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Val-d'Isere off Piste & Back Country Skiing Specialists

From left to right Gill Millie Wayne and Katie
Alpine Experience
Alpine Experience

Val-d'Isere off-piste blog by Wayne

12 February 2025

Limited But Good!

We have been pretty limited for options over the past few days, but the skiing is still pretty good in places. We need more snow than we've received as it hasn't snowed enough to cover old tracks, and with all the wind we've endured there are hard wind waves here-and-there. To compound our problems the visibility hasn't been great. We've had much appreciated moments of vis during our mornings, but we've spent more time dealing with flat-light than not. Still, we've had some good skiing, but some snow and good visibility would be greatly received! (see photos)

I took another massive hit in the face again today as I skied over a rocky patch, came out of both bindings, and slammed my face into the snow. After my neck injury January 11th I didn't really need traumatise my neck again, but I seem to have got away with it. Fortunately I wasn't going very fast as it happened on the flat area just after you put your skis back on on the Grand Torsai.

Earlier in the morning we had a laugh from the chairlift as a telemarker skied over the most obvious patch of rocks that I've ever seen. He's was unhurt or we wouldn't have had a chuckle, but it was a blatantly obvious patch of rocks. But, that will teach me for having a laugh at another's expense. I learned a long time ago to never laugh at another's golf shot, and this is a similar lesson!

Andreas has just finished his week with Ian and now has ten days off to play golf. Have a great time Andreas, and see you for your Friday gigs!

Speaking of gigs, Fernando and Pedro were brilliant again last night. The place was absolutely rammed, and the boys had the place rocking. Wow, what a performance!

We've another potentially tricky day tomorrow before perhaps some snow tomorrow night followed by some sun on Friday. That sounds way too good to be true. Fingers crossed!


11 February 2025

Great start, Trickier Finish!

We had a great start to the morning up at the Fornet, with pretty good visibility and a little fresh snow. Chris and I did a 'triple-skin' to access some gentle but lovely skiing way out in the Pays Desert. (Thomas, Henry and Jerome all started on the Pisaillas this morning) Just as we were coming to last third of our itinerary the weather started to come in and our visibility was drastically reduced, but we finished our run and 'skinned' back out as snow started to fall.

Instead of finishing early I tried to come up with some last minute bonus turns, and found some rubbish instead. Yesterday's heat magnified by some cloud cover turned what should have been good winter snow into a tricky mess. Thomas experienced the same thing on a slope that was fantastic yesterday, which turned into tough going this morning. On hindsight, instead of trying to be clever I would have been better off skiing the L!

The falling snow bodes well for tomorrow, and hopefully it will continue this afternoon and tonight. Even ten centimetres would make a massive difference as we really could use a 'fresh canvas' to work with now.

Andreas organised some ice-climbing for Ian this morning, and Ian had a great time. (see photos)

Millie is now in Melbourne where it is 35 degrees, and she's looking forward to seeing Julian Bower on Saturday. And I'm really looking forward to seeing Katie who is coming to visit me on February 23rd! Mags and Becs are skiing with me that week, and with Katie we've a nice 'girls' team forming.

Don't forget Fernando at the Danois tonight. He and Pedro are fantastic, and will be kicking off at 5:30. My group of Julian, Olivier and Will who has 9 friends here, are all planning on coming. Hope to see you there!

PS And Gill is coming to visit on the 28th, crossing over with Katie for one morning!


10 February 2025

Back In Business!

After having a day off yesterday I was back in business this morning. It didn't look like the easiest of days snow and visibility-wise, but both were better than expected.

Chris and I headed up to the Fornet, and skied the Pays Desert in really good light. We came back up again to ski the Pays Desert out wide, but the visibility was poor and it was seriously white. Both of us preferred to ski the Col Pers in flat light as there is more relief so we headed over the Col, and were rewarded with good snow, and improved visibility. (see photos)

I had a new young client today named Will, who is great company, enthusiastic,  and a good skier. He's here for the next few days so I'm looking forward to showing him around. And bravo to Kit who drove all the way from Verbier to ski this morning before heading back to Geneva to fly home later today.

Andreas headed Tignes-way with Ian, Thomas was skiing on-piste with a French Canadian family on their first trip to Val d'Isere, I'm not sure where Jerome went, and Alex and Henry were off this morning.

