Live TR UCPA Serre Chevalier 7th to 14th march

A snowHead

I'm a few days into my week stay at ucpa serre Chevalier. Arrived around 21.30 on Saturday night after a couple of delays with the flight and transfer so no food available. Collected the keys and dropped off our stuff then hit the bar for a few beers and a bowl of crisps. Hit the sack around 2300. Got into breakfast for just before 0730 then had a equipment given at around 0800. I was offered 3 boards to choose from the first was a nitro prime at 156w which I didn't think was good for the course I was on. I confirmed again that I was on the offpiste expert course then he bought out the big guns. A Rossi XV and a Rossi one 161 which I felt was a better fit for me. Headed out with the missus for some easy riding on the beginner slope let the wife find her legs again. She felt good so I went back and confirmed her on the novice course a step up from beginners. I left her to practice a bit and headed up casse du boeuf and went straight on the black run all the way down as couldn't find marteau blue run. Was so nice the run was in great condition with some grip so got my legs in there. Lapped the same couple of chairs a few times hitting some reds and blues. Icy in parts but all good. Went back for lunch and did the same in the afternoon. Ucpa meeting was at 1830 where we're told the rules etc. all good then dinner and a few more beers. Made a few friends with other couples. The food already went straight through me but it is what it is!

Monday morning 0900 at the meeting point met the group and instructor. He spoke good English for me which was a bonus as it can be hit and miss sometimes. The group were all french speakers so they were cool with it. We went up and rode on piste then headed off piste through trees and a crusty valley. The sun warmed up the snow a bit so it was pleasant. Nothing gnarly and everyone seemed on the same level. Continued for the rest of the day but I pulled my bicep on a silly poma lift which was ridiculously fast from standing and I couldn't continue for the afternoon. Managed to bruise my elbow too. Unbelievable, but had brought plenty of drugs (prescription) and ointments so we'll see in the morning.

Tuesday woke up sore so went doctors for an examination. Suspected torn tendon. Not an emergency but need a scan to make sure. I stayed in and rested my arm. Used ice and drugs and by the evening I felt better. Karaoke tonight which was so much fun. I didn't sing not to embarrass the missus Smile

there are quiz nights and other stuff going too. Used gear was available for purchase at good prices but nothing I needed.

Up early on Wednesday and spent the morning with the wife and her group who said I helped them out more than their instructor. I just said a few points which seemed to help. They weren't happy with their instructor from the first day, limited English and didn't offer much in the way of improving. It's a shame as ucpa can be hit and miss.

All lessons started in the afternoon today so I met up with the gang and my easy intro to the afternoon was the balme couloir on the North face of balme mountain. After a 20min hike to the top we went through the couloir and hit the trees all well guided and organised. Robin is a great instructor helped with some tips for us. Up the valon chair again and a shorter hike to a small bowl part of the previous route but much better snow and we all haired it down woohoo!!

After a few more runs we went back to the ranch. Tomorrow La Grave!

A snowHead

Thursday morning we met 0830 and got on the road, arriving 9ish. La Grave was mobbed. 10cms of snow overnight and a bluebird day made sure everyone had the same idea. I saw a few snowheads around but not close enough to say hi. There was some skiers in the line but quickly vanished while we waited for the passes which took almost 2 hours to sort out and get to the top. We set out to the right and headed down to chantselle (sp.?) then up again and down valon lamerge then lastly after having lunch in the gondola the forbidden valley. Great snow, some trees and steeps. Putting down fresh tracks in some open empty valleys was worth the admission.

We stopped for a beer at a hotel bar in glorious sunshine then headed back around 5pm. Made the stretch class for 5.30 which I really needed.

Dinner again wasn't the best and by now I really needed some home cooked food. Did the job and the cheese board is great.

Last day today and we agreed to head over to montgenevre up the eagle lift and over into a no name corridor and finished in laduare (forgive spelling).

Then we headed over to Italia and claviere for lunch. We stopped at chalet monsoleil for a 3 course lunch which was superb.

Then a mad dash to the other side via a selection of chairs and red runs. Last off piste run down into the bottom end of briancon via a valley, bowl and some trees which were fantastic. Tired legs now and we had to negotiate an iced road track which wound down to the main road for the pick up. That was tough as my edges weren't up to it so I had to go slow while protecting my arm.

I was beat by the end. I'm definitely not an expert off piste snowboarder but held my own until almost the end.

Debrief meeting back at ucpa for 1830 and a beer or two. Robin was happy we all did well and no serious injuries or mishaps. A few sore backs, legs and my arm. On the whole I was pleased with the week and would consider it again. I have technique to work on but know what I was doing wrong which I improved on already.

Party night tonight so had a few drinks at the bar then it moved downstairs to the club. Not my music tbh so we left around 0030.

Woke up to a massive dump but getting up late and having to clean and pack didn't leave any time for a last few runs. If I'd seen the forecast I would have packed the night before and skipped the club. Hey ho eosb to come so hopefully more snow then. C'est bon, au revoir!

Help!!

Live TR UCPA Serre Chevalier 7th to 14th march

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