Uncategorized Archives - FreeFlo Ski Coaching

Conquering the Slopes: How to Overcome Fear and Enjoy Skiing

Posted on June 13, 2023June 13, 2023 by Jocelyn Cockle

Introduction: Conquering the Slopes: How to Overcome Fear and Enjoy Skiing- 8 Tips

Skiing can be an exhilarating and enjoyable winter activity. For many people, fear can be a significant obstacle to overcome. Whether it’s the fear of speed, losing control, or the possibility of injuries, these concerns can dampen your skiing experience. However, with the right mindset and some helpful strategies, you can conquer your fears and embrace the thrill of skiing. In this blog post, we will explore effective techniques to help you conquer the slopes and how to overcome fear and enjoy skiing.

Understand and acknowledge your fears:
The first step in overcoming fear is identifying and understanding what specifically frightens you about skiing. Is it the fear of falling? The sensation of speed? Or perhaps the fear of the unknown? By acknowledging your fears, you can begin to address them more effectively.
Take professional ski lessons:
Enrolling in ski lessons with a qualified instructor is a valuable investment, especially for beginners or those struggling with fear. A professional coach or instructor can guide you through the fundamentals of skiing. They can teach you proper techniques, and provide a supportive and safe environment. Their expertise and encouragement will help build your confidence and gradually diminish your fears.
Start with beginner-friendly slopes:
When starting out or overcoming fear, choose ski slopes that match your skill level. Beginning on gentler slopes allows you to gradually acclimate to the sport, build your skills, and gain confidence. You can slowly progress to more challenging terrain as you become more comfortable.
Visualize success and positive outcomes:
Visualization is a powerful tool for overcoming fear. Before hitting the slopes, take a few moments to close your eyes and imagine yourself skiing confidently. Feel the wind on your face, and experiencing the joy of gliding effortlessly. Visualizing positive outcomes can help reprogram your mind to focus on success rather than fear.
Practice relaxation and breathing techniques: Fear often leads to tense muscles and shallow breathing, which can hinder your skiing performance. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or meditation to calm your mind and body. By consciously relaxing your muscles and maintaining a steady breath, you can enhance your focus, reduce anxiety, and improve your skiing ability.
Set realistic goals and take them at your own pace:
Set achievable goals for yourself and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone you reach, no matter how small. By taking the process at your own pace, you can gradually build your confidence and skills without overwhelming yourself.
Surround yourself with supportive companions:
Having supportive friends or family members who understand your fears can make a significant difference in overcoming them. Skiing with people who encourage and cheer you on will boost your confidence and create a positive skiing experience.
Challenge yourself gradually: As you gain confidence, challenge yourself by gradually increasing the difficulty level of the slopes you tackle. Pushing your boundaries in a controlled and progressive manner will help you expand your comfort zone and overcome your fears step by step.

Conclusion: Overcoming fear while skiing is a personal journey that requires patience, determination, and a positive mindset. By understanding your fears, seeking professional instruction, starting with beginner slopes, practising relaxation techniques, setting realistic goals, and gradually pushing your boundaries, you can conquer your fears and fully embrace the thrill and joy of skiing. If you would Remember, fear is just an obstacle waiting to be overcome. With perseverance, you can unlock the true exhilaration that skiing has to offer. So, gear up, hit the slopes, and let go of your fears as you glide down the mountains with confidence and excitement.

If you would like to book online coaching and ski coaching to help you move forwards then step forwards and email: [email protected] or book a discovery call.

Watch the video below to give you tips to overcome ski fear.

How To Overcome Fear Part 1

Posted on November 7, 2022November 7, 2022 by Jocelyn Cockle

3 Simple Hacks To Overcome Fear

Think about your biggest goal. Why haven`t you achieved it? If you are like most people, the answer is fear. Fear is the limiting factor stopping you from working towards what you want. Fear distracts you and leads us to excuses and limiting beliefs. It doesn`t have to. Learning how to overcome fear is one of the most liberating pursuits you can undertake.

With over 25 years of ski teaching and coaching in the mountains, I have developed and used these three simple hacks that have helped me to overcome fear at the moment. With these techniques, I have climbed and skiied Mont Blanc skied and climbed many peaks and passed my ski racing to teach in France.

Hack 1: Breathing – When you are facing fear take a deep breath in the exhale out longer as this will focus your mind to be in the moment.

Hack 2: To Keep Moving – It’s so important to keep moving and to have momentum. Rythym is so important so don`t stop keep continuing with movement.

