This is by far the longest I have been away from Scottish winter and despite there being very good conditions back home we are equally having great conditions here. Yes, we have had Category 5 (very high) twice this season and the 'worst' conditions (in regards to avalanches) since 1991, and we have had fluctuating temperatures but there have still been countless days where we have had great snow and ice.
This season is (hopefully) the last winter season before I become a full IFMGA Mountain Guide. So the aim is to observe as many guides as possible as well as build a great deal of experience and knowledge before I am let loose on my own. So I have spent some brilliant days, skiing, ice climbing, observing guides and getting to know new areas. Bring on a good season.
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| Skiing the ENSA couloir with Lou while she was out on holiday |
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| Here I'm abseiling into the top of the ENSA. |
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| Christmas day skiing with Lou and familiy |
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| We thought we would try a day of snowboarding. It has been 6 years since I last snowboarded, still great fun. |
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| First bit of observation work, navigation for skiers |
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| Some great ice in Cogne. This was our 2nd trip to the Valley in Italy. |
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| Another day skiing with some local friends. Great to get their knowledge and enthusiasm on a blue sky day |
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| Jack, Fat boy and I shared Rachel Kerr for the afternoon for some ski instruction to brush up our technique. A well worth afternoon. |
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| A great day on the Vallee Blanche. We did two laps today with a good team of guides and friends. A great way of absorbing their knowledge and having a great laugh. |
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| A great week observing Graham Frost from Frost Guiding. We went on some tours... |
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| My home got buried... |
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| ...the group go instruction... |
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| ...we skied powder in the trees... |
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| ...with blue skies... |
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| ... |
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| ... |
So, a great start to the season, Im looking forward to the next part. I have just returned from an avalanche course ran by the legend Alain Duclos. This week, I will be on a course run by the BMG on 'Off-piste guiding' so looking forward to learning all about it.
