Arriving in the Venetiers we were not at all surprised to see that it was wall to wall breakable crust. The wind had blown full hooligan and the sun and low cloud had done its work.

It's been a long time since I've skied from the summit of the Dent, 2015 was the last time I think but maybe I lost the appetite for NFZ (no fall zones) as the Americans call them.

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.

Chamrousse is the birthplace of French 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.

The Croix de Chamrousse is the summit of the Chamrousse ski pistes at 2250 meters. It can be reached from the Recoin, la Roche Berenger or Casserousse at 1400 meters.