31 December 2008

Les Contamines, France

After yesterday's rest day (for some) we wanted to get out and make the most of our time.

The weather was not promising, but the clouds were high, so we headed up to the top station to see what we could do.

The clouds were down, and we struggled to see anything. However there were some trees on the way down to the mid station, so this was a better choice than the open motorways up to the ridge.

We stumbled our way down to the mid station before going up and repeating it (now we knew the way!).

Next I chose to go down to the gulley and up the other side then down to the bottom drag (difficult navigating in the mist and open slopes) and continue down the track I had come part of the way up yesterday. This was a better descent route than the "standard" from the mid station, but it did involve keeping out of the walkers way.

As we started down the track it began snowing, whoch made it difficult to see, especially on the part where you have to walk "up" and lots of heat is generated.

Stopping at the gite/ pension for a rest and a warm drink, gave us a chance to take stock.

With the weather not improving, we continued down (not that there is much choice, but there was not takers to go back up)
We took the opportunity to get onto the fresh powder, and skip through the fields avoiding the zigzags by cutting the corners off.

Fun though this was, Sue did catch a ski and twist her knee, which would impact her tomorrow.

All told a good day, with some excitement at the end, and a lot of blind navigation.