We’re lucky, it has snowed recently. This is fortuitous for many reasons. First of all we are going to have some good skiing. Second, I am taking an avalanche class, and the new snow should make for interesting conditions to learn in. I have kept up to date with avalanche classes in France but I…

Back down in the valley I meet up with two friends who are also wrapping up their New Year’s plans. The three of us overlap for lunch and a walk, before taking one to the airport. Those two were seemingly inseparable in college. Their names were said in the same breath. Not to say they…

From the pass above 11,000′ we start up. If we were in the Alps this would be the top of most high summits. But, here we are only starting. The Winter has been dry here, but the cold continental climate keeps the snow fresh. My best friends from college picked me up in Denver, and…

We three hikers set off at an exceptionally early hour considering our employment status. As with any good hike in the French alps the meeting point was given at the bakery. I arrived politely late to our 8:30 rendezvous after weaving through the rest of the world on their way to work. The winter inversion…