Slopes everywhere

Transfer: 100 degrees of uncomfortable inclination aboard the 20:25 Eurostar from St Pancreas to Moutiers Salins Brides. Uncomfortable for many reasons. Ambitions of getting a good nights rest before our excursion to the slopes were promptly stifled the minute we stepped on board. People were full of energy and enthusiasm. The elation of finishing a week of work or study coupled with the anticipation of a weekend at the French Alps prompted loud chatter and drinking. Our carriage contained two loud groups; me being nestled between both. Realising that sleep was a case of wishful thinking I popped open the book I had started American Psycho. The chatter became so loud that I couldn't even concentrate on the story. I drifted in and out of murderous ways of the protagonist wishing that Patrick Bateman were on the train.

Eventually, the loud group passed out from excessive alcohol consumption or more likely from the drab dialog. But here's where things get entertaining. One of the guys from the initial loud group now clearly trying to get some sleep starts to complain to the other group. "Hey do you mind, we're all going skiing tomoor w and want to get some sleep?". After this act of self-righteousness the other group starts to complain. "The nerve of that guy, their group was so loud and now that they want to sleep". In the end nobody gets any sleep as we're all kept awake from the loud snoring.


Details: Accommodation was at Hotel le Roc.Location-wise you can get no better, in the middle of town, on top of a bar and within minutes from the ski lifts. Excellent budget accommodation with gracious hosts. We happened to stay during off peak so we were given a free night of accommodation and even a late checkout!


Gear: I am thoroughly under packed. Tried to hire clothing but that failed, ended up borrowing pants from the British tour guide, used the gloves I found in Iceland, borrowed goggles from a friend and used socks and t shirts as padding. Completely roughed it out.


Snow boarding: Not too much to really describe here. 4 days worth of snowboarding in Meribel. Absolute bliss. Boarding level is improving but I'm still in a world of pain after the 4 day trip. Unfortunately I didn't dare bring my camera with me onto the slopes so I've had to pinch a couple of pictures from friends. Most nights we were either too sore or too buggered after a long day on the slopes and retired early.


Of the four nights we spent there, only once did we go out at night. Evolution Bar, full of tourists and the drinks were quite pricey as with all things in Meribel. Luckily the bar had a policy with every order where they presented you with 3 upside down cups, if you happened to pick the cup with the ball underneath it (1/3 chance) then your order would be free. As expected, the bar had a relaxing atmosphere with a nice cover band artist. Evening was spent nursing our bruises, meeting the locals and singing along to classics. Mr Big, Oasis, The Beatles and Guns and Roses. So this marks the end of my final Winter holiday for this season.