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.