On Location: SKItilla in the Alpe d'Huez

SKItilla went on a trip again for the first time in a few years to the wonderful Alpe d’Huez. 15 students enjoyed a wonderful trip from which most came back in approximately the same state. Enjoy this “dayreport” with all the ins and outs of what happened.

On Friday the 24th of February, our journey began from Enschede Central. After a few transfers, we arrived our bus stop in Utrecht, where we were a bit confused about which bus to take. Luckily, bus number 69 from Brouwertours arrived, out of which a dozen tobacco enthusiasts yelling “ROKUH!” came rolling. This immediately set a tone for the rest of the trip, which was filled with several stops, many peculiar statements and some sleep. After 15 hours we arrived in the beautiful Alpe d’Huez around 07:30. We dropped our bags, drank the necessary coffee and decided to spend our time by going for a walk up the piste. This delivered on some great sights, after which we welcomed the committee members who travelled by car to bring the groceries. The necessary frustrations were had with the traveling agency, appartement- and equipment rentals, but in the end we got our rooms. We starter unpacking and cooking, enjoyed a few cold ones and prepared for the next day.

To make the most of our ski pass we had to get up early so breakfast was at 07:45, which was nicely supplied with some fresh baguettes. Because some were still getting used to the ski holiday rhythm we weren’t entirely successful at being on the slopes at the earliest possible time. Since Ben also had to get some new shoes already and some people already had to exchange their rentals we ended up being on the slopes somewhere after 10:00. Everyone still had to get used to skiing again (or skiing for the first time for a few) so we sticked to the green and blue slopes, which already proved quite a challenge for some. Throughout the day it gradually started to snow, which meant a few things: it got colder, vision got worse and, most importantly, better slopes for days to come. Therefore, most people stopped skiing earlier than the lifts closed, hoping for better conditions for the next day. The slope map was checked for which parts might be nice to explore, since to reach some places you have to travel forward. It ranges from Auris on the right, to Vaujany to the left, Pic Blanc at the top and of course Alpe d’Huez at the centre.

Unfortunately, the quality of the slopes was not yet top-notch the following day, but that certainly didn’t stop us. The outer corners of the ski domain were explored, from Auris to Vaujany. Alexander and I reminisced by zooming down the familiar blue slope at Vaujany, just like in 2019 (when Alexander still did this unintentionally). The process of zooming down the slope had already become a phenomenon during this holiday, which, inspired by our noisy busmates, often went paired with “STREPUH!”. We also wanted to try a black slope, but the quality had degraded too far so we decided to leave it for the next day. That evening, plans were made to ski the longest black slope of the Alps: La Sarenne. This slope was supposed to be manageable in difficulty but exceptionally long, hence its black rating. With these plans and a few drinks consumed, we went to bed early, knowing it would be another early morning.

The following morning we tried for an early start, but sadly there was a long line for the bakery, so breakfast took a bit longer. This gave appartement 300 some time to tidy up, as it had become the (after)borrelroom, since its balcony was also the beer fridge. After breakfast we decided to split up into a group that would ski La Sarenne and a group that would stay lower on the slopes. After we established in the big gondola that La Tunnel would indeed not be an option for the rest of the week (more rock than snow could be seen), we enjoyed the fantastic views from the Pic Blanc. Then we started our arduous journey, which seemed to be going well at first. But then, disaster struck! During a tough part of the descent which everyone had some difficulties with, Alexander suddenly started “STREPUH!” (probably unintentionally). He French Fried where he should have Pizza’d and he had a bad time. At high speed he made a jump which he landed completely on his right leg, followed by a fall. Since he afterwards had difficulty with putting on his ski and walking, we decided to get some professional help. We couldn’t call the ski patrol from on top of the mountain (France, fix your network!) we got our help from a nearby ski lift. Within 10 minutes someone from the ski patrol was with us (this, in contrast, was well-organized) who confirmed that Alexanders ankle was indeed injured and he had to be brought to the clinic in the village. One banana and, to our surprise, a helicopter flight later, and it turned out that his ankle was indeed fractured. The rest of the slope was confirmed by the others to be a piece of cake and most went to bed early after this tiresome day.

The snow had improved over the days thanks to the hard work of snow cannons, although more and more stones did appear on the slope. Auris was revisited, this time by the calm ski squad, as it was more accessible this time. After some slightly ice slopes and a lot of cold wind, we were rewarded with some beautiful views, which helped us decide on our next goal: the top of the Pic Blanc. Although a part of the group had already been here to ski La Sarenne, the less experienced skiers had not. So we continued on our way whilst throwing snowballs at each other (which is encouraged to do while skiing, but discouraged to do against people who are skiing). When we were almost there we discovered that the gondola to the top was closed already, so we went back to the appartement. Here an error was discovered: on the way back from the hospital in Grenoble with Alexander, more beers were bought since, to our surprise, we were already out. However when unloading the new boxes, a load of cans was discovered which apparently were still full! Luckily some of our group had some solutions in mind and the problem was resolved by the end of the week.

The next day we headed straight to the Pic Blanc since we didn’t want to miss it this time. Once we arrived at the top we decided it was the best location for a group picture, although Alexander couldn’t be there physically, an issue fixed in post. We then split up again, as not everyone seemed fit to do go down the black slopes of the top. However we were not even entirely safe on the blue slopes. During a quick descent Jonas had a fall as a result of a collision with a bump. He fortunately didn’t break anything except for his ski, which ended up quite crooked. Luckily we were close to the gondola and he had purchased warranty so there were no problems with getting a new pair. After ending the day with a good après-ski session on the mountain and continuing in the appartement, the last day came into sight, so plans were made to check out the last parts of the ski domain.

The next morning we set a record for earliest on the slope so far, after which we raced down the remaining slopes. The valley of Oz and Vaujany was explored by the people who only learned skiing that week. The more experienced skiers decided some more risky actions since it was the last day: jumps were made, slaloms were swerved and a lot gates were used for limbo-skiing. We also went out for dinner since we didn’t want to completely miss the French cuisine. Everyone enjoyed fondues, raclette, wine, stone-baked meat and eventually a local drink called Genepy. Once back in the appartement, where the end of the trip seemed to be approaching, a large part of the group got motivated to explore the night life, but those are stories to ask in person.

The next morning we had an early start (or late, for the ones that skipped the night) since we had to be out of the appartement before 8. After thoroughly cleaning and packing the car we went looking for a terrace to enjoy the sun till our bus left. Enjoying the familiar Grolsch that we discovered so far from home various activities were done to spend the day, such as a mechanical sled run, a few walks and missing the sunset. We were well prepared for a fun bus trip, since it was quite the experience on the way to Alpe d’Huez. To our dismay we found out that the bus driver was also quite a fan of zooming, so a fun ride or good sleep could not be enjoyed. The next morning we did arrive quite early since the fast drive only took 12 hours.

In general everyone enjoyed the trip, from experienced to first-time skiers. In the end 2 pairs of ski’s, 3 pairs of shoes and 1 ankle were broken. The slopes were conquered and we enjoyed a lot of fantastic dishes. Now let’s hope next year the only thing we break is the tradition of breaking stuff.