Well, happy new year to you all. Its been sometime since my last confession partly down to the fact that its been rather hectic over here and partly down to the fact that not a lots changed since I last posted.

Christmas and New Year is understandably always a busy time for Sauze and despite Italy, nay everyone apart from our Aussie cousins, being in the grips of global recession it seems that people still find the cash required to come skiing.

It’s nothing new when reporting that queues at this time of year have been back at the upper end of the annoying scale. That said I don’t think I’ve been in one longer than 10 mins. More like 5 so from that perspective it’s probably been at normal levels for some places I could mention over the border in France.

Next week will see Sauze returning to deserted slopes and lifts that you would be forgiven for thinking were placed there just for you. Welcome to my little ski resort.

The slope conditions have held up well to the unforgiving and relentless pounding of the Italians on holiday. I was last up on Thursday and the only thing stopping me classing it as great day was the fact that you needed eyes in the back of your head. Anyone who’s driven in Italy will have some understanding of what it’ like skiing here during the holiday period.

The temperature has increased and is set to remain worryingly high until Thursday next week. This will obviously have an effect on the snow. I personally think though we’ll be OK. We may start to get a few little patches appearing and the lower slopes may start to cut up but I wouldn’t worry too much. The amount of snow we have is at good levels and the skiing up high should remain good.

The next snow fall showing on the radar is for next weekend possibly starting on Friday 11^th although the weather system is coming from the North West so we may up end getting very little as the clouds unload their payload on the mountains further north before reaching Sauze.

There’s lots happening on the apres ski scene this season and as we say arrivederci to the holiday period and welcome what a lot of locals regard the true start to the season, mainly down to the fact that they cant ski until 7^th January, regular events will be happening. Check out what’s in store at places like Mira’s, Paddy’s, Cotton Club, Vagabondi’s and smaller venues like Il Lampiones. Most or all will have live music at some point during the week.

If you are out this Sunday for a week of snow and fun then there’s also the opportunity to catch Inter Milan v Pescara on the 12^th January or how about an Ice hockey match? Tuesday 8^th Briancon play Grenoble in the Coupe de France semi final. Email me if you’re interested in more information on either of these sporting events.

Right, my afternoon coffee awaits so I’ll sign off. Here’s wishing no delays and smooth flights for those flying out this weekend.