We stayed in a chalet-share with another British family. They have two teenaged sons who chose to stay home without parents rather than ski in one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Hmmm...wonder what they were doing? Anyway, they were very cool Brits (Bolton football fans) and were somewhat amused by our early-rising, boisterous children.
The first two mornings, Andy & I took ski lessons (the kids stayed with a nanny). We were transformed from spastic near-parallel skiiers to spastic parallel skiiers. Andy likes high-speeds and few turns. I'm more of a swisher, and take a much wider path down the piste. Each day was more fun than the next as we gained confidence and moved from blue to red pistes. We excelled at the apres ski and ate some amazing French country food and large bieres. Next time I'm going to try the vin chaud.
Margot attended ski school two mornings with her adorable instructor, Adrien. He took her up the gondola to kindergarten where they threw snowballs, chased a black lab and did some sledging. He got her on skis for a bit to practice the snowplough. She looked adorable in her helmet, goggles, snowsuit, boots and skis. She was lost in all that equipment. At then end of each session, Adrien picked up Margot in her arms and skiied down the mountain with her. She loved that. After each class, we went out for chocolate crepes. C'est la vie!
Owen stayed at the chalet with his nanny, Claire. They played, danced, baked cakes, made art projects, etc. Owen loved her and she was in awe in how much food he could pack away. He also enjoyed the snow and took great pleasure in sledging at top speeds. He learned to walk during our stay at the chalet. The French said he was then ready to ski. Maybe next year.
Watch us in action here.
