MS Trust Monster Ski Home

We were all ready to rock for the last day and were out of the hotel and at the base of the lifts by 8.30am. While having to put the clocks forward meant we had one less hour in bed, it did mean that a couple of special runs held better snow conditions for longer; this was ideal as it allowed us to crack a huge amount of feet early on. By the time both groups met for lunch we all basked in the sunshine and basked in the glory of having completed over 90,000 vertical feet in the 3 days.

The snow was good enough, while the weather was excellent – blue skies, beautiful sunshine and no wind; we simply could not have asked for more. In the end both groups managed to creep over the 100,000 vertical foot mark, which is an absolutely stunning achievement; it was hard, hard work. Special mention needs to go to Olly for her determination and sheer guts, and for which she receives the Monster Ski Coupe du Monde, and to Alice for being excellent support to Donna. Matt Subert wins for most footage completed, while Chloe wins the unofficial top speed prize for 66.2 mph.

Off now for a special celebration dinner and to toast the health of all those who have now been inducted to the Monster Ski Hall of Fame.

Mike Laver

We made it to Tignes yesterday in good order having met many of the Monster Skiers at Heathrow airport. Journey up was brisk… Settled into our hotel and had a great evening meal together.

Everyone survived the need for first night madness in good order and remarkably all made it to breakfast this morning. Set off for the slopes and were skiing a couple of warm up runs by 9am. We divided into 2 groups with Ken from Progression taking one and Andy from Ski Independence taking the other and tried to make the best of the conditions – good enough snow and bright and clear but amazingly warm, which had an effect on the snow’s conditions by the afternoon.

However, perseverance won the day, and Group 1, made up of some excellent skiers and boarders – Chloe Garth, Ian and Mark Blick, Sam Bassett, Matt Subert, Guy Haynes and Mark Glassock – were able to crack 32,975 feet. One of their group managed to stop a rock with his chin, while another had a bit of a tumble but they made the first day’s total nonetheless. Group 2 made up of Olly Keith, Michael Curtis, Adam Webb, Donna Blackman, Alice and Ralph Johnson, and Mike Laver finally reached 30,578 – an outstanding performance.

Tomorrow’s weather looks reasonable and, with a bit of careful husbandry of the pistes by Tignes/Val D’Isere, should give us a cracking day tomorrow.

Mike Laver

A well earned drink!

Monster Skier Mark Blick (pictured below) has been raising funds by dressing up for a mufti day at the school where he works. Thanks to Mark and all at Leatherhead Trinity School for raising £322.56!

Thanks to Mark Glasscock, our man in Tignes, for these lovely photos.

Sunset over Tignes Le Lac last night:

View over Val d’Isere “Le Fornet” (glacier – top bit!) from today: