Sunday 18/1/15 – the first day of our 3rd and now we ski the Dolomites were the scenery is truly awe inspiring.  The plan is to start at Ciampanoi then work our way to Plan de Gralba, and for those who are keen, an 8:30 start for two quick runs down the Cimpanoi piste (either the red cruiser or the black)

Getting ready, the muscles around my knees are a bit sore -noticed that also while skiing – next year, need to do some leg strength work before coming over – back onto the mountain bike !

Day report – early 8:30 start with Alan, Paul, Dee Dee, and Adam.  Did not see David but apparently he was just a few minutes after us.  First lift and first runs on perfectly groomed piste – they were good two first runs, but I realised I took the wrong goggles ( no snow protection on top vents), so at the end of the two runs, I had to quickly duck over the road to Alain’s ski shop and bought a new pair of goggles. We met rest of group who left the hotel a bit later  at 9:00 and worked our way to Plan de Gralba.  Adam disappeared as his new hire boots were causing him grief and Mel booked a 2 hour private lesson and was taken to Dantercepes.

Skiing was excellent – cold at -7 and stayed that way all day, so snow condition was perfect.  Group basically stayed together for the whole day and all enjoyed themselves.

End of the first day of ski the Dolomites with a swim, spa and saunas, then follow this up with free hot wine and biscuits before dinner.  This hotel is simply fantastic – excellent location, with top class facilities and they really look after you – 

Meanwhile, back at Lech, the white ring race was run in perfect bluebird day on fresh powder.

Thongs nominations were – Tosca – could not find his hire boots and skis this morning in the ski room ( because he had a big afternoon yesterday when we arrived at the Keller bar, and then hired his skis after a few hours at the pub – he simply could not remember what they looked like),  Tom clipping and taking out Melinda’s ski and forgetting gondola etiquette, Alan & Melinda for disappearing after lunch, Allan for taking wrong goggles and using a new pair but awarded to Hamish for forgetting his phone and interrupting his skiing by going back to hotel to retrieve.