Ski Wars: A New Slope

Most of the action in Meribel is done and dusted by the end of the day, leaving the athletes to retire to their team talks, stretches and raclettes.

Whilst the skiers sleep, a faint, whirring, whistling sound can be heard coming from the slopes - where in the pitch-black stillness of the night another team is hard at work.       

The piste bashers are responsible for ensuring the course is safe and of world-class standard.

Come dusk the drivers hit the slopes in huge caterpillar tread machines, combing the snow until dawn. 

It's their job to ensure the slopes are fit and safe for both athletes and tourists to ski on.

They work late into the night to make sure events like the inter-services snowsports championships stay on track.       
 
More: Meribel 2017: From Athlete To Guide