This weekend was our last hurrah for the ski season, and it was a great one with the the Cern Ski Club at Grands Montets. Last week turned cold and dreary, and we were both worn down from miserable head colds, boo. We even saw snow falling outside our window mixing with the little white blossoms. The nearby ski areas reported 40-60cm of fresh snow, so we were lucky to have perfect spring ski conditions this weekend and the return of the sunshine.
With an early start, we met the group in Argentière. I wore an ARVA for the first time to tag along with a group off-piste. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and we went to some pretty interesting spots. By interesting I mean steep, rocky, through the trees, constantly changing snow, and really really beautiful. I was using all my energy trying to keep up - no time for photos (besides the first 3 below).
After a full day, we made our way to Chamonix to walk around town and enjoy a dinner before finally turning-in for the night and hoping not to oversleep with the time change to daylight savings.
We were a rough looking bunch at breakfast. I took down three double espressos to get moving, but once we made it to the lifts, it was another fantastic day of skiing. This was the first time Derek and I rode all the way up to the top of Grand Montets, 3275m. The view was unbelievable, and the snow was soft and fresh. Unfortunately my camera battery died up at the top. We skied all the way back down, a 2000m descent to the the base to grab the spare, had some lunch halfway up, and then did it all again.
After the springy weather, I have to admit, I had checked-out from skiing until next year, but the weekend outing was worth piling on the snow pants, goggles, and gloves. Skiing should be possible for a few more weeks, but I'm quitting while I'm ahead. Had lots of fun, no injuries, and ready to hike after this awesome weekend. Bring on the spring!
