Video Reports from Val Thorens

The sun is still shining brightly over Val Thorens and it isn’t showing any signs of stopping! I left my car in the sun for about an hour the other day and the temperature gauge showed 24 degrees!

There is snow coming to Val Thorens in time for Christmas, the clouds have moved in and after three weeks of sunshine it looks more like winter again in the Three Valleys.

It’s been a few weeks since I updated my blog because I took a week off to go to London. While I was in London I did two speeches to children at Thomas’s London Day Schools about skiing and chasing your dreams. It was great fun but by the end of the week I was ready to get back out to the mountains for the rest of the season. My season will finish up in March with the British and Scottish Championships in Meribel and Courchevel. Before then I still have a few more races, including the French Championships!

Caroline braves bitterly cold temperatures to bring us this snow report - great for the snow, not so great for our roving reporters! The off-piste powder is wonderful and the British Ski Championships are coming to town.

The glorious weather is still holding out and the snow is still surprisingly good higher up. Lower slopes are skiable but a little patchy.Caroline anticipates a quieter week ahead and gives a few insider tips on booking holiday bargains!

Caroline is beaming on the first day of lift openings, and is reporting from the Rossignol piste. The snow conditions are good and the pistes are quiet - perfect!Caroline tells you what you can expect to gain from our snow reports and looks forward to guiding you through the rest of the season.

This week Courchevel has been transformed into a mini-Russia with the celebration of the Russian Christmas period.The weather has been very changeable and off-piste skiing is not recommended. The piste condition feels more like spring than mid-winter.Caroline gives some valuable advice on avalanche safety and tells you where you can go in resort to practice using tranceivers and probes.

With clear skies and sun shining over groomed, quiet pistes the Three Valleys is perfect at the moment.

Although it's April the snow still seems to be falling in Meribel so that means that Courchevel and Val Thornes are seeing it too. This is normal for April but after the poor snow we saw last year it seems like a special event.

Today the lifts of the Sauliere area have opened to surprisingly good snow conditions.Caroline gives a few facts and figures on the snow cover and her predictions on which areas will be opening next.

The new DC Area 43 snowpark in Meribel Mottaret will be equipped with a camera system which will add the ability to film your tricks for free and view them directly online.

The sun has been shining all week in the Three Valleys and on high and north facing slopes there's even some powder.

We have had almost continuous snow fall this week , although at times that snow did fall as rain on the lower pistes. Up high though it has been dumping and even though you can't see anything it is still great as it means we are getting so much snow. Aside from immense powder days we're looking forward to the Ski Force test in VT and the FIS Moguls comp next week here in Meribel.

This has been the snowiest week of the season! Snow depths are good and almost all pistes are open. Caroline has being skiing in the Courchevel area today, which was wonderful.With the advent of the school holidays there are plenty of children's activities planned throughout the resort.

Although the holidays are in full swing we've managed to avoid the queues by hitting the black runs over in Courchevel. The snow was great today and even though the light was a little flat we still had a great time on the pistes with all the fresh new snow.

Caroline reports from one of her favourite mountain restaurants, whilst enjoying the spring sunshine. Warm weather has softened much of the snow but some of the higher pistes are still quite good.

Caroline reports from in front of the new restaurant at the foot of Mont Vallon, Espace Confort, and gives an update on the snow conditions early in the season.

There is brilliant snow in the Three Valleys this week after lots of small snowfalls, and Caroline has been enjoying powder off-piste and glorious conditions on piste too.

Today Caroline reports from Mottaret and is finding that the mild weather has adversely affected the snow quality. Luckily more snow is forecast as well as a drop in temperature. The avalanche risk has risen and off-piste skiing is definitely not recommended.

Caroline gives a few top tips on how to find the best runs and the nicest off-piste. Today Caroline has been cross country skiing at Altiport and gives her opinions on this under rated winter sport.The British Services Ski and Snowboard Championships take place this week so turn up to show some support!

Thank you for watching the video reports from the Three Valleys this winter. This will be the last Merinet Video Snow Report for this season. Have a great summer and we'll see you again next December.

The first Meribel snow report for the 2007 season from the Saulire in Courchevel.

Many of the lifts are starting to close down and the spring sunshine is quickly turning the white patches to green. However, there is still some good skiing to be had higher up.

Caroline is making her way back to Méribel from Courchevel and is favourably impressed by the snow conditions. Off-piste skiing however has suffered from poor snow cover and there is a lot of rock showing through.

