Ski Club of Manchester Holiday to Belle Plagne, March 2024

Reporter: Lorraine Turner

Once upon a time, in a land far away (Manchester), there was an airport that hadn't functioned as designed for a long time. But in March 2024 there was a metamorphosis and there was much rejoicing throughout the land (the airport). For the first time in many years I advanced through this land without hindrance, and that included security! I could hardly believe it! There was a delay in taking off but as I was asleep it was of no consequence to me and did not spoil my journey in the least.

The hotel was definitely 'fit for purpose' (thank you Tony Shaw), with large bedrooms of various dimensions and the best boot room I've seen in my 9 years of skiing. I admit to getting a little giddy when I saw it! So far, so pleased. The hotel was clean and well looked after and there seemed to be plenty of staff. The food was reasonable, plentiful and catered for most tastes and I didn’t hear any grumbles! A blessing!

People soon organised themselves into skiing groups, drinking and chatting groups, coffee and cake groups, playing cards groups, and generally everyone seemed to be having a jolly good time in groups. Some of us had skiing lessons which are always useful and great for humbling yourself when you land on your bottom (although, in my case, it was the dastardly boarder who skied over the front of my ski's, but as I have forgiven him, I'll say no more).

I found the pistes well-groomed, fairly wide and hugely enjoyable. I mainly skied the blues and on the last day, the glacier after a recommendation from a younger person that it was a piece of cake! That actually wasn't the word used, but they were correct. Thank you for your encouragement — you know who you are! Finally, I would like to thank all the people that I skied with, and who put up with me. I enjoyed spending time with you and getting to know you better — you were a blessing to me. Thank you!