The 3rd time is the charm. Yes, I managed to ski this wonderful area three times in 3 years. Not bad at all. This visit I loved the glacier, Glacier des Rognons, at the Grands Montets (3275 m or 10,744 feet). To put this in proportion for you all following at home, the bottom of the mountain is 1252 m or 4107 feet. ~Yes there can be a lot of elevation change in the Alps. Right down the road between mountain peaks. The mid station, where the first gondola ends is at 1972 m (6449 feet).
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| Chamonix, from the top of the glacier. |
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| Warning. Watch where you ski... |
I worked up the courage to ski out of bounds a little (well, I was next to the boundary ropes--this counts). And up there I saw my first up close and personal avalanche. You actually hear the snow falling before you see it. Like a loud boom. Then you think is that an avalanche? You look in the direction you heard the noise. Then you see an avalanche closer than you ever want to see one. Even if it is not that close. It's close enough. Not great picture conditions at the mountain.
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| Some skiers on the glacier. Once again, all white and no perspective. The little black dots above are also people. |
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| I can't remember where this is from. |
Lots of powder for this trip. I am much better at skiing in it now. But not nearly enough snow. I commented to my friends that the gates to the chair lifts seem higher this year. They said it was because the snow pack is just not there. [DC received all the snow this year. Evil. And you all don't even appreciate it.]
I skied a great black run on Brevent Flegere at Le Brevent (2525 m or 8284 feet). You have to ride a separate gondola to get up there. Still not a fan of gondolas. But I ride them just the same.
Dinners consisted of wonderful French food to include fois gras and steak. Steak was amazing. Better than the blackberry pic shows.
Christine
(I'm a little behind posting. This is from Martin Luther King Weekend.)
