Tag: Europe 2016 | Yes Improvement Ski & Snowboard Instructor Courses

Verbier: Over too soon

January 26, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog/by anne

Front Face of Mont Gele

Wednesday morning brought blue skies and a "rest" day for the group. Some took advantage and slept in, some went shopping, others headed down to explore Le Chable and some took to the slopes. Kevin hooked up with Felix from Powder Extreme. Felix was keen to show off his playground and started off with a warm-up down Mont Gele before heading off to secret areas away from prying eyes. Meesh and Bob joined local skier Arnaud for a cruise around the resort. After a cruise to warm-up, it was off down the Vallon d'Arbi in a quest to find some fresh snow in the trees. Once arriving back in La Tzoumaz it was up to the top of Savoleyres and a short traverse over to the Marlenas area. Snow was great up top and got a bit heavier as we skied back to the village. A short bus ride and it was back up the Medran for a repeat of the Vallon d'Arbi before finishing the day with a front face of the Mont Gele.

Penny in the powder.

Kevin's group a top the Mont Fort.

Best lift ever???

Thursday brought more sun and some great skiing. Meesh's group was in the care of guide Seb and had a great day exploring the Verbier area. Tortin, Vallon d'Arbi and Gentaines were just some of the areas where Seb managed to find some good snow. Bob's group was on a quest for fresh snow and spent some time on Mont Gele and Tortin while Kevin's group was working on increasing speed on the groomers of La Chaux. A great day was had by everyone and the meeting place for the apres ski was on the slopes at the Carlsberg where the gang enjoyed a beer in the sun.

Bob's group.

Linda sampling the Verbier snow.

Fashionistas rocking the patio.

Friday came far too quickly. The sun from yesterday had warmed up the snow, so the off-piste had a bit of a crust. Kevin took the group over to the Savoleyres, while Meesh headed over to the La Chaux area and the skier cross. Lunch was at Chez Danny before heading over to the "yurt" for apres. Bob's group stayed up on Mont Gele taking advantage of all the powder they could find. End of week presentaions were made at the hotel with Mr. Johnson reciting a beautiful recap of the first two weeks. Well, it was really about one incident with a certain group in Courchevel but what happens on tour, stays on tour. (ask Bob for more info.) A final dinner at Le Relais des Neiges and it was back to the hotel for a nightcap and a start to the packing. Once again Verbier put on a great show and was over far too soon.

Cabane de Mont Fort with the Jumbo tram.

Meesh heading back to town via the Marlenas.

Bob's group enjoying the sunshine.

Verbier: Swiss Pow!!

January 21, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog/by anne

Tuesday morning brought overcast skies and some light flurries. Kevin’s group decided that Bruson was the way to go. They were rewarded with empty slopes and great grooming which meant some more speed. After lunch the sun came out and it was over to the main side for some late day runs down Attelas. The last run pit stop was the 1936 “Yurt”, where they were greeted by the PowderPuffs.

The Attelas area.

Skiing below Mont Gele.

The PowderPuffs had started their day by doing a quick warm-up on the James Blunt chair. From there it was several laps on the Fontanet powder bowl. The snow was great and the viz was still good. After each run the plan was to head over to Bruson, but the skiing was so good another run had to be done. With so many lines and aspects, the choices were endless and each lap brought out a different adventure. Finally after coaxing the group with chocolate, it was one more run to lunch at Chez Danny. With the sun coming out it was back up the lift to find some more powder stashes off the Attelas run under the Mont Gele. The day ended at the 1936 Yurt with a well earned reward.

Silvija in Fontanet powder bowl.

The P.E.I. PowderPuff.

Kim surfing through the powder.

Bob’s group was skiing with Powder Extreme guide Anders. After a turbulent start, the day settled down with a great run down the Vallon d’Arbi. Some good snow was found and the gang enjoyed every flake. Lunch was at Le Carrefour and then it was off to the Jumbo. After skiing under the shadow of the Bec des Rosses, a short hike/traverse brought them to the powder bowl facing the Cabane de Mont Fort. From there instead of hiking out of the bowl back to the lifts, the guide decided to ski the group down to Le Chable. The upper slopes of the journey were lovely but as the group got lower down it became more of a hard slog. Through rocks and dirt, over bridges with no snow and crossing roads and poling across the flats, the adventure quickly turned to an un-planned work out. With the light fading from the sky, the guide pointed them to the lift back up before bidding adieu. The very weary group finally made it back to the hotel around 18:30.

Checking out the possibilities.

Penny about to tackle the Verbier back country.

The road to Le Chable.

Almost there……

Dinner for the evening was at L’Ecurie and the food did not disappoint. A beautiful meal followed by a delicious dessert and then it was off to the hotel for a nightcap before retiring for the night. A day off Wednesday to rest and recharge.

Verbier: What a start!

January 19, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog/by anne

After retiring for the evening with snow still falling down, the YES Crew awoke Monday morning to clear blue skies. With a fresh coat of powder covering the resort, the groups were eager to get out on the slopes. Kevin’s group had the pleasure of skiing with Adrien from Powder Extreme. He showed them some great spots and led the group to fresh snow all day. The group had a ball and was worn out by the end of the day.

Some got more powder than others.

Mont Fort, 3,330m.

Verbier village from the ridge above Lac des Vaux.

