The view from............ Val d'Isere and the Espace Killy

A snowHead

Have a great summer Steve! We’ve booked Val again for next March, staying in the Ducs de Savoie again. Prices have really shot up, the years of three ski holidays a season are long gone!!

A snowHead

@Steve Angus,

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Moris is now a fancy boutique / expensive hotel, K2.

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@endoman, thanks, I guessed either that or an upmarket apartment block.
C’est la vie rolling eyes

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

HoneyBunny - thanks so much! Yes prices are shooting up across the board. However within France inflation is dropping so think its about 5-6% this year.... certainly as a ski school we have put prices up by 6% so a little will hopefully help! But yes skiing is becoming a rich mans sport again id say! Perhaps see you next year.
PeakyB - yes they are looking at changing the way the season works dates wise but it takes some planning but it will get there! And yes as endoman points out the Moris is now a fancy pants place - quelle surprise!

Its Summer - is it?

The last month has comprised of lots of admin but also fun things. There has been BBQ's and kids birthday parties, a big locals Fete Musique at the Pump Track and the weather has generally played ball. It has been a bit up and down and today is a down day in terms of the weather - drizzle and only about 15c so the shorts I have been wearing the last week have been put away today!

The Col opened on time about 4 weeks ago and with that comes 2 things - an influx of tourists driving / biking through but also loads and loads more cyclists. It had to close for a few days on the Maurienne side as there was a rock fall that needed sorting out but that is all sorted now. As you will know being at the end of the valley in the Winter and when the snow melts there is no 'draw' to come to the town so the Col opening brings through those tourists and things like the various bars and restaurants especially on the high street like The Garage are in full swing. In fact last weekend we celebrated a late mothers and fathers day by having a family lunch at The Garage - love it in that place.... my understanding is still that it will close down for a new hotel / apartment complex etc to be built after the Summer. Sad!

Also the Summer skiing on the glacier started and apparently there is about 30 - 50 minibus loads of racers and the other member of the public etc up there each day and the queue for the T Bar is not too bad I am told by the daughter of a friend who is training up there each day. Anyway thats happening each day!

Meanwhile our kids have both had their much anticipated school trips the last month. The school tend to do the trips once every few years otherwise it would mean the kids go every year as all the classes have to go with the various teachers. Anyway first up was Ben and they went for 3 night to a yurt hut complex somewhere near Chambery... basically it was a nature expedition collecting bugs and looking at animals etc.... he LOVED IT! Then Olivia had what the kids at the school say is the highlight of their time at the school.... it was a week in a tiny island off the south coast of France in the med.... its so small there is no cars on the island. Anyway from visiting sea forts to kayaking to learning to sail and visiting art houses - it was a very cool time they had. By all accounts Olivia would happily have stayed their after the trip.

Within Val itself they have been busy getting the resort ready for the upcoming (tomorrow it officially starts) Summer season... things like building up the various playgrounds (stored away in the Winter months), getting the glorious flower arrangements out etc. They have also built a brand new mini golf course where the old one was under the small trees between the Solaise and Village lifts. The looks pretty cool actually! So the long and short of it is that the resort is ready for the Summer. Yay!

There was one particularly sad thing that happened last week and the police are still investigating. Anyway the summer road across the slopes from the Cocorico 'area' across to near the road by the Savonettes lift which is only used and non tarmac'ed in the Summer was the scene of a nasty accident. A local 84 year old, it would seem, was struck by a lorry on that road. I dont think the driver knew anything about it but unfortunately the long time local died at the scene.... so it was a strange scene a location in Val d'Isere with CSI suits and taping around it! The guy that died seems to also have been the guy that was behind the big complaint that ultimately lead to the closing down La Cabane at the bottom of the Savonnettes all those years ago sadly. Anyway will be interesting to see what happens on that front with the police finding out who it was driving!

On personal fronts my mums Grant of Probate finally came through so I actually received the certificates in my hand a week ago and they have already all been sent off to the various places they need to go to.... its been very complicated as my mums old little flat was having its lease extended (still in the final stages of too) and the negotiations are still being done in her name until the GoP came through so I am glad that has arrived! Things have also been progressing massively on our apartment building works here... everything is now lined up as I think we have sold our studio flat in town - well nearly anyway (damm it hope dont jinx it).... so when that comes through we are ready to roll on 6/5/24. However starting from mid April next year we need to start packing this flat up so have sorted out somewhere to move into in town from mid April next year all the way until November when we can finally move back in to this flat - bring it on!

