Winter Is Here

Hi everyone and welcome to another post from your favourite Méribel blogging ski instructor. Over the last couple of weeks we delved into some skiing theory, which I hope you enjoyed. Click on this link for the first one if you missed it. This time it's back to my 'running commentary' theme that I often do during the ski season. Now then, is it me, are we all getting excited about skiing soon? There's no denying that winter has arrived this week; it's been very chilly and with a bit of snow around for some of us. Makes you think about being in the mountains doesn't it?

On Tuesday morning this week I woke up to snow falling in Leamington Spa, it was one of those 'wow' moments. I kind of knew that snow was a possibility from the forecast, but even so, I still got caught out how cheery I felt seeing the white stuff. What's that all about, especially after having enjoyed almost thirty (gulp) ski seasons? It's so special seeing fresh snow again.

Perhaps seeing snow triggers thoughts about the sport of skiing and associated emotions. Visiting the high mountains and seeing the scenery is so special, as is the adrenaline of sliding on skis, and witnessing friends and family having such fun as well. The list continues of all the nice memories we have, and the skiing daydreaming we occasionally slip into. Do we think this sport is great for our mental wellbeing?

I'll be leaving Leamington Spa this weekend for the Alps, and will eventually arrive back in Méribel next Tuesday for the winter. With an uptick in bookings the last couple of weeks, as well as the impending departure, I cannot wait now to be back in the mountains and dust off those skis.

So what will this coming winter bring? What will the snow conditions be like? How many sunny days will we have (more than the UK I reckon)? How many pizzas, tartiflettes and vin chauds will we enjoy especially on those chilly days? How many selfies will be taken? How many wonderful ski turns will we make on groomed pistes or even in fresh powder? I don't know the answer to these questions obviously, but I'm guessing the chances are pretty high for all of the above.

All of these photos I took during the last couple of winters by the way. Oh, and it has turned very wintery in the French Alps this week, with very low temperatures and several snow falls. There's no holding back the seasons, and we are definitely at the start of the 2024/25 winter season. Val Thorens, also in the 3 Valleys ski area, has confirmed that they will open their ski lifts this weekend. With scheduled opening for Courchevel on Friday Dec 6th, and Méribel the following day on the 7th. Right, I need to get back to my packing and prepare for the big drive down to Méribel. I'll report on this page shortly after arriving, so do come back soon. As ever, don't forget to Live With Passion. Martin.

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