Chamrousse nordic park had opened, then closed again following the foehn. Earlier in the week around 20cm of fresh snow had fallen, this had been followed by anticyclonic conditions.

I fancied some flat riding today and decided that a trip up and down the river as far as the town of Pontcharra would fit the bill. I've not ridden the whole of this route before.

Would the weather be ok, would it not? Finally we set off from Grenoble under drizzly skies but with the chance of sun. Arriving at resort, well at least you could see a few hundred meters.

SN Chartrousin were planning on climbing to the summit of the Charmant Som. That meant the road would be pisted and in good condition.

I was back from a week in Paris and feeling quite tired so wanted somewhere close and not too complicated - easy climb and ski and no reskinning.

Rocky style, run up the steps of the Sacre Coeur. Very rare to get me putting my running shoes on but a week in Paris with nothing better to do obliged me. I suffered for the rest of the week.

The snow was reasonable good so decided to climb to Emeindras at the summit, or nearly, of the ski runs. Of course the descent was icy which meant it was not too reassuring on cross country skis.

Finally managed to hook up with Thibaut for a lunch ski. He's a fair bit quicker than me so put me under a bit of pressure.

It has been a long time coming but the nearest ski area to work (about a quarter of an hour drive) has finally opened and with good initial conditions.

I waited until 4pm to see if the cloud that has been clagging the Chartreuse would clear. It seemed to be the case and for a brief moment it lifted revealing the mountain in all its glory.