Tag: courchevel | Yes Improvement Ski & Snowboard Instructor Courses

Courchevel: Adieu far too soon.

January 16, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog /by anne

Friday morning brought some fresh snow on the ground, blue skies above and Bob being reunited with his ski. All signs were pointing to a great day and it did not disappoint. Fresh off his guided experience, Bob grabbed his group and headed out to explore the Trois Vallees and beyond. Meanwhile, guides Andy and Alan joined the other groups to show off their resort. Andy took the high flyers and took off in search of the goods. Alan grabbed his group and headed towards Tovets for a warm-up. After that it was up Plantery for some fresh tracks off the Loze. With the Saulire tram running, it was up to the top to sample the goods of the Saulire run. Plans to head over to Meribel got put on hold as the snow was so good a re-run was necessary.

Under the Vizelle lift.

Paul exploring the powder off the Saulire.

Les Trois Vallees.

Finally over on the Meribel side, there were fields upon fields of fresh snow to play in and the gang had a blast. With confidence growing, the speed increased and the smiles began to grow. A quick stop at Cotes – where there was a slide down to the toilets – it was up towards Tougnette. From there it was a 1000m vertical descent down to the village of Saint Martin for a great lunch at Le Voute.

The PowderPuffs, hardcore lounging Euro-style.

Saint Martin.

Leanne heading down towards Meribel.

From there it was time to head home, a trip which involved 2 lifts up then a ski down to Meribel, up the Saulire Express 1 and a ski down to the Loze Express to head over the Col de la Loze and back down to 1850. All groups were still skiing at 16:00 and as per usual, Le Courcheneige beckoned some of the gang in for an apres ski beverage before heading back to the hotel for dinner and presentations. A great day was had by all and it was a perfect way to end our stay in Courchevel.

Which way to Meribel?

Fields of powder everywhere.

Les Dents de Burgin.

Courchevel: Skiing to Sledding.

January 14, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog /by anne

Thursday the crew woke up to another 10 cm of fresh snow blanketing the ground and it was still coming down. With low visibility the trees were the place to be so the groups stayed low to warm-up. Courchevel 1550, Le Praz and La Tania kept the groups entertained before it was time to head out towards Meribel. With the upper lifts open, some headed over the Col de la Loze while others took the tram and braved the flat light atop Le Saulire. Some good snow was found around the Pas du Lac area as the snow was still fresh from the previous storms. Some good trees were found under the Loze chair and Aliport area as the groups explored the Meribel side of the valley.

Ready to start the day. Bring on the powder.

Finding some freshies off the side of Aiguille du Fruit.

Finally, a break for lunch.

The PowderPuffs had local guide Alan to show them around and boy did he work them hard. A brief check to see the avi transceivers were working and then it was off. Off to Meribel via all stops along the way. Le Praz, La Tania, the pace was relentless. Chopped up powder here, steep pitch there all with the occansional tree thrown in for good measure. After a hard morning it was Le Folie Douce for lunch before launching right back into it. After skiing Meribel it was up the Saulire Express to the summit before heading down Creux in the fog before heading back up the mountain this time on the Chanrossa chair. A "cruise" down Pyramide and Grandes Bosses brought them back to the Aiguille du Fruit and back home. Well almost home as the Courchneige was calling for a well deserved drink.

Some rather bubbly PowderPuffs.

Mikey likes it!!

As the groups made it back to the hotel the day was not yet over. Sledding was in the cards and a few brave souls headed to the piste with their racing sleds. What a blast! After heading down the Jardin Alpin trying to figure out how to control the things, most got the hang of it, sort of. Lots of crashes and lots of laughter as we did the trip from 1850 to 1550 three times. It was like being a kid again. People wiping out, rolling over, smashing into others, forcing sleds off the track, air off bumps, no brakes, it was amazing everyone made it down mostly in one piece. It made for a very tired bunch and an early night as everyone rested up for the final day tomorrow.

The gang at the start of the Piste de Luge.

And they're off.

Will they make the corner?