Also I have been working hard on a new website for myself... still getting it all set up but hoping to have as part of the website a location for my blog too. Now DONT get me wrong I am not going to stop the blog on here but I am going to copy the wording across to my own site - and this is mainly because of the photos side of things and now videos too. I would like to be able to post the photos as I currently do but the photos remain on the blog because annoying at the moment on here they disappear (as I host the photos on Facebook and the links get cut after a few weeks it would seem) after a few weeks. Also I do a lot of videos too so being able to host those on a site will be an advantage too! The photos I post (as you will see below) from Radio Val seem to stay put but the others disappear! So that has been keeping me busy.

We leave on our family months camping trip around the UK from next Wednesday.... well actually we are based at Clares mums farm for about 10 days and then have 2 solid weeks travelling around the UK... a few days in the Peak District, a few days in Edinburgh and then Lock Lomond before coming back to the Lake District and then into Wales. We decided that Ireland will be a separate trip another time and also the south and south west of the UK we will do as separate trips at some point in the future too!

So there you have it folks. Right back to the website development. I will be back in early August to try and update everyone with what our trip to the UK was like - can't wait.

TTFN

They have stocked the Ouillettee lake with fish for the Summer - but also note the Ouillette restaurant has gone - they are totally rebuilding it bigger and better - no idea whether it will be ready for this coming Winter or not!

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@Steve Angus, thanks for the update. Hope all the admin falls into place for you and that, in the meantime, you have a lovely trundle round the UK.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Not the Ouilette gone! My favourite treat on a sunny day.

Steve, was that the guy who was a big cheese at L’Oreal?

After all it is free

Thanks Hurtle - yes thankfully it is coming together and I do hope we have a fun trip around the UK.
chocksaway - I know. I just hope it back for this Winter - my understanding was that it would be ready for this Winter but looking at that (photo taken yesterday) it doesnt like like it will be anywhere near ready for this Winter!

Anyone know what's the situation re season lift tickets for next year? Will there be discounted options available, or are these gone for good?

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

@Steve Angus, Enjoy your summer holiday and good luck with the building project - we know that drill all too well!

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

@Steve Angus, thanks for the update. Sounds like you're packing a lot into your 2 week trip around the UK! Hope the weather stays sunny and warm and it's enjoyed by all.

snow reports

A trip around the UK without seeing either of Yorkshire's National Parks..... Shocked

Have a great time

You know it makes sense.

@pisteoff, Lift pass prices are planned to increase by around 7%

Daily pass up from 63€ to 66€
Season pass up from 990€ to 1040€

Discounts early season up to 22 Dec and late season.
Also discounts for family passes and a new cheaper 4hr pass which will mean installation of more automatic pass gates.

If you qualify for a Vie Val d’Is card it brought the season pass cost down to 599€ last year but know idea yet on next season.
Tignes also had a brief promotion and under 25’s could get a season pass for 599€

@Steve Angus,
Enjoy your adventure and know doubt see you over the summer back in Val

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

pisteoff - yes what muppet (good knowledge there) says
lynnecha - thanks ever so much! Will be a dash around the UK for 2 weeks thats for sure. Hmmm the building works - exciting and in-trepidation all in one go.
PeakyB - fingers crossed and yes it is going to be go, go, go thats for sure!
Frosty the Snowman - will drive past them... if I had my way (Clare doesnt want to be away for toooooo long) then we'd spend a month travelling around the UK and do it all.
muppet - thanks. yes im sure. We are having a whistle stop trip (for a couple of hours literally) to Ayr as we drive over one long day from Loch Lomond to Ayr before heading down to Girvan and then later in the PM we are aiming to get across to just south of Carlisle. So literally going to see Ayr from the window of the car and maybe wander to eat fish and chips on the Low Green or something for lunch! Almost passing by your door haha! By the way had the daughter of your building owners (think you'll know what I mean) stay here the other night as they are back over from Canada for a few days at the moment.

