School Chalet Bourg St Maurice

Despite the gloomy predictions of an absence of snow in the Alps, we arrived at the chalet following a generous dump of snow. An early start from Abberley (5.00am) meant that we were at the chalet for lunch time and soon kitting ourselves out at the friendly Scot’s ski hire shop. We were a party of fourteen although there were only nine Abberley children. Mrs Plant, Miss Brookes and Mrs Frazier‘s son, Jack joined Mr Richardson and Mrs Frazier.

Six hours of ski lessons a day allowed for plenty of skiing and everyone’s standard of skiing improved very quickly, especially the beginners in the group. The beauty of Les Arcs is the extensive skiing available around the four resorts. I think that we had made use of most of it by the end of the six days. We experienced most skiing conditions from bright sun and clear blue skies to heavy snow and poor visibility. The snow also was varied from deep powder to difficult ice.

The Chalet provided its usual comfort with the sauna relaxing aching muscles before a relaxing film or a rather competitive game of Articulate. We were all spoilt by the cooking skills of Mrs Plant and certainly I don’t think that I have ever put on so much weight on a skiing trip.

Unfortunately Rosalind managed to twist a knee on the slopes although, despite a rather dramatic exit from the mountain, the injury should not prove a long one. Back at the Chalet Rosalind teamed up with Mrs Plant and the Sunday roast, together with Rosalind’s apple, chocolate and biscuit pudding, was much appreciated by all especially Simon and Miche who had come round for supper.

This was a very enjoyable trip in the comfort and surroundings provided by the Chalet.