Jan 07 |
 |
Day 1
We spent a week hiding away in Chamonix over New Year, and we arrived with every intention of undertaking all winter mountain sports. Instead, we couldn’t help but relax and enjoy the sites, starting with a ride up to the Aiguille du Midi for some fresh air and a view of Mont Blanc. Sabiene went all wobbly and woozy at the top through lack of oxygen after a run up the stairs!
Mont Blanc - Sabiene & Andy
Day 2 - Shopping!
Day two, and we were knackered already. So after a lengthy recouperative period in bed, we decided to hit the shops for some retail therapy in readiness for Norway in February. Snell’s thought it was Christmas - oh yes, it was. But Sabiene left having melted her credit card, having bought everything in the shop. Check out the gear in the pic, including the sexy gold Black Diamond Vipers.
Shopping
Montenvers
Montenver Snowdrift
Mer de Glace
A walk along the Petit Balcon Sud
Gear testing day. A walk along the Petit Balcon Sud all the way to Argentiere was a great way to see the Mont Blanc range on the other side of the Chamonix valley. And what views - the Dru looking magnificent in the high winds, and the forest around us silent and white. A fantastic day ended with a free train ride back to town.
Dru
Petit Balcon Sud
Aiguille de Midi
Since Sabiene had been a bit dodgy the first time at 12,000 feet, we had another go up the cable car to the Auiguille. The second time was just as clear - stunning views all around, and very tempting to put the crampons on and have a wander about.
View from Aguile
Ski de Fond
For those of you who do not know, it means Nordic Skiing, and it was the closest we got to actual skiing, but it was very nice nevertheless - and a lot more tiring than it looks. We set out early through the forest while everyone else was nursing their hangovers, so it was great.
Ski de Fond
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Entry for Monday, 7th January 2008 by 
Andy,
filed under 
Adventure, Cross Country Skiing, Fun, Walking.
Location 
(France).
Tagged with 
shopping.
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17 Responses to “Chamonix Mont Blanc”
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Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Looks like an amazing trip!
And I’m sure Snell Sports can’t wait for Sabiene to return…
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Yeah, looks brilliant. Glad you made the most of the activities - shopping being a very important past time of all adventure junkies.
The Dru looks very atmospheric.
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Don’t encourage her Pete - and she says she doesn’t like shopping! Let’s hope she doesn’t get the bug.
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
But I like to buy sharp shiny things……
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Great shot of the Dru…
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
great pics……….. No chance of Sabiene getting cold in Norway then……. or ever…….
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Oh, congratulations Andy on becoming a “contributor”
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
So glad you had good weather and a great time. Next time you can include climbing as an activity; also a trip to the chocolatier/patisserie down the road!
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Yeah, Petits Gourmands is an awesome spot to reward a day’s adventuring with a patisserie and tea/coffee!
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
looks lush , but did you not build any snowmen?
Wednesday, January 9th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Hi Sis. I did think about it but I don’t think snowmen are considered cool in the Alps.
Wednesday, January 9th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
……..but the day(s) of reckoning wait you in Rjukan
Thursday, January 10th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Thanks Terry, you really know how to instill confidence!!
Thursday, January 10th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Well, Ian, that’s my job
Thursday, January 10th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
It’s only a little frozen water. How hard can it be
Thursday, January 10th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Sunday, January 13th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
How hard can it be indeed - that’s the sort of yellow team spirit that’ll see you through Sabiene…
BTW, snowmen are always cool, surely?!