Hold fire

Monetier Les Bains, Serre Chevalier

You know what, I’m not certain I’d advise coming to Serre Chevalier right now.

It’s still only the Monetier section that’s open, the good news is the cannons have been chucking the stuff out so the runs below Bachas are now open, but it is damn cold, like seriously cold, -8º in the day cold.

Due to Serre Che’s north facing slopes at this end of the valley at this depth of winter there are only a few hours of sunlight and therefore warmth up there in the day. I’d say 10am-2.30pm, maybe a 9.30am start, but after that the hammer falls as if hefted by Thor himself and it comes down hard.

Your exposed skin seems to creak under pressure, hands feel like they could burst and your nose starts running – nice image that.

Despite having a season pass I haven’t actually been up on skis, and I’m not alone, it seems the locals and long-termers are biding their time, when the Villeneuve and Chantemerle sections open we might strap some planks on – much sunnier and for longer, but a strange absence of ascension in all but the hardiest.

Having said that, there are loads of cars in the village, people changing into boots from the boot of their cars – so obviously French and they do seem genuinely happy.

Perhaps I’m just being a spoilt snob, so instead I’d say come and have a go, but seriously think about only getting a three hour pass, Eur24, full day is Eur28, that seems a bit niggardly, best advice then – tough it out and dress warm.