Uppingham education.

A pre-Christmas bash in pristine snow was the setting for a trip by a group of  teachers from the powerhouse of academic performance, Uppingham school. Possibly on a foray for trips in the future, or just a trip to enjoy the fruits of Chalet L’Oreade, either way fun was had by all.

Led by Housemaster sir Kurt, bringing up the rear were the dramatic sir Andy and historic yet grounded sir Jamie.

Four days was a tall order to fit in enough satisfaction for these hungry lads, but we managed to pack in some thrills and spills along with some quality grub provided by Mrs G.

It was a great few days worthy of mention and all the chaps performed fantastically despite having to absorb copious lemsips in the morning to provide fuel for them.

After our little four day excursion each of the pupils was issued with a performance report, something to show the responsible ones back home and of course highlighting the areas that need attention next term…..

The honourable Master Kurt  had a slow start during the few days of intensive training. A naturally quiet person he seemed to listen intently to the information presented and process the ideas well. This was especially true to behold in his practical performance which got stronger everyday.

 

The depth of Kurt’s concentration shows no bounds.

 

It would have been nice to see the mischievous side to this great character at some point and sometimes in the early days, a little more communication would have been the cream on the cake, to give a well rounded sense of the effort he displayed physically.

 

Kurt must not be afraid to push himself sometimes, since he has great skill and practical ability. Trust yourself and the weapon that you ride with to carve the ultimate impression on the mountain.

Great stuff!

 

Master Andy had a robust spirit from the word go. This meant that straight away he was up against the wall and had to prove his skill in the practical environment to back up the banter that we all experienced in the classroom.  At times the other students were influenced by his boisterous activities at the back of the class.

 

Although not the most skilled of the class in this ‘top-set’ group, from the outset he soon threw himself head-long into all the situations that were put in front of him. Indeed some of these tasks were above his ability level but sheer determination and the use of humor saw him through the sticky situations.

 

I would suggest that he sometimes misjudges the use of appropriate language in the classroom environment. I put this down to his dramatic nature and anticipate that it will not happen again after he was disciplined.

 

On the whole a great effort was always present with a spirit of elation at all corners of our adventure.

 

Try to gauge the behavior of others in the class when targeting a subject for the butt of a joke, and you will go far.

 

Splendid, a real one to watch here!

 

 

 

 

 

Master Jamie, or the ‘Gentleman Rascal’, had a very impressive attitude throughout the course. Initially coming across a little reserved, he soon managed to emerge from any anxiousness he may have had. Unresolved, he battled on with all the different severities of terrain encountered, never uttering any word of discontent, or displeasure.

 

It has been a real pleasure spending time with this young man who shows great potential to develop into this new lifestyle that seems to excite him.

 

Despite his fantastic potential it seems he holds back when it comes to members of the opposite sex in the practical scenarios presented on the course. I have no doubt this will be a small patch in an otherwise fruitful voyage along the way he chooses.

 

On the whole a sterling effort and I expect Jamie to go far, well done.

 

Of all the students Jamie shows the greatest potential to become a ’ski bum’. Good Show!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008 Kick off!

                                                    

                                               2008.2009

 

Another winter rolls on and at Chalet L’Oreade in that special place nestled away in the French Alps. The snow has already arrived with the cold arctic fronts bringing a beautiful covering to the doorway of adventure.

 

Each season tells its own story of thrills and the Chalet grows into a more special place with each week passing.

 

I always ask myself how it can be described in simple terms. Perhaps in my mind,

 

 ‘A place which is a home from home, dropped into a mountainside village/nature reserve, away from the hustle and bustle of the over-saturated motorway resorts where the slopes are full of people wearing the same faces as if they were on their daily commute on the roads back home. This place is where we re-learn to live, smiles all round. It will not disappoint with stashes of snow untouched by those who went before, steep and deep, plentiful to be found. Relax into the spirit of mountain life, where the simple pleasures are put first.’

 

The Chalet provides the place for this all to happen and it can be tailored to suit the needs of each party, whether it is a family of well travelled Skiers, Snowboarders, novices, connoisseurs of winter sports, or individuals looking to experience something special. From basic self-catered packages to fully catered deals, there’s something to suit you, with reasonable prices hard to beat in the area.

 

Video filming or coaching is also available to record your week of excitement.

 

Just an hour from Geneva makes it a must for accessibility and quick getaways.

 

Ride snowboards are available to test at the Chalet, as well as balance trainers by Indo-Board to hone those balancing skills.

Special Offers

 

This January:

-Bed and breakfast any week, £200 per person. If you pay/ book before December the 15^th get the week for £175 per person!

 

-Weekend special bed and breakfast, £100 per person, based on three nights, £125 for four nights.

-Supper from 22 euros per night, advance notice needed.

 

 

See you out there!!!!!!

www.chalet-loreade.com

will@chalet-loreade.com

Three generations of fun.

A week to remember will always be the week that a group spanning across three generations came to play at Chalet L’Oreade. Statham junior, Lindsey Statham; Senior, Wayne Statham; Grand Senior, Eddie ‘The Eagle’.

Wayne and Lindsey were both accomplished in their own right as winter-sports enthusiasts. A bout of story telling back home aroused the keen adventurous spirit of master Eddie, the Grandfather. Far from an ageing tea drinker and purveyor of things civilised, his CV was pretty impressive already and included a skydive within recent years.

So, after careful consideration and permission seeking the adventurer was set on one more journey and extreme sport to add to the grand list. Skiing was going to be the choice of how to get down the mountain for Eddie. Although a keen water-skier in his youth this was going to be different. After the first tentative lesson he was keen to show us the progress that he had made under the masterful guidance of a top ESF coach. The trouble was that after a bottle of mulled wine, it becomes quite hard to stay in control of a pair of skis when sliding down the mountain, especially after only two hours ever on snow. So, the demonstration turned into a dash to get to Eddie before he hit the line of people innocently making their way up the drag lift. Luckily Eddie sacrificed himself for these folk and snow-ploughed himself into the off-piste where things came to a natural conclusion. Perhaps it was better to head back after such copious amounts of alcohol we all decided.

Wayne had been pursuing some of his own goals higher up on the mountainside, trying to keep up with young Lindsey who was quite the bandit on a board. Wayne brought to mind Crouching Tiger hidden Dragon style when tearing away at the slopes on his skis.

So after some fodder and the dinner-table banter of ‘tall tales from the slope’ the scene was set for some serious days of skiing rather than drinking, or so I thought, as I settled in with the new guests.

The next few days saw some great skiing, although a little cloudy at times, and soon Eddie was progressing off the beginner slopes to the tree bound mecca of Morillon, and like a hobbit on a quest to get to Mount Doom, Eddie conquered the skiing mountain with a cool, calm and collected style akin to a true professional. It was very rewarding to witness someone of Eddie’s age approaching the sport with such a fun and positive attitude, who did so well. Awesome!

While Eddie got to grips with a woodland expedition, Wayne was shown how to go straight off vertical faces into powder fields. It did not take much to encourage Wayne to go first, down a sheer twenty foot incline with a tree inches from his hooting face. Without falling, he swooped down after a massive injection of acceleration that made his face contort, to a controlled finish on the shoulder of a small hillock. Wayne looked over at me and explained very professionally that that was the first time he had done anything like that. So with that we threw ourselves headlong into an off-piste session which had Wayne making noises all day long behind me, mainly noises of excited nervousness, I think!

A splendid week was had by all, topped off by a beer drinking session in which Eddie showed us all how to drink and sing sea shanties, he won the competition and I ended up loosing out that night, but I will get my revenge next year Eddie!

The G-spot goes off on a Monday night.

 

Coveys, the fantastical Irish bar is the only place to be in Samoens on a Monday night. Den of inequity, palace of pleasure, discoteque of funk, call it what you wish, the music is fresh and funky. You might even witness the local pole-dancing club warming up, headed up by the wonderful Ali, with disciples Sanna and Lindsey wiggling the tush. Many fascinating events often unravel themselves in the course of an evening.

Since the neighbours have left the volume is now back to acceptable levels that will rock the foundation of your soul. This vibe will create some side effects which might include a tendency to break out into uncontrolled knee swinging, hip shaking and body popping even grinding in some cases. You have been warned!

The music often starts nice ‘n’ mellow with some reggae, dub, trip-hop and escalates its way into the regions of northern soul, funk, house, electro and even drum and bass. There’s always something new and unusual on the menu. This year there have been several splendid nights so far with a great local turn out.

