Skating in fresh powder seems to be a regular thing this January and it is character building to say the least.

Our first trip up to St Hilaire this season. There had been around 50cm of snow the last week but very little below 1100 meters. Fortunately there is snow making lower down.

Training morning with the SN Chartrousin then a climb to the Bergeries of the Charmant Som to warm up (climb took a reasonable 37m56 and the descent a speedy 7m17)

A quick "before work" to see what the fresh snow had brought. I started at 7am and with the fog kept my head torch all the way to the summit an hour later. Excellent skiing and no one around.

Route: Tour du Pre de l'Arc x 1, Myrtilles x 3

After a bit of XC skiing I toured from the Col de Porte pistes to the bottom drag then continued down the path at the end.

The top of the Charmant Som plateau had been pisted to make up for the lack of trails lower down. A real treat to do a couple of loops in pleasant conditions although we do the same crust skiing.

I knew there was a lack of snow. All the lower runs are shut. The skating was pretty good. A lot of people on foot, some stomping on the ski runs, doh! Not too many other skiers.

General DescriptionLes Karellis is located in the Maurienne valley in the French Savoy department.

A little tour of the cycle lanes of Crolles. Of no real interest unless you find yourself here, with rollerskis, but I've seen a few people do this route.