Tim and I took advantage today. It was almost always above freezing in the Alps today, and by jove we had a good time with it.

Remembering how to ski took about a minute this time, so I got on with it all day. Tim discovered a fascination with the off-piste areas, though I found I couldn't share in the joy, as the snow was too heavy for me to effectively make my turns. And I crashed. I guess you're allowed at least once of those a day, though this one was massive. I was in the off-piste following Tim when a tip dug in, then the other one, and then I faceplanted into the snow. I actually had to dig myself back out again, haha.

As always, the Alps are gorgeous. Sitting on top of the mountain at 3000m this morning, it all felt simply epic. North American ski areas just aren't like this place. Yes, there are marked runs, but they are always at least half a kilometer from the next run, leaving lots of open off-piste areas to play in. This place is just huge, and we only partially covered two valleys today. I have another one to explore (trois vallees), and another two days to do it with. Tomorrow we will head for Val Thorens - I'm told it is 20 km away from top of the mountain above Meribel, and should take us about two hours to reach it by lift and skiing down. Yeah!!

As always, Penny is spectacular in her hosting. I try to help out where I can, but plainly she's better at it than I. Breakfast this morning consisted of about eight different cereals, three yogurts, boiled eggs, fresh bagguetes (there is a delivery box outside - how cool is that), prosciutto and about ten marmalades and jams.

It's time soon for something I've been craving - Tartiflette. It's a southern France specialty consisting of Potatoes, Ham, Bacon and Reblochon cheese. (Pomme de Terre, Fromage de Reblochon, au lardons). Huh - and in my research it turns out the Savoy word for potatoes is tartiflia, while the normal French word is Pomme de Terre (Apple of the Earth). Way cool. Anyway, that's what I'm having dinner tonight.

Thanks for reading, and let me know if there is anything I can reasonably grab for you.