Skis to Snowboard in Morzine

After many years of skiing and growling at the snowboarders the time came today for me to give it a go. I hired the boots, well more like slippers, and a snowboard. Booked a lesson from the snow school in Morzine and off I went. My instructor was Christophe Gandy, a talented instructor who make the process easy. After some new terms including, Duckfoot, Backside, Frontside, Fakie , Goofy footed, Regular footed, Toeside turn I was away and after 3 hours had really got the feel for it. It is like gliding over the snow and quite an amazing feeling. Just as the confidence grows gravity reminds you with a bang, just how difficult boarding really is.
A big thank you to Christophe from the snow school for making it such an enjoyable day.
Tel 0033 (0) 48 66 88 840

Grand Ourse, Mont Chery, Altitude 1752M

A little piece of Cornwall can be found high in the French Alps. The Grande Ourse (Great Bear) restaurant is owned by the Venning family from Cornwall. A range of genuine Cornish pasties are imported and served in this splendid establishment. For those who like their food a little spicy the chicken balti pasty is a must. The staff are friendly and attentive and only too willing to recount their conger eel fishing adventures. The restaurant is to be found three quarters the way up Mont-Chery Mountain which can be reached via Les Gets near Morzine. As the nearest ski lift is currently closed be prepared for a slight detour to reach this little oasis. If Gordon Ramsey ever fancies a skiing trip we are sure this family would give him a warm welcome.

LA GRANDE OURSE - 74440 LE PRAZ DE LYS - tel. 04 50 34 36 41

Husky race in Morzine

The annual husky race La Grande Odyssee started today. Instead of the usual snow clearing of the roads there was snow tipped onto the roads making a track from the Church to the tourist office. Due to rain the race is postponed until tomorrow, but the huskies were out running up and down from the church to the tourist office.

They are in a pack and on one trip there was a small pet family dog on a lead watching. The huskies left the track, dragged the small, pet dog onto the snow and badly mauled it. It was the pack instinct, but they were very ferocious.

On a happier note there were ice carvings from Christian Burger, where he carved a husky, and an Indian. Also, there were some wigwams, reindeer, and maple syrup was served warm, laid on a bed of snow and twirled around a lolly stick whilst soft. It was delicious.