Backs&Blacks@ChaletMargaritka

We were all a bit worried that with Easter so late and snow a bit short on the ground this Winter, would our final guests be able to ski much at all? But, we should never have worried – the ‘Portes du Soleil’ and especially Avoriaz never let’s us down!!!!

Louise who had already visited us once this Winter came back with hubby Steve and their charming, young daughter Zoe who was quite an accomplished skier. Having ski’d just around Avoriaz on their first day. I was still able to show them the route to Switzerland (Les Crosets) under warm, deep blue skies and virtually empty pistes on the second day. And then all around Chatel Linga on really good snow, on the third – with temperatures having cooled a tad. In between we were also able to find an adventurous bit of off piste or two, in fine Spring conditions – the ridge above and parallel to Arare with great views down the valley to Morzine and beyond, the run that runs parallel to the Brochaux chair near the Cascade to Brochaux (Abricotine Valley), plus the bowl/ area at the top of the Abricotine Valley near the drag lift that connects with Switzerland (Grande Conche run). Infact, in parts the off piste was in better condition than the piste (so long as you could navigate in and around the protruding rocks) !!! Although challenged, I think people enjoyed themselves and it gave a better flavour to lunch or kick to the ‘Apres Ski’ drinks. It also still left the ‘Coupe du Monde’ and the skiing in the ‘Fornet’ bowl to be done on their remaining couple of days!

Thanks to all our guests for another great season and for allowing us to use their images/ pics on this blog – hope you’ve all enjoyed. Here are the final ones of the Winter 16/17 season:

The weather in late March and early April was just fantastic. Bright sunny days and warm afternoons meant some great skiing in the mornings followed by lazy, long lunches and possibly some sitting in deckchairs absorbing the rays for some. Others, kept on skiing in somewhat heavy conditions (expected at this time of year) with the snow on the Avoriaz side of the mountain remaining pretty steadfast. We were still able to ski down to Switzerland (Les Crosets) and get to Chatel:)))  Although, getting to the Café des Sports in Morgins had to be put on the back burner til next season – we did visit quite often this Winter though!!

In April The Foxes returned this year (having missed last Winter) with our good friends Ian (Chef) and Fliss Brennan who came back for the second time this Winter! All ski’d lots, lunched well, enjoyed the sunshine and maybe, had a drink or two whilst enjoying the butiful, long Alpine evenings. They were also as warm and generous as ever – Thank You guys!

Then another new regular Judy Scott Garland arrived with her son Benjamin, cousin Sheila and friends – Louise, Jonah and Georgia. Cousin and friends were relatively new to skiing – enjoyed their lessons and Louise was amazed by the new Panorama she could experience when she ventured up/ out of the Lindarets bowl. And, felt a great sense of achievement having ski’d the Blue run, Combe a Floret through the trees back into the bowl. Some good games of ‘Chicken Charades’ and ‘Cards Against Humanity’ were also enjoyed after dinner.

All were amazed they were still able to ski so many runs, even in the Morzine/ Les Gets area and lunches outside in the warm Spring sunshine were just perfect. Here are the pics: