Well, that was interesting, in a lot of different ways.
Resort-wise was Teh Mountain of Teh Hoot !!1! (Alpe d'Huez) which is way off my fave resort. It is a huge, sprawling resort difficult to connect up, in a south facing bowl that has a tendency to turn to slush without the possibility of linking runs to stay out of the resort. That said, this Christmas we had some of the best skiing ever. Thick snow on arrival, two perfect sunny and warm days, one less perfect in the pm followed by a Day of Dump (c 60cm) then a fab day of powder. Crowds weren't bad, the expected influx of French post Xmas didn't seem to happen with only one day where queues were an issue.
Chalet-wise, we stayed at an Inghams (Hotel les Cimes), which was the choice of the party we were joining (making 25 total). It is a budget (3*) chalet which met our expectations. That is to say, it fitted our understanding of what would be on offer and in some ways exceeded. That's not meant to be damning with faint praise, but a 3* chalet is a 3* chalet, and a hotel-style operation is different from a chalet operation. Anyhow, our freezing shower DID get fixed after 4 days. Food was reasonable, staff excellent. From that experience, while I would never be seen in a Crystal, I would use Inghams again.
Flight-wise we had a total of seven (!!1!) changes of flight. The first three appeared arbitrary, and the subsequent replacement of the Monarch (!!1!) flight necessary. But then, another 3 changes ? Including being shifted from Geneva to Grenoble on the night before we flew back. That change, necessitating a 4 a.m. start accompanied by a cross-resort trudge down and up through thick snow to get to the bus because they couldn't reach the hotel (another 60cm snow over Friday night) was not best appreciated.
Equipment-wise I found myself replacing my old boots as I had to admit to myself that I could lift my heel about 2cm. Which somehow led to a new ski buying experience; given that I am nearly 100% piste these days I failed to be seduced by the all mountain shapes and, after discussion with the Nice Man in the shop, ended up with the updated version of my Salomon Streetracers, virtually identical profile, race bindings, and - unfortunately - weight, even though these are allegedly titanium. I didn't ask for them to be waxed which led to interesting experimental info: previously I was faster on the glide than Mrs Ham, the new skis were markedly slower on exactly the same paths leading to Much Poling to keep up. Wax works.
Healthwise, it was all a bit shit. Both Mrs Ham and I started a cold just before we went, both lasted the entire week and I had an added ear infection thrown in which leaves me antibiotically alcohol free
I'd imagine anyone heading off now should have a really great week, best new year wishes to all, may the snow rise to meet your edges, and remember, all things are possible, except skiing through a revolving door
