Day 6

Erin and Caitlin didn't have any lessons today so we skied as a family all day. Caitlin and Erin had been down part of a red run the previous day so we decided to try that one again and we skied down to Oz via the red run for the first part and then a blue. We stopped for a drink at the bottom - it was lovely and sunny before going back up in the Oz bubble to find somewhere to eat on the mountain. We found a lovely restaurant at the halfway point called Le Perce Neige - (see right)

day 5

Another good day - the snow is still in good condition and the skies are clear. The kids are looking forward to the tobogganing this evening - seeing as the snow on Tuesday meant we couldn't do it then. Also last day of ski lessons for Caitie and Erin - they managed to achieve the Crystal Rouge which we are reliably informed is one step up from their grade last year (Marmotte Bleu). Bethany and Ben are skiing really well - they were leading down a red run to Oz and we only stopped because Lyn was left so far behind.

Day 4

Woke up to sun shining today - and lots of fresh snow from the last 2 days so we managed to catch the earlier bus to try and get more skiing in.
You can see some of the pics from the hols here
Link to web album

day 3

Still snowing today when we got up - not quite as heavy as yesterday. We caught the bucket lift up to the slopes as we weren't sure whether a bus was going to come after yesterday - maybe they don't run if it is snowing !! Skied together as a family for a while in the morning - then because we were unsure about the buses I nipped back down to tell the grandparents not to come up if the bus wasn't running. Then after the younger two were despatched to their lessons, we skied across to the midstation above Les Bergers and took the Marmotte 2 gondola. I had the mistaken impression that there was an easy run as an option down from it, but once we looked at the piste map, it became apparent there were only black runs! We decided to go on up and see, and the visibility cleared so we decided to give it a go - although Beth needed a bit of persuasion. The snow was in good condition and Ben and Beth skied their first black run without too much problems.
After that we skied back down to pick up the other two from lessons and I took Erin back down in the bucket lift, while the others got a run in.

Day 2

Woke to a covering of white over the resort - lots of snow overnight and still falling - hooray. Well, except for the fact that the visibility wasn't great and it was a good deal colder than yesterday.We skied around but took an early lunch in view of the conditions. Caitie and Erin had their lesson at 12, and Beth and Ben were packed off at 2, as it got colder and windier. I regret to say that mum and dad then wimped out and went back to the chalet with the younger 2 leaving our older children skiing around in a blizzard (admittedly with their instructor). I traipsed back up to the ski area to pick them up at 4, and we then had an interesting wait for a non-existent bus, before walking home to the chalet. Beth and Ben had great fun however playing in the snow at the bus stop - making snow angels and snow holes.

day 1

Out on the slopes for the first time this year! There was enough snow around to ski - it was pretty warm which made for pleasant conditions and the start of a tan, but did make the snow a little sticky. Ben started back as though he had never been away, although his sister looked a bit like a duck initially until we found that her boots weren't buckled up, which explained her drop off in ability - once that was fixed she was skiing well again!
All the kids had lessons today, so we spent the morning practising before their afternoon lessons, and then headed back to the chalet in the late afternoon. And then it started snowing!!

Arrived

Well - after an early start(up from after 4am!) we have got to Alpe D'Huez. First task - see if we can find out the rugby score between Ireland and Italy - so a bit of frantic twiddling on a radio in the chalet and finally get a French station which intermittently gives a score (we think - our French isn't good enough to understand very much). Ireland seem to be winning so off to get our ski equipment.
After we return to the chalet we tune in again and by dint of listening to a rather worked up French commentator who is screaming as France score a try in the last minute, eventually discover the France/Scotland score is 46-19 and France won the Six Nations (later we discover that the last score won it and Ireland were very nearly champions)
Anyway what about the weather for skiing - isn't that why we are here? Sun is shining and there doesn't seem too much snow around in the resort but we are assured thaere is plenty to ski on and snow is expected on Monday.

Can hardly wait!

We are all going skiing in just over 4 weeks - on St Patrick's day believe it or not. So there will be 6 mad little fishes all screaming down the slopes of Alpe D'Huez (unfortunately Megan isn't yet up to strapping planks to her feet, but she will no doubt enjoy herself running around with Nanny and Granda). Big question is whether Daddy's knee will stand up to 6 days of exercise after his ACL reconstruction last June!
Let you know how plans are going - still have to organise the kids lessons (and also insurance!)