Hack 3: Belief in your ability – The brain is programmed to find the easy way out and object to what you are doing. So Make sure you give yourself positive self-talk. “You can do this… you have the ability ”

For more details see the video 👇

If you want to achieve your goals and adventures Book A FREE Discovery Call today to discuss future coaching or visit Freefloski

How I Improved My Fitness, Sports and Productivity – One Simple Hack

Posted on September 14, 2022September 14, 2022 by Jocelyn Cockle

THIS is the best and the simplest hack I have used to improve my fitness, sports and productivity.
“WHAT GETS MEASURED GETS IMPROVED.” Is this week’s ski tip in the FB motivation group. DON`T MISS OUT and join here if you haven`t already.

This is a quote from Robin Sharma or Peter Drucker. I don`t really know as the internet isn’t sure. What I do know is that I have used this method for years and it has worked for my fitness, sports and productivity. For example, I wanted to ski and climb the biggest mountain in the Alps Mount Blanc which lies at 4810m. I measured my fitness, nutrition, my skills and equipment accordingly. All pillars got measured and improved. On 10th June 2020, I found myself on the summit of Mount Blanc in Chamonix in France.

Mont Blanc The Highest Mountain In the Alps 4810M

Anyway, this quote lays out a simple truth we can use easily to boost your productivity. What we measure, we improve. Above all this improvement happens automatically, solely because of the measuring process.

Oh, and this isn’t just some weird speculation or bold claim — it’s a scientific fact. I also use this method
successfully with clients with online coaching moving them forwards to reach their goals and ambitions.

Researchers studied the effects of a given project, simply asking participants to track a specific outcome makes them more likely to improve. For example, people who are assigned to wear a pedometer, walk at least one extra mile per day on average. They improve their overall activity levels by 27%.

Just imagine if you could increase your fitness and productivity levels by 27%. How much more you could achieve? How much more would you accomplish? We will never know. But we surely know that measuring your productivity will help you improve it.

“My name is Floss and I am passionate to help people to unlock their true potential in sports and adventure..”

How To Get Into Ski Touring – Freefloski Touring Kickstarter Online Course -FAQ’s

Posted on November 24, 2021November 24, 2021 by Jocelyn Cockle

Since I have launched the Ski Touring Kickstarter course, I’ve had lots of questions and interest and in this blog, I will hopefully answer all your questions:

1. Is the Ski Touring Kickstarter an online course or an on-mountain course?
Well, it is both, The Kickstarter program is in place to help answer many of the questions I’ve come across from my students like Dellie and Matt who wanted to get into ski touring but they didn’t know how? The goal here is to help you get the most out of your holiday by preparing as much as you can before you come to the mountains. The other advantage is that can watch the videos to refresh your mind whilst on the mountain.

2. What happens if I can not go skiing
Another question I get asked a lot from people who really want to participate but are nervous is – what happens if I cannot go skiing. Well – I don’t have a crystal ball – but the skills you’ll learn are the fundamentals and can be used any year. Of course, I’d love you to come skiing with me here so we can build on the program – but because they are universal skills they can be applied with any professional tour guide.

3. If I’ve never done this before is it for me?
Many people are excited about the thought of touring but have never done it – that is exactly why I built this course. Remember Gary, my customer who’d never done anything like this – well through these tips and tricks not only did we get him more confident in his normal skiing but we got him into touring too. So if you’ve never done it – you are in the right place.

4) I’m not fit
2020 has been a year of change for all of us and many of us were sedentary – that’s why one of the bonuses is I’ve included my plan to make the most of your time in the mountains. The goal of this course is to lay the foundations and with that, if you are interested in it and want to take it further then we can work on it together but these exercises and stretches will help.

5) It’s is too expensive to get more kit
One of my goals here is to make skiing as fun and accessible as possible. That’s why I have my takeaway gear guide of products and services to help you make the choices if you are looking to invest in equipment. If you are only looking to try touring that’s ok too – I can also recommend you rental services.

6) I only go skiing once a year
If you only go skiing once a year- why not make it the most memorable week where you can explore the mountains, re-connect with those who are important, see the world from a new perspective and improve your health at the same time.

7) What if I purchase the Kickstarter and I don’t like it?
I am so confident that you will like the Kickstarter, it is packed with information and coaching that if you don`t like it you can have a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.

8) What is Included in Ski touring Kickstarter?

