Mr Grumpy Pants?

Being a Ski Instructor has many ups and very few downs, and I'm not talking about ski lifts being the ups and pistes being the downs. I passionately love sharing my knowledge with other skiers if it helps them improve or enjoy the mountains more. But we are all self employed, which means we only get paid when we work. This winter appears to be bringing fewer visitors to Méribel - and those who are visiting aren't booking as many ski lessons.So does that mean all instructors are turning into Mr and Mrs Grumpy Pants with reduced income? Maybe some of them, but not this one. Not a chance. Forget it. Granted, I'm having to cut back on buying tartiflettes and ski kit, but that's no real loss. Less work means more time for free skiing.

On Thursday morning I phoned a friend in resort, Rick, to see if he fancied cruising around before my final lesson with Debra that afternoon. We met up and skied a few runs, marvelled at the scenery, made silly shapes with our shadows, and looked at various animal tracks in the snow. We also stopped for a strong coffee and put the world to rights. It felt as though I was on a ski holiday again just like all those years ago.

After coffee, I left Rick and skied off to the meeting point to join up with Debra. On the way there I had to pinch myself, to check that it wasn't a dream, because it was just so stunning. Commuting to work on skis, in such jaw-dropping scenery. Even in my eleventh winter season here in Méribel, it still gets to me. I don't recall having the same emotions during my summers with BSM, ie when not driving instructing, going for a cruise around the Coventry ring road for fun !?!

This week is also a little quiet for work, I have five mornings with Chris, who I will write about next time. We've experienced some brutal wintery storms here recently, don't forget to stay in touch with snow conditions by looking at http://www.merinet.com/snow_report.php . Snow conditions have really improved in the last week, with a little more due again on Monday.Have a great week, and I'll post again soon.

Martin

PS. A personal message to Robbie after his nasty fall at the British Schools Championships. Keep your pecker up fella, and I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks time, please don't whack your sister too many times with the crutches.