woensdag 2 maart 2011

NEVER LOSE SIGHT AGAIN

Every year I collect a bunch of piste plans from the ticket booth in Les Masses. 


Although we pretty know the area by now, we never leave home without a plan in our pocket.
Most times, it is not the only plan in my pocket. Last years plan is in that pocket as well: an ugly, wrinkled, torn rag. Ready for the dustbin. If you use the piste plan more often than we do, it will be ugly and torn even before your holdays are over. Of course, you can take one from the ticket booth again... but why should you, with this more elegant solutions from the guys from wipe-out.



They developped a lens cloth printed with a piste map. It covers the whole area from les Masses up to Verbier.  You can put it in your pocket, use it to check the map with gloved hands, use it to wipe your sunglasses or ski goggles. And even more easy, you can  Buy Online.
Have fun!

dinsdag 1 februari 2011

A THOUGHT WITH A VIEW


One of those perfect mornings. Good snow conditions, sunny and crispy fresh air.. makes ones thoughts often crispy and fresh as well...
(view on Crans Montana on the other side of the Rhone valley)

dinsdag 25 januari 2011

TUESDAY DOG DAY

In the neighbourhood of Thyon/ Les Collons lives a bunch of husky dogs.  Every Tuesday they practice their skills in dog sledding. Or at least, their boss does. The guide leads the dogs and a small sled through the woods of la Muraz, in Les Collons. And every Tuesday a few people have the opportunity to experience this dog sledding.

© Kiki @ les Bonnets 2011

It is a nice experience, especially when you like to do something else than being on the slopes all day, although the actual ride is quite short. The ride takes aprox. ten to fifteen minutes. You leave the few spectators behind and slide between the trees, up and down hillocks, through woods and open space..

The sled has room for two, not too big adults, or one adult with a child.
Once you're in the sled, feel the cold wind in your face and hear the soft sound of dog feet in the snow. It is not difficult to imagine how it must feel to make a trip for days, alone with the dogs, cross unspoiled terrain and warm your body at the camp fire...

© Kiki @ les Bonnets 2011

PRACTICALITIES
You'll need to make a reservation in advance at the Office du Tourism in Les Collons.  The dogs make their dogsledding tours on Tuesdays between 1.30 and 4 p.m. Starting point is Plaine de la Muraz, close to the Alpage of Les Collons. They will explain how to get there and provide a map. Try to arrange your booking as early as you can be in the week of your stay, at it is often overbooked. Make your reservation by Monday 5 p.m. at latest. Cost are 15 CHF for adults, and 10 CHF for children.

Office du Tourism Les Collons +41 27 281 27 27

zaterdag 8 januari 2011

EXERCISES

Life can be so busy and complicated, that you long for a few hours outside, playing in the snow. However, life can be so busy that doing what you have to do to prepare, can be too complicated too.

And then, when you want to ski all the way down from the top of the Etherolla, down the Cheminee piste, slow down a little when you take the little tunnel and cross the pancake lift, make speed again and go left besides the Tipi, and then down the fab piste de l'Ours ....your legs BURN and you'll regret! (Don't tell me, I do know!!)

As the year is still fresh and crispy and I have many good intentions, I came to this movie from fitness coach Amelia Burton. Seems that only a few minutes a day could make the difference. Just 4 exercices to get you ready for the snow. I'll give it a try! Let me know if it helped!


copyright Amelia Burton

zaterdag 1 januari 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing you all a wonderful happy snowfull year!

(view from the living room)

zaterdag 4 december 2010

NOT TOO CROWDED


Not too many people to see in Thyon. At first glance, nice powder snow, sunshine, first of season... At second glance: see the wind blow around the corner of the mountain. Probably freezingly cold!