Feeling like a kid again. Smile of exhileration or relief?

Bonjour from Courchevel

January 13, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog /by anne

We awoke Sunday to some snow falling and warmish temperatures. A storm was coming in and the visibility was limited. Winds and conditions retricted us to mainly the Biollay, Chenus, Bouc Blanc and Plantrey areas. Conditions were spring-like as we cruised around setting up the groups for the week. It was a good feeling to get the legs working again after the train ride and transfer. On the way home, a stop at the Courcheneige was in order for a warming Gluewein.

The YESturians, day one.

Monday we awoke to some more snow and warm temperatures. The was snow was heavy and quite challenging in spots. Again, wind, conditions and high avalanche danger limited the lifts that were open and therefore the terrain available. With the wind howling the groups tried to stay close the trees for protection and visibility. The snow was ever changing as we got some great turns in spring snow while trying to survive down sticky, clumpy sections as well. Despite the wet, dreary start to the day, the groups managed to have fun at stayed out until past 16:00.

Courchevel 1850.

With the storm coming in, the temperature had dropped and the snow was bucketing down. Looking at the forecast the coaches decided to call Tuesday a rest day. Tuesday morning brought about 20cm of fresh dry snow and it was still coming down. Some people took to the slopes while others relaxed, explored the village or went shopping. Those who braved the slopes were rewarded with some great skiing. Super light powder with no one around. The visibility was limited but close to the treeline the skiing was great. As evening fell, the snow started to fall again, and a lot of it. By the time it was bedtime, it was puking down hard outside.

How many PowderPuffs can fit on a chair?

Wednesday morning we awoke to a clearing sky. Another 30ish cm had fallen over night and it was game on. The upper mountain and transfer to Meribel was still closed due to high avalanche risk but the lower mountain was good to go. Most of the groups headed over to 1650 via the Mugnier chair and were not disappointed. Fresh snow was everywhere as the groups whooped and hollered through the powder. Chapelets, Signal and Aiguille du Fruit were the favourites with many great powder turns as well as a few crashes. Some just fell over in the deeper snow while others managed to find ditches, hidden bumps or just throw themselves into holes. Much laughter was had and everyone had a big smile on their face. As the sun got lower in the sky, so did the temperature and by 16:00 is was time to head back. Courchevel put on a great show today and the groups are ready for more.

Are we having fun yet?!?

Blasting down the powder near Signal.

Powderhound learning new tricks.

Europe 2014 – Courchevel – And that’s a wrap!!!

January 31, 2014/0 Comments/in Blog /by anne

The final day of Euro 2014 brought bright blue skies. The group met up top of the Saulire for the group photo minus our fallen comarde. You are missed Mr. Johnson. After the photo shoot, the groups dispersed in various directions. Linc's group headed to Mont Vallon and some great off piste before heading up to the Saulire chutes. Then it was off to watch the polo before a great lunch at La Soucoupe.

Linda blasting down the coulior.

Saulire and its chutes and couloirs

Polo on the snow in Courchevel

Meanwhile Meesh headed over to the Creux Noirs and found some fresh powder for Puffs to play in. Then it was over to 1650 via the Chanrossa to play in the Chapelets area. After a quick foray into the trees, literally for some, it was off to check out the polo and La Casserole for a long lunch. Dick headed straight to 1650 and cruised around the area before also checking out the polo. Then it was off to La Casserole to lunch before heading back to the hotel.

Erin heading out into the untracked

Leslie enjoying fresh tracks on Friday with her Monday Mojo

After a quick shower and refreshment, the crew met up for the wrap-up function which continued through dinner and into the night. Special prizes were handed out and the Dingster was recognized for having done 20 years of YES, and for surviving three weeks with the PowderPuffs. Another fantastic Euro trip that is over much to soon. A big thanks to everyone who participated in the adventure and look forward to many more.

Dingster, 20 years of YES.

