Remind me again, why do we ski in New Zealand or Australia? Oh that's right! It must only be because you can't go skiing in Europe in July, August or September.
Today was Day 1 : Opening day at Les Grand Montets, one of the 4 or 5 Chamonix ski resorts. Even though the resort was barely open with only the cable car, gondola and 2 chairlifts open, the terrain was unbelievable! The snow was light and there was plenty of off-piste. I had a misfounded belief that the European resorts would all be groomed to death!! Not the case. Lots of rocks, trees and hidden holes - just like skiing at home!! Despite both of us suffering from a very heavy dinner and late night, we both acquitted ourselves OK for the first day, although we were later starting than we had anticipated. Graeme had to first call into the Chamonix village to pick up his new skis!! Both of us love our new gear, although it will take some breaking in!!
The cable car was an experience. A good head for heights is a must!! Not being too claustrophobic is helpful too! They pack 60 people into the carriage. It's push, shove, jostle and hustle. Moira has mentioned the infamous French queuing technique from time to time...but we have now experienced it first hand. Apparantly it was positively civilised today because it was not that crowded!! Oh dear! Are we in for a culture shock?
Here's some photos from today. Still a few rocks here and there, but the snow was light and fluffy. We only skied about half the available area - so of course we are heading back there again tomorrow ....at the "crack 'o dawn"!
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