I knew two things about Les Arcs prior to our visit. I’d seen pictures of lunatics with space helmets on, hurtling down the speed skiing run at 150 mph. A lot of people choose to spend their winter seasons in the resort. But nothing could have prepared me for the sheer diversity, size and quality … Continue reading Les Arcs: Something for Everybody
It’s that time of year for most North Americans. Put away your skis and boards. Wax ‘em up, buckle or tie your boots, and put everything away in a clean, dry place until things get rolling again late next fall. But it’s not time to sit around and mope about it all. n First thing, … Continue reading How to Beat Those Off-Season Blues
Serre Chevalier, France – It wasn’t looking good. Our flight went well, the hire car was OK and we’d managed to find our hotel without getting lost. Then it all started to go wrong. It was pouring down with rain when we got out of the car, all the shops were shut for lunch and … Continue reading Serre Chevalier: Too Many Options
Newfoundland, Canada (April 2001) – I drove seven hours across the island of Newfoundland before picking up Bill, from Lake Elmore, Vermont, at the Deer Lake airport and continuing an hour south, through Corner Brook, to the Blow Me Down Mountains. I had never been to the Blow Me Downs, and Bill had only been … Continue reading Blown Away in the Blow Me Downs
Bromont (QC), Canada – It seems that small dogs don’t understand their size. What other explanation could there be for a Chihuahua that attacks a Rotweiller? You’d think that the little guy would pick his fights more carefully, but he doesn’t. The fur on his back rises, and he stands his ground. The Rotweiller, recognizing … Continue reading Ski Bromont: The Chihuahua
Fernie (BC), Canada – The Backcountry: A place as dangerous as it is alluring. Countless tales of inexperienced, ill-prepared winter sports enthusiasts perishing in avalanches have previously put me off venturing outside of patrolled areas. The only avalanche knowledge I’ve previously needed was that I knew little about them and (unlike many) wasn’t prepared to … Continue reading Exploring White Thunder
Mont-Tremblant (QC), Canada – When ski resort conglomerate Intrawest purchased Québec’s Tremblant resort in 1991, it bought a mountain largely thought to be past its prime. A true ski history mogul, Tremblant had fallen on hard times and was floundering financially. It’s amazing what a measly little $800 million will do! n All of this, … Continue reading Tremblant: Music For the Masses