Tignes Diary - Week 5

Saturday 31st January

The boys arrived today for their annual holiday. Richard, Tim, Martin and Paul who were out at new year, plus Dave, Ben, Mark, Keith, Tony and honouray bloke Fiona.They are staying in the same chalet that Rich and I stayed in in March, which is agan being hosted by Del. I am waiting for them when they arrive, looking very weary, and we have a great afternoon boarding in the sunshine.

Friday 30th January

The weather has cleared and it is a beautiful clear, if still cold, day. I meet up with some of the others on the slopes in the afternoon and end the day boarding with Ali, Dan and Tom. Take my new board in for it's first service at the end of the day having ridden over some rocks at the end of the day. Today is Liz's last day before she returns to the UK. See you in April, Liz.

Thursday 29th January

It's another white out. There is only a drag lift running by 11am. Nobody goes out boarding. But tonight we are all out for curry in Val Claret. Hmm, curry.

Wednesday 28th January

A late start to the day due to last night's session. Still cloudy with light snow.Spent some jumping the kicker we built in La Daile with John, Ali, Tom, Chris, Claire, Will and Northern Monkey Matt.

Tuesday 27th January

Set out with one of the skiers, Tom, to meet the others who went to Val D'Isere earlier. Seems to have snowed an enormous amount since Sunday and is showing no signs of stopping. One off piste run that was knee deep then is waist deep now and somewhat trickier, what with little visibility and the occassional barely covered rock outcrop. Service the board before heading out on a bar crawl.

Monday 26th January

It is snowing again, very heavily. You guessed it - another white out. And it is due to snow through until Sunday. Dave back in Bristol is very excited about it as he and the boys arrive on Saturday. He won't be so happy if he arrives to find most of the mountain shut, like it was the week before last. Go out in the afternoon with Jim and Michelle whilst everyone else stays in. Hardcore!

Sunday 25th January

It is a clear but very cold day as I venture out onto the slopes for the first time in two days. Try borrowing Will's helmet camera to get some footage for Liz's epic "Planet Subzero Tignes" video but cannot get the damn thing thing working. I am frozen by lunchtime, still feeling unwell and nearly go home but stay out and have a great afternoon with Ali, Dan, Tamsin and Tom. Find some great untouched fresh powder in Val D'Isere. Make the briefest appearance at the seasonnaires favourite, shot night at the Alpaka (you'll love it, Ben!)