independent shops, the weather, the romantic language, the architecture, the mountains or the vineyards? I can't quite put my finger on it, but it has to be said it's a magical country.

I had an overnight stop booked in a tiny hamlet nestling between Gevrey Chambertin and Nuits St. George in Burgundy. So waking up being surrounded by Grand Crus vineyards confirmed my love for the country. Even though the vineyards were hardly in their prime this time of year, they still had a 'presence'. Did it spur me on to buy a few bottles of wine before heading up to the mountains? Oh yes. So how is Méribel?

As stunning and gorgeous as ever. Boy oh boy have I missed this place in the last six months. Mind you, I think someone has forgotten to remind Méribel that it's winter and not autumn. Since my return on Tuesday, each evening has become cooler and cooler though.

But don't panic everybody, there's a storm heading our way starting Sunday evening. With the temperatures dropping significantly, I'm convinced more snow cannons will be switched on to work at full pelt. This final picture was taken this morning looking up to the Arpasson mountain restaurant.

I'll keep you posted regarding the conditions. In the meantime what shall I have for dinner tonight: French cheese and freshly baked French bread sloshed down with some fine French wine, followed by a strong French coffee !?! Perfect.

Martin

Bursting at the seams

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:39:00 +0000

As a kid I always watched 'Record Breakers' with Roy Castle on TV. I'm sure that one episode featured how many adults could squeeze into a Mini. Today, Harriet and I had our own version of how many items can be squeezed into our Peugeot estate with roof box. I swear we will be the world champions for many years to come. The glove compartment is bursting at the seams, we were even able to find some available space between the fuel flap and cap.

This week has been bonkers, what with visiting various friends and family to say goodbye for the next six months. Plus finishing work with BSM on Thursday. We have checked out of the flat in Coventry, and bumbled along UK roads to complete the circuit of goodbyes. I will leave the UK on Monday morning through the channel tunnel to arrive back in France. An overnight stop is booked in Burgundy on Monday night, ready for the final autoroute hit to Méribel later on Tuesday.

I'm now officially over-excited about getting back to the mountains, to start skiing and ski teaching again. This will be my twelfth European winter season, but the level of anticipation is as high as ever. I'll post again as soon as possible in resort.

Martin

Is it only patience?

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:15:00 +0000

Often when I meet up with friends or family, a question pops up 'How's the driving instruction work going Martin?'. After my reply they will say 'I don't know how you do it, I wouldn't have the patience'. But hang on a minute, is that all you need for instructing?

The great thing about my summer and winter jobs is meeting people from all walks of life, finding out about their backgrounds, their jobs/studies, what makes them tick and how they respond to instruction. For example Don, Emir and Kelly are all very different personalities but they all learn in the same manner. They are, respectively, a masters graduate of finance and economics, an accountant and a criminal psychiatrist. Their learning styles are based around using rigid procedures and specific set sequences on the open roads of Coventry. Anything away from using these learning styles would quickly backfire and possibly have disasterous consequences.

Whereas Inderjeet and Adam (a milk distribution manager and a teaching assistant at a school for autism), have slightly different learning styles. Once introduced to the above-mentioned procedures and sequences, their improvement depends on being given the 'freedom' to try them out at their own pace on different roads. The skill of the instructor is to vary the types of roads and junctions to the level of the learner. Some learners are easily spooked by other road users, where other learners aren't affected at all.

As individuals, our learning styles often cross over to other areas, especially when learning to ski. The mountains are an open environment, just like roads, where other factors affect skiers' progress. Weather, snow quality, business of slopes, peer pressure, the list goes on.

Some skiers thrive on a full technical breakdown through discussion. Other skiers will learn more by watching demonstrations. Others will learn more by following behind the instructor. Some benefit from constant direct assessment whilst practising.

When skiers improve, some will want to stay in their comfort zone and won't want to try steeper slopes until they've made 100 perfect turns in a row. But other skiers when they reach, let's say, 60 perfect turns out of 100, can't wait to then try their new skills on steeper slopes.
So just like teaching learner drivers, the art of instructing is to quickly find out each individual's learning style then selecting the appropriate teaching styles, followed by continous re-assessment. So the next time I hear someone say to me that I must have loads of patience to teach, I will agree with them and say "Yes, I've got bucket loads of the stuff", and leave it there. But there really is more to it than that.

Martin

P.S. One more week to go before heading back to the Alps, I'm really really getting excited now.

Powder Puppies

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:21:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:44:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:10:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:06:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:47:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:50:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:00:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:08:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:51:00 +0000

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 !?!

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:26:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Hemsley) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:20:00 +0000

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