Paul Gardner is a Weatherman, a Weatherman, a Weatherman

---

After a quick flight across the channel we were met in Geneva by a very tanned Paul (Nick's cousin) - obviously he had been hard at work being a ski bum.

We got to Argentiere, 15 mins beyond Chamonix, and made ourselves feel very welcome in Paul's new apartment by delving into the sauscisson, I resisted the chocolate cookies even though secretly I wanted one but I thought it polite and girly not to scoff all of Paul's food on the first day.

We had a couple of beers and then rested our weary heads on the newly washed sheets - Paul had been hard at work all day using the traditional method of washing, using his feet to tramp out the dirty sheets in his wash tub, think he may have also taken a bath at the same time to economise.

Nick woke early and bounced out of bed like an excited 5 year old the next morning. After a lovely brekkie we made our way to the slopes of Grand Montets, the main ski area in Argentiere. Paul ensured that we got our ski legs quickly as we took the highest lift and went down the bumpiest black run, both of us wished we had done our 100 squats a day pre-ski-ing, heh ho! In the afternoon we met Tracy on the nursery slope at Le Tour, a nearby ski resort. Tracy was perfecting her snowboard turns and looking rad with it. We then had lunch and skied a few runs at the top of the mountain before making our way back to the flat.

We enjoyed a meal out at the Stone Bar - best pizzas in the world served with a Swedish smile and hit the sack early ready for another hard days skiing. Afterwards we ventured to the local night club to watch the table tennis competition - played by Aussie seasonaires. Interesting rules, if you defend your pint glass you have to pull your top up and your opponent can smash the ball at your bare chest. Obviously a good rule if girls are playing but a bit suspect if it is just guys?

We skied Brevant and Flegere the next day. Another great little area with amazing views of the Mont Blanc massive - although it was a bit cloudy. Managed to get a good few runs in - some very steep too. Tracy had made Sally cross to the dark side and they both went on their snowboards for the day. Tracy was thrown into the deep end somewhat - adding a few red runs to her tally and doing really well with it. A few amusing crashes and getting off the chair lifts proved quite difficult too.

The next day was a bit of a wash out. Tried a few runs in the morning at Le Tour but the weather closed in and it was no fun - complete white out in parts and despite the excellent snow conditions we retired early to watch videos. Sally and Tracy went to the sports centre and got naked in the sauna (no we didn't), Paul and I walked around Chamonix in the rain (no they didn't) - not much fun.

That evening we continued the theme of eating to excess at a local restuarant. French Onion Soup, Duck Breast, Fondue, and Pudding! Delicious food and wine.

Day four was awful weather - raining and cold. A very lazy morning was brightened up in the afternoon with a bit of pool and 10 pin bowling before Paul took Tracy back to Geneva. The weather (we had very reliable updates/forecasts) was looking promising for the next days skiing so we had another pizza and called it an early night!

Powder day at Grand Montets! The sun was out, a fresh snowfall had covered Paul's beloved bumps and there was acres of fresh tracks to be had. We skied hard all day, a quick lunch then more in the afternoon having been joined by David and Callib. Exhausted, we ate the biggest burger in Chamonix and had a few beers - another early night!

Last day on the slopes provided more sunshine and the snow was holding up from the previous fall but it was a wee bit crusty. We had booked the top cable car for a run down the Argentiere Glacier. Views from the top were amazing and the run was probably one of the best we had ever done, quiet, untracked and with the backdrop of huge mountains and the glacier made it perfect!

All in all an amazing week skiing, great location, weather, food, company, snow - perfect! We'll nominate Paul for Rep of the season - a great host and we will be back to visit! Cheers Paul!

Also credit to a lot of the photos goes to Butt Munch too.

Paul's falt has now been renovated and can comfortably sleep 8 people with a further 2 in the lounge. Loads of space, DVD's for the evenings, wireless for internet adicts, flat screen tv, very close to good restuarants and bars, views of the mountains and for this season only being let at mates rates! Follow this link or drop us a message for more information:

Chamsnow

---

Photos

Paul
The Silver Fox

Sally
Mogul Rat

Steep Pitch
Pendant Bowl

Brevent Cable Car
Mont Blanc in the background

Comments

[Laura and Nick]

WOW!
Wow! you guys really get around, don't you! Those photos are amazing! Keep up the travels, really spectacular!!!!!!!!!!

[deleted_49612]

Just to let you know, this one is currently on the Front Page. :)