Jack's at the top of the all new Saulire bubble with news that Santa will be in town this week. The season has started unbelievably well and there is great snow cover across all the Three Valley resorts. With Christmas this weekend and two weeks worth of snow on the ground all is well in the Three Valleys.

Caroline reports from the top of La Face piste on a pleasantly quiet and sunny day. Some icy patches are proving treacherous but there are still plenty of skiable areas.

With a fresh covering of snow at the beginning of the week, we have had a few days of wintery snow conditions before the warm weather brought spring back to the Three Valleys.

The snow has arrived! Yesterday saw huge dumps of snow that have transformed the valley. Avalanche blasting has been booming round the resort and everyone is enjoying the fresh powder.

Caroline has been skiing in the Belleville valley today where the snow is generally excellent. The weather is beautiful too, and warm enough to enjoy lunch outside at one of St Martin de Belleville’s many restaurants.

Most of Méribel is now open, including snowparks and cross country trails. Conditions are pretty good for the time of year and the resort is busy with festive tourists.

Although the rest of the week here in the Three Valleys has been cloudy and snowy Thursday was a beautiful sunny day and even though it had been a few days since the last heavy snowfall there was still some powder to be found.

One of the busiest weeks of the season sees the pistes getting hard towards the end of the day but the piste bashers are working hard to keep them in tip top condition.Caroline reports on which pistes are open and which events are not to be missed!

The weather has been strangely warm and sunny here in the Three Valleys and, whilst this does make long lunches and sun bathing an enjoyable option, it has meant that in the afternoons the slopes are getting quite slushy. Thankfully though the forecast is for winter to return, at least for a few days at the beginning of the next week and there is even some fresh snow due.

Things are now very spring like on the hill and almost verging on summer in town, that said there is still excellent snow cover and we have some great snow still on the higher runs in Val Thorens.

The snow has not fallen in the Alps yet and as such opening dates have been pushed back. Meribel and the Three Valley links will now open on the 10th of December. Courchevel will be free to ride this weekend but only the Verdons piste will be open. There is snow forecast though, so things should improve soon.

Méribel has been enjoying plenty of fresh snow and the higher pistes are in great condition. Avalanche rick has increased though, so care must be taken in certain areas.Caroline gives the latest news on events in and around the resort.

Caroline reports from the front line and is pleased to announce that conditions are great! This week has apparently been one of the best of the season and Caroline has been sampling the off-piste powder.

Conditions are great throughout the valley due to recent heavy snowfall. More lifts are opening up and the weather forecast is looking good.

Meribel is enjoying unprecendented amounts of fresh snow and all areas are open. Caroline is looking forward to quieter pistes in the coming weeks and some fresh snow.Upcoming events include Russian Christmas celebrations and ice hockey matches.

Caroline reports from the bottom of the Courchevel telepherique. Snow condition is good for the time of year and Caroline can happily confirm that Méribel will not be closing early this season, as rumoured.

Easter promises to be the last busy weekend of the season with the big 3 Vallees Enduro competition held on Monday. With 170cm (c. 6 foot) of snow on the upper runs and lovely spring snow conditions off-piste, there should be great skiing for the last four weeks of the season

Caroline makes a return to our screens with the news that this is the snowiest December in ten years.

Caroline reports on the fresh snowfall in front of La Chaudanne. The recent rainfall in resort has added to the snow cover higher up and Caroline tells us what we can expext from the winter season.

The Spring-like weather of the last two weeks seems to have come to an end and the temperatures have dropped again giving us a little fresh snow and perfect pistes. With more snow forecast for Wednesday night and the school holidays coming to an end this weekend, next week should be excellent here in the Three Valleys.

Our new apres ski reporter Jack is in town to show you just how much has changed since last week. There has been a huge snowfall all over the Three Valleys and with the lifts in Meribel opening this weekend and sunshine forecast it's looking good for skiing and snowboarding once again.

Three days of light snowfall have created great conditions and more snow is forecast.Caroline points us towards the Merinet Top Tips for making the most of the up-coming half-term break.

The cold temperatures have kept the snow in good condition even though we haven't had any new snow for nearly two weeks. There are so many events planned for the holiday period, which starts this weekend, for more details have a look at our "What's on Calendar".

Varied weather conditions have resulted in hardened pistes, softening up on warm afternoons. Snow depths are comparing well with previous seaosns.Comic Relief day will be celebrated with a Méribel Valley Rally held by Jack's Bar.

Suddenly it feels like the end of the season (though in fact there are two weeks to go).

Sorry we're a little late but in this week's report you can find out where the best snow is, where you can watch Olympic athletes in action, how to see “The Feeling” live and for free and where the funniest apres ski will be.

