Like I was telling you, these last few days in Val d’Isère not only meant a lot of cocooning in our magnificent hotel but a little sport too…so we can equilibrate the scales, after our many gourmet binges!

Last year I strapped on my skis to glide down the slopes (or more like tumble down).

This year, we wanted to discover other snow pleasures: so we opted for the snowshoes hike, guided by out trusty instructor Jean-Louis!

I don’t know if some of you have tried it but this exercise is ideal to work all the muscles (abs, buttocks, thighs, arms): we started by a long hill across woods in the Fornet so we could contemplate the view over the Val d’Isère village.

We even got to see some mountain goats and chamois (throughout binoculars, our footsteps not discreet enough to make a close approach! ).

Walking with snowboots is probably more intuitive than skiing but you still need to acquire some sort of technique when you climb steep hills: the batons (and balance) are not frivolous.

Concerning the descent, it’s the best moment! It feels like walking on air or marshmallows : very soft and plush! I’m hoping to renew the experience the next time I get to the mountains, my thighs still feel the burn, but it’s for the best!

PS: A huge thank you to Polo from the Proshop boutique of the hotel for lending us the equipment for our lovely treck with a smile on his face and thank you to Jean-Louis for his patience and catching passion for the mountain! (English translation by TradIsa)