Coaching ski touring in and around Arolla

Clare, Caroline, Rob and I have just finished a weeks ski touring in and around Arolla. A nice balance of perfect snow and excellent terrain made for an adventurous and rather fabulous week not to mention the -26 degree temperatures.  These conditions, without a doubt, are very un forgiving of poor admin! Challenged maybe, my guys did great out there, enjoying the experience and learning lots to boot!

The areas visited varied massively from the quiet, stunning beauty of the Val d Rechy to the draw dropping ruggedness of Mt. Blanc de Cheilon. For Clare and Rob this was their first introduction to ski touring. Introducing people to a new discipline in the mountains is a deeply rewarding experience especially when they have other mountain skills to draw from. Caroline, Clare and Rob had plenty of mountain skills and were keen to not only have some great mountain experiences but learn to become more independent. For me, the perfect brief! If people are aiming to become independent there is no point sheltering them from all dangers and decision making processes. Carefully managed and controlled risk is the way forward.  When a tricky decision was to be made, thought processes were shared. From pulling the skis out of the roof box on day one, heading up to the Pic d Artsinol, a culture of honesty and openness existed. This was great and really helps the learning process. Jude kept us going quite nicely with great food, wine and ridiculously good cakes! A great week, thanks.