Ok, so it wasn’t exactly skiing in Provence, I was in Haute-Provence (basically Upper or Northern Provence) but with Provence in the title, it’s Provence all the same.
When I was invited to spend the weekend skiing at Val d’Allos, a large ski resort in the valley of the Southern French Alps, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Experienced skier, I am not. Regardless I was excited to practice my debutante (beginner) skills on the coveted slopes.
The snow capped Alps of Haute-Provence.
Early Saturday morning, me and two other English Teaching Assistants that have become dear friends, hit the winding back roads leading passed the beautiful Lac de Castillon and little villages far more isolated than I am in mine.
From left to right, Jennie (from Ireland), me and Vanessa (from the US).
Having moved to France with only two suitcases each, none of us had the proper ski gear, not even gloves. Colleagues were kind enough to lend us what they had and we ended up with an assortment of bric-a-brac gear from the 80′s – for me it was a choice between the fuchsia onesie or multicolor neon jacket with white pants. The jacket ensemble won. Surprisingly, I wasn’t the worst dressed! While on the slopes I saw a man wearing a turquoise onesie with hot pink gloves – I was happy to pass up the trophy for the worst dressed though I’m sure I came awfully close to first prize.
The ski station at Le Seignus with shops, restos and lifts leading to the various summits surrounding us. Can you spot the turquoise onesie?
We had the opportunity to try out two separate stations of Val d’Allos – La Foux and Le Seignus. The first was great for first-timers with its Bunny Hill and gentle green slope. I had a lot of fun teaching Jennie what I could while I got more comfortable on the skies myself (this was only my third time in ten years). Everywhere we went (and fell) filled the otherwise amazingly still air of the mountains with laughter and giggles from us two silly foreigners - even if at times we collided full speed into snow-covered embankments (well, Jennie did).
The following day, we were both challenged on the only blue slope (and the lowest level available) of Le Seignus (later told that it should really be rated as a red) but luckily had two amazingly patient French colleagues working with us every inch on the way down. It was fun, tiring and rewarding. By the end of day, both Jennie and I agreed that if we perfected anything it was learning to get back up after a fall, if not the fall itself.
Jennie and I enjoyed an afternoon coffee break at a little resto on the summit of Le Seignus – before taking the lifts back to the bottom knowing we’d never make it down before nightfall on our own (and probably not with help either).
Sunday evening, none of us had any desire to leave. Sore and tired, most certainly, but we knew we’d wake up the next morning ready to hit the slopes again. Winding back down through Haute-Provence, passing through the little villages, navigating around cliffs, and peering out over the crystalline water of the Lac de Castillon, I couldn’t help but realize just how fortunate we were to be seeing this area of France. I never want to leave this country!
First photo courtesy of here.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Seriously ! How can we stay? I am going skiing next weekend in the Vosges. I am so nervous !!! I am a beginner like you ! Love the 80s jacket!
You’ll do fine! Is this your first time or have you already gone a few times? The best part about the whole trip was having someone to ski with that was at about the same level I was – Jennie and I had a blast together! I hope you have a ski buddy!
Either way, I’m sure you’ll have the time of your life! The Vosges – I’ve heard they are stunning! And I doubt you’ll have ice patches like we did here.
Looks like a blast – I had such a great time skiing as well…only my 2nd time in the last few years, & it gets better each time, beautiful shots of the mountains!
It does get better each time! I’m hoping that maybe when I head to Philadelphia next week I can make it up to the Poconos for a day on the slopes. I’d head back up to Val d’Allos in a heartbeat though!
Wow, what a view! I’ve still never been skiing in my entire life (I know, shocking) but I would love to go to a ski resort just to be around such beautiful landscapes! Mr. C is actually snowboaring this weekend so it’s got me interested in giving some kind of winter sport a try!
ps I’m not at all surprised that you see onesies on the slopes – Mr. C didn’t have any ski gear so he borrowed his father’s old snow suit which, as you can guess, is one ensemble! He looked ridiculous.
The first time I decided to really try skiing was after the winter Olympics. They were so good and I wanted to at least be able to enjoy myself so I hit the slopes – and when i say hit, I mean literally hit with my whole body crashing into the snow
But it was great!
You should def try! It starts becoming really fun after only a few tries and it’s worth it!!