Started off on the south plateau. Snow was ok, a bit bare down at the far end where the black was closed but all skiable with no problems.

It was almost like end of season conditions. Snow cover is very thin.

General DescriptionArêches-Beaufort is a typical Beaufortain village resort, located in the heart of Savoie, 20 km from Albertville.

I had thought about skiing in the morning but was worried with the long period of cold weather that the pistes would be too hard so instead arrived at 2pm.

Most of the pistes are currently open. A good little tour to the three parts of the resort with a Vallons de Pra at the end in very good condition, considering the general lack of snow this year.

A very pleasant little lunch ski. I had my old poles which are not very good as they are a bit knackered. Not ideal on the climbs but that mean using my legs a bit more, not bad for technique.

Trip to la Fecalaz with Muriel, Gregoire and Caroline. Spent some time working with Greg and Caroline on their basic skate / skate one technique then we did a few loops of the green and blue pistes.

DescriptionThe Lachat mountain centre has 46 km of marked and groomed cross-country ski trails for skating and alternative skiing. For beginners and kids there are 2.5 km, 5.

Description:The Crêtes du Forez ski area is located on a high plateau in the eastern end of the Massif Central mountains about 40 minutes drive from St Etienne.

DescriptionClose to St Etienne, a domain for locals to cross-country ski (alternative and skating) or snowshoeing on marked and secured trails. There are loipe of different lengths and difficulties.