the season

and so the season went on. Eventually the snow stopped, once we were all getting bored of deep powder off piste (or was that just me???) and it got really really cold, then it got really really hot, but plenty of snow for a great season. Sebby got his mountain medal (Crystal International), and Bella got the Criystal International Gold, which is great. We had lots of guests, so the flat was well used throughout. The snow was so good we only had one weekend off, when we went to London to see the Nutracker.

Bella and Olly chill out

medal time

spy kids

Mum and Alistair visit

Mum and Alistair decided a visit to the mountains in ski season was in order, having seen the photos, it was time to experience the real thing. Bravely one day they donned the snow shoes, and hiked up to meet us at the teepee. I think now the photos will be enough. Canary Islands here they go.

Pround grandparents, as Sebby gets another medal.

family ski

a little video of speedy Seb, cool Bella and orange trousers Kate.

and so did the snow

After a very late start, when it did start snowing it rarely stopped. We had a few glimmers of sun around Christmas day, and the snow got deeper and deeper and deeper.

Christmas arrived

We had Christmas and New Year in the mountains, and my brother Nick and family joined us for some festive fun. Becky, Chris and co. were also in residence, as were Carl and Sue and family, and it was Marisa's 4th birthday so lots of socialising was in order.

Christmas Day

Marisa's birthday at Cyril's fondue place (or sausage and chips for the kids)

New Year's Eve, with Bella and Holly and Seb's home made masks.

Sebby's school

Sebby goes to a Montessori school in a local village. Not because we are particularly in to Montessori, but most of the pre-schools around here are Montessori and they seem to do well. Here are a few photos I took from their website. Learning to write his name, about Europe, how to make bread and butter pudding (the recipe I sent in for international food day, to represent UK he.he.) and working with his friend Yash.

Father Christmas at Rochers de Naye

One of the more popular things to do in the season is to go see Father Christmas who has a home above Montreaux. You take a funicular(ish) train. We chose the day after the snow arrived, and didn't stop for about a month! So after a delayed start we managed to get half way up, to the village. Luckily Santa managed to make his way down, with his helpers, and a few other characters.

A slow start to the season

The snow was really late arriving in the Alps this year. This was a bit of a worry given the previous season. We went up in December and the only snow was "blown" snow. We still managed to have some fun on the mini snow hill, but things didn't look good for skiing.

in a snow hole we (Malc) built

first snow man, checkout the blower behind

The Yeti bar in construction, loking slightly dodgy!