I parked at le Meuniere and took the fields under the pylons towards the Col du Coq.

The snow transformed late today but as I had to be somewhere at 11.30 I couldn't wait for it.

Season close already at St Hilaire du Touvet so we came up mainly to have lunch but also to ski a few of our favourite off pistes: Le Canyon, Upper Fantom Village, Establissements, Zombie (aka fantom)

With the high winds I didn't fancy touring today so decided on a the Chemin de l'Herse which I'd seen had been bashed overnight (it was covered in fresh snow yesterday).

Nice and easy because I have a slight cold and sore throat so had to climb at a reasonable rate without forcing too much, especially as I was breaking trail.

Choice was between ski touring, skating or staying in bed... or doing some work. The avalanche bulletin wasn't encouraging for ski touring.

I had a limited amount of time so started higher up than yesterday at les Meunieres. I took the fields finding a gap at the top of the first field, it is quite a good plan.

Follow the Giclas route as far as the Roc d'Arguille http://pistehors.com/combe-de-giclard.14562522013.htm.

I wanted to see if I could climb directly from the salt depot at the Pont de la Gorgette but the path disappears into the woods and it is not clear where it goes.

Long gone are the days when you could make first tracks on a Sunday after snow on the Virgule.