Life above the clouds

Once upon a trip to Valmeinier...

Since I started my Year Abroad, I seem to have caught on to the attitude "you're on your year abroad - anything is possible". So when it was briefly mentioned in a passing conversation that we could just literally 'hop on the train' down to the mountains for a long weekend skiing and act like Made in Chelsea bitches, I jumped at the opportunity and pestered my friends to book asap as it had been seven long years since I last ventured into a white haven above the clouds.  

Christmas came and went and we still hadn't booked...my vision of light, fluffy, snow covered mountains, chalets and log fires after a long adrenaline-fuelled day skiing were increasingly fading in the distance and I felt my body sink below the clouds at the thought of it being another seven years until I could go again.

Much pestering and researching the best deal later, Valmeinier 1800 was booked. Myself and my two favourite Petite Anglaises took the TGV {the high-speed train} from Paris directly to St Michel-Valliore and four and a half hours later we emerged excitedly from the shuttle bus to our snow covered chalet.

Skis? Check. Boots? Check. Poles? Check. We were ready. 

Okay, so maybe our chalet didn't cost hundreds of pounds and have a private jacuzzi and Michelin star chef but we liked to play the MIC rich bitch part by guzzling down champagne whilst sunning ourselves on the wooden decked balcony looking out at the breathtaking view. It did have a cute little log fire and a jacuzzi sized, heated swimming pool for relaxing our achy muscles and we did try and dress chicly on the slopes.

Perfect pre-après ski champagne on the balcony

Matched ideally with a to-die-for view

Snow, snow, snow...at nealy 2500m!

Mid-ski espresso à la française 

Skiwear? 

A mix of practicality and attempting to be fashionable on the slopes - down to basics:

I went for chic white salopettes teamed with a sky blue O'Niell jacket, maybe in an attempt to blend in with the landscape so people wouldn't notice my embarrassing tumbles? Ski goggles - Bollé topped off with my Lambswool, fleece lined Jack Wills headband.

Left photo credit: Hannah Cluley

A not so last minute lastminute.fr April skiing deal in the Rhône-Alpes, Valmeinier with Madame Vacances, was the prefect break from a busy working city lifestyle. The only downfall? We didn't stay long enough! I would definitely recommend the resort, if you're looking for a not too busy, French filled, non-touristy destination.

All photos are mine and edited by myself unless otherwise stated.

Just don't forget the champagne!

Ciao from the pistes,

E x