Christmas, New Year and then peace

Christmas and New year are always a busy period in any ski resort especially when a large amount of snow falls at the start of the season and every available bed in the resort is sought after by those making a last minute decision to make it a white Christmas. This year was no exception, on one of the busiest transfer Saturdays of the year a heavier than forecast snowfall resulted in long delays for many as the reality of putting snow chains on hit drivers on their way up to Meribel. The moral of this is to practise putting snow chains on your car before you are faced with doing so in the dark, in heavy snow with a long line of cars and buses behind you.

Despite the busy period we are lucky here in Meribel to have such a large ski area at our disposal that getting away from the crowds is not that hard. Research where ski schools meet and at what time - avoid that area. Eat lunch late or early and ski when everyone else is having a long lunch. Start early and finish early to avoid the rush on the "home runs". Although the snow is what most people come here for don't underestimate the value of a day off. We took a day off in the New Year week and discovered the beauty of Conflans a Medieval town just 30km from Meribel. No matter how much you love skiing/boarding it's always nice to wear normal shoes, normal clothes and enjoy a good lunch off the snow.

The Savoie flag is proudly on display throughout Conflans

We spotted many signed walking tracks around Conflans which have been added to our "to do" list

One of the several Chateaus in Conflans

Now that Christmas and New Year are over we have to get used to that almost spooky sensation of skiing some runs alone. The distances that can be covered with no waiting at lifts and few pauses on the runs can be staggering. A trip to Val Thorens can seem like a long way to go sometimes but on Saturday we started at a leisurely 10.30am, skied a section of VT and still had time for a top to bottom run off Saulire before getting home at 4.00pm in time for Vin Chaud. Our peaceful time has been enhanced by glorious sunshine which we are enjoying whilst keeping an eye on the weather forecast which promises a couple of snow days at the end of this week.

Enjoying a picnic lunch with visiting friends

Finally one of the odd things that happens in a ski resort is that Christmas can stretch a bit beyond the normal timings. For example the Christmas decorations here in Meribel do not usually come down until March. You get used to it although occasionally it can catch you off guard as happened this week when we came across Santa over in Courchevel 1650. As he didn't have Reindeer - only a shopping trolley - perhaps he was a little behind schedule.