If you come down in March there are going to be some G-Spot Cd’s available too, so get your butts shakin’.

The adventure to Lac De Gers.

One morning, before the roaring rush of tourists descended on our playground, in a golden time,  it came to be that three young adventurers went snowboarding into the Grand massif mountains. The air was mixed with the smell of freshly baked croissants and a crisp dryness that one comes to love on cold January mornings.

Paul Navin, B-Boy Bunty and Will G were amped up to go ride together, no waiting for anyone, even each other.

The day looked average, snow mediocre and most would turn their noses up at the prospect of having an adventure on such a day. Gee-whizz, the sun wasn’t even out. I guess this is a story to prove that there is so much more to snowboarding and skiing than just riding like a creature on a conveyor belt, barely different from the city grindstone that we all wanted keep at bay. It’s easy to get into a rut in whatever you do, sometimes you have to step outside your normal routine to wake up!

Recently I had been feeling like I was just doing the same runs day in and out, slipping into a kind of routine where I went onto the mountain and started to switch on auto pilot. In hindsight I still feel this sometimes now, but at least I can identify when it happens now.

 Anyway, off we went on just an average morning telling stories of the weeks events in each of our little spheres of existence on the lifts which took us onward. When our feet were on the snow we just opened up the throttle and headed for Flaine, where the snow promised to be fresher and colder. I talked away to myself as we blasted down the open runs, occasionally weaving through the odd snowplough laden Ski tourist, who scowled at our boarding essence and free spirit.

‘This is going to be one of those dodgy days because I have to do short turns first thing to get warmed up.’ I grumbled to myself as the lads let gravity suck them down the corduroy trail. Pointing the boards pretty straight, we let rip.

There’s something about going fast, when it’s safe, that’s an important thing to do for a person. It’s all about pushing your own comfort zone and discovering your line that you walk, when you live on the edge. No matter what your ability if your are interested in progressing and keeping motivated to ride in the true spirit of a real boarder or skier I believe that you have to discover the line. The only way to find it is to push yourself reasonably towards it, yes, occasionally we overstep the mark, but only a little. It’s the big steps without thought beyond the line that one should avoid perhaps.

Feeling the zing of cold air that’s been working your face on the way down against warming skin, as the blood starts to flow is a special feeling to me. That whole buzz of being amongst the mountains and their splendour.

As we ascended the peaks cloud cover began to look ominous, descending over us steadily throughout the morning. Light waned and it became difficult to make out all the lumps and bumps, occasionally bucking the board uncomfortably to a juddering halt. Although the snow was good on the trails it was hard going off-piste, real heavy sludge in places that had been exposed to the sun. A nice piping cuppa and good feed started to seem like a warming prospect. From the top its only a sweet fourteen kilometre run of twists and turns, no people and stunning tree riding if you venture of the beaten track, back to the chalet door. It beats a long slog for an hour and a half on lifts as well as crappy motorway skiing the other way.

I persuaded the lads to this option and B-Boy came up with a genius plan to check out a little secret route down through a hidden valley into the Gers bowl. So, excited at the prospect of this potential score of fresh tracks we descended to our first check point. It was great until we hit some thick fog and cloud which brought us down to a tentative pace. It was nigh on impossible to see the traverse that we needed to keep to across the steep sides of the cliff face that formed the top of a mid-bowl. Looking ahead to a point to which we had to get to, across the ridge, became pure guess work. Visibility closed in and was down to about five metres, we lost B-Boy and were resigned to follow a track underneath our noses. With such heavy snow the face could have slipped away easily into an avalanche. After calling out we located B-Boy who was waiting at the point on a ridge where we descended into the next valley. Much to my suspicions we had indeed headed to a point too low to access our planned route. The actual valley we were in ended in sheer cliffs, but the trouble was we could not see how far away they loomed.

‘Bugger!’ I thought that meant we have got to hike up the valley wall to a higher point to get the hell out of here and to a safe point from which to descend. There were no tracks to follow now, just instinct and the three of us resigned ourselves to a long vertical march up the face of a valley side we could not see the top of. As we sank into the drifted snow up to our hips, we threw our boards out in front as platforms to pull ourselves up with. It became pretty hard going and after shedding a layer from the heat of the work out, longing for water, we made out a power pylon looming on the crest of the ridge.

