Saints though are a different proposition to the Warriors' two previous play-off opponents and possess not only the players to hurt any side, but also the appetite for revenge against a Leeds Rhinos side who have beaten them in the last two Grand Finals and now lieinwaitfor them again.
When, in mid-afternoon, the sun dips behind the mountain and my skis suddenly criss-cross ice-blue shadows, I am reminded of the more sinister snippets of local folklore my hosts have passed on: the wizard Fida, who lived in a cave above the valley and sold his soul to the devil, and the evil little spirits, parkeljni, who rattle their chains as they lieinwaitfor naughty children.