Tag: europe 2014 | Yes Improvement Ski & Snowboard Instructor Courses

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.

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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 !!!!!!!

Europe 2014 – Verbier, what a Finale!!!!

January 24, 2014/0 Comments/in Blog/by anne

WARNING : If you are sitting in an office and/or it's 30 degrees outside, you may want to stop reading now.

If you are still reading this blog you are either foolish or a glutton for punishment. Today was the final ski day in Verbier and the resort saved the best for last. By far the best day of the season and for many a YESturian, a top 5 all time. Upon waking up there was about 5cm on the balcony railing and still snowing. As we made our way up the mountain, the snow got deeper and deeper. Talking to one of the tram drivers, he said they got over 50 cm overnight, and light too due to the colder temperatures. This made for epic skiing. No matter were the groups were, there was fresh tracks and face shots to be had. Linc took his group over to La Tzoumaz and was lapping the great snow off the Le Nord chair. The place was virtually deserted as they put down fresh tracks run after run. Dick's group headed out to the Greppon Blanc area and found much the same thing. Great snow and no one around. Meesh's group started the day with freshies down the Lac des Vaux ridge before heading up the the Mont Fort and deep fresh snow. After lunch at Cabin du Mont Fort it was off to ski the Col de Gentaines. Skiing right under the tram brought more freshies and face shots. The day ended with fresh tracks down Les Ruinettes (at 16:00!!) and beers at the Pub Mont Fort. A fondue dinner and then the wrap-up at the hotel lounge. A huge shout out to Slyvie and Chris of the Mirabeau for putting up with us. Lots of smiles around the place and everyone talking about wanting to return. A great week here in Verbier, it will a shame to leave tomorrow. Courchevel, the stakes are high.

Linc's group enjoying the powder of La Tzoumaz

Stu dropping into Lac des Vaux Ridge

Leanne in the powder

Meesh's group with Le Cabin du Mont Fort

Paul plowing through the powder

Linda enjoying the Swiss powder

Stu in the steep and deep

Cabin du Mont Fort

Mike's helment cruising through the powder

The rest of Mike cruising the powder

The Hardcore PowderPuffs

A magical day in Verbier

Smiles all around

Stu charging down the Mont Fort

Europe 2014 – Verbier, from Couloirs to Bruson

January 23, 2014/0 Comments/in Blog/by anne

Thursday morning brought cloudy skies and a few cloudy heads. Meesh's group had the services of Powder Extreme guide Mikey and were first out the door. After a few warm-up runs it was off to the first challenge of the day, a Verbier classic, Le Creblet. After surviving the first part of the run, the group determined that Creblet was French for hard, sun affected bullsh@t snow. After a quick traverse, Mikey was able to find some better softer snow much to the groups relief. A few runs on piste to get back in the groove and it was off to the second big challenge, the Tortin Couloir. After a tricky entrance, the couloir widened and the snow was fantastic. Everyone had a great run down after the initial intrepidation at the top. The final challenge was cutting into First chute from the side around by the Funispace lift tower. The cloud was thick at the top but by the time we traversed around to the bowl, the sun was briefly shining and the group took full advantage. A great run with good snow left made for big smiles and tired legs.

Guide Mikey explaining the entrance

Tortin Couloir

Lino in Tortin Couloir.

Chris warming up in Lac des Vaux.

In the meantime, Dick and Linc's groups spent the morning cruising around the Attleas and Ruinettes area. Staying below the clouds, the snow and visibility were good. Lunchtime saw a change of venue as both groups headed to the opposite side of the valley and Bruson. With the area empty of other skiers the groups took advantage of great groomers and also found some good snow off-piste. Dick's group even managed to find a rustic local restaurant where no one spoke english. Some great crashes were had as the group tried to perfect their powder skiing technique. The day finished much too soon with a re-hydrating drink at the Pub Mont Fort, followed by dinner and a few nightcaps in the hotel lounge.

Linc's Crew for the week.

Paul in the powder.

Howard showing some great moves in the powder.

Coaches enjoying dinner.

Europe 2014 – Verbier, Bluebird

January 22, 2014/0 Comments/in Blog/by anne

Wednesday brought about a rest day for most of the YES Euro Crew with the exception of Linc's group. As half his group was escorting Mr. Johnson to the airport on Tuesday, Lincoln agreed (was told) that the group would ski Wednesday instead. Turned out to be a great deal as the skies were blue with the sun shining down. While the others had a lie in and a busy snacking/shopping agenda, Linc's group headed up the hill and the challenges that awaited.

