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;