Today was, probably, our last day skiing of the 2007/2008 season in the Portes du Soleil. i say "probably" because we still have one more half-day here on the 15th when we might be able to get out, and apparently there's skiing somewhere near the Schwarzwald, so maybe we won't be putting the skis away just yet. i hope not.
Natalie in the new trees we found above Combe a Floret.
We wanted an easy last day. We don't know how to do easy days so it was down the Snowcross Crozats, the Arete des Intrets, the Coupe de Monde, and the Canyon du Pschott (all black, bumpy, and off-piste for those who don't know the names). Being really tired, and me having a bad headache which throbbed only while i was skiing, we came down through the trees, trying to pick out an easy route. This worked fine until i made a wrong turn and then this happened:
It's difficult to summarise the last 4 months here. The excitement starting out our adventure, the intensity of chalet work, the pain at having to let Allez Alps down, and then the relief at finally getting to do what we love. Living in the mountains, meeting old friends and showing our passion for skiing to other friends and newcomers to the sport. Living in France and picking up as much of the culture as we can. Waking up and looking out onto snow-capped mountains every day. Drinking Evian out of the tap and breathing some of the cleanest, clearest air in the world. I think this photo summarises, much better than i am able to articulate, just how we feel about being in the Alps:
We were both quite sad today as we unclipped from our skis for the last time in a while. Tugged off our boots and packed away our gloves and helmets. But there's nothing to be sad about. We've had the best time. Tomorrow we're off exploring Europe and in a few weeks we'll be in South Africa, getting more sunshine.
Moreover, we will definitely be returning to the Porte du Soleil, just as soon as we can. We can't wait to come out walking and biking here in the Summer. So until then, it's absolutely not "goodbye". Au revoir, Avoriaz. A bientot.
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