Tignes Apres Ski Report: 10th April 2013

With the help of some Tignes veterans, we finally got to slash the pow out of the back of Mickys Ears, Observation Table and The Fingers. Something most of us have had our minds on for the majority of the season. It was a day that had us grinning from ear to ear, ticking boxes and most importantly, getting back in one piece. We even had a jam on a backcountry booter to cap the day off. A day to remember for sure and right up there with the most enjoyable this season.

After a lot of drunken talk, we finally got our act together on Thursday and headed down the road to La Rosiere and made the trip from France across the boarder to La Thuile, Italy. We had hired a back packers for the night and had a great day making our way over. A soon as you cross into Italy, the prices substantially drop and the food is amazing. We had a massive burger, chips and beer on the slopes for €10 and managed to tag the wall in one restaurant before heading down into the town. Once there we dropped our gear off and then headed to the pub for a few après. We were warmly greeted and even given complementary snacks. After leaving, we wondered along to the big pizzeria where we were spoilt. Proper Italian pizzas, amazing red wine and gelato for desert. All for just €15. The accommodation was above standard and included wifi and brekkie. It was a truly great experience and just a short 40min drive from Tignes. If you have a spare few days I would most definitely recommend doing it.

I was lucky enough this week to witness a Val d'isere Eagle. These guys are what the logo is based on for the Val resort and use to be all over the show when both resorts were established. They have since suffered a fall from grace and are now on the worldwide endangered species list struggling to find their next meal. They're truly an impressive bird, and have so much natural swag. It would have been as wide as me long and have claws that would take down a dog. It circled me above the Tignes dam for a good 10 minutes, keeping me on my toes while I filmed. Coming from NZ where we value our wildlife, environment and scenery so much, I was truly in awe of this amazing creature. If you want to learn more about them, there are info boards on these gangsters in the L'Olympique gondola in Val d'I sere.

This week was more about ticking boxes for myself. With this dope four and a half months coming to an end, I saw some amazing country and gave myself some incredible natural buzz's. I head into my final week with a few more goals that need to be ticked, but most importantly just keen to enjoy the sun and time with the amazing crew left in Tignes.

Cheers!