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 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.

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

Lunch skate in the heat before a picnic by the river. Family on bikes.

Good in parts, like the Curate's Egg. The wind has considerably affected the snow. It has been blowing strongly from the north for a couple of days.

Traditional season opener at les 7 laux.

With 355m of climbing the Col de Morêtel isn't that much of a challenge but is a welcome alternative to the main road and leads into the Belledonne back roads quite nicely.

First and last Chamechaude for this year, probably, given the snow conditions. It is surprising how much it has melted since Wednesday when i was last in the area.

First time around the nordic trails this year. Snow is soft - there is a lot of new snow that hasn't compacted yet but slides quite well. Some debris on the pistes.

Short ski tour to check out the conditions. Not too bad in the end. Destructured snow where it is shady - west bowls of the Grand Rocher. NE face of the Grand Rocher.