Ski Instructors Report 26th February 2011

This week produced a very mixed bag of weather conditions. We had a couple of days of snow and a couple of very warm days, with strong winds. It was the English half term holiday, so most of our clients were here with their families. There were 24 classes of children. Most instructors had a morning and an afternoon group. Next week looks a lot quieter and of course, a lot cheaper. We are expecting more young people and livelier evenings.

I had a very jolly evening at the Palarine this week.. Every Thursday they put on a super Chinese buffet, which is open to non residents. It was so popular this week that the restaurant opened at 7 pm, so that they could fit in a second sitting. They menu was very impressive; soup, prawn crackers, sushi, pickled ginger, spareribs, spring rolls and crispy aromatic duck with pancakes. That was just the starters. I grazed on the starters and did not have any room for the main courses, although I did manage to squeeze in a little teriyaki steak. In the bamboo bar drinks were being serves by Stuart (BBA) our very cheerful barman.(Liverpool scored a lucky late goal to win in Europe earlier that evening)) Mike (Elvis) entertained us after dinner. We enjoyed a some singing and dancing until about midnight.

The Palarine has themed dinners on five evenings during the week. These dinners are open to non residents. I especially like the Indian Curry evening. Again there are a wide range of dishes. The hotel is aware that not everyone likes hot curries, so the dishes are fairly mild but they do provide a weapons grade sauce on the side. This is for those who think that a curry should burn the mouth and burn the bum. Personally, I mix only a little of this lethal sauce into my curry. The option is there for you to decide how hot you like your curry.

They also have Italian and Tex-Mex evenings but their best is on a Sunday when they produce an English Roast Beef Dinner with Yorkshire Puddings and a large selection of perfectly prepared vegetables. Also there is as an alternative; roast pork with stuffing and crackling, which some have as an alternative, however others have it in addition to the beef. This evening is very popular with expats and Tour Company Reps. They usually book a large table for late evening when they have finished their welcome talks.

It takes a lot of will power not to put on weight staying in the Palarine. Sadly, I lack the will power.