Le Plannay, France

The forecast for today was not the wall to wall sun shine we had been enjoying for the first two days ... so it was a reduced party that set off for some reconnaissance ...

First to see how far the road to the col de Rosalind was open -  not far just to the end of the canyon.

Second to the col du Pre ..  closed at the usual spot well below the snow line....

These not offering a chance to get to snow without a long walk and carry we took the last option and headed for Le Plannay and the man made snow ribbon.

There was plenty of space in the car park, and not just because we got there at noon.

The beginners slope was nearly empty as the classes had stopped for lunch and we headed up to the blue run.

As the run got steeper we lost Katie to a bad headache. Steph, Chris and I continued onwards up the snow ribbon .. crossing several times to limit the steepness and retain composure.

After gaining over 500m of height we arrived at the beginning of the second stage lift...  the first stage was still well above us. There air was filled with snow flurries - not much but enough to persuade us to take a break and have a late lunch on the wood pile behind the lift station.

As the weather was not getting better (it was not worse either), but wearing enthusiasm got the better and we turned for the valley.

Down the man made stuff ... less rocks than the last two days.

Back to the base, and to meet up with Katie at the van - she had been off to see the Lamas.

the trial board told the grim story of the resorts this Christmas.