12th March 2008 The BIG FIVE O

Today is a big day in the life of the Utah ski team. Tim is fifty today although he does not look a day over fifty!

We started off the day with birthday bacon rolls and a bit of left over cheese cake with 50 birthday candles.

After opening his many cards and presents, we decided to hit Brighton ski resort.

The weather was cloudy and cold but dry. This resort is all about tree line skiing and we hit many of the slopes. They could do with a little more powder, but compared to Europe this year, the runs are great.

We suddenly saw the message below on one of the resort information boards. Tim had left his credit card at the lift pass office!!

We had a late lunch, some of us were feeling the cold. Yet again, the lunches were massive, the Americans do calories big time!!

During lunch the heavens opened and we had very heavy snow. It lasted for about an hour. we really thought we would be going home early. The boys were determined to try the slopes and so we hit the lifts again.

After 15 minutes the sky cleared and the sun came out. Fantastic, a couple of inches of new powder and sunshine. We had a fabby couple of hours, tree line skiing and hitting the jumps (or the floor in John's case) in the ski park.

We stopped at the Silver Fork Lodge on the way back for a birthday celebration drink. Shauna fell in lust with one of the waiters (Johnathan) due to his amazing white teeth and eczema!!

Tim loved the Silver Fork T Shirts, so Chris bought him one for his birthday. The girls decided the flowers looked tasty.

Champagne flowed at home and then we popped out to a local restaurant where we had the usual warm food with very salty chips.

A DVD "Chuck and Larry" ended the day by midnight!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIMMY!!

11th March - The Big Bird

Today we went back to a resort they call the Big Bird, official name Snowbird. We have not been to this resort for many years but decided it was time.

This resort is very much an off piste paradise, with very few marked runs and plenty of double diamond black runs (which is Europe's version of off piste black runs).

Lunch was a typical American over load. Most of us had burgers and chips but the chips were HUGE. Each portion was enough to feed 3. No wonder the USA has a big fat person population!

The sun was out but it was slightly windy and a bit colder than the previous days.

We hit the slopes all day managing to find a little powder.

Dinner was one of Fiona's Chicken Thai Curries. Plenty of tomatoes, green peppers and corriander. Wonderful!!

We have found a great way to dry out and warm up our boots!! Thank god for a big fire in the lounge!!

10th March 2008 - You simply can't beat this snow!

Wow! Today we hit Canyons and had just about the best days skiing ever. Europe just can not match this place. The slopes are supreme. Challenging, empty, no lift queues, perfect snow, great moguls.

We all agreed that today was the best day we had ever spent on the slopes. Canyons is fantastic, we love it!!

We initially wanted to ski Deer Valley, but forgot that they had banned Snow Boarding, thank god, there is no way that Deer Valley could have been this good.

Richard, if you are reading this, jump on a plane and get over here. Crufts can't possibly be as good as this!!

The sky was a fantastic blue and the larch trees make a great contrast.

The mountain houses in this resort are enormous and cost up to 10 million dollars.

The views at the top of the resort are just amazing. very different from Europe.

9th March 2008 - Why Can't Europe Be Like This?

Today started bright and sunny, but most of us had a poor nights sleep due to the lag, so were not in the best shape.

We were all really hungry so decided to go out for breakfast as nothing edible was in the house.
We drive down to Main Street and had the usual American breakfasts. Lots of it but not that hot!!

After that we went to the local super martket to do a big shop. The lady on check out gave us a 20% discount.

Park City resort was really busy, due to it being a sunny Sunday. Parking was a bit tricky. Everyone rented their kit and we kit the slopes.

Unfortunately, James was given boots tat were on the small side, so, after just one run we had to go back to the centre to change them. We took the wrong run and ended up having to walk back to the resort lifts.

Then we hit the slopes and they were just as amazing as we had remembered. The snow is fantastic and the slopes quiet, especially when compared to Europe. The slopes in Park City are great and we hit some lovely moguls.

When we got home, we chilled with come TV, nachos and dip.

We went out for dinner to a local pizza and noodle house. Unfortunately, the pizza were all thick and stoggy. Still the wine was great!

Went to bed at 9:45 feeling bushed. Off to Deer Valley tomorrow.

8th March 2008 - In The Air All Day!

Today was spent flying! That's it!!

We all met at Gatwick and flew to Atlanta (10.5 hrs). The flight was good and the attendants were very good for Delta.

After a quick bite to to eat, we walked for about half an hour to the connecting gate, were we took out flught to Salt Lake City. Almost 4 hours.

