Since Cate’s girl friends left last month we have switched to “training mode” – trying to get a bit fitter ahead of the ski tour we will be doing next week. The weather has been much more unsettled: cold spells, warm spells, sun, rain and snow; and often many of those on the same day! Nonetheless, when the conditions have allowed, we have been out on the slopes and testing ourselves on some long skins and off-piste descents. On two occasions we have returned to our favourite route – the tour from the Col de l’Isèran to the Col des Fours, then the descent down to the Manchet chairlift. However, we have taken in an extra detour – an ascent of the Ouille des Trétêtes, a small summit on the route, and one that gives use an extra 100-150m of climbing and a fantastic ski down on slopes that rarely get skied. The picture shows Cate placing the first tracks!
We have also found time for a tour in Tignes: dropping over the Col du Palet, skinning up to the Col de la Grassaz, enjoying yet more powder on the descent, followed by a second skin to the Col de la Tourne before skiing back to the resort.
Other days have been more focussed on the exercise. We have been on our skins most days – around the mountain at Villaroger to arrive in Les Arcs, and multiple ascents from Les Eucherts in La Rosière to Le Fort at the top of the resort (on one occasion twice in one day; a climb of over 1000 vertical metres!).
When the weather has let us down we have been holed up in the garage on the turbo trainer. There has been no let up from the fitness regime. Whether that will prove to help us next week, only time will tell. On Friday our friends Martin, Nick and Chris arrive, and after a couple of days here in Ste Foy we will be setting off with our guide Pierre and his partner Nathalie for a hut to hut tour across the border in Italy. We will report back after the tour!
I feel exhausted just reading of your exercise regime! Wishing a super touring week with plenty of powder.
Gary Xx