The Vacher family, now with a base in Chamonix, joined Kathy again this year for some skiing. Kate and Piers came over in January to try their "hand" at ski touring, and again in February to show some of their friends around the Vallée Blanche, and another tour!

For our first day, we skinned up past Lac Blanc in the Aiguilles Rouges. Kathy forgot her camera or something! But Kate sent her this excellent shot of Piers enjoying the snow. It was trickier snow than he makes it look!

For our second day, we headed over into Italy. Kate gears up in Arpy, before heading out toward the Punta Croce.

Piers enjoying the sunshine.

In the wintry woods.

Breaking out above treeline into the sunny lake basin.

A fine spot for a picnic!

This lovely spot is one of our favorites, with sparse trees and gentle knolls.

Leaving the lake behind.

Heading back down the forest trail, with lovely snow in the woods.

Back again in February, the Vachers invited some family friends to join them on the Vallée Blanche.

David, Geoff, and Kate before lift-off.

Kate and daughter Millie on the famous arête,

The usual February half term holiday hurly-burly, in all its multicolor glory!

At last we are on our own and can ski! Powder hunting to start the morning.

And into the adventure.

Too busy enjoying the powder to get good shots of it, but here above the icefall there is still some blank canvas to be had.

The Géant icefall, obligatory photo opp.

Plenty of features to wind among. A beautiful day on the glacier.

The following day, Millie decided she wanted to try her hand at touring as well. We headed up to the Petite Croise Baulet above the Mégève ski area. Mont Blanc in the background.

On top of the Petite Croise Baulet! Beautiful views despite rather flat light.

Once again neglecting to snap shots of all the creamy nice snow on the descent, Kathy only brings out her camera to document the scrappy steep woods! Which were fun in a sick sort of way.

After descending into La Gietaz and journeying back through the entire ski area (stopping only for hot chocolate to keep us going), we returned back at our start point, and the view of our peak. Here's hoping Kate and Millie have caught the back country bug!