Merry Christmas 2021

Hi everybody and a very warm welcome again from Méribel, from your favourite blogging ski instructor. First of all, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, I hope you've had a brilliant build up to the Festive Season. Although there's still a right old load of nonsense going on with the pandemic, at least we are in a better situation compared to this time last winter. Méribel is in a strange place at the moment; the ski lifts are running, the weather and snow conditions are tip top, and for those lucky enough to be out here the skiing has been fantastic. However, in the background we still can't get away from Covid. Fingers crossed Father Christmas won't get pinged over the next 24 hours or so, and will be able to deliver loads of lovely presents the world over. At least he loves to put in a few turns when he can on skis!?!

I've had a very enjoyable week this week skiing with Keith, Charlie, Jack and my colleague Greg from the ESF ski school. Keith many months ago booked this holiday, and had planned to travel out on a certain date. It just so happened to be a couple of days before France closed the border with the UK. They made it in time, where tens of thousands of Brits missed the deadline. They all had a fab time, and like many of you, they really hope to be able to return later on this season. Let's face it, you all deserve to be out here at some point. And trust me, Keith and the boys were all very appreciative of their luck at being able to ski this week.

Just briefly about the situation this winter, and early thoughts. The resort is quieter than normal. Granted, of course Brits are currently unable to travel to France, neither are some other European nations at the moment. But I also get the feeling that French visitor numbers are down. My apartment block is certainly quieter than normal for this time of year. Perhaps it's because Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, which might affect travel plans for people. I have also noticed however that there are hardly any non French vehicles in resort. It is odd at the moment, I'm not going to lie!

On a slightly different subject, but more personal. Last Wednesday I drove to Chambéry to pick up my Carte de Séjour from the Préfecture office, which confirms that I'm now a French Resident. I won't go into all the details, but since Brexit it has become quite complicated to continue to be able to work and reside (beyond 90 days) in the European Union. I'm absolutely relieved and also proud to have been given the residency, this will not only enable me to continue to work as a ski instructor here in Méribel, but it will also allow me to continue to live in and enjoy this fabulous country (oh, and the mountains).

What will the next week bring? I've no idea whatsoever. Thanks to the borders closing with the UK, my normal routine has changed. I've spoken to one of my Directors at the school, and have opened myself up to their planning. Have an amazing Festive Season, and don't forget....... Live With Passion. Martin.