Millie was caught in a massive rain storm in Sydney yesterday, and experienced what they call a ' danger to life rain bomb'. She says she's never seen rain like it, and coming from the UK that's saying something!

It did snow a little this morning and hopefully we'll get a few more flakes before the morning. What did fall last night helped, but a bit more snow would be gratefully excepted.

Don't forget Fernando and Pedro at the Danois tomorrow night kicking off at 5:30. If you're in town you don't want to miss it, and I hope to see you there!

Sports Report- The French may be crying in their Kronenberg's but they won't feel nearly has bad as Liverpool fans. Man, talk about bad results!!!!!


9 February 2025

A Day Off!

I'm enjoying a much needed day off although it looks like a nice day out there!

I started off with an afternoon of rugby while cooking before Wils, Rosie, Lois and Zach came over. We watched the England v France classic, before settling in for food, wine and song. It was a great night and lovely to have them all over.

Millie has left her family and is now in Sydney on her own. I'd like to thank Myah and her parents Andrew and Jenny for their  outstanding hospitality. Their kindness and generosity made it so much easier for Millie to settle in, especially when she arrived being seriously jet-lagged and homesick. Knowing Millie was in such good hands helped Gill's (and my) stress levels early on when we were worried about her. They have all cemented friendships for life, and are such a lovely family. Thank you so much! (see photos)

And a big Happy Birthday to Gill's mum Liz. Have a great day Nana!

I'm trying to organise a massage through Ginny for sometime this afternoon, and make the most of my day off. Stay tuned as I'll be back in business tomorrow!


8 February 2025

Saturday!

It's been a week since I last skied in Tignes, and the fact that it was Saturday played into my decision. Saturday's are always a good day to mix some piste skiing in with the off-piste as it's the quietest piste day of the week. And when you've a lack of options with iffy weather a good trip though the Sache with great piste skiing to-and-from is always a good option. I thoroughly enjoyed this morning, and although it was windy we had more visibility than expected. (see photos)

Chris and Andreas skied the same this morning, Jerome was skiing but I don't know what he skied, Alex was on his last day with his group of Vikings, and Henry and Thomas were off.

I have my first day off of the season tomorrow that has been planned in advance. I missed two days earlier when I noodled myself and hurt my neck, plus I missed one day with the dreaded gastro, but that's not the same as going to bed knowing you've a day off. (I'll probably be bored but my legs need a rest!)

I'm having Wils and Rosie over tonight along with their partners Lois and Zach. I'll whip up one of my Mediterranean Arrabbiata pasta sauces with garlic, aubergine, courgette, onion, red and yellow peppers, and green olives. Wils is passing by Chevallot for dessert and it promises to be a great evening!

Millie is a little sad today as she's leaving Myah's family tomorrow. She's been with them since New Year's and she's made some great friends, and will miss them all very much. She is heading to Melbourne where she'll see her golf pal Iola, and then visit with my great friend Julian and his wife Maria. She'll be there for about a week before meeting up with her childhood friend Lily, and they are then travelling up the east coast of Australia together before continuing on the Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

And thanks to Karen and Andreas for another fantastic night in the Danois!

I need to start cooking. Stay tuned!

PS It was the last day of a brilliant week for Paddy, and Charles and his pals are sadly on their way back home. And a big Happy Birthday to Mike for tomorrow!


7 February 2025

What A Bonus!

What a bonus this morning turned out to be! The forecast for today wasn't great, but the skies cleared and we were left with really good visibility all morning long.

I had such a good day yesterday that I decided to return to take advantage of the excellent snow, and wonderful scenery. ( It was also a nice bonus to have my nephew Wils along again this morning.) Chris, Thomas and Henry were all in the neighbourhood, and a great morning was enjoyed by one and all. (see photos)

Meanwhile Andreas skied the Sachette Couloir with Ian, Jerome 'skinned' to the Balme de l'Ours, while Alex is working with a couple of Mountain Guides entertaining a big Swedish group.

Don't forget tonight's Alpine Weekly Wind-up featuring Karen and Andreas at Le Petit Danois starting at 5:30.

Tomorrow's forecast isn't great, but then again today's wasn't either, but we may be lucky and get some snow tonight. Fingers crossed!