A snowHead

If you see a stranger pointing at you in the Peak District it will be me Very Happy

A snowHead

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

You need to Login to know who's really who.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Does anyone remember when the Boisses gondola from 1800 starts working in December?
In previous PSB, in the first days of that week the downhill pistes and the gondola were initially closed and there was a free bus a few times in the morning and the afternoon.
I've returned to Tignes Le Lac last December (2nd week) and I remember that towards middle of the month the piste was open and evth was running except the Aiguille Percee sector.
And a further question, where can I find a schedule of the free buses? I remember a couple of PSB ago having to wait for an hour some afternoon in order to return to Le Lac. Payable bus stopping on the main road.

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@drporat, My memory is that in recent years the Boisses gondolas usually aren't running till sometime in the week before the week containing Christmas day. I've never seen an opening date actively advertised though. Opening of the Palet sector is staged - with Aguiile Percee and Chaudannes usually the last to open. One year I remember Chaudannes and Aguille Rouge opened up a few days before the runs down to Boisses/Brev did. Last year The runs off the back of Aguille Percee (Corniche, Sache, Silene) were not open by the time we left - Dec 23rd - although that may have been because of snow conditions.

I've got a theory that 'full opening' is times to coincide with the end of the reduced "early season" lift pass, which this year is supposedly 21st Dec. With Christmas day being a Monday (the 25th obvs!) this year I'm not banking on Chaudannes/Percee running much before about the 18th/19th Dec, snow conditions permitting. Would think it's unlikey to be open for the PSB, and probably not for the PiPAU either.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

It’s a flexible feast but generally the bubble from Brev has opened on the Saturday on the teens of December, Boisses often a bit earlier. But overriding this is, of course, snow conditions.

The bus timetables will be on the bus stops, the web and on the app with live tracking(most of the time!)

After all it is free

A travelling month

Well it only seems like yesterday that I writing up the upcoming trip to the UK and the excitement that would bring. Well more than a month has passed since then so this is what has happened in that time.

We were heading back to UK anyway at this time of the year for a very large family gathering that was planned so coinciding it with this trip a 'show the kids the motherland' was planned.

So anyway as soon as the school term finished we were off, doing the usual overnight drive back to the UK (we prefer it that way as kids can sleep in the back (hopefully)). The next 10 days was spent running around seeing friends and family and the usual socials. I also went to a friends wedding and we also took a trip to Bournemouth during which time we spread my mums ashes! The weather for which was not ideal but we did it anyway!

I also managed to take a trip to the Womens Ashes too in Southampton and took the kids for their first taste of a live match which they enjoyed.

Lots of fun.

Anyway after all that fun it was time to head off on a wonderful 2 and a bits weeks of camping and travelling around. In that time (easier to bullet points what we did and where) we fitted a LOT in:

Lake District for 3 nights... lovely walk into town of Ashbourne and lunch, swimming in campsite pool, pub dinner, walk to Dovedale and exploring around there, ice creams, BBQ
Edinburgh for 2 nights.... awesome day in the city including the museum which was cool and of course Edinburgh castle tour. Some shopping too and more BBQ'ing
Loch Lomond for 2 nights.... really lovely quiet little campsite. Boating and swimming in the Loch, trying Haggis.... a cool bike ride along the shores.
A day driving down through Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway showing the family my first childhood home as well as meaningful places from my early years - very special showing the family my first house as a kid and where my mum and dad (separately ) used to work.
Lake District for 2 nights.... had a fun day snorkelling (well kids did) in Ullswater and a walk. Pub grub and the kids LOVED the playground in the campsite we stayed in there. Really busy and big site but it was fun.
Anglesey for 3 nights - Clares step sister lives in Beaumaris and has been suggesting we come and see here for years so we did just that.... smores on the fire, trampolining in her back garden, crabbing, BBQ on the beach and body boarding too, trip around the castle, watching her launch her boat, amazing walks, homemade pizzas, a yummy curry as well as taking a trip in our PJ's to her local bakery on the last morning for a bacon sandwich!

