Glencoe, Saturday 20th April 2013

Was unsure whether the weather would work out. Gales were forecast at high level and Coe were not updating their Facebook page. Kept checking and it wasn't looking good. I phoned and asked about the wind. "There is no wind" they said. I was in the car before you could say Spring Snow.
The car park was rammed full. Still didn't stop me parking at the ticket office. This was down to a triathlon not skiers though.
The wind came to nothing and the clouds skimmed over with plenty of sunny spells.
The tops had beautiful smooth spring snow and the bottom of mugs alley is getting slushy but fun. Rannoch Glades was fantastic and the canyon was fun. A few queues at times at the rescue hut so messed about lower down between runs up top.
Been a great season which hopefully will keep going. It's getting expensive though. I should have gambled on a season pass methinks.

Glencoe, Saturday 13th April 2013

Day started with a bit of dubiety with regards to the weather. Wind an temperatures were set to rise through the day. Visibility in the morning was non existent but the whole mountain unveiled itself around 2:00. This meant we could go everywhere and anywhere, and the snow was some of the best non-powder I've ever ridden. Because its been so dry this season, even the chop is fluffy.
We did all the usual runs along with Rannoch Glades, Thrombosis and the Canyon.
The wind stayed down so we got to the end of the skiing day.
An amazing day today with some of the best snow ever.

Glencoe, Sunday 7th April 2013

A cloudier day with occasional snow flurries. Not too cold, hovering around freezing at 2500 feet I reckon. Snow is still in good shape. Got lost in the cloud at one point, overshooting the exit of Happy Valley.

Glencoe, Saturday 6th April 2013

Gutted that I've been in the office all week. However Saturday looked good. Indeed once the car park it was looking like a bluebird day.
Continued cold temperatures have kept the snow in superb shape.
Scattered cloud came over every now and then getting heavier in the afternoon.
Trying out my new boots for the first time. They were very stiff compared to my old ones but feel like they will make a positive difference.
Temperatures raised a bit in the sun but will be back below zero overnight.
Spring run was moguled a bit but nice snow under the Cliffy chair. Main basin fun and lots of little hits along Mugs Alley.

Glencoe, Sunday 31st March 2013

Sunday we decided on a half day afternoon at Coe. A bit cloudier than previous but snow still excellent. The Easter bunny was doing the rounds hiding chocolate and there was a happy atmosphere with all the kids Easter events. However, there was an underlying melancholy. At 12 just as we went up the hill the body was recovered of yesterday's avalanche victim.
Thoughts go to family and all involved, including Glencoe Mountain Resort team.

Glencoe, Saturday 30th March 2013

Snow still in stunning shape. Still feeling cold but more sun. A full day on nearly every run including a few through the park.
Spring Run and the Canyon were a bit scoured but fun. Happy Valley was perfect and the lower mountain was so widely covered, you could go anywhere.
At lunch we sat outside the cafe in the sun and watched the rescue helicopter pick up ski patrol and others. We suspected it was an exercise or training, however we were to hear later that an experienced skier had been caught in an avalanche over the back of the hill. The search continued until it was called off at dusk.
A sad end to a beautiful day.

Glencoe, Thursday 28th March 2013

First snowboard day at home since holiday. Snow had puked down while we were away and all runs at Coe really well filled in. The canyon was full to brimming. The light wind was very cold feeling about -7.
Snow is grippy and still fresh thanks to cold temperature.
Overhead was cloudy with occasional sunny spells. Was up on my own.

Le Praz, France, 16th - 22nd March 2013

What can i say? Perfect mix of weather and great snow for the whole week.
After a stunning arrival at Chambery we took a helicopter right into the Tarantaise valley. 20 minutes and we were at Courchevel Altiport and a short transfer down to our chalet in Le Praz.
The week started with good snowfall and Monday morning broke and much powder was had. Many tiring runs through the trees were had and the slopes were almost empty.
We also went an a little off piste course with a guide. Got a few good tips too!
The weather brightened up for the rest of the week. Still some soft at the sides could be had though.
We finished the week with a thrilling parapente flight from the top of Saulire down to Meribel.
A really memorable trip indeed.