The Downhill

Last of the Summer Wine Skiing Trip

Anyone for a bit of Alpine Skiing?

After Friday's shenanigans & our much needed early night last night, we were ready for our final day in the lofty, snowy heights of the French Alps.

When we arrived in Meribel this morning, a downhill competition was taking place on the very same slope Carolina Ruiz Castillo won the Alpine Ski World Cup women's downhill only a few weeks ago (oh yes, I pay attention). It didn't look easy & conditions were a little hazy. One competitor slid across the finish line on all fours. Ouch! It did look very cool though. Maybe next year..

We had a fantastic last days skiing. The weather had taken a turn for the worse, especially considering yesterday's absolute stunner, be we didn't let that stop us. For our finale, a number of us (those who don't know better!?) chair'd & bubble'd our way to the highest peak our ski passes would allow us, Mont Du Vallon. At 2952m high, we had quite a mountain to make our way down. I must also mention that it was blowing an absolute hooley up there. Visibility was not good, the wind was whipping, tugging & pulling us all over & it really wasn't an overly enjoyeable experience. We had two red runs as to choose from & basically we picked one, & bombed it down!

We made it back to the hotel just in time to freshen up & to pop into town for some compulsary gift shopping. Classic.

Our return 11 hour journey back to dear old blighty is all that remains of our skiing holiday. All that matters now is that Dad's packed our French pack-up: red wine, bread & cheese. Traditional.