As we made it to the man-made, metallic beast that towered over us B-Boy remembered the lay of the land and located the descent line, a sigh of relief was breathed by us all and we took a break from our ordeal, gathering excitement for the ride down, that no others had done for weeks, fresh tracks!

After starting the initial cruiser run down, frankly, it got really sludgy and sticky, but I didn’t care. To be released from the arduous climb and have a direction we trusted felt so good. No one was with us as we ploughed through the trees and tore down the trails of the forest like a pack of marauding wolves.

 

 Eventually we flew out, joining the trail to a little mountain hamlet that was serene and peacefully calling to us, beside a vast frozen lake. The owner came out as he saw us approach and greeted us all warmly. A cold beer was consumed on the terrace and boy it hit the spot.

 

We all got a tow from the owner’s Ski-doo, doubling as wake-boarders on a leash, down to the point where the piste would take us into the valley where Chalet L’Oreade is nestled. The sandwich feast we made on arrival back at the ranch was fantastic and the several mugs of tea finished our adventure off perfectly.

Learn2Live endless winters.

The winter so far has been full of really playful sessions, whether on Ski’s or Board everyone has been carving their mark on the mountain. January saw some powdery days to explore some new secret spots with. February has been a dry month on the snow front but that shifted the focus to jibing and freestyle flavours. Sixt had many fruits to offer, including a pumping house that became our focus for a little expression session in January. Riders on this little quest included Willy G, James McKnight and Nick Maher. Perfect spot for some little air drops and spins, the location of which cannot be divulged unless you are lucky enough to visit L’Oreade for that little something extra!

James McKnight has proved to be a bold adventurer whenever on the hill. Keen mountain-biker and general nut case, he has taken to boarding like a fish to the chip shop, throwing himself at anything in his path, more often than not, battered with beer. I once visited his humble dwelling for an in-promptu showing of his latest film on a mountain bike. this was an adventure in itself entering a pit that held three bikers for a week, holding my nose I entered the cave above the Bar Savoie, a litre bottle of Archers was thrust my way like a communion welcome for a new disciple. I refused the sweet syrup in favour of not catching something. As I watched the movie there was a running commentary on the mad antics of the riders who weaved their way through mountain passes and woodland tree stumps like wolves hungry for the kill. It was hard for me to leave since the lads enthusiasm was so pure, but after each clip the smell urged me to leave. I have it on good record that it took some seriously thorough cleaning to get that apartment back to habitable condition after this little mountain bike soldier left for pastures new in the Spanish Pyrenees.

That brings me nicely on to ‘Mad Hatter’ Nick Maher, rarely have we witnessed this lad to remove his token hat, its probably a good thing too, since I am not quite sure what lives under there. Nik rips most things to shreds when on a snowboard, so I dread to think what he is like on the premier love of his life, mountain-biking. The bike-gang are a dedicated crew and I should finally mention Tall Paul, who seems to have deserted this valley in recent weeks in favour of a feline creature who resides up the other valley…….. However, this lad Skis like a whirling dervish considering the amount of time he has spent on two planks, careering down all that we tease him with, without flinching one bit.

Honorary members, with exemplary battle decorations include Mark Entwhistle, the ‘Top Gun’ wise father figure. You might happen across this chap, if you can catch him, on a Saturday leading a crew of fathers across the ragged peaks. 

The Irish contingent have been a worthy squadron, that I have had the honour of flying with many a time for a quick morning session. B-Boy Buntster, Paul Navin and Mr Cunning Stunts Cunningham.

The female riders of note this year have to be the delectable Lindsey Statham, and Sanna the Swede. Both pushing themselves each day to the boarder of sense. Injury has proven their unrestrained effort, an unconscious moment unfortunately became of all this. Helmets are certainly a good idea for those of us with any testes-satchels between the legs. Funnily enough I cant seem to find mine any more, the search continues.

This crew has formed the core of riders this year who were out before the onslaught of tourists hit the hill on the last couple of weeks. Now the group has become splintered and we each fight individually among the flocking sheep. Soon once more we shall be reunited, frothing at the mouth, hardened from battle with the Franc.

Once more we shall sip tea bathing under the watchful eye of Mont Blanc.

Some photos of our gang;

Learning to Live a mountain dream.