The first snow report from the Three Valleys for the 2009-10 season. There is enough snow at high altitude for Val Thorens to open a week early this weekend. Find out when the other Three Valley resorts are due to open, how much snow has already fallen, and where 4 new lifts have been built in the ski area.

Skiing conditions in the 3 Valleys are excellent after some fresh snowfalls. In this latest report you’ll discover which resort is celebrating a week of gastronomy, how many Michelin-starred restaurants there are in the 3 Valleys (you may be surprised) and our snow reporter’s favourite safe and easy off-piste areas.

The sun is still shining in the Three Valleys but even after a week and a half of uninterrupted fine weather the snow conditions are still good. Caroline has been skiing above Les Menuires on quiet slopes and good snow, and also finding some great off-piste on high and north-facing areas. It may be the busy French holiday period, but it is possible to find peaceful pistes if you know how.

Caroline is on the Combe Tougnète piste for this, the penultimate, snow report of the winter, talking about plunging temperatures, fresh snow, and how to find out how many vertical metres you have skied this season.

It feels more like April than March in the Trois Vallees. This weeks bad weather has left the pistes very soft and in some places quite bare but there are little pockets of good snow if you know where to look.

There is some great skiing in the Three Valleys at the moment but the trick is being at the right place at the right time. Avoid the lower south facing runs late in the day and if you can head to the higher peaks.

The snow is wonderful both off and on piste, and the 3 Valleys are empty. There's over a meter and a half of snow in Val Thorens and Courchevel is enjoying 80cm of snow at 1850 and 120cm at the summits.

Spring is here, and with it, spring snow conditions. Where can you find the best snow? How many more weeks are the various Trois Vallées resorts open? Why should you stay in bed a little longer this time of year? Find out in today’s video snow report.

There's are only one day to go before the opening of the Three Valley lifts and a big dump of snow earlier this week has dramatically improved snow conditions.Find out what lifts will open this weekend, discover where there is already 1m of snow in the Trois Vallées and view clips of the Andros ice-driving trophy (as seen on Top Gear).

The sunny weather continues across the Three Valleys but it's still possible to ski down to Meribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens. Infact the Three Valleys has more pistes open than any other resort in the world.NB - Val Thorens will close on the 8th not the 9th

Spring has brought mild and damp weather to the 3 Valleys – and a little bit of snow to the summits. When the rain is falling there are plenty of activities indoors and this week we have Méribel’s Altitude Festival to lift the spirits.

Though spring has officially begun it doesn’t yet feel like it in the Three Valleys: there’s still lots of snow and it’s cold. Find out where Caroline has found powder snow this week, just how much snow there still is on the mountain, and where you will be able to enjoy the very best après-ski entertainment ever.

Caroline is in Les Menuires, enjoying sunshine, great snow and empty slopes on the last day before the French half term holidays begin. The pistes are generally in very good condition, and there has been some great off-piste during the week too, including a day ski touring on the Three Valley’s own ‘Petite Vallée Blanche’, the Gebroulaz glacier.

Caroline sums up the memorable winter 2008 -09 season on the final day. Find out just how much snow fell in total….and which Meribel lift is being replaced over the summer.

The first Three Valley lifts are open and Caroline is back on the snow. Although there isn’t a great snow depth this early in the season, the quality of the snow is great and the slopes are EMPTY.

Although we still have no new snow the pistes are holding up well and if you look hard enough there is still some good skiing off piste too.Although the up coming holidays mean we have to share the mountain with more people they also mean that there are plenty of exciting events coming up across the Three Valleys.

Although we haven't had any new snow the pistes are still in good condition especially over in Courchevel and on the Cime Caron in Val Thorens.The Little World Festival and Festi'ValTho are coming up and there may be some snow on the way too.

Brhhhhh! A chilly -17C this morning on the summits, but excellent snow as a result. It has snowed several times over the past week, and there’s champagne powder for those lucky people coming out at half term.

Caroline is in the Courchevel valley today, where conditions are excellent, the sun is shining and the slopes are uncrowded. Heavy snowfalls earlier in the week brought wonderful snow to the Three Valleys, where the total accumulated snowfalls for the season have reached an unbelievable…….well, you’ll have to watch the video to find out.

The crickets are whirring, it’s 26C and the sun is beating down on yet another perfect day. This is not Provence, but Méribel in summer.

January is a great time to ski and we’re enjoying empty pistes, no queues and fresh snow here in the Three Valleys.I’ve been enjoying a little bit of fresh powder off-piste and great snow on piste today. Best news of all – more snow is forecast soon.

