Exploring the Alps RSS

It was a lovely, hot sunny day in Chamonix. We decided to walk up to the Chapeau, perhaps to treat ourselves to a pudding after our picnic on the way up (with our Ordnance Survey PACMAT of course). It's a very pleasant walk through the trees, in the shade a lot of the time, up from the picturesque village L'avancher. As you get closer to the Chapeau the path opens out, crossing a small waterfall stream, getting steeper until you arrive at the Chapeau. .   We were ready for some picnic pudding, but not having reserved a place, it was...

After a long drive from London to the French Alps we were ready to get out and stretch our legs. The weather was incredibly hot so we thought hard about where we'd get the most shade. Off we went, early the next morning, before the heat really kicked in, to Verslesponts - on the shady side.        Walking up through the cool of the trees was wonderful. This then opened out into a meadow which was beautiful, but the heat was too much for some. We stopped at the stream for Basil to cool his feet, and have a picnic.      Feeling refreshed,...

We all LOVE Myrtille crumble. The weather looked glorious and we had a multi generation group - so berry picking seemed like a good plan to involve the young and old. After finding a good spot for base, with a magnificent view, we all set to work. Even Basil, the dog, joined in, although not many of his made the container.  Once the containers were over flowing we sat down for a picnic baguette and cheese before heading home to get cooking the pudding. It always tastes better when you've picked the fruit yourself.   Basil: When he wasn't munching, he was...

A great thing about having teenage kids is that you can get out for a little morning adventure and be back before they know it. Over our summer time in Chamonix we developed a bit of a habit of getting out with Basil for a walk/run up to the Rocher des Montets. It's a steep woodland walk up rewarded with fantastic views over Chamonix town one way and up to the Dru the other. Although we love to picnic, the friendly buvet does a very nice line in crumble and myrtille tart (almost justified by the walk up). After a little refreshment we would...

Keep it fun. Don't get nervous and if you do, don't show it. If you're lucky enough to be going skiing with the kids for half term I'm sure it will be great fun, rewarding but really hard work. Here are a few things we've learnt from our experience with kids on slopes.They will need a lot of refuelling. Eating in cafes on the mountain can be expensive. We always take picnic. Nearly all ski areas have indoor picnic areas for when the weather is cold. If you can't find one just ask. They can be hidden away. And when the weather is good it's fabulous to...