Ski Touring Kickstarter Programme- +32 videos and 4 modules
Online 1 to 1 Coaching
Private Members-Only Community
Discount Codes
PDF`s, Bonus resources and lots more.

If you would like to see the video of the Ski Touring Kickstarter visit:👉 https://www.skitouringkickstarter.com/

If you have any questions that I haven’t answered just drop me an email Floss: [email protected]

STORYTIME The Ski Touring Kickstarter Online Course

Posted on November 3, 2021November 17, 2021 by Jocelyn Cockle

MY STORY BEHIND THE SKI TOURING KICKSTARTER COURSE:

Three years ago in 2018, I had the idea of creating an online course to share my passion for ski touring and my 22 years of experience of skiing coaching and adventures in the backcountry. The following winter was disastrous as in January 2019 a skier skied into me whilst teaching on the mountain. My leg was broken into many parts. Whilst rehabbing my body and mind for ten months the seed of creating an online course was still growing strong inside.

My mission was to help and support skiers to get them prepared successfully for the new world of ski touring. When the pandemic and mayhem arrived in winter 2020/21 the ski lifts in France never opened due to COVID19. My only income died overnight as people all over the world were in lockdowns and didn’t have the freedom to travel. It was in January 2021 that the Ski Touring Kickstarter was born.

I invested time and money in courses to learn the skills on how to create and launch a successful course. After investing in lots of other courses I knew the difference between a good course and a bad course. Then I started my journey of creation.

Most of my days in winter 2021 I spent alone outside in all weathers punching fear in the face and pressing record. I had to face the imposter syndrome and the fears of what other people would think. Perfectionism would sometimes go into procrastination. Finally, after the winter I filmed and edited over 32 videos for the course and nearly 50 different youtube videos for my channel Freeflofloss.

With more setbacks and another bereavement in the family, I found myself struggling and my mindset broken and disorientated. I wanted to finish something that I had started. It was important to me to not get distracted in the modern world and to follow through. So in September, I carved out a couple of weeks to put the content of the course together. This included resources, discount codes, blogs, written content, website links, pictures etc:

For the four weeks leading up to the ski show, I placed myself in a working environment and returned back to the UK in front of a computer in my brother’s house. Totally out of my normal life routine I would spend 10-14 hours per day learning and problem-solving.

I had the course completed but what I needed to learn was the tech side. So I carved out the time to learn how to put all the moving parts together. How to build a sales page, how to build out a sales page, how to create an opt-in page, how to link up the course to an email sequence, how to create a thank you video etc: Small tasks like enrolling API payment keys would take hours compared to a developer that would take only minutes. The day before the ski show the course was finally finished. At the National Snow Show on the 23rd October 2021 in Birmingham, UK the Ski Touring Kickstarter course was then launched.

For more information about the ski touring Kickstarter and to join the community visit www.skitouringkickstarter.com or visit my website page: Freefloski.

If you have any questions just send me an email: [email protected] or [email protected]

I will look forward to coaching you inside of the Ski Touring Kickstarter programme and introducing you to the wonderful world of ski touring.

Online Ski Coaching/ Instant Success

Posted on May 9, 2021May 13, 2021 by Jocelyn Cockle

Last March 2021 with the lifts not running in France due to COVID19 a client who I had taught previously approached me with a problem. He was getting frustrated with the lack of skiing time that he had done in the winter and he wanted to improve his skiing on off-piste and steeper terrain. Problem solved. I picked a good weather window, good snow conditions and an uphill route that wasn`t complicated and too long. I then found the right off-piste slope and I gave him instructions and filmed him after 12 turns. I then showed the skier the video and gave him three clear tips on how to improve. Watch the video below and you can see the instant results. In one pitch of skiing, he had improved dramatically. It was so exciting to see the great improvement by implementing video and with the right coaching. It was an instant success.

If you like this video and you want to share your passion for skiing and the mountains please hit the SUBSCRIBE and the bell notification so you don’t miss out on another video. Thank you and see you next Sunday in the next video.

Online Ski Coaching:
In my opinion ski coaching with video is the second-best teaching tool after the coach. Watching myself skiing on video and seeing what I do and matching my feelings to the actions has given me instant results. It has been a part of my success path which got me to where I am today as an International Ski Teacher and Coach living and working in France. Make changes today even if you are not on the slopes in your skiing and visit my website. I will look forward to coaching you.