We arrived tired and bad tempered (John). We eventually secured our car/van which is very nice but sounds like a hair dryer when you put your foot down.

The house is very American but spacious if a little tired (just like us). We will get some photo's up on the blog soon. Off to bed now as we are all dog tired.

1st March 2008 - It's our last day

Today felt a tad sad, as we said goodbye to Andy & Joy at Bourg Station. The weather was also in a blue mood, with heavy rain in the valley, but some snow higher up. We will also be saying goodbye to Ally and Duncan tomorrow as well as Bourg St Maurice.

Before saying goodbye to Andy & Joy, we took H to the vet to have her pre UK entry tests etc. Everything went well. We then went for a coffee before dropping Andy & Joy at the station.

Ally and Duncan decided to brave the weather and went up to Les Arcs for a ski.

We cleaned the house from head to toe and then took Heather for a walk along the cycle path in Landry. As we walked the sun came out and the temperature rose quickly.

The valley looks so very different from when we arrived almost two months ago. The snow has all but gone in the valley, almost up to 1800 metres. On our balcony, it feels like spring has sprung.

We are off to a local restaurant tonight with Ally and Duncan and then off early tomorrow. We will drive to Reims, stay over night, and then on to the UK for Monday.

we have really enjoyed our stay here and think that Bourg is a fantastic place to base yourself if you want to Ski Les Arcs, La Plagne, La Rosiere, La Thuile, St Foy, Val d'Isere, Tignes, Meribel, Courcheval, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. I think we will come back some day. But for now it's goodbye to Bourg.... bo ho!!

29th February 2008 - Skiing Jim, But not as we like it

Today started wet and warm. The mountain was shrouded in mist and cloud and we took a second look.

Ally and Duncan really wanted to go, but Joy and Andy had decided this was not the weather to ski. John & Fiona, went up with Duncan and Ally, but it was not good. Rain, slushy snow and crowded slopes were not what we wanted.

By the end of the morning, the slopes were wearing through.

More Snow and colder temperatures are needed ASAP. Luckily, this type of weather is no the cards for next week.

By afternoon, we took the car back to the garage to change the tires for the journey back to the UK.

Andy & Joy had spent the day watching the DVD - Atonement, but found the film a tad long!

Heather was very pleased to have plenty of company during the day.

Evening was spend eating Fiona's famous Salmon and Salad with the most scrumptious Chocolate Fondant pudding, yummy!!!!!!!!!!!

28th February 2008 - It's Snow Jim, but not as we know it

Today started with blue sky and sunshine with a bit of high cloud.



After walking H, we had a spot of breakfast and decided to hit La Plagne. So, we drove to Les Coches, parked by the lift pass office and set off. The snow was not too bad to start with but quickly became like sugary cake mix, kind off sticky, heavy and sandy all in one, horrible.

Andy got a little bored with the skiing, so turned his hand to rock climbing. After taking himself into the rock netting, he decided that rock climbing was not for him, so returned to skiing with us!!

We didn't let this stop us and skied across the the other side of the resort, Champagny. The snow was a little better in places but some slopes have just gone (see pics below).

There is snow in the forecast again for next week, lets hope it comes as things are getting poor. The temperature was so high today that we were sitting in the mountain restaurant in T shirts...... in February!!

Luch was a mixture of mountain vegitable soups for Andy, Joyt and Fifi, whilst John had a Beak salad (see pics).

On the way back to Les Coches, we hit some slopes that had become grass!! It was so strange to be finding ourselves avoiding cow pats in the middle of what is supposed to be a blue run back to a resort.... in February.

Tonight, Ally and Duncan arrive late, so we will be eating in with Mrs Godleys Thai Chicken dish.

27th February 2008 - Nordic Experience

Today began very misty but mild. So, we decided not to ski. We went to town for breakfast and then drove to Nocroix and the Nordic Centre.

We had a good walk and saw the horse sleigh and dog sleigh in action. Unfortunately, Andy & Joy were not able to see the Chamoix as they were having a day off!!

The weather was both sunny and cloudy, with the high level clouds looking like the surface of the moon (see below).

We decided to have lunch at the small restaurant in the Nordic Centre, V nice. Joy, Andy & Fifi had omelette's, although Joys was twice the size of the others. The deserts were equally as fab!

We then came back home to chill out, looking at a few summer destinations on the Web.

We went out to a restaurant which is on the way to Val d'Isere. The place itself was very quaint, but the food was not so good, although John enjoyed his local Diots (Sausages) in white wine!. Andy's pizza was about 4 inches thick and Joys fish was all bones. Fifi's steak was OK, but the white wine undrinkable.