This week the 3 Valleys has seen low temperatures, a little fresh snow and world class sporting events.

Despite modest snow cover on the lower slopes in the 3 Valleys,Caroline has found good skiing this week. Find out which pistes havethe best snow, just how cold it is in the mountains today and when snowis forecast to fall.

We've seen the end of our month of sunny weather as the clouds move in over the Three Valleys. A light sprinkling of snow kicks off what is going to be a busy few weeks.

When is it next going to snow in the Three Valleys?Where can you hear The Feeling play for free? When will Al Murray, the Pub Landlord, perform in Méribel?

Skiing conditions are vastly improved this week after heavy snowfalls on Sunday and a big drop in temperature.

The lifts across the Alps close this Sunday and, with a few exceptions, the winter season finishes.What a winter it’s been though! It seems like only yesterday that the lifts opened but since December we have had so many great days on and off piste and so many events and parties have taken place.Watch on to see some of our favourites and log on again next year for more from the slopes.

Snow conditions have improved in the run up to Christmas thanks to fresh snow last weekend. There is good snow almost everywhere in the 3 Valleys, with just a few stones lurking here and there to trip the unwary.

It’s unusually mild for December and the snow is consequently soft. Find out why shouldn’t you go off-piste at the moment and whether Father Christmas will bring some more of our favourite white stuff to the 3 Valleys….

I've been up at the crack of dawn this week to make the most of quiet slopes and breakfast on the hill.

Skiing conditions in the 3 Valleys are excellent after some fresh snowfalls. In this latest report you’ll discover which resort is celebrating a week of gastronomy, how many Michelin-starred restaurants there are in the 3 Valleys (you may be surprised) and our snow reporter’s favourite safe and easy off-piste areas.

Christmas Day is being celebrated in Méribel in traditional fashion: snow, brass bands, skiing Father Christmases and inflatable reindeer….

It has been a particularly snowy week in the 3 Valleys, though a big rise in temperature has meant some of the rain has fallen in its translucent, liquid form.

The conditions this week have been pretty unpleasant. although the sun has been shining the snow has been very wet and heavy but the temperatures are set to drop and we are hoping for some fresh snow.

What’s the snow like? How can you spend a day with a mountain guide for €95? When can you breakfast on the summit as the sun rises and enjoy private use of the pistes?

Fresh powder! The end of the season is only a month away but there is yet more fresh snow in the Three Valleys and skiing conditions are fantastic.

Although we've only had one snow fall since Christmas the on piste skiing, and in some places the off piste too are holding up quite well.

Like the parson’s egg, our snow is good – in parts. The pistes are gorgeous, soft and grippy at high altitude, but hard and slippy lower down.

The 3 Valleys are opening this weekend and snow is falling thick and fast, promising a great start to the season. Find out where you can watch Formula 1 drivers in action in the 3 Valleys this weekend, which resorts are opening this Saturday, and whether it’s worth coming out for some Premieres Neiges skiing this December. (The short answer is “yes!”)

New Year hits the Trois Vallees and there is plenty going on.

The bad news: it’s been raining in the resort. The good news: it’s been snowing on the top runs and colder, snowier weather is about to arrive.

We've seen the end of our month of sunny weather as the clouds move in over the Three Valleys. A light sprinkling of snow kicks off what is going to be a busy few weeks.

The snow is great, the weather is getting warmer and the lifts will start to stay open later. High season is about to begin, and what better way of staying ahead of the holiday crowds, than using the new Skinets i-phone app?

Wintry weather has returned to the Three Valleys and snow is falling once again. Caroline is on the Lapin piste above Méribel Village where visibility is good, and she has some news about a new lift for next year.

Ah – January at last! The wonderfully quiet part of the season is beginning, but the snowpack is becoming quite worn. Will it snow soon? What is the current menace off-piste? Which nationality is invading the 3 Valleys this week? Find out by watching the latest report from our roving reporter….

2010 has started much better than 2009 ended, with a big drop in temperature and a large dump of fresh snow to low altitude.The pistes are empty and more snow is forecast. If you fancy a last-minute break in the Alps, next week might be a good one to pick…..

Conditions in the 3 Vallées this week have varied from ‘fabulous’ to ‘awful’ to ‘fine’. Rain on Monday left the snowpack wet and heavy but a recent drop in temperature has improved matters considerably.

The penultimate week of the season in Méribel and Courchevel has been marked by delicious spring snow off-piste, mostly typical April snow on piste – and another fall of fresh snow to below the resort.

Very little has changed since last week. It's still cold, it hasn't snowed in three weeks, but the sun is still shining.

