Decoding Tomorrow:
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Black runs, high altitudes and great views

13 Jan 2007

Hi folks,

Back at the Monkey bar near the Auguille du Midi, the lift from which people set out to climb Mont Blanc. We have been really lucky with the weather in the last few days - a lot of sunshine and nice times on the slopes. I had an amazing experience skiing freely and offpiste down a black run from the top of Les Grandes Montets. From 3300 meters with great views over Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley. This is the type of experience where you have to stop, take in the clean alpine air and be mesmerised by the natural beauty of the place. Simple awesome. The skiing has been challenging, fun and in hope of more snow. While there has snowed a lot in the last few weeks, it has been in the wrong place or the sun has quickly made it thaw. Nonetheless, we searched out a few great areas where we have been spedning our time. The week started off on the blue and green pistes, but as our skills improved red and black runs proved more challenging and entertaining.

Today we traversed a glacier to get to a cute restaurant that also features as a refuge, just above the Argentiere glacier and enjoyed a magnificent long lunch, French style. The traverse and trek there were a feat worthy of mountaineering legend, but as we arrived we were richly rewarded. A bit of effort most often is. :) Hot wine, croute and quiches galore followed by espressos and desserts that would have pleased any sweet tooth left us feeling a drowsy. Luckily the manager who we had built great rapport with, offered to skidoo us up the hill so that we did not have to repeat our mountaineering feat and off we flew at 35kms/h and enjoyed a few more great runs on our last day in Chamonix.

We have also enjoyed skiing the World Cup Down Hill run at Les Houches which was snow-poor but a great experience. Fast and furious, while at a much slower pace than the pros who fly down at close to 100Kms/h. We then checked out the Vallee Blanche Glacier which I skiied last time I visited the ares 10 years ago. This time the glacier was wide open, and while the adventurous part of me really wanted to ski it, the risk manager determined the sheer risk as too big. Next time, with more snow! If anyone is heading there later in the season, it is a skiing day to recommend. It is the skiers' equivalent to Mount Everest and a real physical and mental challenge! Enjoy.

Tonight we are off to Paris on the train for two days. Then I make a quick pit stop in Stockholm before returning to an exciting 2007 in Australia. Lots of programs coming up and I am looking forward to coaching and training you towards fantastic experiences and results this year and beyond!

Until then.

Au revoir!

Anders

PS. A photo from the ice grottoes at Vallee Blanche Glacier.

 

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