Ski Safari

In the first week of march me and my Dutch ski buddy Peter guided a ski safari in France for a sports tour operator. From our base in Lanslevillard we headed out by helicopter with a small Dutch group of experienced skiers to be dropped off in the middle of the Vanoise nature reserve. The trek will takes us through virginal valleys, narrow couloirs, over breathtaking peaks at altitudes around 3.100 metres high with some of the most beautiful nature in the background. The Vanoise reserve is one of the few locations in Europe where you can be cut off from the human world and see nothing but nature on a multiple-day hike, or in our case ski safari. We were really looking forward to the trip because experienced trekkers know to keep quiet. With some luck we might catch a glimpse of the wolves that were recently reintroduced in the reserve. Also experienced people don’t whine about the lack of luxury and the cramped quarters when spending the nights in mountain cabins or cold nights in tents.

The following day the helicopter dropped us off just below the top of a 3.000 metre high mountain. The weather had been foggy all day long so we couldn’t see the otherwise stunning panoramas. Apart from blocking any view we might have had from the chopper, the fog also had seemed to block all conversation on board. At the beginning of any safari a group usually is loud with nervous chitchat. This group seemed rather gloomy. I thought that this was probably due to their experience. They knew what trouble fog could cause. I bet Peter was feeling somewhat apprehensive about it. I know I was.

Only now while we heard the helicopter whirring away in the distance, was de air clearing. As if it took the fog with it. It immediately lifted everybody’s spirit and when the choppers noise had Dopplered away, the sun shone on us. Literally. It broke through the clouds and caressed our snowy ledge with it rays. Me and Peter took the opportunity to size up our clients.