Ski Club of Manchester, La Tania 2025, Why Team Kermit?

Reporter: Chris Fildes

Tony usually skis in lime green! What — No Helmet Tony?

The ‘Team’ regulars are Nigel and Dave, alias ‘The Blues Brothers’, (we missed you Dave), Maybe next year? Paul Allen and Phil Hayward joined us this year. Thanks for your navigation, Nigel, (aided by Phil).

Sunday — We woke to Fresh snow and mist but made the best of the white-out conditions, rounding off with a beer at the ‘Bouc Blanc’ which became the daily routine. “The long and winding green, that takes you back to your door”

Monday — And for the following three days, an Alpine-Blue sky and amazing views. Temperatures soared during week. Over 16deg.C on the tops, wow!!

Wednesday — Target — Val Thorens. Phil left us early. The resort was crowded and LOUD!! It was a brief visit, so no ‘Red Christine’ run. We took an unintentional detour to Mottaret. Nigel said Hurry! The lift’s closing, then he disappeared! (Were the lift operators juggling with the bubbles)?? Tony and I skied down to Le Praz and followed two French ladies toward the bus terminus via a short, crusty red run. We arrived at our hotel just before ‘Nigel and Tony. (They’d had a beer or two at BB)!

Thursday — We enjoyed the skiing around Courchevel. Gusty winds on the tops though. ‘STAY IN YOUR VALLEY’ alerts at lift station, so we took the Plantrey chair back over.

Friday — We lost Phil and Tony. So had a coffee on misty Soulier trying to and contact them. “We’re back at the hotel” came the reply. Eventually we rounded off the week for the ‘usual’ then down the very slushy green. Nigel calculated we’d skied over 100 miles!… but that was for the whole week!!!

Highlights — Tartiflette in Saint Martin, ‘Bouc Blank’ Beer O’clock and The Panorama from Signal and Saulier, “On a clear day you can see forever, you can see where you are.”

As for the heavy, very slushy green run at the end of the week… ugh!

And so ended another enjoyable holiday! A BIG thank you to the Organisers and ‘Team Kermit’.

Looking forward to Mayrhofen next year!