Nearly There

Winter-themed activity is picking up on social media now, and we are in the middle of various Ski Shows up and down the country. It feels as if we are so close to the start of the ski season, and yet so far. Can't deny that I'm one of the many who are looking at ski-related articles across the net, and even re-living last winter by skimming through photos. Then it dawned on me, why don't I share some of my favourite photos from last winter?

These images all hold special memories, and it is fun recalling stories and events that accompany them. That for me, is one of the real beauties of photography, reminding ourselves of good times. Another way is catching up with chums and colleagues socially, and chewing the fat. This was one thing that I had only last week, in London of all places.

There was an event called 'God Save The Snow' hosted at a large venue in Fulham, just up from the Fulham Broadway tube station. I had been asked to be one of just a few ski instructors to represent the Méribel ESF. The event was organised by Les Trois Vallees. It was advertised as a big pre-season party, and there was also a VIP area where I was to be based.

Before the start of the event I met up with a couple of the ESF Directors, and the other instructors. It was really quite weird seeing these faces in a totally different environment to normal. Just like when I randomly bumped into a Father of a Bride from a wedding I had previously photographed, at Geneva airport last February!?! Anyway, great fun all the same, and I caught up with loads of gossip and the latest with ski resort goings on.

In the main party area the Folie Douce were getting ready for a performance. And back in the VIP area there was a cocktail bar, a snowy photo booth, a Michelin Chef from Le Farcon in La Tania, doing his chefy things. And the buffet was stacked full of Alpine cheese and meats. Fantastic. As the evening progressed more people arrived, and I started to recognise many faces. At one point I was stood next to the guitarist from the Folie Douce of the last few years. He is the short chap, hair that resembles a mop, and way to cool for school. If you visit the Folie Douce this winter, do remember this description, and you will spot him straight away!

The evening was great fun, and I spoke to loads of different people, some I knew, many I didn't. But again, it was odd being in a 'ski' environment in the middle of London. Oh and Captain Chris, one of my clients of the last ten years, arrived later in the evening. He was on excellent form, I'm guessing after having attended a slightly boozy business meeting. It was fun seeing him again, especially when he was talking to Kim, the ESF Marketing Director. He later invited me to stay that night at his house, just round the corner in Putney. Thanks for the whisky Captain Chris.

It was one of those spontaneous evenings we all experience occasionally that won't be forgotten for a while. Anyway, enough of my inane waffling. Here are a few more photos taken last winter.

So there you go, I hope that has got you a little more excited about the upcoming winter, especially whilst we are in this very mild UK weather at the moment. I'll be leaving Leamington Spa this weekend and heading down to the Alps. Fingers crossed having the first ski of the season at the end of next week. Right, better get back to the packing, and getting the winter tyres put on the car. So near, and yet so far !?!

If you enjoyed this post, you might like to see another article from last winter, click here for the link. Feel free to share away on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ by using the social media icons. Or leave a comment below, it's dead simple to do. See you soon, from the Alps. Yiippppeeeeeeeeee. Martin.