Today was cold.
Still completely clear, but properly f*cking cold.
I headed up mostly wanting a simple day. Get some laps, stop fiddling with my gear, don’t try and turn it into anything bigger than it needs to be.
It worked out nicely.
First Lift
Having completely surprised myself by making it onto the first lift (not happened in an embarrassingly long time), I of course had to grab a flat white.
Not a bad coffee spot!
Too smug? Sorry.
The Beard Situation
By the second lift my face had gone.
Not numb exactly, just locked up. You know when you try to move your mouth and it feels like you’ve just come out of the dentist?
Anyway, I noticed someone in the lift queue had pointed and laughed. So as soon as I got on the lift, I opened my camera…
Yep. Full ice beard again!
Ridiculous. Still into it though. It reminds me of my time in Japan. Which is certainly no bad thing.
Incidentally, I’m hatching a plan for a return in 2027, though maybe I’ll tell you about that in the next one!
Fixed the stupid dial
One BOA has been half annoying all week. Nothing major, just occasionally popping out with a mind of it’s own (guess that is kind of major actually).
I planned to take it into the board shop, but ended up fiddling with it myself.
Gave it a proper spin and whatever magic lives inside those things decided to cooperate.
Worked perfectly all day.
Honestly, that alone probably lifted my mood more than the sunshine.
A couple of you guys asked me about the Union Step Ons after yesterday’s update.
I’m not giving the grand speech/verdict yet (coming soon), but I filmed the step in process for you. It can be quicker than this but I was trying to show you all the clicks.
Cornu and new friends
Met two guys from Whistler on the chair. Quick chat, next run we are basically riding together without officially saying so.
Cornu was ideal. Fast, grippy, loads of bits down the side to pop off or slash.
Nothing wild. Just good riding. Everyone egging each other on a bit. A few hoots when someone found something decent.
Bottom of the lift, fist bumps, disappear forever.
One of my favourite things about this sport.
Last Lift
Yup, same spot as this morning. Different beverage!
I tried to stop and practice a bit of “gratitude” before heading down. I literally never do this but was trying to be more present.
I guess it sort of worked as I stopped to take in the scenery at the bottom too. It’s easy to forget how insane it is.
Certainly a different level to most of what I grew up with.
Anyway, here’s a little snapshot. Sorry if it takes a while to load!
Summary
Cold face, warm sun, gear finally behaving, met sound people, stacked a pile of very satisfying laps.
Properly good day.
Chamonix continues to deliver.
See you again tomorrow.