Soaring above the Courchevel slopes

Meesh final day freshies

Europe 2014 – Courchevel : Trees, Rocks and La Folie Douce

January 30, 2014/0 Comments/in Blog /by anne

NOTE: To protect the egos and well being of some YESturians, the indenties of certain individuals have been changed.

Thursday morning brought overcast skies as Meesh's group was the first out the door with guide Marie. The script for the day wrote itrself with calamity after calamity on the hill. Marie led us over to 1650 and some nice gulleys with soft snow and trees. The trees is where 'Laura' decided to set the tone for the day. After skiing the upper section of trees wonderfully, she decided to lock in on one particular evergreen and quickly found out that trees don't move. Price of that lesson was one ski and a faceful of snow. The rest of the day was spent trying to break the record for most falls in a day. Later as we were skiing in the La Tania area, 'Donald' decided a rock would make a more challenging target. After a last second evasive manouver, the result was one 'Donald' sized imprint in the snow. His arm had driven right through the snow and his whole body was flush with the top layer of the snow. After a great deal of effort, we managed to extract him from his predicament, not before taking a photo of course. If you thought the carnage ended there you'd be wrong because 'Kellly' had other ideas. Always playing the one upmanship, she also decided to challenge a tree to a game of chicken. The end result was spectacular as you can see in the photo below.

Check the YES Improvement facebook site to pick your favourite crash photo.

https://www.facebook.com/Yesimprovement

Erin skiing the trees of Courchevel 1650

Marie turning the Dingster on………his transceiver of course!!

Kim enjoying the powder

The Hardcore PowderPuffs in their natrual environment…..ok, second home.

After that eventful morning, where we actual had some great skiing, it was off to La Folie Douce for lunch. Lunch was fantastic and got very interesting when the cabaret started. Don't see a show like that every day, quite the spectacule. A few more off pistes runs after lunch before we finally made back to the hotel around 4:30, a long but great day skiing.

La Folie Douce for a quiet lunch and a cabaret. Totally normal.

Chris still shreddin' the pow.

Meanwhile Linc's group was heading over to Saint Martin for lunch. After getting lost, finding the path and repeating, they finally made it to the village. A good lunch at the Voute and a good day cruising the groomers. While Linc was cruising around and Meesh was pulling people out of trees, Dick was flogging his group lapping chairs in La Tania and Meribel. After a long lunch and with tired legs they made it back to the hotel with one group member "floating" down the runs. All in all a great day with only one more to go.

Linc's Crew above Saint Martin

The girls with their well earnt prizes

Europe 2014 – Courchevel, Couloirs to Culinary Cuisine

January 29, 2014/0 Comments/in Blog /by anne

Tuesday brought more clear blue skies. Linc's group was the first out the door as they were being led by Marie. She quickly put them to the test by dropping in under the Saulire tram. After passing the exam she proceeded to drag them all over the 3 Vallees taking them down various steep bits of terrain. They made as far as Val Thorens before stopping for lunch. The way back consisted of more steeps before ending with a run down the Grand Couloir. Smiles all around as they celebrated a great day with some refreshments.

Marie and the Crew

Marie guiding the group down the couloirs

Lino surfing through the powder

Linc's group in one of the 3 Vallees many couloirs

Linc under the Saulire Tram

Meanwhile Dick and Meesh's groups had a later start due to a quick trip to the dentist and the boot shop for some repairs. WIth everyone back on track, it was off to explore the 3 Vallees. After a big previous day, it was a day to cruise the groomers and enjoy the sunshine until the coachs saw some soft snow and changed the plans. Meesh's group made it up the slowest chair in the world to the Col, while Dick's group rode the fastest tram to the top of Cime Caron. Both groups skied down to Les Menuires and headed up and over to Meribel-Monttaret so they could head up and over back to Courchevel. The Hardcore PowderPuffs managed to leave Les Verdons after a "vin chaud" and have their skis be the only ones left on the rack.

Dick's Crew high above Meribel

Leslie charging down the hill

Erin looking ahead to the next powder turn, or spotted a vin chaud ??