"The Office" DVD ended off the day nicely.

26th February 2008 - A little more cloud

Today was a little colder as the sun was mainly behind the clouds. Still very mild for the time of year, but not as hot as yesterday.

We decided to ski Les Arcs again, but this time headed over to the area above 2000 and 1950, where the snow was a little less soft. The first red run was like the M25 on a bad day.

The rest of the morning was great fun, stopping in Arc 1950 for a coffee.

We stopped off at our favourite arc 2000 mountain restaurant (where Tim's son James enjoyed the tartiflett some years ago).

We ate inside, as the weather was a little chilly. Local pate for John and vegetable soup for Fifi, Joy and Andy.

We made our way back to 1600 after lunch and were back home for 3PM. We went down to town for a beer or two where Fiona had a Gin and Tonic that tasted like Pernod! After much discussion amongst the locals, the bar lady agreed to change it.

Joy and Andy made a wonderful spag bol tonight which used a very fine pasta. All plates were empty at the end of the feast!! A night in with re runs of "The Office", rounded the evening off perfectly.

25th February 2008 - Blazing Les Arcs

Today Les Arcs took a pounding from the Godley Fraser duo. The sun was out again, even though it was forecast to be wall to wall cloud.

The resort was quite busy, so we headed over to Valandry and Piesey stopping at the Hotel Vanoise for lunch, but not before we pasted the black run above Piesey. The Roon (Andy) took a different approach, impressing all with his back side slip down the steepest part, coming to rest a few feet from Fiona.

After lunch (Fish Soup for Mr Godley, Croque Monsieur for Andy and Potage du Jour for the ladies), we cruised the slopes above the area before heading for the sun terrace at the Hotel Du Golf in Arc 1800.

A super ski jump competition was under way, so we sat on the terrace watching cool, young dudes trying to kill themselves, very impressive!!

Tonight we are having one of Fiona's Chicken, Chorizo and fresh tomato pasta extravaganza wilst watching the office and sipping some bubbles.

The big snow fall, forecast for Friday & Saturday has, as always, evaporated into nothing much. Rain is on the cards for low down the resort on Wednesday but at least we might get some fresh snow high up.

24th February 2008 - Hot hot hot in La Rosiere

Today the sun was out and the temperatures rising. We walked H in the park, had a leisurely breakfast and then drove up to La Rosiere. When we arrived the temperature was already 11 deg.

The snow was already like sugar but the slopes were relatively empty. We all skied together, taking a trip to the back side of La Rosiere where the snow was better. The long drag lifts were a bit of a pain but again the slopes were empty.

Lunch in the sun was relaxed (salad and french onion soup).

A wee afternoon ski in 15 deg was v nice and we headed back to the apartment for 4PM.

Tonight we are eating at La Savoyard in Bourg. We are expecting to eat somthing with the word fondu in it!!

23rd February 20008 - Transfer Day

Today was all about sating goodbye and saying hello. We said goodbye to Tim although this goodbye was a little long and drawn out. We went of breakfast in town, walked H and then jumped in the car and straight into a traffic jam. After 10 minutes of standing still, we decided it must bbe a bad accident so took Tim to the Station which was packed. There were no trains to we tried driving a differrent route.

After 30 minutes the road was blocked with snow so, we headed back towards Moutier via a high mountain road (via Velmux). We eventually rejoined the traffic jam and crawled towards Moutier. The jam was caused by traffic lights which control how many cars can go through the tunnels at once.

We arrived at Chambery airport with 4 minutes of check in left. Tim checked in just in time but was then told there would be a 1.5 hr delay.

We drove off towards a town called Aix Les Bains. This great town is on a huge lake and the weather was very warm. Heather had fun in the lake and we chilled out in the sum.

Joy and Andy arrived 1 hr late and we had a good journey back to Bourg.

Plently of bubbly and wine was consumed with Salmon and Salad!!

22nd February 2008 - Les Arcs - Good Snow

Today was a big ski day as it was Tim's last day. we were up on the slopes early and skied until 3.30PM. It was very busy so we made our way over to Valandery area where it was quiet.

We has a coffee break at the Hotel Vanoise in Piesey which went on longer than usual.

At night we went to La Arsibahn restaurant in Bourg. The lamb was excellent!!

A good day all round.

21st February 2008 Flu and Lunch

This morning we said goodbye to Shauna and Simon, who returned home from Bourg train station.

