It seemed like late spring today. 20C in the valley and a lot of smog, some of the worst valley pollution of the season.

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.

A tour of the pistes and off pistes of the old "phantom village".

A tour of the Sagnes marches which I'd not done for some time and Thibaut had never been here. Unfortunately the runs were only partially open.

The col de Marcieu is a small family oriented ski resort located in the French Chartreuse mountains on the Petites Roches plateau between Grenoble and Chambery. There is a restaurant and ski hire.

St Hilaire du Touvet is situated on the Plateau des Petites Roches in the French Chartreuse Mountains between Grenoble and Chambery. It has 10km of ski runs and 350 meters of vertical.

The ski resort of Le Collet d'Allevard is situated in the Belledonne mountainsin the French Northern Alps. The lift served area extends from 1450 metres to 2100 metres.

From Epernay follow the road that climbs to the south-east, then zig-zags to the south.

Trips like this only happen a few times per season. 20-25cm of fresh, cold snow with a descent just after dawn in perfect conditions.

The missus said a storm was blowing in at 13h00. Just time to go up to the Col de Marcieu and ski the Chemin de Herse over to St Hilaire.