Backs&Blacks@ChaletMargaritka

Jez and his gang of legal colleagues returned to the chalet in Feb. Heavy snow meant conditions were great with lots trying a bit of powder, off piste and/ or through the trees skiing. (Scotty had a particularly interesting experience when we ventured into the trees one afternoon!) It was generally an eventful weekend with the chalet completely full and everyone having a good time, we think!

The whole team decided to go out on the Saturday evening and had a great meal/ time in L’Etale in the centre of Morzine. We, of course, invested in some fine house wine for the group as part of the deal. Later some were seen to be enjoying themselves in the Tibetan cafe, not far from the RR – always a great atmosphere. Of course, there were a few sore heads the next day which was a shame because the heaven’s had opened and some butiful ‘poudreuse’ was on offer!

We look forward to the video for a bit of an end of season digestif once more!!

Mid January and we were joined by many old friends. Paul Keech and the boys who just love to ski (and watch a bit of football, of course). Plus, Nicky and Tim and friends Helen/ Mark. Nicky celebrated an important birthday so a few bottles of champagne were enjoyed.

And, just for Nicky’s birthday it snowed just before they arrived. This was good because the slopes really needed it!

All had a good weekend especially since everyone had met in the chalet before.

Team Brennan arrived once more for a joyous NY. Somehow Team Leader Ian got into conversation with Harry the most experienced chalet boy in the Alps. Harry has kindly agreed to work with us this year – it is an honour and a privelege to have someone with so many contacts and knowledge of the valley join us for the season! Harry, is also the founder and chief PR officer for the phenomenal new craze sweeping the Alps this Winter – ‘All Terrain Skiing’. Please check it out via the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vE7GBnyx9g&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Ian was hooked as you can see in a couple of pictures below. For more information please contact Harry (Mark Harrison) – hazza72@yahoo.com

Jez and his friends who stayed with us back in January put this great video together. It’s really cool – everyone just looking so good with big smiles on their faces!

Click on the link – it says everything about what we’re about at Chalet Margaritka:

Skiing, fun, people, fun, good snow, people, great conditions, skiing and skiing = good times!! Look out for the guest appearance or appearances by the Tsar of Wales (Alex) for those of you who know him – you just can’t keep him out of the action.

Cheers Jez and gang it really was an excellent weekend. Look forward to seeing you next year!

The Brennans, Ian and Felicity came back for their second visit of the season, at Easter. They were joined by Bob and Sarah Pearce and their University sons Tom (hope your flu is better), the elder and Sam. Good fun was had by one and all – the vinyl came out again on the Saturday evening and on Easter Sunday The Tsar (Alex) held court with his Wii games before and after dinner. No-one could believe how good he was at 100 pin bowling!!

Ian, of course, dined out on the fact I fell over twice in the Off-piste infront of him (see pics below). He would have none of it that I was under the influence having forced me to drink a bucketful of Genepi at lunch, not to mention the vat of Wine. Look forward to seeing you next year guys!

Just to end the season one of the best articles on skiing that I have read in a while: http://klartellsstories.blogspot.co.at/2013/04/bread-and-butter.html

The first weekend of March saw warm sunshine hit the Alps for the first time this season. It also signalled new guests arriving at the chalet. There were the lovely girls from Jersey. One, of whom was a very charming Welsh lady, Carol who originated from Carmarthenshire. It was a long time since I’d ski’d with a fellow Welsh person. I think we all had great fun – hope you enjoyed your little sojourn at our chalet, ladies.

There were also two groups of Barristers (one from around London and one from around Leeds), the Jelletts and the Guppys. The vinyl came out for the first time for a few weeks – it was good to show our offspring some of the tunes we grew up with. I think or hope Stephen and Jonathan really enjoyed the experience. By the way, as I write this it is about -20C in Moscow and a blizzard is blowing outside – yep you’re right it’s March 25th (and I think, its cold all over Northern Europe but I’m not totally sure)!

Once again we had many repeat guests this month as well, some who were visiting for the second time this season!! Dave Henderson and his daughters, Nicky and Tim, Mark and Helen plus Stewart and Liz (hope the leg is feeling better – Liz). We always like it when this happens, it’s like skiing with old friends – nothing better! Please find some pictures below of our experiences:

More familiar faces came back in February. This included ‘The Girls’- Alison, Yvette and Angela who were exceptional value last year and who really appreciate our efforts to make everyone feel ‘home from home’ at the chalet. They like to make sure ‘Monsieur’ (chalet host) does not get away with too much as well! They were joined by new people like Helen and Luke – fit as fiddles and they most certainly liked to ski. I might have overdone it a touch with them on the first morning though – hope not?

Paul Boreham, a regular visitor came back for a second time this season – he must like us!! This time he brought his two daughters with him to entertain the Tsar (Alex). And, Sue and her son James visited the chalet for the first time – no doubt the Tsar had a ball over half-term.

I’ve also added a few pictures from my own travels well ‘off the beaten track’ – skiing in a place called Volen about 50 kms north of Moscow!!

The excellent early season snow meant Chalet Margaritka had many old and new visitors during January…..

For New Year some great repeat guests who we now see as friends came and saw in 2013 with us. Team Brennan brought two new friends with them – Darren and Helen. A great time was had by all, as the pictures below testify too.

It would seem that the Alps are heading for one of the snowiest Decembers in years. Over 30 cms has fallen in Morzine and the surrounding villages this week with another 20 cms due over the weekend.

Rita has never been so ecstatic – yes you’ve guessed it – I’ve not been around!

All pictures taken from the chalet across or down the valley.