After a week of solid snow and Arctic temperatures, the heavens cleared for two of the most amazing days riding I have ever experienced. Coming from New Zealand I think I misunderstood what true powder actually is and last week I was completely spoiled with two days of fresh tracks, waist deep pow and bluebird skies.
The only thing missing was my own personal fitness. The views across the Alps from the top of the Aiguille Percee chairlift were absolutely breath taking. They come a very close second in my personal opinion to Treble Cone, New Zealand. This week the mountain has just echoed with stoked skiers and snowboarders making the most of the world-class conditions.
The intense exercise was a shock to the system and left me completely exhausted. I kept it fairly quiet over the start of the week and managed to sink my taste buds into some of the cuisine around the resort. On Saturday night I went back to my early season local, SoBar. They were having a Mexican night, which just so happens to be my all time favourite. The mood was very relaxed, a complete change of scene from their one year anniversary a week earlier. Most the diners were reflecting on their epic day up the hill. Fairy bought out a super generous portion of beef nachos, coated in homemade guacamole and salsa as well as cheese and sour cream. I washed it all down with a margarita. It was just what the doctor ordered and was a great way to cap off a day on the hill I will never forget.
On Tuesday night I headed around to Le Val Claret for the first time to check out the nightlife. We had heard through the seasonnaire grapevine of a wee gathering at one of the chalets. Val Claret is just two stops on the free bus around the lake from Maison De Tignes and takes around 10 minutes. My trusty cask of Rouge made the trip with me and I was greeted by a chalet filled to the brim with frothing attendees. It seems every chalet, bar or igloo in Tignes comes with a built-in dressing up cupboard! It wasn’t long until everyone had something wacky on, making the re-enactment of their runs that much more entertaining. The best season opening in over 50 years fuelled a great apres, but also proved a bit too much for some!
We then headed down the road to Drop Zone. Drop Zone is large venue that shuts at 02:00 early season and is located just down from the Sherpa supermarket in Val Claret. Even on a Tuesday night it had a house DJ playing beats that got the club cutting shapes. The prices are pretty reasonable, especially at that time in the morning. We had to leave quite early in order to catch the last bus back to Le Lavachet, which leaves at 23:50. A little birdie told me that this weekend the buses might start running a bit later, but I will keep you informed.....
On Wednesday, feeling pretty dusty, I came down to Val Claret after a morning of shredding absolutely starving. A couple of people had told me the night earlier about some of Tignes famous panini’s. I headed straight to New Pastille Café and ordered their Ham, Cheese and Tomato Panini. The Café / Bar is scattered with old number plates, photos and posters signed by pro teams giving their seal of approvals on the menu. This got my mouth watering with anticipation, and I was not disappointed. If you blinked you would have missed my meal. I smashed it and washed it down with a glass of cold Coke. It was a great way to get the head feeling right and I will certainly be visiting New Pastille Café again.
This week in Tignes really has been one to remember… amazing snow, meeting tonnes of new people, and enjoying great food. There are strong rumours going round that a few certain Geordies from UK TV might be visiting our slopes for a hose up this weekend - I will be there with my fake tan and V-Neck top on to give you the low down.
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