Im sure there was lots more ive forgotten too but it was a super amazing trip. No sooner had we done all that and repacked the car with our annual Tesco 'larder filler' shop (£400 worth) and we were heading back to Val overnight again.... so some 3000 miles (oh yea also got the car serviced when we were back too) later and we have now been back in Val 5 days.... well the weather here is not really much better than it was in the UK and it really was OK in the UK - only got wet a couple of times thankfully!

So the last week here it has been back to the UK kids and their activities such as trampolining lessons and of course today (and tomorrow) is the highlight of the year (well Summer anyway in Val) the Foire Avaline - amazing annual two fayre.

Tried to get them (through my contact (if I had seen him which i didnt)) in the guard of honour for the players but no such luck unfortunately!

About the only WET walk we took on the whole trip thankfully - but at least the countryside views were glorious!

Now that IS a big cannon!

OK so I had a wetsuit on but Loch Lomond was nice to have a quick swim in!

Back to nature in other ways on a bike ride!

Day break in Loch Lomond - stunning!

A beach - so we physically stood on a beach in England, Scotland and Wales on this trip - this was the Scottish one (Ayr!)

They won't be the same horses but I remember across from my childhood first house this paddock of horses - so nice the kids got to pat the ponies!

Not sure what they were pointing at!

Exploring the castle in Beaumaris!

A BBQ on the beach - best burgers ever from the local butchers - YUMMY!

We literally caught 20 crabs in the nets in about 20 mins - it was incredible!

Meanwhile in Val the last month - well the photos below sum it up nicely.

Hi-tech new Police HQ in town with all the CCTV to (apparently) keep us all safe!

Can you see me? Pink shorts and t-shirt (looks that way) standing next to a guy in black on my right - watching the end of year shows etc the kids (in this case Bens) have put together!

There has been the incredible Summer races around the place - including the Vanoise High Trails weekend of races!

Environmental clean up day

Pump track party day - lots of music, BBQ and fun races for all the family

Maintenance carries on - like replacing the cable on the Madelaine chair (in the background notice the works going on for the new Ouillette restaurant (which won't be completed before the Winter it doesnt seem!)

Missed it last weekend - Fete Vieux Val weekend with (especially) all the floats! Lots of fun - pity missed it!

So until next month folks...

TTFN

I know it is a big ground but looks a disappointing crowd at the Rose Bowl. But what a wonderful trip

Went to the 50 over Womens Ashes game at Taunton and nigh on a sell out

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

Thanks for the news, Steve. Ski resorts look much better in the winter.

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

snow reports

'Lake District for 3 nights... lovely walk into town of Ashbourne and lunch, swimming in campsite pool, pub dinner, walk to Dovedale'

If you went to Ashbourne and Dovedale you were in the Peak District, not the Lake District.

You know it makes sense.

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Monday
https://www.facebook.com/pisteurval/videos/1002972624290786
https://www.facebook.com/pisteurval/videos/1378997419378106

Tuesday
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=673137488179385&set=pcb.673137531512714
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=673137511512716&set=pcb.673137531512714

A snowHead

Kenzie - I know bonkers isnt it. We have been away for a late Summer holiday camping trip to Morzine and then Annecy so saw the vids and pics.... back home this evening and you can see the remnants of the snow at altitude!

A snowHead

Summer should be over by now

Well normally I would by typing and saying that it is done, Summer is over but like in the UK there is a final heatwave across France so currently daily into the mid 20's in Val and mid 30's down in Bourg! Having said that Im currently back in the UK for a few days so getting the nice weather here in Bournemouth too!

Anyway what another busy month it has been! As soon as we got back from the UK it was into the usual mix of Summer activities for the kids like trampolining etc. Olivia has now totally mastered the front and back flip and Ben is doing well. But there was also swimming, walks and loads of other activities going on.

We did have a really enjoyable walk and evening away at the Refuge up at Prariond. Yes the walk in (see photos) via the Gorge Malpasset is somewhat eye opening but then it flattens out again and it feels miles from anywhere up there but isnt really. We got a family room for the night and to be honest it is more like a hotel than refuge up there. Licensed bar, 3 course evening meal with wine etc. It really is a lovely refuge and after was rebuilt a few years back is super modern! So a 90 min walk in and out isnt too bad! The actual refuge cost about €180 for the night for dinner, bed, breakfast and a packed lunch each - I think thats pretty good value!