Bob’s group launched out of the gate in a quest to find some good snow. After a trip over to Mont Fort and down to Tortin, they hit pay-dirt in the Greppon Blanc area. After some good turns it was time to head back via La Cabane de Mont Fort and a gentiane. Upon their arrival they were not so shocked to see the PowderPuffs already there.

Team B.O.B.

The PowderPuffs had a great start to the day. A quick warm-up down to Lac des Vaux and the James Blunt chair had them ready for an adventure. A tricky little traverse through some rocks led them onto the ridge above Lac des Vaux. From there it was fresh powder in the sun back to the lift. With grins from ear to ear they then headed off the La Chaux in search of more good snow. They found it off the top of Fontanet overlooking the terrain park. The run was so good it had to be done a second time before heading up the Jumbo to access the top of the Mont Fort. Topping out at 3,330m there was time for some photos and to free a guy who locked himself in the toilet before heading down. With crevasses still visible, it was stick between the poles as they made their way down the bumpy slope. As they were heading up the Gentianes Poma, disaster struck. The lift broke down. That meant a 900 vertical meter ski down to Tortin in off-piste conditions. With tired legs and hungry stomachs, some hangry PowderPuffs made it to a well deserved lunch.

The PowderPuffs atop the Lac des Vaux ridge.

Mont Gele, 3,023m.

Becs enjoying the powder of La Chaux.

After re-charging the batteries, it was up the Tortin tram and back over towards La Chaux. Some good snow was found off to the side of the Gentianes which led to a quick break at the Cabane de Mont Fort. From there it was homeward bound through the powder bowl off Fontanet and then following the winding trail through the trees back to Verbier. A quick stop at the Pub Mont Fort for happy hour before finally making it back to the hotel.

YES Alumi Rombout was in town on a break from Uni and bumped into Bob and Meesh on the slopes. All in all a great day was had by everyone, and some very weary skiers headed off to dinner and a good nights rest.

Warning not to splat on the glacier.

Verbier: Powder deja vue.

January 17, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog/by anne

Saturday morning came far too quickly. It is hard to believe that week 1 of the Euro Tour 2016 is already over. Courchevel put on a great show as the skiing and snow were supereb…… alright the apres was ok too. It was still snowing as we loaded up our luxury bus and for once no tetris was required as we had room to spare with our luggage. It took a bit of time to head down the hill as conditions were tricky but our driver Joseph was up to the challenge. The drive to Verbier took us through Annecy and around Lake Geneva before turning off the autoroute in Martigny and headed up the valley to Le Cable and the switchbacks up to Verbier.

Our sweet ride to Verbier.

Roadside attraction along the route.

The road up to Verbier from Le Chable.

Just for something different, it was snowing for our arrival. Sylvie and Chris were there to greet us and right away made us feel welcome, it was like coming home. Highlight was when Sylvie misprounced Howard's name as "Horrid". We had a bit of time to explore the village, revisit old haunts (La Cave) before heading up to Le Relais des Neiges for an excellent dinner. Nightcaps were had before retiring to bed with the snow still falling outside.

The Rooster, always looking out for us. (Saint Martin)

The creatures you meet up in the Alps.

Sunday brought us overcast skies, low viz and fresh snow. The groups started out together as we stayed near the treeline and explored the area by the Mayentzet chair. As the day went on, some groups headed up higher to play around the "James Blunt" chair and the Lac des Vaux area while others discovered Chez Danny for a "chocolat chaud" break . There was a World Tour FreeRide Comp going on that provided some entertainment as the groups lapped by the competition zone. Afternoon saw all the groups playing around the Mayentzet tree area as the light was staying flat and the end of the day saw some groups at the Pub Mont Fort for a re-hydrating beverage. Dinner once again was a success and after a nightcap at the hotel it was off to bed to get ready for a big day tomorrow.

Enjoying the Verbier powder.

Typical Euro lunch.

An even more typical European lunch.

What are they trying to say?

What are they trying to say, take 2.

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.

Tally-Ho!!!

January 9, 2016/0 Comments/in Blog/by anne

"London calling to the faraway towns……" and everyone came and gathered in Bloomsbury for the launch of the YES Euro Trip 2016.

View from a top St. Paul's.

In the days before the official Friday night meeting of YESturians, walking was the activity de jour – a lot of it. St. Paul's, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, various parks and musuems were all explored on foot with the occansional red bus and tube ride. Along the touristy road, time was made to catch up with some Alumni including Chris and Olivia. The touristy road is also a thristy one and we saw plenty of brass tops and oak as we sampled the English ales, the older the pub the better with the Red Lion claiming to be the oldest. Friday night rolled around and the gang re-grouped at Callaghan's for a few pints before popping out to dinner. Courchevel guide from the last trip, Marie, made a guest appearence and filled us in on the latest snow report.

Regent Park.

Tower Bridge from the Tower of London.

After all the catching up was done, it was off to bed to prepare for the early Saturday start which saw us head off to St.Pancras Station to catch the Eurostar to Moutiers. The usual game of luggage tetris was played in order to fit all the various bags on board. The train took us through the Chunnel and off to the Alps. From Moutiers it was a shuttle bus, luggage tetris expert level, that slowly took us up the hill to Courchevel 1850 and our home for the next week, the New Solarium. Late dinner then off to bed in anticipation of skiing tomorrow.

Still walking, the Thames at night.

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