Tim is with us until Saturday, however, he could not face the train journey home (his outbound trip was awful), so he decided to book himself a flight instead!!

We all decided to take the day off as Fiona and John are still feeling tired and Tim's cold had kept him up during the night.

We went to the Nordic Centre at Nacroix for a long walk with Heather, where we saw our friendly Chamoix's (See Pics).

We then drove to St Foy for a spot of lunch (see pics)

and then home for a chill out and Fiona's extra special chicken Thai curry.

20th February 2008 - Flu and Ski

Today Fiona and John took the day off skiing, mainly due to Fiona's flu having come back with with a vengance. So, Fiona spent most of the day in bed and John spent most of the day cleaning the apartment and looking after Fiona.

Tim, Simon and Shauna were dropped off at the Arcs Faniculare at 9 AM and spent the day crusing the slopes of Arc 1600, 1800, 1950, 2000 and anywhere else that took their fancy.

They had a great lunch at a favourite restaurant where we had all celebrated James's 18th birthday 3 years ago. (See pictures)

Later in the evening, we had a Shauna special spaghetti bolognese with champagne etc and then watched a DVD, most of which Shauna slept through!!

19th February 2008

Today we travelled to Les Coches at the base of La Plagne. The snow was OK in places and it was another sunny blue sky day.

The resort was very busy, with lots of children. We managed to avoid most of the lift queues. We found some lovely red runs and a half pipe which were great fun.

John managed to take out a small child who was skiing without looking where he was going. Luckily both parties were OK, with the blame going to the child!!!!

Tim, Simon and Shauna, were dropped off at the local bar whilst John & Fiona went home to walk Heather. Fiona did not feel so good, so John went down to pick the others up and then went to the local super market to buy dinner.

18th February 2008

Today we went to La Rosiere and La Thuile. Fiona was still feeling grim, so we went to the pharmacy to get some potions.

La Thuile was uninteresting skiing, apart from the black runs. Fiona and I went back early for Heather, leaving the others to ski down to the base lift in La Rosiere.

Fiona and I picked them up and we all had drinks at the base bar, watching the sun go down.

We all went home for a Fiona Carbonara special. We watched a terrible film called the party and then dawn of the Dead, which was also pretty bad.

17th February 2008 - Les Arcs Fun

Today was another great weather day, with blue sky and sun. We all blasted Les Arcs to bitys, covering the entire mountain from left to right.

Poor Fiona was unable to join us due to her having a really awful cold. We missed her on our skiing trips.

Fiona felt better later in teh day so we went to Arc 1600 for a pizza. The restaurant was empty but the pizza was fantasic.

A great day, we hope Fiona will be better soon.

15th & 16th February 2008

Friday was a non ski day, as we fancied a day off and had some chores to do. We went to the Nordic centre for a nice walk in the sun. John is still feeling a bit below par but is improving every day.

Saturday was not such a good day as Fiona has gone down with a flu type cold (same as John). John went to Chambery airport to pick up Simon, who arrived early in the morning. His flight was slightly late, so John drove our of Chambery airport reaching a beautiful lake where he found a hotel and had a coffee.

The journey back was not too bad for a busy Saturday. Tim had arrived on time via the snow train. He was not that impressed with the train as he had only got 2 hours sleep and also has a fluey cold!!

Heather had a bath in readiness for new visitors.

Tim, Simon and John went for a ski in Les Arcs whilst Fiona stayed at home with Heather to try and nurse her cold.

Shauna arrived last via a cab from Chambery airport. again her journey was good for a busy Saturday.

Heather was very pleased to see all her old pals.

We got everyone's ski's sorted out and had a great lasagne that Fifi had made. Very nice!!

We also recieved an email from John and Maureen who are on the QE2 doing the final world tour. They have sent emails to Pat & Ad but have not had a response. We told them that they are fine.

14th February 2008 - Love In Le Rosiere!

Happy valentines to all. After a romantic breakfast in town and a walk with Heather in the local park, we drove over to La Rosiere where we found a new parking area lower down the valley with a link lift and lift pass office, fantastic.

The snow in La Rosiere and La Thuile was very good, the very cold weather is allowing the quality of the snow to remain good.

The back side of La Rosiere was very good. we skied some red runs to the left of La Thuile although they were more like blue runs.

We took a lovely run all the way from the middle St Bernard lift all the way down to La Thuile centre, passing a lovely restaurant.

There is still good snow around and with little to nothing forecast for the next week, that's not a bad thing.

Last nights curry evening with Adam, his family and the boys from the other apartment went well. A quiet evening tonight.