Jonny completed the Haute Route (tour from Chamonix France to Zermatt , Switzerland over the mountains ) and had a fabulous time. The weather and conditions were perfect meaning they got some great photos and views.  They completed it in 4 days as opposed to the normal 6.  The team had all trained hard which meant the guide Al Powell could push them to finish in 4 days. It was well worth all the hard work they put in before hand. His lightweight kit proved to be just right and the extra weight of Anneha's Spongebob Square Pants didn't hold him back. Jonny did get a chesty cough on the last day which meant he found the going tough on the last climb. They witnessed a huge serac fall which unnerved them a little , and saw huge crevasses. At their highest point it was a total whiteout , and the route down was full of crevasses The guide Al Powell who had only his compass bearings and experience to get them down, was faultless and got them all down safely.  He had an amazing time and is looking forward to another trip again next year.

Here are some photos from the trip.

We have had a busy few weeks closing down the chalet and then visiting UK for my brother in laws 40th for a long weekend, before heading down South for a break when the girls were off school.  We had a lovely time in Port Grimaud with great weather.

Swimming has started at school so I help twice a week with that.  The girls have only 5 weeks left before they break up for the Summer.

The chalet is gettiing booked up for the Summer. The Tour de France passes through Bourg St Maurice 21st and 22nd July  this year. The Col de Petit St Bernard over to Italy has just opened this week so a trip to the Aoste Valley will be on the cards im sure soon.

The lifts in Les Arcs open early this year on 27th June 2009 for walking / mountain biking. We still have weeks 27th June - 4th July and 15th - 22nd July free for anyone wanting to come over for a holiday.

Bookings  have started coming in too for next Winter , we are holding prices as of last year for early bookings so please get in touch.

At the time of writing this the euro against the pound has improved, it was 1.15 yesterday, hooray!!!  At least when you stay with us you know all your drinks, food etc is included in your sterling price so you don't need that much spending money. We are also doing packed lunches if needed to help make savings whilst you are here.

 A few more photos from the last week of the season!

The last week of catered guests has been and we have just another 2 weeks until the skiing finishes in Val D'Isere, with Tignes staying open another week.  Paradiski is open for another week .  I was up in Val yesterday and it was snowing with about 20 cm of fresh powder . Today is lovely and sunny again. We have some guests arriving next week self catering to get some last minute boarding in then it will be out with the mountain bikes.

We have had a fabulous season with great snow and bookings this year, thankyou to everyone who came to stay.  We were able to ski all the way down to Villaroger until 11th April this year, just having to download on the bottom lift for the last week. Snow coverage that last week was great and we skied over to Italy which once again was empty on the pistes.  Here are some photos from the season.

 Summer bookings are going well so please get in touch if you fancy a break in the sun. We have 1 week left in July and then the last 2 weeks of August are free if you want to come when the lifts are open. Failing that any other week from May to Dec are available.

Jonny left Sunday to start the Haute Route. His training has gone well and he feels fitter than last year before the trip got cancelled. I spoke to him last nght and he was in Champex. They are going to Verbier today and staying in the Montfour hut tonight. His crampons and skins both broke yesterday  so he was doing a repair job last night.  He is away all week so will try and give an update in the next day or so.

The girls are back to school after the Easter holidays. Amelia leaves at the end of the week and is going back to the UK initially before more travelling and working.

We are back to the Uk for a long weekend for my brother in laws birthday then a short break in the South of France when the girls are off school in May.

The Valley is turning greener by the day and the tulips and daffs are finally coming uo in the garden. Mario our neighbour is not well at the moment, he suffered a small heart attack last week so will be taking things steady this Summer. Albert who lives in the big chalet infront of us (where we park the cars) is also in hospital after a back operation and not sure when they are moving back up to Le Loissel.

We are all looking forward to the Summer now , the tent will be coming out and Jonny is hoping to build a pizza oven on the terrace.

Will write again soon.