Backs&Blacks@ChaletMargaritka

Lots of new guests arrived during the holidays. The Poffly’s and Whitehead’s were all experienced skiers (having all stayed in Les Gets almost 20 years ago) and introduced the chalet to some serious gaming – ‘Linkee’ and ‘Name in the hat’ were played every night. The Tsar got well involved and enjoyed himself thoroughly. He got so confident that he could be found chairing the contest on some occasions! He did need a bit of advice from his experienced father the few times the decisions became almost too tough to call.

Our Friends The Boreham’s also came for their customary week. Jessica and Becky’s skiing is looking so good these days!! Although, Jessica did manage to lose her ski in the offpiste one day, forcing her father to ski down to a chair so he could go back up to rescue her. A good lunch was very much had that day:))) And, we were able to introduce the Borehams to the new gaming culture in the chalet – ‘Name in the hat’ especially was played on more than one evening.

The second weekend of the holidays saw Jo Burns, her son (Julian) and her friends the Jones’s arrive in the chalet for the first time. Conditions were good with the first serious sign of Spring happening on the Sunday, having been snowing heavily the previous day. Whilst we were in the Nyon Bowl we realised that the temperature had risen almost 15 degrees in less than 24 hours based on the visible gauge.

We really enjoyed showing all the guests around and The Tsar loved skiing with Jessica and Becky. I got to spend a lot of time with an absolute Cherub – Jessie Jones. Her skiing came on leaps and bounds over four days – having just been able to stand on her skis when we first started to following just a couple of metres behind me and matching me turn for turn. Fantastic – a great thrill!!

Finally, just when I thought it was safe to go back on the mountain with the hordes having just receded after the holidays. I spent a great day skiing with Jonathan Callow who I’d met in the World famous ‘Sherpa Bar’. He was busy trying to persuade the proprietor (Star Wars Martin) to go skiing with him, and knowing full well that was simply a non starter I volunteered to show him around Chatel via the two new lifts – ‘Gabelou & Portes du Soleil’. It really was a fab day despite the snow falling since we were able to confine ourselves to tree lined runs:))  Jonty was very fit and just loved to ski and ski – the previous day he had clocked up over 50 miles (Yes, miles not kilometres!). If I’d known I probably would have declined the venture – I did insist he had to buy me a longish lunch, of course!! None of this 50 miles malarkey for me, I’m getting on a bit these days (although we did manage about 30 miles).

Here are the pics:

Poffly’s and Whitehead’s just outside the Chalet with The Tsar & Rita. If they look a bit sad it’s cos they were about to leave

The Boreham’s with the Tsar & Rita outside ‘La Leiche’ RR in Chatel Linga

The Little Cherub & Superstar – Jessie Jones:))

Elisa and Jo on crowded slopes – NOT!!

Jo and Lex in butiful sunshine! Wot a difference a day makes.

Jo, Julian, Jessie, Lex and Elisa just as the sun was rising

After a great day’s skiing – Jonty before

And after – a well deserved beer (or was it two?)

Evidence of the day – not quite 50 but almost 30 miles (over 50 kms I think)