'Bails Right, Clavicle Rolls, Dance-Offs, and Welshies'

WOW, after a great snow fall and eager guest arrivals consisting of argumentative Fireman, Welsh farmer boys, African adventurers, I am still recovering. The week went too quickly and all were suitably ridden to the max. Each and every one of this unruly bunch were smiling every drop-off along the way.



I saw a great improvement in everyone's riding, especially noted was 'The Bot's' courage under fire when throwing himself off a twenty foot cliff to the delight of onlookers, some might call it blind faith. I call it damn funny....... Sweet moves Bot man.


The heroism of Dan was superb after nailing some of the smoothest lines of the holiday, down silken fields of fresh powder, unfortunately sustaining a clavicle snappage after burying the nose under a snow drift meters deep. Hat's off to you my friend. Rest well and fix up for more sweet turns bro!



Matt the Sailor-come-Carpenter showed us the spirit of a wild woodsman, roving here there and everywhere. Boldly going where no Welsh lad dare venture before him. Sick lines 'underneath the arches' entertained us all. The wise old storyteller of the group really captivated us around the dinner table with tales from the high seas and various adventures once befallen unto him. Smoke rings rose into the cold night as pensively he pondered the upper reaches of the valley one night, after a late night stroll up the valley of the Cascades.


Fresh out of Africa, Lord Ben, a shy but capable soul shone out as a rider quite happy to push the boundaries of his abilities beyond all of ours, keeping up with the quick flowing rush of powder waves in the tightest of situations. Secretly the dark horse of the group, proved to be quite a hit with the ladies too!

Moving on, a quiet but competent individual comes to mind, Archibald the great, a king of debate and controversy. A muse of our times, Ian managed to go where we all plundered with an air of wisdom and composure. Explaining to us what knarly s..t was all about, breaking a sweat, brought us to the realisation that we had all been riding pretty hard.


The Thompson twins provided a balance and equilibrium between us all, bridging the gaps. Tommy was obviously quite keen to 'bail right' along some parts of the adventure. Rumors abound that perhaps a little work to find sweetest Pow Pow was not particularly civilised for a professional man of distinction. The years of experience have given Tommy great skills but also a strong sense of his centre of mass! Tommy stands out as a protege of the sport and great ambassador to the world for us. One of the original masters. We thank you, elbows and all.

Another chap worth a few words is Andy, the Fireman, or as we like to think of him, moral leader in today's cut-throat world of socio-economic change. A man of choice words, strong drinking arm, hungry builders cleavage for cigarette ends, and snowboarding ability that rivals the best when it comes to charging down knarly chutes and faces deep in snow. Armed with a mobile and a Timeless one six four, 'Tex' can take on the world. Showing a keen sense of his duties he decided to return to the roost a sober man after a week of debaucherous activity, only just though!


A final night of freedom saw the most awesome Dance off known to Samoens, to the delight of many Frenchmen the English boys tentatively took to the floor in the Irish Bar. First to break some hearts was Ben, without a moment's hesitation of shyness he laid out a fusion of the Funky chicken/fish out of water style, flapping furiously across the dance floor. A cry of delight was heard as Andy responded with gorilla mating gestures towards the unsuspecting Welsh hopeful. After some rounds of interesting movement analysis the French contingent started getting a little frisky, joining the fun to the delight of Ben and Andy. Before long the Disco vibe was out of control and English gentry were spilling onto the quiet streets of the town, thank goodness we managed to make it home before things got really fruity!

Well done lads, a week well spent! To be continued....................

A great start to the 2006 season!

Wow, it has been a great start to the new season with way more snow than expected for this time of year. Everything is open and has plenty of cover.

There has been some heavy partying over the Christmas period and New Year, that aside we are now emerging ready to ride and ski hard.

Every Monday night is locals night down at Coveys with music presented by Will G, wrapped up in a soulful fresh and funky House flavour, reminiscent of that found on the lazy shores of tropical paradise...........

Stories are flowing already of the G spot, if your lucky enough to be on the Chalet mailing list you may even receive a sample CD soon! If not get in touch!!!

Tuesday sees the arrival of the Indo Board Jam sessions for Apres Ski in Covey's, a weekly spot that will provide some interesting times, and a chance for people to train their balancing acts.

The Super-Pipe in Avoriaz is looking sweet, this season there is a regular Monday spot in the Learn To Live Wagon for those who want to get some coaching in the Pipe. Lu Lu, a Swedish Rider, formerly a member of the National team may even be on hand to help Will G's watchful eye. What more can you ask for on a winter adventure!

New Sponsor Himaya are on board, provider of cutting edge Sun Cream for Sports persons. Check out the website at www.himaya.com

A new warrior has emerged amongst us, keen to throw himself at anything in his path, with a large set of ....., Tony aka Le Chef, is rapidly emerging as a rider who pushes the limits. Here's to you Big Guy!!!

A special mention also for Robin G who pulled his first Three Sixty! Also, not being shy following me down a couple of drops. NICE