The forecast was cloudy for Saturday but getting up at 6.50 I saw it was clear at altitude so some hope for a refreeze, the first for some days.

I've been really tired after the 42k marathon so didn't feel like skiing today. I saw Barioz had all the trails open and it is just half an hour's drive. Ideal during the petrol crisis.

This was going to be my first nordic ski marathon. I'd skied the distance or more for fun but this was in competition and I'd always skied when the conditions were good. Not so much for this Sunday.

First ride since my accident on the Madeleine. I was pleased to be able to stand up when necessary. I'm 4kg lighter than last summer and it felt easier on the climb but only a PR on the last section.

20 ski descent of the Dent de Crolles. The mountain is fantastic and fascinating. Accessible, 20 minutes from the valley. Iconic due to the way it guards the southern flanc off the Chartreuse chain.

Same climb time to Charmant Som as Saturday morning: 30m05s, so just missed going under half an hour. Very fast descent. Hit 49kp/h under the chairlift and 6m09 for the whole descent.

Nice morning's ski on excellent, fast snow. Not too many people but a lot of bad skiers compared to earlier in the year. Off piste is scrapled but skiable where it is sunny.

I decided to have another crack at the Charmant Som climb before the club training this morning. I set out at 7:45am and was the first person on the climb.

I didn't know what the runs at le Sappey would be like. The bottom slopes are below 1000m. In fact things were okay, just.

Trip with Mike to the Pas de la Coche and beyond! The road is blocked at 1230 m but possible to drive around the barrier to the summer car park at 1330 meters.