Music in the Mountains

Another early start today as we had to be up the mountain for a 9am start to the ski racing. The U14 girls raced first, and then the boys started, but unfortunately there was an accident and the racing was suspended. Although the helicopter came quickly it took about an hour to get the boy onto the helicopter and to clear the course. We heard that when he fell he incurred a facial injury so the usual 'blood-wagon' could not be used to get him off the mountain and a helicopter was consequently necessary.

Thomas skied well although GS racing does not suit him as he is light and he does not have the weight advantage to bomb down the mountain. It differs from yesterdays slalom racing where technique comes into play more than size. He was not too pleased with his times, and was anxiously checking his times after the race. I was just grateful that he got down safely especially in light of the accident that had just occurred.

It was another baking hot day, and after he finished his racing we went to have lunch. The restaurant had this wonderful jazz trio playing music as we sat on the terrace eating lunch in the sunshine. It was so hot by the time we left that part of the run down was closed as the snow had become so slushy, so we had to ski an alternative route to get back to the village.

Back at the hotel we packed up and headed back to Geneva airport. Prize giving was tonight but our school never stays for it as the boys need to be back at school tomorrow morning - and also because we know we have not won any prizes which are only awarded to the top three schools!

Gavin felt quite sad coming home as this is the end of a skiing era - he has been going to this race at Les Houches for 6 years now, first with Adam and then with Thomas, and this is the last time we will be going to this race as Thomas will be at senior school from the autumn who do not have a ski team at this event.

Now that I am back on wifi I will catch up and have a look at all your journals over the next few days.