A different way to spend NYE

New year's eve; a night usually dedicated to drinking and partying, is not one I tend to hold high hopes for; too much expectation usually leads to disappointment.

This year though, for the second year running, I spent the week after Christmas in the French Alps, in a tiny village called Albanne. Our accommodation was a basic wooden chalet owned by my godparents, reminiscent of a mountain refuge; one large room, with a couple of partitions, holds bunk beds, dining room, kitchen, shower and toilets.

Inside the chalet

 With no electricity, a big wood heater kept us warm, and in the evenings, candles on empty bottles of wine served as lights. When you're out exploring the mountains all day, whether it be alpine skiing, cross country skiing or walking, all you really need is a warm place to come home to, and good company.

The trek up to 'Le Pain de Sucre'

For New Year's Eve, in keeping with tradition for anyone at the chalet, the ten of us (an assortment of aunts, uncles, parents, cousins and siblings) embarked on a night trek to 'Le Pain de Sucre' a high point in the valley offering panoramic views of the surrounds. Armed with head torches, snow shoes and a healthy supply of hot chocolate, we set off in the dark, initially along marked paths, and eventually cutting our own route through the knee deep powder to the top.



The night was clear, and with the moon and stars reflecting onto the snow, there was no need for torches and leading the way, I was able spot footprints of chamois, rabbits, and deer before we trampled all over them.

At the top

The two hours to the top were well worth it, where we were treated to spectacular views of the Maurienne valley, with the shadows of mountains in the background, the snow sparkling in the moonlight and the twinkling of lights from the villages below.

Back at the chalet, we popped open a bottle of bubbly over a home made tartiflette, the perfect way to begin 2015. Let it be the first of many adventures for this year!

Soph x