As I sit aboard my easyJet flight, heading back to Scotland for a short break, I reflect on the winter season. The plane engines sound fine as we cruise at 36000 feet, despite the volcanic ash! This time yesterday I was skiing in sunny Avoriaz, where the snow was still in superb condition up to lunchtime. A week before I was running my last ski lessons, at the end of a very busy season....hence the distinct lack of recent blogs! In terms of snowfall it was an average winter, however the long periods of cold weather (without much sun during many weeks) preserved the superb snow conditions from January onwards. If you took the risk and booked a pre Christmas week holiday, you would also have been rewarded with some excellent snow. The Christmas and New Year weeks however, were not so spectacular, due to a short warm, wet spell across the entire Alps. Ironically, the cold weather in the UK over the festive period made it difficult for many people to travel.
Apparently the cold winter in the UK was partly due to Arctic winds streaming down from the polar region. These winds normally circulate around the very top of the world creating a kind of layer of insulation between us and the cold northerly area, but occasionally this cycle breaks resulting in extreme winters for people who live in normally milder climates. According to scientists, the polar ice caps have actually grown recently.
In Les Gets, the cold conditions continued through January, February and early March. Spring suddenly sprung into action in mid-March for a week or so before returning to winter again - good end of season snowfalls assured cracking skiing right up to lift closure last weekend. Nearby Avoriaz sees its last day of skiing tomorrow.
Over the course of the winter season, I've skied and boarded with many people - returning customers and new faces; adults and children, beginners and experts. It has been thoroughly enjoyable coaching and guiding you all and I would like to personally thank you for booking with me. I look forward to hopefully seeing you again next winter!
