Family ski trip time again... the cards fall such that the Christmas time fits with the academic break. We booked a ferry for midday on friday, which gave us a large slice of time in France to take a big bite out of the journey - we did not realize at the time of booking how beneficial this would be.
This year with us would be M-j, Chris, and Dom and making a guest appearance with Bryon would be Toby.
The journey once over the channel was relatively easy, and motored down the Autoroutes toward Bourg en Bresse, stopping for a quick meal at a Courtepaille on the way. Going to sleep we were aware of warnings of bad weather for the morning, but nothing prepared us for the reality. The girls were in an F1 and I was in the van.
I was woken by the rain on the roof - a bit of snow, but nothing much. By 8am we were on the road, and as we ascended up to the first (biggest) tunnel we saw the start of the snow fall ... and the road was currently ploughed.
The other side of the tunnel and down to 30 mph, we were in one lane following a gritter ... a good place to be on the viaducts. at the end of the viaducts things slowed even more, the plough pulled off and the next rise everything came to a halt. the halted traffic caused issues with the snow fall and lack of ploughing .... stacking up trouble. All caused by a jacknife in front.
Several hours later we slowly pulled off ... winter tyres showed their worth and we passed many people putting on chains, pushing and abandoning vehicles, even trucks going sideways up gentle hills ... portent for difficulties for the other cars following.
Getting through the blockages we traveled slowly but constantly round to the Annecy A41 .. and queued after the peage, until we jumped off at the next junction. the N roads were clearer and we motored around the lake and on towards Alberville. The queues started at Ugine and went at a crawl all the way to Albertville, where we stopped and waited for the others. Everything was jammed up at Chambery, and this gridlocked all the feeder roads, autoroutes and N roads.
Several coffees later and much sitting around Bryon and Chris arrived within 15 mins of each other ... one having sat in the A40 queues, and the other having driven around the side roads. Chains on, or slippers for Chris, and we drove up to Beaufort.
Our chalet of choice this year was up a narrow track behind the Town Hall ... under 2 feet of snow. Luckily the landlord had an ex-army truck to transfer all the gear. Bryon meanwhile set off to find his garret, on the other side of town.
So thinking of the large amount of fresh snow, and less about 7hours to do a 2 hour journey ... we settled in for the night.
The chalet had ample opportunity for "side" interests .. some transceiver practice, and sledging
This year with us would be M-j, Chris, and Dom and making a guest appearance with Bryon would be Toby.
The journey once over the channel was relatively easy, and motored down the Autoroutes toward Bourg en Bresse, stopping for a quick meal at a Courtepaille on the way. Going to sleep we were aware of warnings of bad weather for the morning, but nothing prepared us for the reality. The girls were in an F1 and I was in the van.
I was woken by the rain on the roof - a bit of snow, but nothing much. By 8am we were on the road, and as we ascended up to the first (biggest) tunnel we saw the start of the snow fall ... and the road was currently ploughed.
The other side of the tunnel and down to 30 mph, we were in one lane following a gritter ... a good place to be on the viaducts. at the end of the viaducts things slowed even more, the plough pulled off and the next rise everything came to a halt. the halted traffic caused issues with the snow fall and lack of ploughing .... stacking up trouble. All caused by a jacknife in front.
Several hours later we slowly pulled off ... winter tyres showed their worth and we passed many people putting on chains, pushing and abandoning vehicles, even trucks going sideways up gentle hills ... portent for difficulties for the other cars following.
Getting through the blockages we traveled slowly but constantly round to the Annecy A41 .. and queued after the peage, until we jumped off at the next junction. the N roads were clearer and we motored around the lake and on towards Alberville. The queues started at Ugine and went at a crawl all the way to Albertville, where we stopped and waited for the others. Everything was jammed up at Chambery, and this gridlocked all the feeder roads, autoroutes and N roads.
So thinking of the large amount of fresh snow, and less about 7hours to do a 2 hour journey ... we settled in for the night.
| | | ||
| | | Arrive Beaufort | |
| Le Plannay | | | |
| | | Areches | |
| Areches | | | |
| | | La Legette | |
| Col du Pre | | | |
| | | Grand Mont | |
| Go Home | | |