Back To The Roots

So, here we go, winding up for a new season, epic as usual I hope ......

Season's end

This winter was one of the best I can remember, with some great guests, amazing snow and spot on the G. With such sweet snowfall I was constantly buzzing and always excited for the dawn of each new day.


Barry Hall, Emma, Andy and Ian rocked out a cosmopolitan party with fantastic efforts from Ian and Emma who put a new meaning to the word bravery. Baz Hall dropped into the jaws of death, pausing briefly to contemplate the ramifications if it all went wrong, thankfully he is back at the National Surfing Centre in Newquay with a few stories to tell of an adventure to rival Treasure Island, after the goodies discovered in Zorta Woods.


Haswell brought out a party of lively young scallywags for St.Paddys day, who managed to rock Covey's with a bit of glamour and spice! Charlie also managed to show us what a fantastic magician he was in performing the fantastic disappearing pants act.


Dude I am glad I don't know that one! Those wishing to learn this tender trick should contact Charlie direct on 07709355899. A special mention should also be given to Rich who broke the land speed record that week, and I thought submariners were shy!



A more altogether experienced party graced the chalet with their presence, during which Mr Searby senior managed to rip some amazing lines down the mountain putting everyone to shame. After some gobsmacking tumbles, each time picking himself up laughing and smiling ready for the next powder bowl.



Hat's off to you Tony!! Ride like the wind........Mrs Giles again proved that nothing could stop her from conquering any part of the mountain, creating some great turns and bumps mastery. Mr Giles senior and Mrs Searby always had the kettle on for the crazy bunch of adventurers also consisting of Derek and Anita who all made the chalet a lively place.




Mrs Searby junior and her husband James brought a civilised group of would-be hopefuls to Loreade. Only a few boarders managed to fly the flag against a strong ski contingent, but I like to think we gave a pretty good fight. Alex definitely proved that all Searby's had a burning desire for competition, and apt ability to throw themselves down anything that presented itself to them. After one night of partying Tom and I were left to paint the town red for the rest of the week, while the gang opted to win and loose millions over Poker evenings. Perhaps the guys would be better off coming out after all!

Lets not forget the magical Mercer brigade, consisting of Allwin, Henry, Joanna and Cameron. Also Mark, Toby, Hannah and Francesca were brave enough to join this little crew of bandits. This was the week of the ripping Skiers. Master Mercer had a watchful eye on the craziness of that week, although I am not sure he could stop the wheel rolling right off the mountain when Cameron, Allwin, Toby and Joanna proceeded to cruise away down some of the most steep,beautiful fresh powder runs of the season. Fantastic...... Mark and the girls took a more civilised approach. At the end of each day they were far better off, having bags of energy for the next day. Fran, Toby, Hannah and Mark made great improvements over the course of the week and I hope to see you guys again next season where we can continue the legacy.
A week that also pushes me, I often found Cameron hot on my heels so I let him take the helm several times and plumes of powder would mark the trace of those brand new Line twins!! Wow, awesome stuff guys.


All in all a great season. Many thanks to everyone. Remember, the adventure never stops for those brave enough, Cornwall is only a breath away and here you can join me for some salty madness. Be good, Will G

The Eskimo Challenge

More adventures unfolding over the last couple of weeks have proved fruitful for the Snow Gods, who looked very favorably upon all the efforts put into the building of the Chalet Igloo. Right now it is snowing heavily, so thank you to the team of Sam, Holly, Lucy, Liz and Tim Pendlebury who worked long and hard under the supervision of Master architect Thomas Searby.
The team had a busy week of skiing in tricky conditions, but managed to put on a brave face in search of the ultimate turn. Sam was super keen to find any tree run going to the cautious intrepidation of the taller members of the group, a future 'ripper' for sure! Secretly skilled Lucy also skied with strong convictions and in general with Holly's keen sense of humour the gang rose the bar every day. Good Job!

Drop the Bass

Tom, the newest addition to the Chalet's staff, marks the arrival of a freestyle specific ski-nut, bringing with him a super modern approach to twin-tip skiing. This makes for a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere. Exciting times await riders of all disciplines visiting L'Oreade. Having a kind of natural magnetism this boy makes turns over cliffs look like Bruce Lee slash kicks stalled out to the max. New School moves a plenty.

The G-spot is growing to be a locals favorite for Monday night at Coveys, for Bass rich Funk and House influenced rhythms, played out by the G master himself. Come get some groove juice!

Newly discovered secret stashes await with the new snow fall, which is still cranking now.

The future is definitely Learning To Live with the Chalet L'Oreade crew.

'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

A View from the Top

I have never seen so much interesting wildlife in one area before. Rare species of bird, deer and goat roam free in the steps of this mountain, so much so that the area has been made into a nature reserve by the French government. I have actually ridden with a Golden Eagle soaring above me. I was in total awe of this King of his heights.

Every day and night at L’Oreade is lived in a true mountain lifestyle. Nestled in an alpine village far up the valley on the slopes of a secret spot, life exists in a special way. No time for fast paced city life, this is where dreams are fulfilled and you don’t feel guilty about being downright lazy or filling your days with so much activity that you can’t move an inch after a great day on the hill.

Steep and vertical faces will provide excitement for many, especially with the stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc looming in the background.

Spring days are fantastic and we make good with a night of a kip, before heading up to the Half-Pipe in Avoriaz for the day. Freestyle jamming in the sun. Back home amongst many laughs and Dan’s video footage is awesome.

For those new to the experience of Skiing or Snowboarding there is a huge adventure awaiting them and the Chalet provides an ideal setting for those who benefit from novice slopes, in unflustered surroundings.

Proper feed for supper with some cutting edge cuisine, then it’s off to the local Irish pub where Will G is laying the tunes out for a lively night in town. Taxi home another day passes, new friends and great memories.

The Cascades run which comes down all the way from Flaine to Sixt provides some serious skiing and riding. Adorned with waterfalls and trees the winding route is long and takes you to another level. Through Mountain huts and old logging routes we descend to a place I call home.

Geneva offers some exciting nights out on a level with London and for the visitor who is willing a hostel trip can be arranged for a night out, ideal to break up a two week ski holiday, providing a day of rest and night of partying to those who like a well cultured and rounded trip.

I am very excited with each new day at L’Oreade, as each new day is never the same, and it offers such a special experience. I wake up inspired by every new day, and all its possibilities . . .

Come ride and experience an awesome place.