After seeing in the New Year through The Cottage skylights as a volley of fireworks echoed down the valley, we were back up again well before the sun to seek out our first adventure of the year.
Headtorches guided our way into the New Year to begin before the dawn finally broke as we skinned our way uphill. It was a grey morning, with no spectacular sunrise again, but it was wonderful to be out on our own while the world was still sleeping.
Lower down, there were plenty of footprints from yesterday's hikers, but as we climbed, the overnight snow gave us a fresh covereing.
After a while, we reached the top dam and spooky tunnel entrance that leads into the mountain.
From here we climbed a little higher, but the snow was heavy and wet, indicating that the ski down was going to be best, the way we had come up.
We found our high point and had some food. The views were not exactly far-reaching, but we were very happy regardless.
Removing the skins from our skis and donning helmets, we got ready for the descent. As predicted, the first turns were tricky in the heavy snow as we returned to the tunnel entrance.
But once on the more compacted roadway, we could whoop our way downwards with ease.
As we reached the lower section we passed a few friends just setting out their own adventures which added a nice little social bonus to the day.
We were back at The Cottage again in time for elevenses of fresh apple pancakes and hot coffee, where daffodils and other bulbs are making an early appearance this year!
A nice stroll down to the river and back gave us a few other chance social encounters with our various neighbours, then we spent the remainder of the New Years Day relaxing by the fireside, working our way through all manner of fine foods and even a glass of fizz. Excellent.
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