Where to Ski And Snowboard -

Chamonix, 16 Jan

18th January 2010, by Wendy King

Brévent, Chamonix [(c) Father Ted]

It was a blue-sky morning at Brévent and Flégère. This swiftly changed to a blue-grey lunchtime and, as I’m writing this, it’s moving fully into grey-grey afternoon. Not that anyone minds – because a serious snow dump is forecast. And these clouds are the forerunners of a load of fluffy white powder.

Sadly, I have to fly to London tomorrow for one of the few bits of work I can’t do remotely. The thought of taking off just as the powder lands is slightly nauseating. I am having to drink copious amounts of Stella with lunch just to settle my stomach…

But this morning was, in fact, rather good. Perfect on piste conditions and glorious sunshine across Brévent and Flégère. A brief venture into the off piste turned up a few small pockets of untouched powder, but generally the surface was hard away from the piste. There may still be stashes further afield, but as I was flying solo this morning I wasn’t going to stray too far… definitely a day for flying down the pistes, which remain incredibly quiet.

One thing I love about the snow, maybe above everything else, is how it brings people with no other connection into animated friendly discussion. Anyone can talk to everyone because we all have this common bond. Last night involved an Irish stag party, two members of Swedish special forces, a couple of lads who have just driven to Chamonix for the weekend from England and two lovely ladies (on holiday without their children) – who decided to come with us for last orders and drink Stella.

Priceless.

Father Ted

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