Training Log Archive: Torino

We decided not to do any skiing as the conditions were so bad and the temperatures really cold with high winds. So we packed up and went to the Col du Pillon (couldn't go up to Glacier 3000 because of high wind and the gondola wasn't running). We snow hiked up to a beautiful lake with lots of families sledding, people snowshoeing or simply just walking. From there we decided to head further up to the top of ski lifts that didn't seem to run anymore. It was a very lovely hike in the sunshine exploring an entirely new area for us with great scenery as backdrop.

Spending two days in Les Diablerets hoping to find adequate snow. But downhill skiing is marginal, very icy and not so good for my knee. So I checked out the nordic center on Col des Mosses which was closed and hikers were walking on the ski tracks! Then I returned to Les Diablerets and resigned to the 2-k loop in town which was also hardpacked and icy in spots. I did 2 loops with the skate skis and the first loop was very "wobbly" on the skinny skis. But it came back quickly and the second loop went much better. No back pain what-so-ever. However, the right knee protested and was swollen at the end.
Still, I wanted to try my classic skis, so I switched but forgot to put any wax on the front and tail and thus was really struggling on the little uphills. After 3 loops I felt it wise to stop and rest my knee and strengthen it up again for this kind of activity as it was my first time cross-country skiing on the narrow, skinny skis.

Easy hike with a group of Bernese friends (and their friends unknown to us) from train station Boudry up to Champs des Moulins along the Areuse and through the impressive gorge.
Ny bacj us getting better every day, but this was entirely different and so much longer. Took some of the weight off as I was hikiing with the poles.
Very nice way to spend New Year's Eve (in the end at dinner in Fleurier and then for midnight in downtown Neuchâtel. Didn't get home until 2 am with a fairly dizzy head and somewhat frozen.).