Something we skiers like is to discover new pistes and different mountains, and that of couse made it very difficult for us to resist an invitation to take part in last weekend’s Gourette Telemark 2015 in the French Pyrenean resort.

One of Torocuervo’s main aims is to promote the practice of telemark skiing, which is why we organise Valdezcaray Legend in nearby Valdezcaray, La Rioja – this year it’s held on February 21-22 – and also visit other resorts in search of new friends.

In Gourette we shared slopes and smiles with our friends from Lurk Telemark Taldea and had an amazingly warm reception from the French organisers.

The weather was fabulous. On Saturday we explored the slopes which are much steeper than the ones we are used to in Valdezcaray. But the smiles on the boys’ and girls’ faces and – why not admit it? – the parents’ too, revealed just what a great time we were all having.

Sunday was race day and it dawned sunny and icy. Despite some tricky conditions we all gave it our best shot. Falls and moments out of control don’t matter; it all helps improve the technique.

We returned home having had a great weekend – as you can see in James’ photos – and already looking forward to going back next year.

Merci bien Gourette!

Chefe