PS On the way down from the Pisaillas Glacier I noticed that the Signal poma had reopened after being under repair for the past couple of weeks. We headed up to take advantage of what was left in the Combe du Signal to finish off our morning. From a distance the snow looked excellent, but it was tougher than it looked. But, Paddy, Robert, Adam R, and Wils did a great job and skied it really well. From afar our tracks looked fantastic making the the snow and my 'call' better than they were. Thanks boys!

Stay tuned!


6 February 2025

A Cracking Morning!

With perhaps our last morning of sunshine before the clouds roll in it was important to make the most of it. We've had wind damage, heat damage, and of course track damage eating away at our possibilities, making each day a little tougher. Another factor is how far do people want to walk? Not everyone is fit enough, or has the desire to 'skin' for a couple of hours to find what's left of the good snow.

I had a cracking morning inspired by Chris with two ten-minute 'skins' and one of 20-minutes to access our snow in an extreme Pays Desert. It was excellent top-to-bottom with stunning scenery, and although much of it is gentle skiing we got in a lot of turns this morning. (see photos)

Andreas had some lovely skiing in Tignes, Alex was off on a big outing to the Col du Montet, Chris took Tejina to Italy for the day (I wonder if he got any restaurant tips from Tchenko?), and I'm not sure what Jerome, Henry or Thomas skied?

Hopefully we'll get some decent visibility in the morning before the clouds roll in, and hopefully we'll get some snow. Although the skiing has been excellent of late no one would complain about a 'fresh canvas'. Fingers crossed!

And don't forget Karen and Andreas at the Danois tomorrow night for our weekly end-of-the week Alpine get-together.

Stay tuned!

PS Millie and Myah have been to a concert, and it looks like a great little venue.


5 February 2025

What A Night!

Wow, what a night we had at the Danois last night! Fernando and Pedro were in full flow, and it was a stunning gig. Their renditions of Black Magic Woman and Purple Rain were particularly outstanding, and their range of songs was fantastic.

It was great to have Wils, Rosie, Viv, Lois, Zack, Rob, Wendy and John along, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. And I was pleased that Robert and Paddy made it from my group, as well as my buddy Charles and his cricket pal Pacer. (Pacer was a fast-bowler in his day, hence Pacer) Charles texted afterwards to say, "I've never not left the Danois on a high!" What a night, and thanks to Alice and Hendrick for putting on such a class act!

It was a pleasant surprise to arrive at the Gourmandine this morning to find Dan Egan with Henry and Roscoe. Dan is back for a week's skiing with his girlfriend before returning again towards the end of the season. Welcome back Dan!

As for today's skiing news with all the sunshine we've had it is definitely 'walkies time'. All the boys did some sort of 'skin' this morning varying in length according to fitness levels. As times are tough again it's back to 'code-mode'. (I actually managed not to delete all my photos today so I have posted a few!)

Stay tuned!


4 February 2025

Whoops!

Whoops, unfortunately I managed to delete all of today's photos off my memory card. I'm a bit bummed as I took 165 photos, and was going through them when I hit the wrong button. There were some really good shots as well, as we had great snow on great pitches, with some lovely backdrops. It's bloody annoying to say the least!

It was unseasonably warm today, and the sunny exposures will have taken some serious heat today. Some of what was skiable today won't be skiable tomorrow, which is why Chris and I skied Mont Roup. Mont Roup was fantastic this morning, but we needed to play away from the sun to avoid heavy snow.

All the boys were in action. Thomas skied towards the Crete du Genepy while Andreas headed up to the Fornet, and I'm not too sure what Henry, Jerome or Alex skied.

I posted a few photos this morning. Three of Millie and Myah's trip to the beach to watch the sunrise, and one of me that Paul W sent from our 'skin' into the Grand Vallon on Sunday.

I've some spare time as I no longer have 165 photos to process so I'll enjoy a relaxing afternoon before tonight's gig at the Danois featuring Fernando and Pedro. Don't miss it as the boys are brilliant!

Stay tuned!

PS Long time friend and Alpine client Jane Seaford has booked a two bedroom apartment April 5th toApril 12th. Her friend who she was sharing with has had to pull out so she has a bedroom free at the moment. If anyone is looking for a bed that week get in touch with Jane on janeseasford@xtra.co.nz


3 February 2025

Wonderful!

All the boys were in action today, and I'm not too sure where anyone else skied today except for Chris. (I'm still in 'code-mode' so I wouldn't be telling anyway!)

