I decided to head up after work for a final ski at the Col de Marcieu. I was on classic skis and the tracks were made, more or less.

The Grand Naves nordic ski area boasts 42km of trails prepared for both skating and classic skiing.

I couldn't believe le Sappey would still be open. It had rained to 2500 meters and we'd had warm storm force winds for days. I still had my doubts at the car park.

I went up to do a bit of practice in classic style on the flat les Sagnes trails. Conditions were not great but ok for practice. Still looking to reduce tail slap with good kick.

Despite my fractured rib (from a car park fall onto a ski) I decided to do a long one with a climb to Emeindras. Around 400 meters over 6km for an average of 6%.

I'd seen the Sappey trails had been pisted. They only opened a couple of days last season so I decided to seize the day.

Rumour had it that le Sappey was opening up. Well it seems to have been a bit of rumour that also caught out one of the piste workers as the area had not been pisted.

Thib had warned me there was not much snow left but I had difficulty believing him as conditions had been good a few days ago.

I'd heard conditions were very good at le Feclaz still on the trails and that the resort were preparing the trails up to the 12th April despite being officially closed.

42 km of trails from le Sappey en Chartreuse for all levels.