November 17, 2011
by idris
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As the days begin to shorten and the temperatures drop a bit we begin to think more about winter and skiing. In September we got a fresh dump of snow, so a few of us braved the winds and went … Continue reading
August 22, 2011
by idris
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It starts out with a walk, The slope to our right is the gentle slope! Skis on, ready to make some turns. Susie finding some nice snow – at least nice for late July …My turn! At the same moment, … Continue reading
February 25, 2011
by idris
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And Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Prefecture… As my friends had promised the snow was deep… …Very deep at times! After a few days of no fresh snow, we had to walk a bit further afield. We were rewarded with great … Continue reading
October 20, 2010
by idris
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I get an early morning call to say that it’s a bluebird powder day. But outside my window it’s fog. Computer on and check the webcams, True there is snow and I can see the sky. Looking up at the hills … Continue reading
December 7, 2009
by idris
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First lift of the season and the Aiguille du Midi opened rather quietly. Only 2 tourists 6 climbers and 2 skiers in the lift. I didn’t expect many others but being the only ones was quite a suprise. We were skiing … Continue reading
April 28, 2008 by idris | 0 comments
As a proper test for our prototpes we headed out on the classic Alpine Haute Route.
Starting out from Bourg St Pierre, just off the road we thought we’d start skinning and not bootpack. Not far round the corner we started a routine of skis on skis off.
One of the local marmots takes a discerning look at my planks
Not wanting to take my skis off if at all possible I took to clambering up the steeper bits.
Early next morning we climbed the Plateau de Couloir.
Skinning higher up as it got brighter
Those following our tracks
Over the Plateau de Couloir, down onto the Glacier du Sonadon and a short skin up the Col du Sonadon
Starting up the Otemma Glacier, going on and on and on for 12km
The next morning there was the remains of the storm, but without the wind that had roared all night. On arriving at the top of the Col de l'Eveque the sky cleared.
Me getting a chance to put in some nice turns
The slope below beckoning
The Matterhorn and an end to climbing at last.
Descending the Teifmattengletescher above the Zmutt Glacier on the long ride down to Zermatt
My skis were one of the longest pairs I saw all trip! and by far the widest at 88mm underfoot!!