20 Feb 2014; Col de Pierre Carree to l’Arbaron

Walk descriptor	France cross country		Day	00
Date	Thu 20 Feb 2014		Start to end time	02h 47m
Start point	Col de Pierre Carree		End point	l’Arbaron
Miles today	05.77		Cu miles	5.77
Ft today	1,412		Cu ft	1,412
Route miles left	.00		Route ft left
Today’s weather	Brilliant sunshine all day. No wind, rain or snow. Cold in the shade at the start (minus 7), quite warm in sun later (plus 4)

Today’s location (the red cross in a circle shows where I am at the moment)		GPX based track of today’s walk (click here to access to access downloadable file)

Commentary

Our last (half) day of ski-ing. Made an early start then drove up to Col de Pierre Carree, above Flaine. At 6,100 ft, the highest point of our ski-ing this week.

It was a stunning morning out. Views were outstanding in all directions – the air was so clear it must have been possible to see a hundred miles or more. Above the col, the Nordic ski area was less well defined but there is a summer-only golf course up there with a hiking trail which we ski-ed. Allowed us to try out our off-piste technique in knee deep powder snow: brilliant fun! Though changing direction and stopping were a bit more challenging.

Mid way round, at the col, outside the headquarters of the 27th Bataillon de chasseurs alpins, a brass band struck up. Quite a surreal experience to be serenaded by Boney M and “Happy Birthday” in such remote surroundings. Presumably an army band practising for a show.

Despite a shorter day, made some progress on technique – I actually managed to get down some of the steeper slopes without wiping out or ending up with burning thigh muscles.

Many thanks to the bionic Tania Noakes for being such an excellent coach and guide. Extremely highly recommended to anyone looking to explore the mountains adventurously, summer or winter.

Today’s photos (click to enlarge)


Icicles hanging from the hut at the start of the Nordic ski area	Val and Tania enjoying a mid-morning break from lessons

With Val mid-morning. I look a lot more confident than I feel	Amazingly, halfway round, a brass band struck up. Unique at 6,000ft

Enjoying a bit of off-piste exploration	Winter scenery. Fantastic

Panorama to the South, over the Flaines valley.