When not ferrying the kids around for things I managed to get a load of jobs done - check me out installing (well replacing actually) the solar panels on the roof of our van! Yay that works again!

We did get away again for a second time with 3 days in Morzine followed by 3 nights in Annecy! The weather was aweful in the Portes du Soleil! Clare had signed up for her first short mini triathlon (sorry not sure which 'type' it was but put it this way the fastest male did it in 20 mins or so). Anyway we all trotted along to support her at the lake and running circuit and she really enjoyed it. No sooner had she sorted herself out but it was time to drive up to Avoriaz as Olivia had her junior triathlon up there. We took a cable car up (can't remember which one it was) but the rain came, and came some more.... the temps dropped, the winds got up and by the time the race started it was a monsoon - never seen anything like it. The kids were swimming indoor in a turned off rapids pool thing but then had to come out the emergency door and start cycling and then running.... put it this way they were all wetter outside than inside and half the kids just didnt bother putting any clothes on to cycle it was that wet. Anyway Olivia came mid table so for her first attempt that was decent! She got a medal which made her happy!

The next couple of days in Morzine the weather was still awful so we didnt venture outside too much and then we spent a full day shopping indoors in Annecy to use a day up before finally the weather improved and we had a few decent days in Annecy getting some activities in - didnt get a lot of chilling by the pool though as not quite hot enough - doh! However on the lake itself the kids tried water skiing for the first time and as if by fate the kids instructor was a ski instructor with the ESF in the Winter in Val and the boat driver worked for the STVI this past Winter - now what are the chances of all that eh!

We also went to a dual Baptism in town.... so Tymeo and Noelyne who are Olivia and Bens best friends respectfully and just like Olivia and Ben are brother and sister had a VERY elaborate celebratory day! It started in the church (ever been to a French service like that - im still crossed eyed thinking about it). That was followed by drinks (the sun was shining - it was lovely) at the L'Avancher Hotel and then with only family left and about 30 people it was time for an elaborate sit down meal. OMG we ended up on the top table - not sure how that happened. Now my French is not the best by any means but seriously this was tough work - thankfully Clare did most of the talking! Anyway there was a LOT of wine so that helped matters - haha! There was favours and everyone had names carved in wood as a name place on the table.... there was a MASSIVE triple tressle (sp?) table with about a million home made deserts and cakes.... to give you an idea we alone came home with 3.8kg (yes) of sugary based cake / sweets etc. OMG!

There was quite a few birthday parties too the kids went to! Olivia and I have always wanted (living in La Daille and looking across at it makes it very tempting and also another route up behind us) to have a go at Via Ferrata - well mainly me driving it but knew it would be a nice father / daughter activity! I was so confident that I would enjoy it I have actually bought a set of gear!

Anyway we really had a fun first taste of the sport and although was scorching hot we both had smiles on our faces. In actual fact I have been back a couple more times since the kids have been back to school! Hope to get more done when I get back in a week or so time as long as the weather behaves itself!

Of course the kids going back to school was a major event. So Olivia is now in CM1 - so that means one down from the final year in primary or Year 5 in English money!!!! Ben on the other hand is in CP so the first year of french Primary or year 2 I think it would be in the UK.... so the days of two schools etc are now gone .... it will only be another couple of years before Olivia is off down the valley to secondary school - can't believe it! Anyway it was nice actually being allowed into the school to see some of the classrooms as we accompanied Ben into his classroom on morning one - very sweet it really was in there and his teacher is really nice! The only disappointment is the school bus... we have since found out that it is actually sorted by the local / regional authority. I assumed it was sorted locally as the buses and drivers were local staff. Anyway they have now gone from having two buses - one doing Fornet and the top end of town and the other doing La Daille and Legattaz etc! It was local drivers and buses but now is a bigger. Loyet bus and driver that comes up from the valley and just one loop! Also for some annoying reason La Daille is the first pick up in the morning but LAST at the end of the day so the kids have a LONG time on the bus each day! We might have to review the arrangement unless something can be sorted as this will be ridiculous! The good news is the kids seem to be enjoying school so that is good!

As we get closer to the October we are looking forward to heading off on our holiday of a lifetime to the USA - 15th October we go. Have been saving for an awfully long time for this... so we are in New York for 4 nights and then heading down to Orlando for 3 days in Universal resort parks and then 10 days I think it is in Disney parks - before heading home - so away for 3 weeks in total. I can wait - well we all can't wait. Not sure if I will do another update before we go but hope so!

So as mentioned I am now back in the UK for another week or so whilst the weather is still amazing back in Val... however like the UK I think the weather will break in the next few days!

The Gorge Malpasset like you have never seen it before - its still a long way down!

Stunning when you get through it though!

We had a friend at breakfast time!

Dont look down!

Hanging out as you do!

A different sort of hanging out!

Lac Montriond for Clares swim!

Meanwhile the month is told through Radio Val pics as usual...

The Foire Avaline was as good as always!

A rather different but cool alternative activity offered this Summer was star gazing up in the Manchet - wish had done it actually as sounds quite cool!

There was one blip in the weather in August - when it snowed briefly even down in town - this was the day (see above) of the triathlon - doh!

The program cover for the Baptism made local news headlines on Radio Val - haha!

Yes whoops a tanker carrying heating oil and cooking oil (I believe) for the Bellevarde restaurant tipped over on the way up the road (what we call the avalanche path) from Les Coves area up past Trifollet on upwards - last week. They managed to get all the oil out and remove the truck so guess no pollution and of course can be delivered at a second go sometime - but whoops!

Right folks thats TTFN. Another update next month hopefully just before we head off on our travels!

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Many thanks, Steve. I really enjoyed all that.

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@Steve Angus, brilliant summer update and pics.
Top family holiday to look forward to in October too. Have a fantastic time.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Good to see christenings take as long as marriages in a French Church. It seemed to take days after the 10 minutes in the Mairie. Didn’t help that some of the stuff was translated into Italian as well!

The VC Gorge du M, that picture brings back memories of ‘disco knee’ when Phil S and Mark J dragged us up there on a Ski Company Summer Course.

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The only thing in life that are certain is death and taxes

Well what a dramatic month it has been. When I updated this time 4 weeks back I was back in the UK sorting bits and pieces out. The plan had been to go back for a week or so and sort a few bits out at the flat there then be home... but a week turned into two weeks. I got the news that upon entering hospital (long story but it stemed from a routine ankle operation back in May and her not feeling well (we thought the fact she was non weight bearing for months on it because of the op was the main reason) that she was taken in to hospital just not herself at all for weeks on end) my sister (she's in her 70's and my half sister but crucially apart from Clare and the kids my only relative in any shape or form!) had been told they had found a lump!!!! Tests, more tests etc and they have determined it is breast cancer that has spread to her bones. Her bloods were bouncing around, her lower back had been broken by the cancer and her pelvis is vulnerable and she's in pain, and basically there is quite a lot to sort out to release her back to her home that she is still a month later in a general ward of her local NHS hospital - im more worried about her mental state than anything! At the moment the latest conclusions they have given her is that it is 'manageable' and not 'curable' and she has 'circa a year' to live. So WOW basically!!!!

We have decided not to tell the kids yet until we really know more details of how long etc and especially not before our USA trip.

So alas the two weeks I ended up spending in the UK had 'extras' in it such as getting quotes for a stairlift to go in her house (possibly), as well as moving her house around to make it better for when she came home. It is all rather depressing really. After my Dad in 2016, mum last year I was hoping for at least a decade with some of 'my' side of the family around... also for my sister who never married and has no children to see her only family grow up. So all rather depressing. The only real difference this time is that it is not 100% just on my shoulders this time as Ali has another half brother (in his early 60's) - I had only ever spoken to / met him once before the other week too! So I have someone in the UK who can share the burden!

I just hope she gets out of hospital today and the physio and social services provisions can start their job and the path to the next stage in life can start - could do with some certainty right now.

Anyway no need to say anymore but I know Richard has been in contact with MacMillan etc already!

So the last month has been dominated by this to quite a large extent!

