The first snows of the winter came early to the Picos with a generous smattering at the back end of September, this was followed by a wonderfull Indian summer throughout most of October. It was during the last days of October that the first real snow arrived with a 60cm dump falling to 800m.

A breif and welcome weather window over the festive period allowed Helena, my first client, to ski some great conditions in fabulous sunshine, first up on the flanks of Pena Sagra and then a circuit from the cable car of Pico Padiorna. Here was a chance to try out my new toy I got for christmas a small strap on a helmet movie camera with dodgy results. I promise to get good with this gadget because hopefully it will mean a lot less writing on this blog, (That’s what you think. Ed) I'm not sure what I get first prize at, being untechy or academically lazy.