The 6th of March marked the end of our long-standing “off-piste week”: a tradition spanning nearly 20 years, where I ski with a group of friends and a guide, seeking powder and untracked routes. This year was a little different, with plans changed, and an unfortunate ending (more on that later…).
This year we intended to travel to Courmayeur. There were the usual six of us (me, David, Chris, Nick and Martin, plus our guide Dave). Unfortunately, the spread of Coronavirus into Northern Italy forced a last-minute cancellation of that trip. Fortunately, the boys were still able to travel and came out to our apartment, where the trip was re-scheduled as an off-piste week in the Tarentaise.
There was a lot of snow, as this photo of Nick descending the off-piste to the side of the Manchet chairlift shows. Each day brought new challenges and we skied routes in Villaroger, Les Arcs, Ste Foy and Val d’Isere. The undoubted highlight of the week was “Big Wednesday”, where we took the lift system in Ste Foy to the top, then skinned to reach the classic Foglietta peak. Instead of the usual descent, we dropped back to the valley before a second skin to the Col d’Argentière, a route that took us over the Lac Blanc, and proved a taxing climb with trail-bearing through deep, fresh snow.
The final descent was one of the best of the week: fresh powder, in excellent condition practically from the very top of the col all the way to the valley. I managed the resist the temptation just to ski, for long enough to get the video camera out. So, I hope you enjoy the little film…
I mentioned above that there was an unfortunate ending…
On the last day (always the last day!) we tried a little off-piste route in Val d’Isère, just to the side of the Manchet chairlift. The entrance to the route involved a drop from a ledge, and I went for it, only to fall badly and damage my ankle. I was able to get back to the piste in a long and gentle traverse, then take the lifts back to Val. As the day wore on my ankle got more swollen and painful. A trip to the doctor revealed damage to my Achilles Tendon. As of now, I’m awaiting a consultation with an Orthopaedic surgeon in Chambéry, plus an ultrasound, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it won’t be too serious. Unfortunately, it probably marks the end of my season, though Cate will still be on the slopes (and hopefully cooking my meals as I lounge around with my leg in a cast!). I’ll keep you posted…