Méribel Summer Fun - Part 2

Hi everyone and welcome to the second instalment from my holiday here in Méribel. And I have to say, what a brilliant time is being had. Sometimes non-skiing people ask me why I keep returning to Méribel? Perhaps you've had that question yourself, and it's tricky to answer because it's often a growing list. Yes, there is a buzz about the sport of skiing, the feeling of well-being, the adrenalin, the fresh air, the occasional hot chocolate/coffee stop, and perhaps a treat of a lunch in a fancy mountain restaurant. But there's one other thing that I, as a well-seasoned ski instructor still believe is a major part of coming out to the alps...... the scenery. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, the scenery is just so 'blow your socks off' good. And it's no different here in the summer.

Look at the Altiport ski area in summer colours, very familiar but also very different to the winter. I love it, especially in twilight. I often go out for a stroll early evening with my camera kit, can't help myself. I try different viewpoints, and sometimes end up walking back to the car via the 'Piste des Animaux'. You know that piste, to the side of Blanchot, with loads of statues of mountain wildlife? Both adults and kids alike love this piste..........

It's been a very warm and sunny month so far, in fact we've had several roasting hot days. For many people this is great, however I can struggle in the death zone period of between midday and about 3pm. During these times it's best that I hunker down in some shade somewhere, preferably indoors. That means any decent hikes need to begin early in the morning, often starting around 7am!?! Here's the beautiful Lac de Tueda, which is frozen over with snow on top in winter. It can be seen from the Ours blue piste when skiing towards Méribel-Mottaret, or the Plattieres bubble.

Of course it's a shock when your alarm clock goes off so early when on holiday, but what a reward when you get out there with comfortable temperatures, and funnily enough a quiet mountain to yourself! Yes, Méribel is a leading premier ski resort in the winter, but it is right on the edge of the magnificent Vanoise National Park. It only takes about an hour and a half hike from Méribel Mottaret, to reach an entrance.

The beauty of being in the National Park is its incredible scenery, and the feeling of the utmost 'bien-être' (well-being). Clean fresh air, huge peaks, a stream full of glacial ice melt and flowers all over the place. Most people have heard of the rare mountain flower called Edelweiss, but it's not an easy flower to find. There's a small patch I found a few years ago that's close to a walking path between the Refuge du Saut and the Gebroulaz Glacier. And I couldn't resist going back for another sniff around this year. There seemed to be far fewer than I remember, but still a pleasure to be there all the same.

My wife Harriet and I have a saying we sometimes use - 'Never Stop Exploring', taken from The North Face mantra. And although I've hiked up to these Edelweiss several times over the years, and visited the Refuge du Saut, I hadn't walked towards the Col de Chanrouge before. This Col is miles away from Méribel, and I didn't want that long a walk especially in the heat. However, on the map I had seen a lake and fancied taking a nose, Never Stop Exploring and all that.

And it's a real beauty, a typical high mountain lake with crystal clear, freezing cold, water. It's just off the main route and not visible, which I guess explains how tranquil it felt. One of those places where you could lose yourself quite easily for an hour or so.

Am so pleased that I made the effort to go all the way up there. Thank you so much Vanoise National Park, you rock. Another highlight of the holiday.

On my previous blog post I mentioned a little uncertainty about whether the main Courchevel 1850 cable car was being renovated for this winter. Well, I have further news. The other day I cycled a circular route on my road bike over the Col de la Loze. The route option I took was to climb from the Courchevel side. The Col de la Loze road takes you directly past the Verdon/Vizelle bubbles, and ....... the bottom station of the cable car. And this is what I saw, lots of work going on. Not sure what the workmen thought of me mincing around in me lycra with my little camera. The things I do for blog posts? Let's just say I avoided any eye contact!?!

That's all good news isn't it? Right, that'll do for now, I hope you've enjoyed this latest post. Do come back soon for another instalment. As ever, let me throw in my usual mantra - Live With Passion. Martin.

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