Pimps and Hoes has passed by though, with some very good, and some particularly bad eye candy. Just hope no-one is thinking of heading into politics as there are some rather damning pictures floating around. The snow has also arrived and the mountain is looking a lot more like it should but make sure you check on the avalanche reports as there’s been a fair bit of movement out there.

We have taken the leg work out of New Year’s eve for you as the main article this week is about various ways to spend your New Year while in Val. With a fair variety on offer I’m sure you’ll find the party for you.

So it’s just time to wish you all a Happy New Year from all at TME. Sure we’ll be seeing some of you out and about on New Years Eve. Have fun people.

MB HD

Snow stability
Aside from sniffing out the best snow, my main goal at the moment is to stay away from the many unstable areas. Most of these unstable areas are on steep slopes (or slopes exposed to steep slopes) facing North-East;
to North; to North-West. That’s not to say that everything else is totally stable though; so my advice for the moment is to either know what you’re doing off-piste (even if you’re going off piste right next to the groomed, secured piste) or go with someone who really understands how to have fun and be safe out there.

Here’s why: there’s a weak layer that is sitting under that new snow in many places at the moment. I, and all of my ‘off-piste friends and colleagues’, are very concerned about this layer (Wayne Watson from Alpine Experience put it simply, “..the base is rotten!”). We’re concerned because it can collapse with the weight of just one skier – that collapse can then release a slab avalanche under a person’s feet or even on a steeper slope above them. Météo France is warning about this too.

Tip of the Week
Most avalanche accidents happen within view of a lift or a run. When you are up on the mountain, the local authorities (the ski patrol or ‘pisteurs’) are only responsible for making the
groomed pistes secure. Once you leave these secured runs, even if you go just right next to them,
you’re no longer in a secured area. I would never tell anyone not to go off piste; I’m off piste every day. However, it is a good idea to know that when you shoot off next to the piste to get some nice turns in, you’re in an unsecured area and you should be prepared and thinking about what you’re doing. I’ve seen too many accidents right next to the piste – so remember: once you leave the secured pistes, your safety is your own responsibility.

Have Fun and Be Safe!

Skis
Lovingly named the ‘planks of death’. I’m on rental skis at the moment, but I’d really like some K2 MissDemeanours, so I can start doing some park and off piste-skiing.

Boots
I’m not sure what brand they are but they’re black, shiny and they fit me well. What else could I ask for from my equipment?

Skiing History
I’ve been skiing with my family since I was 5 years old but it hasn’t always been my favourite thing. I have been known to remove my skis and walk down the slope in protest.

Colour coordination
I wear a green Bonfire jacket and black Bonfire ski pants, but I’m really into making sure everything goes together and looks good, so I bought green Oakley goggles to go with my ensemble.

Clothes
You can never really have enough clothes and lucky for me my roommate doesn’t have too many so I can have loads. My luggage was 20kg overweight when I first came over to Val, but I’ve been back since and brought another bag of clothes over. I’ve got about 6 pairs of jeans with me and 6 pairs of shoes, an outfit for every eventuality.

Jewellery
I’m always wearing jewellery and I wear my rings even when I’m skiing. I’ve managed to get gloves that fit everything underneath so there is always something sparkly on my person.

Hair
I could not live without my hair products, it would pretty much mean I had an afro! Hair stuff is the one thing that I have to have with me everywhere I go, but i might go au-naturelle with my afro when I dress up as a lion for the Moris New Year’s Eve Circus!

Taken by Andreas of Alpine Experience, of Tony Watton skiing the Tere Rouge down to Brev.