Getting back to Val turned into a bit of a nightmare too... firstly flight prices were just RIDICULOUS - I know I was booking last minute but some flights (I had to fly from Heathrow) were like business class only left for £1200 one way to GVA and this was in mid September for goodness sake!!! Anyway I got something and then the flight was an hour late taking off and I missed the connections and ultimately got Clare to collect me with the kids at stupid o'clock at night down in Bourg!

As we all know Val is at the ends of the world but at least it is pretty well connected by public transport etc (in relative terms) in the Winter months - oh not in the Summer and non Winter months - nightmare.

Luckily for me and Clare the kids have settled back into school really well and all that is going well... the weather has been OUTSTANDING and bearing in mind it is still October I am once again braving shorts today! When will it end!

However the good news is the US trip is fast approaching and have been working out the final details.... virtually every detail has been planned and booked now. The frustrating thing that I could not tie down (until this morning it would seem) was the 'getting to / from GVA' situation. I do NOT want valet parking, I DO not want the car to be parked outside, I DO NOT want to have to leave my car keys with anyone at the airport AND (crucially our van is 2.04m high AND you cannot guarantee a parking spot in P26 on the -3 floor (only car park at the airport itself that accommodated vehicles of that size!) even with pre-booking) I can't book anything so I have been trying to look at various options. I finally think someone (a friend) will drive us in their car.

Anyway everything is looking really set now for the trip. We leave on the 15/10 and back on the 4/11 - amazing can't wait.

So as soon as we are back from that I will be in the build up to the season time... have got a LOT of Tour Operator Avalanche Talks set up already so that will take up a fair amount of my time and then on the 2/12 when we open for the season I am pretty much booked up for the first few weeks of the season more or less.... eeek from 0 > 100 in no time at all!

.... oh and I want to get back to the UK for a day or 3 to see my sister and pull my weight - as we know in the Winter and being self employed getting away 'costs' double so need to do my bit in advance as much as possible. So when back from the US on the 4/11 I dont think I will be doing another update until the daily updates start late November along with getting back on the socials!

The highlights of the last month are really clear in my mind though:

1) Olivia and I doing the via ferrata and getting up to the high and long bridge (she is too young to go higher (yet!))
2) Bens 6th birthday (rocket and space themed as you might be able to tell from his cake!

In local news... well they have been replacing one of the drive cables on the Olympic lift the last month - nearly done now!

They are going to trial (well apparently the plans might be on hold once again after a legal challenge) the new 'bus station' in the area outside the (mechanical) garage down here in La Daille this Winter. I believe the plan will be (even if doesn't happen until next year!) that all coaches from outside town will park up here and TO's etc will take shuttles to their accommodation or of course you have the train rouge option too... I really dont know what other plans they have but it sounds 'interesting'. It does mean however that of course the mechanics garage will unfortunately disappear this Winter - real shame!

<img src = "https://www.radiovaldisere.com/upload_imgs/news_fr/9590.jpg"
What and Indian Summer looks like in a ski resort!

All the local kids did a huge 'World Clear Up Day' event last week and collected literally hundreds of KG's of rubbish from around our environment - good on them!

Inching towards the Winter and all the Summer infrastructure needs to be taken down slowly but surely

They have also replaced a Gasex up the Solaise too.

We took a walk to Sassiere lake at the weekend - simply stunning

Little bit of nature spotting along the way too

On the way up the Via Ferrata

Edging forward!

Now THAT is a cake... Ben was in heaven and well done to Clare for making!

So ill be a back when hopefully the snow is thick on the ground and the lifts are about to turn and just before the World Cup happens.... in the meantime I will be watching a lot of the other two World Cups that are happening at the moment! Come on England in both cases!

TTFN

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Really sorry to read your news. Try and spend as much time as possible together and ask any questions or try to get as many family stories as possible. It can all come a bit suddenly.

Cool photos - we're booked for Christmas in Val d'Isere now Smile

Just tried to book lift passes online and it says to validate the cart but doesn't seem to want to let me do anything... Anyone else able to try or has been successful in purchasing lift passes?

After all it is free

@eps, you're probably a bit early for lift passes. Give it a try on a week or two. They are usually available by the end of the month.

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

eps - thank you. Good advice. I will

Help!!

The view from............ Val d'Isere and the Espace Killy

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