It was a wonderful morning with some fanatastic scenery along with great snow accessed by 35-minute 'skin', and then another short 'skin' of about 10-minutes. (see photos) (Chris's second 'skin' was more like 30-minutes as I left him after our first descent)

I had a pleasure of skiing with my nephew Wils this morning, and the young man has turned himself into a fantastic skier. Bravo Wils! And Paddy has returned after a four year break, Viv and Matt are back after having two babies, and Robert and Simon rounded off a cracking good group.

There was a terrible collision in Tignes yesterday where at least one skier was killed, and maybe two? It's not surprising really as too many idiots are skiing at ridiculous speeds with very low skill levels. I always enjoy the first piste run in the morning when it's quiet, but by the time we return to the pistes later in the morning it is often terrifying! And sadly it is only going to get worse!

I've a Pilates class shortly so I must run. Stay tuned for more skiing news and photos tomorrow.

PS Don't forget Fernando and Pedro at the Danois tomorrow night starting at 5:30!


2 February 2025

A Change of Scenery!

The sun was shining today, and it's forecast to shine for the next 5 days or so at least. That means 'code-mode' as our stashes of nice snow are going to become more precious with each passing day.

I went of a change of scenery today and with a short 'skin' accessed some fantastic snow, great slopes, and stunning views. (see photos) Meanwhile Chris was sking with Tejina and Suzanne, Thomas was skiing with a couple of old Top Ski clients who are real characters and great skiers, and Andreas was skiing with his brother Mattias and his pals as well as a Swedish Mountain Guide named Jurgen who is based in La Grave. Alex was also in action but I'm not too sure what he skied today, but since I'm in 'code-mode' I wouldn't be telling anyway!

I'm doing some housekeeping as Gill's sister Viv is arrivng later before I settle into a brilliant afternoon of Premeirship football with Palace v Man U followed by Arsenal v Man City.

The rock slide yesterday caused incredible tailbacks and it was taking 6 hours to arrive from Moutiers. It's slow going again today and I hope Viv, Wils, Rosie, Lois, Zack, Rob, Wendy and John don't have too tough of journey. (Sounds like a potentially dangerous week!)

Stay tuned!


1 February 2025

Back On-Line!

As I mentioned some time ago the website's blog page as been very temperamental, and for the past few days it has been down and impossible to log on. You all know that I post daily, rain or shine, so if there is no blog it is down to a technical issue. And if I was ever injured and unable to post Chris would do it, as he has full access.

After our extraordinary powder day on Wednesday, we've had some great skiing to follow it up. After Wednesday's 'powder-frenzy' I've never seen the mountain as tracked out as it was. It was a massacre! There were tracks everywhere on the Val d'Isere-side of the resort, but on Thursday we found some fantastic skiing towards the Sache, and surprisingly had the pleasure of being first in to the Sachette Couloir with lovely powder snow. And yesterday we had a cracking day up at the Fornet with fresh tracks everywhere we skied. (see photos)

Today with a fierce foehn wind blowing, and cloud cover up at the Fornet we returned to the Sache sector for another brilliant morning. We had great snow, sunshine, and stayed out of the wind. (see photos)

Last night's gig was absolutely brilliant as Karen and Andreas had the Danois rocking. (I thought it was one of their best performances!) Andreas's brother and his pals had a fantastic time. Mattias was so proud of Andreas and spent the night grinning from ear-to-ear! I ran into Chris B, who published my book all those years ago, and it was great to catch up with him. I also had the pleasure of skiing with Wilf and his buddy Martin last week, and Martin bought my book 25 years ago, and brought it to the Danois for me to sign, which I thought was quite cool! All in all it was an outstanding evening!

My buddy Charles is having a great time and today is skiing with Karen, Fay and Nigel. He's in good company, and I'm sure they've had a cracking lunch somewhere as Karen takes her day off quite seriously!

Unfortunately there has been a rock slide down the valley and the road up-and-down the mountain is closed. The road closure is causing absolute chaos, and hopefully they can get the road back open as quickly as possible!

I've just watched my first match of the day as Forest demolished Brighton, I'm waiting for Bournemouth v Liverpool followed by the rugby, and then a pizza at Flash. Not a bad afternoon!

During this time when I haven't been able to post I've still managed to post my photos. So if there is no blog there still should be some photos to check on. Stay tuned and fingers crossed this technical issue has been sorted!