Floss

#1 Ski Touring Route This Winter 2020/21- Rocher De La Davie, Tignes area, 3159M

Posted on February 21, 2021February 22, 2021 by Jocelyn Cockle

With no ski lifts open this winter in France due to Covid 19 the only way to make some turns is earning them and ski touring uphill. The ski touring route to Rocher De La Davie is not only a beautiful touring route of wilderness and sheer beauty. But it is also a special route for me.

Rarely I get the chance to climb over 3000m. It must have been a couple of years ago before my leg was broken that I ski toured up such a height. Then lockdown with Covid stopped everything. So being up here on La Rocher De La Davie 3159m last weekend meant a lot to me. It was my first big vertical tour in a long time. Determination and grit are the reasons why I got here!!

If you put your mind to something you can achieve it!!! So I wanted to share this journey with you because whatever goal you have you can do it! You can succeed even if the journey is hard, difficult and will take a long time. This blog is the proof!

ski touring summit rocher de la davie — On the Summit Rocher De La Davie 3159M

This route is such a beautiful and stunning route with breathtaking views all around. It is a route where timing is everything. If you tour up in the springtime then make sure you leave early to reduce avalanche risk as lot of the faces are west and southerly aspects.

Watch the youtube video: Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE

Directions: You start by parking your car on the side of the road below the village. Then you walk up to the village and tour up follow the signs Orsiere village. Continue through the forest and before you get to Orsiere the forest will start to thin out and go east onto a wide and open face of Plan Du Geniviere. Work your way up until it starts to get steep then contour round to ridgeline and up to spot height 2819m. Then descend and a slight climb to the weather station. Once at the weather station contour round and the summit is in view in the background.

The view at summit de la davie — View at the summit of La Davie

Route: Le Villaret Des Brevieres to Rocher De La Davie
Off Piste skiing between: 1832m -3159m E/SE/S/W
Max Gradient: 38 degrees
Uphill: With good fitness 4.5 to 5 hours
Total Return Route time: 5.5/6hrs
Skiers Level: Intermediate/Advanced off piste
Ski Touring Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Start: From the road below the village Villaret Des Brevieres
Finish: Villaret Des Brevieres
Map needed: 3532ET

Powder Skiing Of La Rocher De La Davies, Tignes area

COMING SOON: If you want to get into ski touring and you don’t know how. Or if you have done ski touring a few times and you want to learn more then consider purchasing the Ski Touring Kickstarter digital course. Save time and money by making the right decisions and learn at your own pace. It is a lifetime course that you can always refer back to. For more info please email [email protected].

How my ski dream turned to reality- My Story Freefloski

Posted on September 28, 2020May 24, 2023 by Jocelyn Cockle

‘Ski teaching is not a proper job… Get a proper job…’ is what everyone would tell me.

My story is different from most other stories. The majority of ski instructors come from a ski racing background. They are people who are born in the mountains and on skis. Just like you, I was an ordinary British person who was born in England where there was no snow or large mountains to ski down. A career of being a ski teacher was not recognised as being a proper job.

My first ski experience:

I will never forget my first ski experience. I was on holiday at nine years old with my family. We started skiing in a small resort in Spain and the whole week was a total disaster and a bad memory for me. I hated every moment of it, carrying my skis, wearing heavy and uncomfortable boots and being cold.

My instructor didn’t speak any English and had very little patience. To make matters worse, my brother picked skiing quickly up and was zooming effortlessly down the mountain. Next was my sister, with a full face of make-up, who adopted the perfect ski technique. I was a total disaster. I couldn’t turn left, I couldn’t turn right and I couldn’t get up to the top of the slope on a lift. It was a real struggle and not easy. I was scared and I didn’t understand anything. I didn’t know the ‘How to ski..’

At the end of my first week of skiing, the instructor did manage a sentence in English. He said to my parents, “Skiing is not for your daughter. ” Hearing that sentence just destroyed me and gave me no confidence at all.

However, my Dad had other ideas. I wasn’t allowed to give up. Through his eyes giving up was a failure. Because of my Dad, I was back skiing again with the family on the next winter holiday.

A few years past, like millions of other people I found myself going down the path of getting a proper job. I finished my GCSE’s then my A’levels and started University in Nottingham. But I wasn’t motivated, fulfilled or happy and I knew deep down that something was missing.

