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The big day has arrived. Finally, it is neither a school holiday nor a weekend, and the mountain should be quiet. We headed up to Männlichen. Sure enough, apart from a busy half hour before coffee time, it was far from crowded. Hayley’s first ride in the new gondola.

Männlichen is a big area with a lot of long ski runs. We did all the skiing we could before hunger and tiredness began to take their toll.

A hot sausage roll from the bakery made for a very welcome lunch. Hayley is cooking for us tonight.

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It’s another warm, sunny day, so we’re off up the hill again. Emily is off to France for a few days, and we bumped into her at the station.

Considering that it hasn’t snowed for a month, the skiing was pretty good. Lots of weekenders about, but it wasn’t as busy as yesterday. At the top of the Lauberhorn this afternoon.

We returned to the village for a late lunch at Cafe Waldschluecht, before heading to the Co-op for supplies. Deer stew and mash for dinner tonight.

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Hayley has arrived. Time to go skiing – it’s a beautiful day.

At Wengernalp this afternoon.

We had a good ski, and ended up at the Figeller bar back in the village.

Dinner at the Eiger later.

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It’s the last day of holidays for the kids, and everyone wants to have a ski in the glorious weather. Very busy at Scheidegg.

And here are Roxy, Sophie and Val, who have spent all week teaching the kids. They got some lovely feedback from the parents and a very generous tip.

And a team photo.

We went to Rocks for an early drink, and we’ll be back up there later as we’re expecting a visitor on the late train.

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It’s been pretty gloomy all week, with a stubborn fog bank over the valley. We’ve had occasional glimpses of the mountains, but nothing much.

This morning however, things seemed to be improving a little. The fog is gradually dissolving.

Val has been working every day, and up at Kleine Scheidegg she’s above the fog so it’s been a nice week for her and the kids. Last work day tomorrow, so we can have some proper nights out.

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Last night we went to the Alpine Hotel to see Beves and Ibe play. I was spoiled by the staff, who knew it was my birthday the day before.

Blowing out my candle.

I was also bought a beer, and Ibe sang Happy Birthday. What a nice night out. Thanks to Anne-Marie for these great photos.

Not much to report from today – it’s been freezing cold with a stiff north wind. I got the shopping while Val was at work and hurried home.

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Last night the weather completely changed. The high temperatures are gone, and this morning it was cold with fresh snow. The nursery slope at Scheidegg.

There weren’t many people skiing today, but the pile of skis outside the coffee hut gave a clue as to where everyone had gone to escape the weather.

A breakthrough for Colin this morning – BBC Radio 2 played one of his songs.

We’ll never hear the last of it! If you’d like to hear the song, click play below.