As we turn back the clocks and try to savor a few hours of morning light, I reflect on the magnificent recent change of season in the Alps. Today, snow dusted our lawn and blanketed the hills. Temperatures dropped to -4 degrees. I am not sure I could live anywhere where there were no changes of seasons. To me, it brings renewed strength, challenge and energy. The change of season is good for our health, to cleanse from the summer months, and bring new energy inside and refocus on what’s to come. The changing of the leaves, the temperatures, change of sports, energy levels and perspectives. I try to take a deep breath in and out and embrace what is to come.
We have had some amazing Indian Summer days this past month. I spent a good part of September recovering from the CCC, kicking off the school year and enjoying family time. Prior to the start of school, Michael and Birken took a bike trip around Switzerland, covering much of the route he passes on when he guides with Bike Switzerland .
School got off to a start in early September, and the boys were very eager to get back to see their friends.
I managed to get in some great last trail runs between the rain storms of September and into the Indian summer days of October.
Come October, I enjoyed more time on the bike, enjoying the cols around Chamonix.
We had bike rides in the rain and shine…..
Indian summer days with fresh snow in the mountains
Our ski alpinisme club hiked up the Plan d’aiguille for a training and social.
Roller skiing has been a bigger focus this last month. It can be logistically complicated to get up those 800 meter climbs and then get down…
One of the highlights for the school children is the local schools’ cross country race. It combines all the local schools, with ages from 1st to 5th grade. It is a great way for the children to value the importance in working towards a goal in sport and finding the confidence to reach the finish line. Both our boys took part this year , Anders 2nd in his division and Birken 3rd in his.
Cervinia opened mid October.The first day back on snow always feels a bit strange, but kind of like riding a horse….you never forget.. Just my transitions were not lightning fast.
What is the winter season shaping up to be? For me, the big races will start in January with the French National individual race, then the first World cup kicking off 2nd weekend in January. This year there are 5 World Cup races, including 3 sprints, 2, verticals and 5 individuals. All of these races will holds the same number of points. The World Championships will be held in Pelvoux, France and will include Team. Sprint, Vertical, Individual and Relay. All but the Relay and Team will count towards overall World Cup points.
Michael has joined the ISMF team to help with the growth of skimountaineering in other nations with the ultimate goal of it being an olympic sport one day. The sport must show a presence of a wide range of nations on all continents. We will see this year at the world championships if there are more nations competing.
The other big races on the SkiMo calendar will be the Grande Course series. Coming up in November the Grand Course will launch a reception the 2013/2014 courses and they will honor the athletes in the top rankings. I will join the other athletes in this ceremony for my 5th place position. This year’s Grande Course Races: Pierra Menta, Adamello and Mezzalama. And a new big race is the UltraTrak in Zermatt. I will see how it goes and if I will compete in the Grande Course this year.
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