After University:

After one teaching term, against my parent’s wishes, I left University. I started the next winter as a chalet girl in the ski resort of Courmayeur in Italy with Ski Inghams. The drinking and party culture of being a chalet girl had completely influenced me. One Sunday I was hungover and sitting on the chairlift in resort when I found myself talking to a stranger. The stranger’s name was Brian Fern. At the time he was a ski trainer for BASI which is the British Association of Ski Instructors. I remember thinking WOW, how cool is that he skies for a living. ! Working your passion. I then saw him ski for the first time and I thought to myself that he was a SKI GOD…because he was amazing and made every turn with no effort. I was in love!

off piste skiing — **European Mountain Safety in Chamonix 2007**

That was the beginning of a fourteen winter struggle through the ski instructors system. I gave up everything and followed my dreams. I was a ski bum in pursuit of a ski teaching career in France! It wasn’t easy. Most summers I was working two jobs to finance the winter training and exams. I slept on some floors to save accommodation costs and sometimes I would sleep in my car.

I remember starting my APC Level 3 Ski Coach course in a pair of twin tips skis and baggy pants. At the time I couldn’t afford the race skis and a nice shiny lycra race suit.

The ISTD level 4 is the last level out of the four levels of the system. It was the hardest and took me five winters to complete. The training and exams took their toll financially and physically. I remember the start of my 30’s being the broken years. I had encountered so many injuries, several broken bones, a couple of dislocations, torn tendons, concussion and a fused c8 vertebrae. Despite all the injuries and lack of funds I still had the drive and determination to finish the diploma. I didn’t want to be old in my rocking chair and have any regrets about life.

The turning point:

What was a turning point for me in this difficult time? I looked into how to improve different parts of my skiing. With research and speaking to others, I tested new strategies. I developed ways of becoming a better ski athlete. I listened and made the changes and improved my skiing. From the inspiration of reading the book the Inner Game to Skiing and later the Inner Game to Tennis I also started to train my mind and to improve my mindset and as a result, my skiing and understanding went to the next level. I still coach these methods today and you can read another post on the Here and now in skiing that I have written.

It was the difference between night and day and in December 2012 with bib number 75 in Alpe D’huez I passed my euro test. I was the fastest girl in the race and .92 of a second inside the time. This achievement was the passport to my career in teaching skiing in France. I was so thrilled and overjoyed!!!! I was the 37th British woman to have ever passed this particular ski race.

Today:

Now I teach people all the lessons I have learnt. The lessons. The mistakes. The secrets. The ski adventures. The ‘How’ …

If you’d like me to take a look at your skiing or give you some invaluable ski holiday advice drop me an email to [email protected].I have some free available one to one call sessions available.

I will look forward to hearing from you soon.

All the best

Floss

P.S: For more skiing advice and tips subscribe and like us on youtube.

P.S.S: Further reading that I recommend to help you to control your mindset is The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters. It is a fantastic read which can help you in your day to day routines.

Part 1: Ski touring Col Des Fours, Val D’Isere

Posted on February 4, 2020November 24, 2020 by Jocelyn Cockle

Part 1: Ski Touring the Col Des Fours in Val D’Isere

Ski touring the Col Des Fours in Val D’Isere is part 1 of my top five classic ski tours in the Tarentaise Valley in the Northern French Alps. It is also part one of the series Best Ski Touring Routes on my Freefloski youtube channel

Its a low intermediate ski tour with only a 480m of ascent. For your efforts, you are rewarded with amazing views and over 1000m of vertical off-piste descent into the Vallon Des Fours. It is a great introductory tour for skiers who have some experience in ski touring already. But it is a tour where your timing is everything! You need to make sure that you have big enough weather window and that you time the last traverse to perfection.

Route: Fornet, Val D’Isere- Col Des Fours- Fornet, Val D’Isere
Off-Piste skiing: 2976m -1915m W/NW/N
Max Ski Gradient: 38 degrees
Uphill: 480m 1.5 to 2hrs
Total Route time from Fornet: 5-6hrs
Skiers Level: Intermediate off-piste skier
Ski Touring Level: Low Intermediate
Start: Fornet cable car
Finish: Fornet cable car
Lift pass needed: Val D’Isere
Map needed: 3633ET

Depending on your size of the group and the speed of the group this tour in the winter you can actually start in Tignes and ski over to Fornet and ski back depending on your size of the group and the speed of the group. In springtime when the snowpack is warming I would advise you to start in Fornet in Val D’Isere so you aren’t depending on a ski lift home.

