There is so much snow – meters and meters of it! It was snowing while we were in the Alps, the landscape looking just like a European Christmas card! The skiing in Haute Savoie is epic compared to Australia, with fresh dry powder, record snow falls early in the season, really long runs, access to multiple valleys, and no crowds. Although we were very much out of condition, having not skied for years, we improved over our short stay and thoroughly enjoyed pushing ourselves! The weather was often overcast, yet good enough for us to ski for several hours each day. The legs were burning at times, but we had a lot of fun.
First day at the chalet – it is snowing!
The after skiing was fantastic too at Jo and Phil’s Châlet des Cimes, built in the traditional Savoyard style and complete with a very welcome hot tub to soothe our aching muscles. Their gorgeous châlet is located at Saint Jean d’Aulps, a village at about 1000m. There is a small resort on our door step, and larger ones higher up the mountain but within only a twenty minutes drive. It is particularly nice to spend time with our friends who share a few of our passions, including sailing!
Brilliant morning at Avoriaz, the village in the centre.
We skied locally, but had the most fun at Châtel and Avoriaz especially, which have extensive ski fields and superb snow conditions. Here are a few images of our adventure. As always, click on the first image to display in full screen slideshow.
This concludes our voyage in France. We are catching the plane home to Australia on Tuesday.
Sv-Anui 
Great photos, such a wonderful place to ski!! ❤️
It was, John with so much snow!
That looks like a lot of fun Chris! Your photos describe the place very well. Have fun my friend… 🙂
Thanks HJ. It was just what we needed to finish off our voyage.
It is going to be from one extreme to the other when you come back, can’t wait to hear all about the trip. The snow looks amazing.
Yes from -5 to +40! But we will be glad to get back on board Take It Easy!
Great snow, beautiful place. Glad you had fun
Hi Sue. Great skiing. Pity we could not do a few runs today, but it was too foggy and snowy to see the slopes!
Nearly time to pack away the winter gear. Lots of sunshine coming up. Happy travelling and see you soon.
Hi Ann – yes it sounds like there has been a heat wave back home! Can’t wait to be back in the boat, pick up Bengie and get back to sailing! See you soon!
Looks gorgeous!
Hi Maree – yes the snow was amazing!
Seems that all the California Sierra snow must have gone to the Alps this year! Just got back from Heavenly at Lake Tahoe – very light cover by their usual standards. Glad that you guys found such great conditions. Great photos and great to see the photos of Jo and Phil.
Thanks Craig. Yes we had great snow. Wish we had a few more days skiing but it is time to go home and resume our sailing life. Lots to do when we get back before we can hit the high seas: fit the new sails, get taken out of the water for anti fouling and get rid of heaps of winter gear at Jan Juc!
Looks like you guys had the slopes to yourselves! We’re looking for a ski resort that might have some long green runs, due to my crook knees and Claire’s inexperience. Any at this resort? Our last ski trip to Austria was a little steepish …..
Hi Elgar – none that we saw at that resort, but will ask our friend, he might be able to suggest something.
Taaaaa
Brought back many fond memories of our years in Switzerland! Especially the Dents du Midi picture – we could see those peaks from our kitchen window… Life is good afloat too, though!!
Howdy stranger! We were on the French side for a few days – great skiing! We have been away from the boat for 6 weeks for the family tour of duty. We will be back to Australia and on the boat tomorrow. Can’t wait to resume our life afloat! Keep well!
Yes, in some ways I like the French side better… cheaper tickets for the remontées mécaniques for one thing, and better food! Safe travels back to Oz and fair winds!!
Just got back from a week in Morzine, skiing in Chatel, Avoriaz and one day over to Switzerland. I even came home to snow! Happy days!