Sainte Foy, an epic week, The Ministry of POW!

Unleashing the Beast: Oh, that week we spent in Saint Foy! It was a symphony of pure ecstasy, where every note of adventure struck a chord deep within our souls. The conditions were divine, the Powder Mad crew was electric, the accommodations were impeccable, the guides were masterful, the temperatures were ideal, and the food—oh, the food was a divine feast that fueled our alpine conquests. Our fearless band of John Bennett, Nial Horton-Stephens , Louis Horton-Stephens, Doug Evans, and our trusted guides, Sonny and Chance (Twin Peaks) embraced the glorious conditions with a fervour that set the slopes ablaze.

nitially, we explored the tree lines due to high avalanche risk and poor visibility.  Sonny arranged a refresher avalanche course and the snow just kept falling and temperatures continued to drop. As the days progressed the visibility improved and we were treated with with the powder hunters Shangri-la , we ventured into the backside of the resort with our knowledgeable guide. One of the unforgettable highlights was skiing Col du Granier, where the snow was knee to thigh-deep, offering pristine fresh tracks throughout. The steep pitch and champagne powder made for an exhilarating descent, leading us through breathtaking scenery and abandoned winter hamlets.

Initially, we explored the tree lines due to high avalanche risk and poor visibility.  Sonny arranged a refresher avalanche course and the snow just kept falling and temperatures continued to drop. As the days progressed the visibility improved and we were treated with with the powder hunters Shangri-la , we ventured into the backside of the resort with our knowledgeable guide. One of the unforgettable highlights was skiing Col du Granier, where the snow was knee to thigh-deep, offering pristine fresh tracks throughout. The steep pitch and champagne powder made for an exhilarating descent, leading us through breathtaking scenery and abandoned winter hamlets.

A mountain odyssey

The following day dawned with an air of excitement and anticipation, as our sights were set on a thrilling ski touring adventure. Our objective: conquer the paradise of La Foglietta, a hidden gem that had not been skied since the heavy snowfall had blanketed its slopes. With determination etched on our faces, we made our way to the top lift and started touring so eager to embark on this exhilarating itinerary.

As we reached the entry point (1.20hr), a breathtaking panorama unfolded before our eyes. The majestic peaks stood tall, their snow-covered summits glistening under the morning sun. It was a sight that filled our hearts with awe and stirred a primal sense of adventure within us.

Guiding us through this untouched playground were Sonny and his brother Chance, expertly assessing the snow stability to ensure our safety. They were the masters of their craft, their experience and knowledge shining through their every move. With their go-ahead, we knew it was time to immerse ourselves in the magic of La Foglietta.

One by one, we dropped into the steep and deep powder, our skis slicing through the pristine Powder. It was a moment of pure exhilaration, as shouts of joy erupted from our lips, echoing through the mountains. Each turn brought us deeper into the heart of this untouched paradise, where the powdery snow embraced us like a soft, velvety blanket.

La Foglietta revealed its true nature, a playground for adrenaline junkies and passionate skiers. The steep slopes challenged our skills, demanding our utmost focus and finesse. But we were up to the task, fully embracing the exceptional conditions that surrounded us.

With each stage, we reveled in the pure joy of skiing through knee-deep powder, the exhilaration fueling our spirits. The mountains echoed with our triumphant inner joy. La Foglietta had captured our hearts, etching its name in our memories as a place of awe-inspiring beauty and thrilling adventures.

Together, we formed a united front, a band of adventure-seekers pushing the boundaries of our comfort zones. As we carved our way through the snow, our laughter and whoops of joy filled the air, a testament to the exhilaration we felt in that very moment.

The day in La Foglietta will forever be etched my memory, a testament to the power of the mountains and the indomitable spirit of our Powder Mad tribe. With every turn, we celebrated the freedom, the adventure, and the sheer bliss of skiing in untouched powder. And as we bid farewell to La Foglietta, we carried its magic with us, fueling our passion for future conquests and adventures that awaited us… Say no more!

The week in Sainte Foy was an incredible experience, filled with unforgettable moments. Afterward, I (Jem Rose) extended my stay, immersing myself with the local skiing scene, forging new connections, before embarking on the exciting cat-skiing season in North Macedonia.