You start on the Col D’Iseran and ski down southwest to Pont de la Neige. At the bridge, you will find a flat area so you can transition to uphill skiing. From there you climb 480m to the col. If you are careful with your line you don’t need to be able to do a kick turn. The last two hundred metres of the tour is the most difficult and its when the timing is everything. It’s a 200m traverse which is slightly exposed and often icy. As the pitch above the traverse is southeast facing it has the sun on it early and the snowpack warms and often releases some slides.

After you reach the col you have endless options of skiing different lines to the Refuge Des Fours. Choosing your ski down after the refuge becomes a little bit more tricky as you are in more complication terrain. Depending on snow conditions you can then decide to keep left or right of the river des fours back and then back to the Manchet chairlift.

For more ski touring tips see blog: 5 Ski and Snowboard Touring Technique Tips

‘Ski tour in comfort and performance; I choose nothing but the best and highly recommend the backcountry selection from Floâ Sports,’ Jocelyn Cockle (Floss) Director of Freefloski

FREEFLO specializes in progressive on and off-piste ski instruction, backcountry ski touring and women-specific ski courses. We offer personal British ski instruction for skiers of all abilities. Our primary objective is helping competent skiers to improve their technique on and off-piste and in the backcountry. Our intuitive coach approach will help you to progress, have fun and enjoy the full freedom of the mountains in a safe and confident manner.

Ski Touring Decision Making-Tignes 20th Nov 2019

Posted on November 24, 2019 by Jocelyn Cockle

The Preparation:
Always a good day ski touring in the mountains takes some sort of preparation. The night before I checked three weather forecasts one included my favourite snow-forecast.com. I decided that the conditions for ski touring were good for two days. In the morning I reaccessed the forecast. I packed my bag with enough food and equipment that gave me optionality, as I wasn’t certain how long we would be touring for. The plan of attack was to start touring up a piste called Palafour from Tignes Le Lac. The slope is south-east facing and we could stay warm in the sun. We would then decide where to go on route. We had no other concrete plans to arrive at a summit or to achieve a particular route.

On Route:
I decided to break trail off-piste as there were workers on the piste half way up. Once we arrived at Chardonnet Bowl, we could really start seeing the mountain and reading the signs. Routes in Chardonnet bowl had been skied and two skiers were skiing down and not making it look easy. The wind affected certain summits and cols. There was one group of 6 or 7 skiers or splitboarders going up a route called Grapillion Des Merles. The snowpack looked thin, the snow was uneven, there were sasturgi and plumes of snow. The group still decided to go up even if the route wasn’t inviting?

We decided to continue upon the piste to the snow park on Grattalu after discussing what we saw and how we felt. Our aim was to ski tour gentle and it was our second ski tour of the season. Two other ski tourers were happy to chat and to share some of their knowledge. They had told us that their friends had ski toured up Grapillion a few days ago and they found that the snow was dangerous, thin with lots of rocks. That news reinforced the decision that we made earlier not to follow the group. They also told us that they saw avalanche activity on west facing slopes and to be aware of the weak layers in the snowpack. We thanked them for their news and headed to the Col Du Palet taking on board what we knew and what we could see.

Knowing the routes into the col and knowing what I knew about the terrain, I decided to keep low and take a new flat touring line into the col to avoid rocks. Above we could see a man skiing on the ridgeline struggling with the lack of snow. So we kept our eyes on him and made sure we weren’t underneath him.

Reading the mountain for the ski down:
Once we arrived at the Col Du Palet we could read the mountain and the evidence of where was the best powder route down. We looked on to the back of Chardonnet bowl and notice a slab avalanche on the west face on route to diamond couloir. At lower altitude the fresh snow had been cross loaded to north-east slopes and gullies. With this info and what we could see, we then decided to handrail clockwise to a north-east gullie and enjoyed making fresh powder turns on a gentle slope.

Ski Touring out:
Enjoying the fresh powder by ourselves, we soon arrived at lake Grattalu. I had noticed that the lake hadn’t been frozen so it was best to stop before continuing any further. We then choose the easiest and most efficient route to get back to the col. Once we reached the col, temperatures had risen and we were tired. To be on the safe side of caution, as I was coming back from a ski collision. We decided to take our own skinning track back onto the piste and headed home. Another great day in the mountains. We were very happy with our decisions, we found the best snow, was safe and had a great day skiing powder with no one around.

I will be delivering mountain respect workshops throughout the winter. If you are interested please get in touch: www.freefloski.com

Happy Skiing 🙂

Category: Uncategorized