On Tuesday I had rented another pair of skis to try – K2 Fujitives.  So the same make as my Sweet Luv’s but a more advanced all mountain ski.  They were lighter than the B3’s with a more gradual sidecut, so felt less cumbersome.  Chris insisted I have a pair and as we know the guy in the ski hire shop and have sent business his way, he gave us a considerable discount and also set up an account for us.  He could not believe how old we were – he thought we were about 40 – and he and the other assistants thought it quite amusing that a nearly 55 year old woman was buying twin tipped park rat skis.   Unused to spending money on myself, these will have to be an early birthday present. 

They are great in powder, altho’ we are still trying to perfect our technique, and very impressive on piste.  Being brand new with razor sharp edges, I can get great edging on piste.  It’s good to be able to dig into an icy run and turn well instead of sliding all the time.  It’s quite amazing what a difference a good pair of skis can make.  I suspect it does not matter so much as a beginner but now that I am a good intermediate (Chris insists I am now verging on expert status but I beg to differ) using better skis definitely helps with technique, style and confidence.

The no smoking in public places has come into force this month.  I’m not sure it will make a great deal of difference as yet, as smoking is already banned in the shopping mall, cinema, arts centre, theatre and skating rink.  The ban in restaurants and bars will not become compulsory for another 6 months.  I read that there will be 135,000 smoking police to ensure the ban is realised as I am sure that the French, in their typical way, will flaunt this new law.