Top of Mont Fort

Linc's group in the powder at La Chaux

Most of Linc's group

Dick was off for a village tour, shopping and got distracted by the Aussie Open on the tele. (go Federer) Meanwhile, Meesh went up the hill to ski with his longtime Verbier friend Arno. While Arno was showing off his local hill with runs like Rock'n'Roll, Vallon d'Arbi and finally getting to show off the Bruson area with Magic Trees, Linc was putting his group through the paces on the Mont Fort. A few got more powder than they intended and everyone ended the day with a big smile. (even the shoppers) The usual apres at Pub Mont Fort before heading to dinner at Le Relais des Neiges. A few nightcaps in the hotel lounge then it was off to bed.

Pink pants meets deep white snow, winner………

Rock'n'Roll Chute down from Attelas

Europe 2014 – Verbier, Mont Fort

January 21, 2014/0 Comments/in Blog/by anne

Tuesday morning brought about grey skies in the village and some trepidation in the YES ranks. The Hardcore PowderPuffs had a date with Will the guide and they were aprehensive to say the least. (Actually the morning was the least Dick heard them say all week.) With Mr. Johnson (you will be missed) off to Geneva with his entourage/baggage porters, Linc's crew had the day off. Linc enjoyed a leisurely ski and a trip down the valley to Le Chable. The visibilty cleared up in spots and some fresh powder was skied in the Lac des Vaux area. The clouds started to roll back in so it was off to higher ground and the Mont Fort. The gamble paid off as the clouds parted and the sun shone down. The snow was fantastic and everyone had a great time skiing the powder.

View from the top of Mont Fort

Le Grand Combin

The Mont Blanc

The Matterhorn

The Hardcore PowderPuffs atop of Mont Fort – 3,330m

Le Mont Fort

Mont Fort looking down on Col des Gentianes

Meesh's group had a great time lapping the Mont Fort. The combination of steep and fresh snow made for lots of smiles. A late lunch at Le Dahu and then off in search of more snow. The clouds had rolled back in so it was bumps by the trees for the rest of the day.

Meesh's group enjoying the sunshine

Mike enjoying the new snow

Linda in the Mont Fort powder

Meanwhile, Will had the Puffs in such an aprehensive state that they didn't say a word all morning. Apparently the secret to getting them quiet is to scare the sh@& out of them. A tactic I'm sure Dick will use later in the week. After taking them down the Col de Gentaines it was off to the Mont Fort. After surviving the Mont Fort, it was off to the Cabine du Mont Fort for a quick schnapps to steady the nerves. This seemed to ease the tension and the group became a lot chattier on the way down to the Pub Mont Fort to complete the trifecta.

The Puffs hiking into the unknown

Skiing down one of the gulleys in the Col de Gentaines

Silvija slashing through the powder

With no dinner planned for the Crew, everyone scattered throughout the village in search of a bite. The Millenium and L'Ecurie seemed to be the winners. After such a grey and dreary beginning, the day ended up being quite spectacular.

Mont Fort trifecta complete, the walk home from the pub

Europe 2014 – Verbier, Blue to Grey

January 20, 2014/0 Comments/in Blog/by anne

Verbier greeted us Sunday morning with blue skies and great conditions on the hill. The groomers were in great shape and the off-piste was soft. Most of the groups played around the Attelas and La Chaux areas while some made it as far as Siviez. The skiing was great and most took advantage of the great conditions. Mid afternoon saw some of the crew head to the ski-in bar at the W. For most it was love at first site as even though we only skied a fraction of the area, everyone was impressed. After dinner Mr. Johnson held court as he recited a few original poems in which nothing was changed except the facts. As always he had the room in stiches and he also managed to introduce a new word to the English language, vajazzler.

view above Lac des Vaux

great cloud formation atop Le Grand Combin

apres at the W ski-in bar. Good job Lochie on securing those shots!!!

Monday morning brought grey skies and snow. The conditions were good even though we couldn't see them. Linc's group had a special weapon in the form of thier guide Will Evans, a former YES instructor client who trained for his Level 2 with Linc back in 99. The morning saw some breaks and periods where you could see and the groups took advantage to dabble in the off-piste. After lunch the clouds were here to stay and snow started to come down and never stopped. Lower mountain was the way to go as the trees "helped" with the flat light. Apres locations varied with groups opting for the Carrefour, Mont Fort and Fer a Cheval. Things then moved on to the Cav and then dinner. With snow still falling from the skies, most took an early night except the few that were distracted by the Baileys in the hotel lounge. Skiing should be great tomorrow.

Introducing Will as our fearless guide. Former YES client.

The Hardcore PowderPuffs in thier natural environment, apres.

keep on snowin'

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