Kim skiing the powder with a beautiful backdrop

Last call, last ones out.

It was an off day for dinners at the restaurant, so most of the gang headed over to Les Airelles for a 2 Michelin Star feed with Chef Pierre Gagnaire. A six course meal awaited us with another 5 plates of dessert! It was a fantastic evening and the food was amazing. We were all full as "a snake who just ate a wallaby." A big thank you to all that made the evening one to remember.

1st course: goose fois gras with a milk chocolate and hazelnut voile with black truffle

Wednesday was a day of rest. Some of the crew took advantage to do some shopping while others went for a leisurely ski. Meesh hooked up for a morning ski with Marie and she was eager to show off her mountain. The day started with Couloir Tournier, followed by Grand Couloir and ended with a run down the Dou des Lanches into the forest. A great morning ski has raised the desire to return and explore more of the area. Tomorrow should bring another good day.

Marie in the Grand Couloir

Europe 2014 – Courchevel Powder

January 27, 2014/0 Comments/in Blog /by anne

"I don't know if its the powder or the drugs I took this morning, but I feel terrific!" — un-named YESturian

We awoke Monday to clearing skies and fresh snow on the ground. By the time breakfast was finished and we headed down to the lifts, it was bluebird. The reports said 15cm but it was more in some places. Dick's group had the privelge of skiing with Marie our guide and she made sure they had a great day. She found some excellent runs and fresh powder as she led the group from one valley to the next. Across rolling hills to open cow pastures the group's leg were burning as they finally made it to Saint Martin for lunch. The restaurant was a big hit and the group loaded up on fuel for the ride back. They made it back to Courchevel with big grins and great stories about a wonderful day.

Fresh tracks + sunshine = heaven

Paul heading down the open fields

Leanne leading the charge

The team with their guide, Marie

While the patrol was doing avalanche control, Linc's group was busy skiing the powder around the Biollay area. Once the upper lifts opened it was to the top of the Saulire to find some steep and deep. With endless possibilities, the group managed to sniff out some fresh lines in the steep terrain.

Mike in the pow with Stu dropping in over the roll

Stu in the soft stuff

Linda exploding through the powder

View looking down the Saulire tram-line

Meanwhile Meesh's group was playing in the trees in the Chenus area before heading up top and skiing down to Meribel -Mottaret. The snow was fantastic as they managed to get some fresh lines under the Pas du Lac gondie. Mont du Vallon was the destination for the afternoon but the clouds rolled in the out went the lights. By the time they made it back to the top of the Saulire, the clouds parted and it was back to sunshine-ish.

Dingster among the trees

Silvija in the powder heading to Meribel -Mottaret

Kim skiing the powder under the Pas du Lac gondie

Everyone had a great day and the smiles on faces where everywhere. Another great day in the books and here's hoping for more tomorrow.

Europe 2014 – Hello Courchevel

January 26, 2014/0 Comments/in Blog /by anne

Saturday was a bluebird and a great day for a transfer to Courchevel. The one problem, the 2 vans dispatched to take us there had insufficeint room for all our gear. It took half an hour but we finally managed to jam all the bags and people inside. With no wiggle room it was off with the vans on a slight angle as the back bumper was dragging along the ground. A lunch stop in Chamonix before we finally made it to our new digs with only a few detours along the way. Le New Solarium is in a great location and after welcome drinks it was off to a great dinner.

Lunch in Chamonix

Le New Solarium, Courchevel 1850

Shopping for bargins

Sunday guiding day was overcast but we a light cover of fresh snow. The groups set out to explore the area with everyone sticking to the Courchevel side. Some good snow was found and everyone marveled at how big the area was. The groups finished early but still managed to get off the hill around 3:00 after a long lunch.

Don't worry, I know exactly where we are……

Dicks group having a hot chocolate break

The Hardcore PowderPuffs enjoying a long lunch at the Pilatus

Linc's group taking a break from the bitter wind

The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the village and the many expensive shops. The highlight of dinner was the following……

CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN !!!!!!!

Posts