Mountain Adventure Holidays
What a weekend of glorious weather! I am just back from running our Snowshoe Safari in Switzerland where we had a group making the journey from Leysin to Chateau d'Oex. We were blessed with blue skies and sunshine and some wonderful snow conditions with light fluffy powder shimmering in the air as we walked. The weekend, which involves a three day journey, is a great introduction to snowshoeing and we make it very easy with all luggage being transported by taxi between our accommodation so only a light day sack is required. It's always great fun to introduce guests to a new activity and it was really satisfying to see everyone taking to this ancient form of winter travel. Thanks to Angela, Christopher, Alun, Marion and Katie for the great company! PS girls you really were the 'luge' stars - excellent technique!
I'm just back to the Chamonix Valley after another great ski trip to the Jura mountains where the snow continues to fall and the temperature is staying low - keeping the tracks in excellent condition. Our 'extreme team' (The Mackenzies and Janet) have just completed approximately 100km on skis in just four days. We began our ski in Mouthe, at the source of the Doubs river, and enjoyed skiing on pressed tracks all the way to Giron which sits just north of Geneva, making it easy to depart for their late flight home. Our journey took us through a variety of mountain villages, farms & pastures used for grazing in the summer months, hilly forested areas and flat valley bottoms. Travelling with only a small backpack enabled us to enjoy skiing both the ups(!) and the downs along the way. The accommodation we use is in a mixture of rustic farm houses and small family hotels where you can enjoy local dishes, cheese and wine. The trail is also close to many wonderful coffee and cake stops! To add to the ambience of our journey we even caught up with skiers training for one of France's longest cross country ski races, the Transjurassienne which was also held over the weekend.
Just in from a fabulous blue sky day with Megan, Ali and Louise. A great girly day out with lots of banter and things to catch up on. I last saw Megan two years ago when she was 5 months pregnant ....when we snowshoed and cross country skied in and around Chamonix ...she didn't allow her pregnancy to stop her from getting into the mountains that's for sure. So today, with Dad babysitting, we made the most of the clear skies, still air and masses of sunshine. We made our way up Mont de l'Arpille on snowshoes which sits at 2085m just over the Swiss border from France. With 360 degree views we were spoilt for choice as to where to look for our lunch stop. Tomorrow we are off to Italy for some xc skiing where 2 year old Freyer will get a chance to ride in style in a Norwegian 'pulk' / sledge.
Ok, we can't get all of you squeezed on the blog tonight, but to keep the family happy here is your chance to see Mum in a blizzard while crossing the Jura mountains on her cross country skis! On the whole we had excellent weather and conditions but we did have the occasional snowy flurry which did ensure we had plenty of the white stuff to ski on while doing the GTJ. Jenny was great fun to be with and there was always a smile on her face, apart from when she plummeted between the bunk beds last night - anyway, dont worry she's still in one piece and will be home tomorrow. She tells us that the 'kids' will be returning with her to the Jura to make their own epic journey. Take care Jenny and hope to see you again some day.
So here we are in Giron after 8 days of crossing the Jura mountains on the GTJ. 175 km and more later and 'N' has stuck with it, improved his technique and on the last day was leading the pack to the finish line. The team have been great fun this week and eight stalwarts gritted their teeth in the face of a blizzard this morning and followed Julia through the silent snow covered forests as they completed the final 30 km. A quick stop at the Grange de l'Errance for afternoon vin chaud and excellent chocolate cake and the GTJ was in the can! Well done to all who joined us for this adventurous journey across one of regions best kept secrets!
We are having a fantastic week traversing the Jura mountains on the French/Swiss border. The snow conditions really are wonderful with a great cover providing us with a landscape of silent forests and sparkling snowflakes. We have eight clients who are embracing the challenge of the Grand Traverse du Jura or GTJ, which is a truly classic long distance cross country ski covering just over 170 km. With the luggage being transferred daily to the next accommodation it means light rucksacks and the chance to really enjoying the skiing without carrying too much weight. Each day we are skiing around 25 km, and the team are doing well with muscles settling into the rhythm of skiing. Some team members have demonstrated one or two interesting 'acrobatic' movements which have impressed the Guide!! However, all is well, and there seem to be smiling faces at the end of each day with any aches soon forgotten over a 'vin chaud'. Tonight there may be a bit of a party as we reach the 100 km mark today! We are currently on day four of our journey, and aim to reach Giron on saturday night.
Who said that snowshoeing was all about hard work! I have just had a great time with Sheila and Peter on our Mont Blanc Snowshoe Week which is based in Argentiere. We had blue skies on all the days except one, and had wonderful fresh and light powder. Chamonix Valley was at its best with stunning views to the Mont Blanc Massif, and our two days up at the famous Grand St Bernard Monastery where fabulous with crisp clear days with very few people around. A special moment was on day two when we simply stood looking at the views over to Italy and enjoying perfect silence - something which is not that easy to come by these days! It makes me appreciate what a great job I have to be working with our guests in the mountains, and introducing them to the Alps in winter. At the end of each day there was a hot tub waiting at our accommodation at Yeti Lodge in Argentiere which was a real treat!!
It seems as though Christmas was only yesterday but we are already at the end of January! Which means that next week I leave for the Jura mountains, France and Switzerland’s answer to Norway. These rolling ‘hills’, reach no more that 1600m in altitude and make excellent farmland in the summer. This very rural & less frequented region has an entirely different feel to its’ neighbouring jaggy spires and peaks of the Alps.
So to get in the mood today Karoline, Vicci, with 6 months old Max, and I went over to Samoëns to the Nordic Festival! Max had all the attention, even from the media, as he was the only one travelling in a ‘Norwegian pulk’ – a ski sledge for babies – see picture! It was an excellent day with lots of ‘have a try’ activities free of charge….from snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog sledding, ski-joëring, to biathlon and dog-joëring. The latter two of which I tried! I have always watched the biathlon events on TV with amazement as to how they are able to lower their heart rate with enough efficiency to shoot! We were given a short race to test our ‘ski to shoot ability’ - it was excellent fun...and then came the husky dog! Each skier had a dog to pull you around the cross country tracks whilst you ski along behind – what a way to travel - my new sport!
Last weekend we ran our January cross country ski weekend in Italy. Aimed at beginner level or those wanting to refresh their nordic skiing skills we spend 3 full days skiing the tracks at different locations in the Aosta Valley. The cross country tracks are in perfect condition at the moment. We've had plenty of snow (and continues falling as I type) and as the temperatures stay cool the pistes are pressed into excellent condition.
Cross country skiing can be adapted to suit all levels. But the fitter you are obviously means you can have longer days out. Skiing with me were fell runners from the UK who had tried cross country skiing before but wanted to learn the right technique for future adventures. Once they had gained enough skills to cope with a variety of snow conditions and terrain we went on a 25km journey on day 2! Our last day together was spent on skates but still they had the energy to get some km's in their legs. In total we skied about 70km in 3 days. Nordic skiing is not only fun and an opportunity to enjoy the snow but is also perfect cross training for other sports. And whilst in Italy we benefit from excellent cuisine to top off a great weekend!
Our next ski weekend is 18th-22nd February - Happy New Year.
The Alps have seen a white Christmas Day. Today my family joined me for a very wintery walk on snowshoes! We now look forward our Christmas lunch and to clear skies and sunshine tomorrow.