Two weeks ago, Alex and I went on holiday to Tignes, a popular ski resort in the Tarentaise Valley.
I am not a particularly proficient skier, having only been a handful of times before, but can just about scramble down most slopes. Alex, who has been skiing since practically before he could walk, typically wooshes down ahead of me (often backwards) and has to suffer a long and protracted wait at the bottom.
Skiing proficiency aside, we are both always happy to spend time in the mountains. On our first day on the slopes we were so excited we couldn't help but jump for joy!
Our first day on skis was blissful, the air was cold and sharp but the exercise and bright sunshine stopped us from freezing. After burning through a few laps, we were happy to have a break and bask in the winter sunshine with a cold beer. Cheers!
We also met this fellow weaving through the tables and deck chairs hoping for titbits. He was the perfect gentlemen and very well behaved so received a very well deserved pat. He was also truly excellent at posing for photographs (the dog not the rather startled gentlemen in sunglasses).
As the week progressed, I felt my confidence growing and agreed to hike up to the 'eye of the needle' - a striking rock formation that looks just like its namesake. To get there you have to take off your skis and wobble in ski boots along a rather narrow and slippy track. I was really glad I made the effort however it's a beautiful spot that boasts a spectacular view over the mountains.
That evening, we padded across to the lake (where Tignes Le Lac gets it's name) and were amazed to see people scuba-diving under the frozen surface. With only a few small breathing holes carved in the ice its not a hobby for the faint-hearted but left me and Alex seriously impressed. The frozen lake is incredibly beautiful with the mountains rising up on all sides and standing in the middle gives you the feeling of being immersed in a giant basin.
We were staying in a very comfortable chalet and were cooked a lovely three course meal every night by the friendly and helpful staff. We were also staying with a great bunch of people who kept us entertained with colourful anecdotes over an evening beer.
When the last day of our holiday rolled around, both Alex and I were feeling rather low. To cheer ourselves up we bought these giant cream-topped Bailey's hot chocolates and sipped them in an alpine restaurant. They were wonderfully indulgent but everyone knows calories don't count in the mountains.
Then it was time for a few more runs and before we knew it we were on a plane heading home. We had so much fun we're hoping to get out again before Easter...I can't wait!