Life at Chalet L’Oreade has flown by to a point now in February where an open sheet lies in-front of us, on which will be written many more tales of glorious sunshine, snow and tom foolery. But for now lets focus on the stories from the last few weeks.

Christmas saw some of the best conditions of recent winters, skiing was fantastic and blue-bird skies were a common place companion to each day. In fact this year has been typified by very clear skies and quick one day snowfalls.

New year’s eve, and Chalet L’Oreade was host to a soiree for the local vicars and tarts. Robin Giles esquire came representing the cross-dressing constituents of the valley, accompanied by an eighties throwback welsh dancing queen. ‘Holy smoke!’

The Swedish brethren were also present in the form of ‘Halifax’ Toni, a true purveyor of fine cuisine, and ‘Flexible Dave’ who wooed people with his cereal box manoeuvres. A feast was prepared by  Mrs Giles, a classic English lady, accompanied by a priest whom has been on travelling on Safari in recent times, the right Reverend G.Giles. Father William Giles, who although short of sight, managed to catch a fine princess for the evening to accompany him to the rather humorous gathering, a miss L. Statham of dubious employ. To top the evenings vast array of characters a Mr T.Searby was to grace us with his presence. For those that do not know this young gentleman he is often mistaken to be of the fairer sex due to his particularly gentile facial complexion. His belle for the evening was the fallacious Charlie, tease and courtesan of high society gatherings back in our homeland of the United Kingdom.

The evening was a fine gathering of many different ideas and expressions of the present day. After searching for many treasures amongst our home we reflected on the merit of alcohol in modern society. A real test was laid out for us all after a stupendous feast consisting of fishes and rare meats, when each of our spirits were tested by the cereal box collection. A real spectacle for the ladies and menfolk, as each of us battled to retrieve the last forgotten pieces of that sacred cardboard relic we all start the day with. As the box was harder to pluck into the air, so the groans and contortions increased. Father Dave emerged victorious closely followed by Halifax Toni and Mrs Giles. A splendid night was had by all at the mountainside retreat of Chalet L’Oreade as the cold night air and snowy slopes listened intently to our plight.

Tales From The Snow

Fresh Beginnings

Well, here we are approaching another winter.  The way I see it is that you have two choices, one; stay at home, two; get your butt to France this season and score some fresh snow on which to carve your name with equipment of choice.  Nowadays we are all accepting and nondiscriminatory in every aspect of our lives, so it should be no different whether you ride two planks or one.

A lot of people bang on about how bad last year was for snow and frankly I feel like rubbing their noses in the mud of English floodwater.  I tell you what, last year never saw a day that you could not ride somewhere if you were motivated to get off your behind.  A testament to the snow management in resort, they did a fantastic job.  In the scheme of things chance and probability point towards one in ten years being a dud.  So in reality perhaps last year was a duffer, but definitely proved to me that I could push myself in new areas and still get out there every day.

Already this year there is more snow on the ground than equivalent times last year.  It comes as no surprise that this will form a good base at altitude.  Throughout the Alps there was very little base by Christmas last year.  So fingers crossed and we are heading for a fun season, what the hell lets face it, getting out to France is always fun twenty centimetres of snow or one hundred!

Chalet L’Oreade is now at peak performance for all would-be adventurers with a bathroom on the bottom floor that is not shared by two entrances any longer.  Great news for those of you that need a little privacy when taking care of business!

New for this year is a Snowboard and Ski club ‘Learn To Live’ which aims to get more people riding together, sharing ideas in the bar and of course on the slopes.  It will also allow members to get special deals on chalet rental and coaching.  On the back of this there will be video analysis sessions or simply filming days where you can capture your slope antics for future viewing.  Official membership will cost a small fee for lifetime membership, in this you will get one free coaching sessing and a T-shirt for good measure.  The club will also extend it’s arms to surfing in the summer, either in Newquay or abroad on the West coast of Portugal, where there is a jewel of a surf camp, “Arrifana Surf Lodge” nestled away for our pleasure.

Back to the winter and Chalet L’Oreade is now proudly supported by “Style Eyes”of California, so your eyes are always protected and looking good is a natural breeze.  Sunglasses are available at the chalet, bargain prices, or by contacting me directly.  There is also a club forum page on Facebook so that you can keep in touch with old friends or post pictures and ask questions.  This also has direct links to the latest weather reports for Samoens and Flaine areas.

