The wind and the ravens

We decided on an 8.30 breakfast as Chris and Kathy were desperate to get the first lift up and start skiing. The breakfast was very basic continental, but the croissants were lovely. Ian had made the decision not to ski, after weeks of deliberation, and was to visit the gym and walk instead. Back in rotherham he had made a big song and dance about my choice of bottoms, saying pink would clash with my yellow jacket, so it was with great amusement that he shouted me over to the bedroom window to show me three young ladies dressed in my outfit. The brighter the better for skiing in my opinion. All the better to see you when you are laid like a turtle halfway up a slope. 

The promised sun had not materialised and it was windy and raining! Nevertheless we donned our equipment in the tiny ski locker and made the very short trip across the road. The Hotel De La Piste is indeed on the piste. 

The usual faffing that occurs while we fasten our boots was missing though, due to the magic button. This is a button on the top binding that allows it to expand, a godsend for those of us with fat calves. So we were ready. We chose a four man chair up to an easy looking blue, and that was negotiated with little trouble. At the top the dull conditions, rain and wind made skiing very difficult, especially as it was the first run, meant to ease us back in. I had at least vaguely remembered how to ski this year and made it down in one piece. We had another couple of goes up there then decided to take a two man up to a different blue. The wind was very strong up there, but we managed to get down. Kathy didn't like it due to the narrowness of one section, but I found it ok. Chris was staying at the back to mop up any fallers when things took a comic turn. A ski class were all lined up listening to teacher when a gust took out the first in line, and the rest went down like dominos. Sounded great fun to see. We went back up the same run and down the red side, once again I was fine. Alex was doing great too. Apparently, despite Vicky telling us he had been skiing only once, he had in fact been multiple times, with his mum having been a ski rep at one point. This time, on his point duty, Chris saw a guy with a flock of ravens flying around his head, like harbingers of doom. 

We had arranged to meet Ian at 12 for lunch, taken in a slope side restaurant. 

After that Kathy and Chris went off over the 'other side' in search of adventure, while Vicky, Alex and I headed for ski lessons. The sun had come out so I sunscreened up, a wise decision as it turned out.  After the customary humiliation that is the test of your ability we were divided into groups. I was not the worst, and therefore the focus of all humiliation in our group, much to my delight. Our  instructor, Julia, was very nice and I actually enjoyed the lesson. Ski lessons, for the uninitiated, involve slowly descending the slope either singly, where everyone watches you and sniggers, or following in a line in the instructors tracks. This means there is lots if time for rest but little excitement. Alex was not enamoured but Vicky and I decided to go back the next day, especially as Julia said vickys technique was best. 

So it was 5pm before we arrived back at the locker, the latest I have ever skiied. Tired but happy. We bathed then met the others for tea, where the waitress pursuaded us into free shots of sambuca. Only Vicky bailed. Back at the hotel I retrieved my leftover brandy from the night before, while the rest had new huge drinks, and played a game before bed.