Les Saisies and Didier’s Chalet

Snow, snow – at last winter has arrived with heavy snowfalls today. To make sure of the best snow we headed to Les Saisies (1600m) but not to walk in the ski resort. We set off on a gently rising trail through the towering pine trees with snow coming down fast and furiously. Higher up the path turned a corner and we traversed across a more open area towards a chalet that I’ve passed before. Arriving in front of the chalet, well away from any road access we were greeted by a man I now know as Didier. I thought the chalet was a mountain cafe/buvette but in fact it’s Didier’s home (he’s originally from Megeve) and a retired carpenter. He invited us in for a drink and offered us a “vin chaud” in large savoyard bowls. His little 3 month old collie pup greeted us too with his sharp little puppy teeth! The interior of the chalet showed off Didier’s woodworking skills. After having enjoyed this unexpected hospitality it was out into the snow again. The snowfall slackened off for a while and we zig-zagged up to the top of the Chard du Beurre before a descent back to the car near Les Saisies.