Climbing / ski touring hols

As our visitors this winter know, I've been working as a physio this winter (and have recently started a new job in Devon) whilst Kath has been running the chalet.

This is also the plan for winter 2010 / 2011 i.e. Chalet Henriette will be offering catered or self-catered accommodation. We are both intending to run Christmas week (catered) then Kath will be running the chalet (with someone local to assist) for the rest of the season.

This summer / autumn (2010) the chalet will be available for self-catering only.

So I have had two holidays at the chalet in January and March. We did some very enjoyable skiing in the Grand Massif and at Praz de Lys, plus in March I had a couple of great ski touring outings (to the Pointe de Bellegarde overlooking the Fer a Cheval and to the Haute Pointe at Sommand).

I also managed to get out for a days alpinism with my friend Benoit (re. photos).
We skied from the Grand Montets into the Argentiere bassin and did the Frendo-Ravanel on the Aiguille Carree. It was in good condition and an enjoyable climb, and basically a great day out. I found the skiing very hard on the way back with a full pack and lack of practice! Regards Nick

Bearded Vultures 2010

They're back and they've been busy!

Nest re-occupied: Kath first noticed the adults around the nest site in mid-January, though they may have been around a bit earlier. From the 21st January we noticed them on the nest continually, so were sure that they had returned and were propagating an egg (or eggs). We have enjoyed some great views of the adults on the nest and soaring locally. They are easier to view this year, it seems they are sitting higher on the nest somehow (or have slightly shifted its position) as we are consistently getting full views of their neck and head.

Hatching: Kath noticed a lot of commotion on the nest on sunday 28th March so she believes the youngster has hatched. If 2 eggs are laid, they are normally a few days apart; this is an 'insurance policy' and assuming both hatch the stronger predates the weaker (or the parents simply ignore the weak one and it dies).

ETD! Assuming all goes well with the rearing, the young takes several months to grow and its first flight should be scheduled for sometime in end July / beginning August!

2009/ 2010 Ski Season round-up

February: A very good month, good amounts of snow and frequently cold temperatures, hence the skiing was often powdery!

March: Very cold at the beginning of the month, so conditions were excellent up to the middle of the month. Then we had a couple of weeks of very mild temperatures, which though it was lovely to enjoy the sun and the warmth, did mean the onset of 'spring snow' conditions and (as the mild period continued) less good skiing in the afternoons. This was a good period for ski touring.

April: At the end of March and beginning April we had a reversion to colder weather and frontal systems bringing snow, so there have been some excellent powder conditions again recently.

January conditions

January has been a great month - good snow and generally very good weather, allowing us and our guests to really get out there and enjoy!

Kath, Jason and guests had a superb powder day last saturday, plus they've had a couple of really good days out on the snowshoes this week- enjoying getting out into unfrequented areas.

Kath and I had a fantastic view of the Bearded vultures - both adults seen on the nest on the 21st Jan. Plus we did an easy ice climb (mid-Jan) with our friend Nicholas - he really enjoyed his first ever ice climb and Kath (who traditionally begins to curse me half way up on these things) enjoyed it all the way!

Conditions are looking good for the forthcoming week too, with light snow showers today and then forecast to be cold and clear for the next few days, with more snow likely on thursday.
Regards N

A Happy New Year!

(Photo of garden, 5/01/10)

Our run up to New Years Eve was a bit unpleasant, with some high winds and very mild temperatures (and rain!). It was (frustratingly!) ironic that the UK was very much colder at the time!

We had new guests arrive on the 30th Dec, and the view (and mood!) in the valley was rather gloomy when setting out their first morning (the 31st) with rain falling at lower levels. However, on arrival in the ski area the guys were greeted with 20cm of fantastic powder. Don't you just love it when that happens!

New Years day was fine, sunny and powdery, then more and more snow arrived from the 2nd Jan (as per the photo) and a fantastic week was had!

The skiing / boarding in the area has been great with 'off-piste on piste'.

Kath and friends have also got in a bit of ski-touring, which has been great in the new powder.

Re. wildlife, Kath & Jason were very excited to have a close encounter with a pair of Bearded vultures circling only 100m over head at the Gorges de Tines; they also saw an adult (most likely one of this pair) circling near the nest site on the cliff opposite us. Regards N&K