Friday 30 November 2012

Welcome to winter

Not quite the 1st December here but the last Autumn leaves are fighting a loosing battle against the snow. Down at Les Allues Village level yesterday we had a steady fall of snow which lasted most of the day. Walking boots have now been replaced by snow boots with spikes on the sole and a ski pole is advisable to at least minimise the slipping and sliding. 

These pictures were taken yesterday on our walk towards the Refuge de la Traie at 1650m:



Last of the Autumn leaves



The current forecast for the next 5 days indicates a further 53cm of snow at the top of the resort so the opening of the lifts on 8th December should be great day. Temperatures are falling, even at Les Allues level we are bracing ourselves for a minus 16 degree Sunday night bbrrrrrrrrr.
Today has brought us sunshine so we may venture up to Mottaret and report back on how the new lift buildings are looking, we may even see a Piste basher out busy preparing the runs for next Saturday.

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Time for exercise and relaxation





In between finishing off a few jobs around the Chalet we are currently fortunate enough to have a bit of spare time and have been blessed with glorious weather. The autumn colours are especially strong against the snow capped mountains and the seemingly endless blue sky. Yesterday we walked on the opposite side of the valley which gives great views down towards Moutiers. Walking trails in the area are plentiful, well marked and well maintained.



Earlier this week we walked from Meribel to Courchevel 1850 where the cranes are working overtime to get building projects complete or at least to a lock up stage before winter sets in. The views this time were up the valley towards Le Grand Bec which sits between the villages of Pralognan-la-Vanoise and Champagny-en-Vanoise.























Walking can be a bit like skiing, sometimes more enjoyable while you are participating than afterwards when aches and tiredness sets in. We all know a massage can work wonders although once it is cooler and you have been out all day the thought of going out for a massage can be off-putting. Luckily there is an answer in the form of "Pamper Off Piste" who offer professional massage, beauty and spa treatments in the comfort of your holiday accommodation. From a foot and leg massage to help you forget your ski boots to indulgent facials the team can help you make the most of your holiday and leave you ready for another day on the snow. I made time last week for a much needed massage so I can vouch for the restorative effects even before my ski boots have been on. To read more about their great work and make a booking see their website or e-mail them on: enquiry@pamperoffpiste.com



Saturday 3 November 2012

First post of the new season

The weather has been getting colder in Meribel over the last month and several falls of snow have resulted. It is often the case that when snow arrives early it disappears very quickly because the ground and the air temperature is simply not cold enough. The early snow this season has been a little different and has settled being topped up every couple of days with fresh falls. Whilst we had read about the snow and seen web cams it was still a surprise to see the Alps look so white as we flew into Geneva.


The view coming into Geneva

Pretty as a picture alps


 By the time we arrived in Meribel we didn't need a thermometer to know it was cold, it felt more January than November the 1st. Day two at Chalet Vache Bleue brought welcome sunshine and it seemed only right that we took a break from unpacking and went to see the snow for ourselves. We climbed up from the Altiport to just below the new Saulire lift station building and can confirm it certainly has been snowy. 

The weather forecast for the next 5 days is for another 30cm of snow to fall on the summits with smaller amounts lower down. The cold will continue with a predicted minus 12 on Wednesday night - at the bottom of the resort, not even the top. Definitely time to rug up and maybe try the first mulled wine of the season.

Here are a few pictures taken today while we were out walking:


The view from Meribel Altiport







































First snowy footprints