18 January 2003
On the piste
The snow has been good recently since Meribel received a decent
snowfall with up to 2 metres over 2000 ft during the first weekend
of January. Since then temperatures have been well below freezing,
often -10 degrees C. The snow base therefore is still with us as
it's too cold for either rain or snow, although it's getting a bit
crispy and it's quite icy still at the bottom of the slopes. However,
snow cannons are doing an excellent job at the moment, and since
Meribel has invested in more modern versions to replace old snow
cannons and increased the number in the resort, the effects are
noticeably better.
The rest of France seems to have stolen all the fresh snow, so if you fancy skiing in Provence it's powder galore! Making up for the freezing conditions is the great expanse of cloudless blue skies and glorious sun for that oh so attractive goggle/sunglasses tan line. The temperature is increasing now so fingers crossed for more snow at the end of the week.
On the ground
You're more likely to have an accident walking down the street at
the moment as there's lots of ice around and killer icicles waiting
to fall from rooftops everywhere, so take it easy especially when
leaving the bar or club after a few too many! There seems to be
an aura of post party fatigue in the resort at the moment though
with only the most hardy seasonaires partying all night, working
most days and still finding time in between to get out on the slopes.
The bars are relatively empty and quiet. It seems most season workers
are either nursing their colds and flu or saving themselves for
that busy little month of February.
Valley Rally
After a break of three years, the Three Valley Rally is back, Wednesday
April 2nd - a team race covering the whole of the 3 valleys. Each
team of four has to get from the start in Meribel over to Val Thorens,
then race to another venue in Courchevel and then finally return
to Meribel for beers and prize giving. The team must be made up
of at least one border one skier and at least 2 females. For more
info contact Charlie
from the Cybar.
Bar changes
The new Barometre Bar has an interesting bunch of staff including
French, Irish, Canadian and Swedish. Two of the Swedish girls, after
spending some time in Norway, bought a ticket to Geneva with the
intention of finding somewhere in the Alps to stay and go boarding.
They ended up in Meribel on a miserable rainy evening and happened
upon some friendly seasonaires in the Christmas spirit who took
them in for the night. The next day they bagged a job together at
said bar. It could never have been too much of a difficult task
however for two Swedish girls, one a beautiful blonde and the other
a brunette with big breasts. This, confessed Marlin (the brunette)
were their lucky charms.
Break a leg
Finally, it's also that time of year when a seasonaire either makes
or breaks it. Some may realise that they miss home too much, others
may lose their jobs for being just that little bit too much of a
party animal and can never make it to work the next day. Some may
find that during the quiet month of January they have more time
to get out on the slopes and rain or shine they go. Or rather snow
or ice they go for it and break an arm or leg.
Altitude is renowned for doing strange things to people and I myself can claim to have lost a job in the Alps more than once when never have I had this problem back in the UK! For me though, fortunately this has always been for the best and I like to think that everything happens for a reason. More importantly, I've survived and I'm still here enjoying the life of a ski bum. I would like to hear about your experiences, so share your sorrows or your joys with me by e-mail.
Pictures and report by Alex Gren Resort Reporter in Meribel
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