“Ride” Snowboards still continue to rip my expressions onto the hillside in a material form and a good selection are on hand for demonstration or purchase at the Chalet.  The classic “Indo Board” balance trainer also provides essential ‘off-piste’ co-ordination for all our amusement.  Incidentally, these weapons are ideal for cross training in any sport, or indeed just incorporating into any gym or home workout to improve core strength.  I have developed Ski and Snowboard specific programs to prepare for action on the slopes.

All in all this winter is going to be a  cracker, especially if you come to visit me at Chalet L’Oreade, whatever your persuasion.  The G-spot at Covey’s still continues to create a haven for seasonaires who want to jive their Monday nights away to the mellow, funky vibes created by Will G aka the G-Spot damager who never fails to satisfy.  Let’s not forget too, that any guest of Chalet L’Oreade qualifies for superb discounts at this exquisite Irish establishment for the quenching of your thirst.

See you there! Love Willy G.

Back To The Roots

Back To The Roots

So, here we go, winding up for a new season, epic as usual I hope ……

posted by Will G at 8:58 PM

Season’s End

Season’s end

This winter was one of the best I can remember, with some great guests, amazing snow and spot on the G. With such sweet snowfall I was constantly buzzing and always excited for the dawn of each new day.

Barry Hall, Emma, Andy and Ian rocked out a cosmopolitan party with fantastic efforts from Ian and Emma who put a new meaning to the word bravery.

Baz Hall dropped into the jaws of death, pausing briefly to contemplate the ramifications if it all went wrong, thankfully he is back at the National Surfing Centre in Newquay with a few stories to tell of an adventure to rival Treasure Island, after the goodies discovered in Zorta Woods.

Haswell brought out a party of lively young scallywags for St.Paddys day, who managed to rock Covey’s with a bit of glamour and spice! Charlie also managed to show us what a fantastic magician he was in performing the fantastic disappearing pants act.

Dude I am glad I don’t know that one! Those wishing to learn this tender trick should contact Charlie direct on 07709355899. A special mention should also be given to Rich who broke the land speed record that week, and I thought submariners were shy!

A more altogether experienced party graced the chalet with their presence, during which Mr Searby senior managed to rip some amazing lines down the mountain putting everyone to shame. After some gobsmacking tumbles, each time picking himself up laughing and smiling ready for the next powder bowl.

Hat’s off to you Tony!! Ride like the wind……..Mrs Giles again proved that nothing could stop her from conquering any part of the mountain, creating some great turns and bumps mastery. Mr Giles senior and Mrs Searby always had the kettle on for the crazy bunch of adventurers also consisting of Derek and Anita who all made the chalet a lively place.

Mrs Searby junior and her husband James brought a civilised group of would-be hopefuls to Loreade. Only a few boarders managed to fly the flag against a strong ski contingent, but I like to think we gave a pretty good fight. Alex definitely proved that all Searby’s had a burning desire for competition, and apt ability to throw themselves down anything that presented itself to them. After one night of partying Tom and I were left to paint the town red for the rest of the week, while the gang opted to win and loose millions over Poker evenings. Perhaps the guys would be better off coming out after all!

Lets not forget the magical Mercer brigade, consisting of Allwin, Henry, Joanna and Cameron. Also Mark, Toby, Hannah and Francesca were brave enough to join this little crew of bandits. This was the week of the ripping Skiers. Master Mercer had a watchful eye on the craziness of that week, although I am not sure he could stop the wheel rolling right off the mountain when Cameron, Allwin, Toby and Joanna proceeded to cruise away down some of the most steep,beautiful fresh powder runs of the season. Fantastic…… Mark and the girls took a more civilised approach. At the end of each day they were far better off, having bags of energy for the next day. Fran, Toby, Hannah and Mark made great improvements over the course of the week and I hope to see you guys again next season where we can continue the legacy.
A week that also pushes me, I often found Cameron hot on my heels so I let him take the helm several times and plumes of powder would mark the trace of those brand new Line twins!! Wow, awesome stuff guys.

All in all a great season. Many thanks to everyone. Remember, the adventure never stops for those brave enough, Cornwall is only a breath away and here you can join me for some salty madness. Be good, Will G

posted by Will G at 10:18 PM