The fresh snow finally arrived and topped up the slopes and even gave us some powder days here in the Three Valleys. Coming up we have carnivals, music festivals and fireworks displays.

The French holidays are coming to an end and the snow is very good – at least on the higher slopes.

April often springs surprises, and this year they are very pleasant ones: powder snow and a greater snow depth than any other week of the season.Caroline has enjoyed two of the best days of the winter this week – watch the video to find out more.

There’s still lots of snow in the Three Valleys, but mild weather and recent rain means the snow is good on the upper runs but slushy and wet lower down. Virtually the entire ski area is open and the slopes are quiet as the end of season nears.

During the past week the Three Valleys have received two big dumps of snow, and skiing conditions are fabulous both off and on piste. Weather conditions, however, have been rather challenging with gales earlier in the week and Arctic temperatures now at altitude. Minus 22C for anyone?

Caroline Sayer is back on her skis in the Three Valleys and enjoying a bonus week at the start of the 2008-09 season so much snow has fallen in the run up to the season that the Meribel and Courchevel lifts opened a week earlier than scheduled.

It has been a good start to the season here in the Three Valleys. Although we don't have the huge snow falls we enjoyed over the last two winters all the pistes are complete and are very nice to ski.

There is great snow on the upper runs after snowfalls earlier in the week, and just some slush developing on the lower slopes. Caroline has been enjoying the lovely powdery snow on piste around Courchevel’s la Saulire today, but reports that most of the off-piste is wind-blown or heavy.

Temperatures have been dropping sharply over the last few weeks and we are now getting close to a winter climate here in the Alps.

The end of season is drawing near, but the snow continues to be excellent for April with several snowfalls in the past week. Although the lower runs have spring snow, the upper runs are in great condition and those who braved bad weather earlier in the week were rewarded by powder off-piste.

There is brilliant snow in the Three Valleys this week after lots of small snowfalls, and Caroline has been enjoying powder off-piste and glorious conditions on piste too.

The New Year has started well with some fresh snow falling overnight. Around 5cm fell on the upper slopes, just enough to soften the previously rather hard pistes and freshen the look of the resort.

The first 3 Valleys Snow Report for the 2007 season from the Saulire in Courchevel. This season we will be covering the snow conditions throughout the 3 Valleys.

After heavy snowfalls earlier in the week, conditions are excellent on the upper runs, and Caroline has been finding great powder on high and north-facing slopes. Although spring is officially starting, the weather has turned wintry with very low temperatures and more snow forecast soon.

Caroline is at Méribel’s Moonpark, pointing out you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy terrain parks. After 16 days of sunshine some fresh snow would be welcome, but the ski area is still virtually 100% open and there’s still plenty of snow on the pistes.

After a long dry spell, the Three Valleys are set for a snowy spell. Snowfalls earlier in the week have given excellent snow both on and off-piste, and more snow is forecast for the next few days. Caroline has been making the most of the last day of sunshine by enjoying the wonderful conditions in Courchevel 1650.

London's Metro Ski and Snowboard Show marks the start of the winter season and this year's extravaganza is no exception. You'll see the familiar faces of winters past and can make the most of the experts on hand to advise you on anything snow-related: from which chalet to choose; kids facilities in various resorts and of course... where to get the best snow!

The lifts opened on Saturday in Val Thorens marking the beginning of the new ski season in France.

The winter season had it's first public on-snow event this weekend.

Conditions are good considering the lack of fresh snow, depths are good and cold weather has preserved the pistes. All pistes and lifts are open. More snow is forecast for the weekend! Caroline gives her recommendations for New Year celebrations.

The snow is excellent in the Three Valleys after numerous snowfalls over the past week. Conditions on piste are great, and the resort is gearing up for the British Land Ski Championships and the Altitude Festival.

After a great big dump of snow at the end of last week, skiing conditions are very good on the upper runs but a bit hard on a few of the lower runs where some rain fell.

Jenny talks about her silver medal at X-Games 15 in Aspen.

January 2009 has been a great month in the Alps. We've had skiing and snowboarding competitions in the shape of the Tignes Airwaves and a number of slightly more unusual events too.

Spring-like temperatures over the past few days have given us slightly more spring-like snow in the Three Valleys. Conditions are still good though, and Caroline has been enjoying one of the ski area's greatest runs, the long and steep Combe Saulire in the Courchevel valley.

April is here and with it April weather: changeable with spring showers and sunny periods. The snow is good on the upper runs, but rather spring-like below 1800m. Caroline has been enjoying the good snow up high and also watching the British Land National Ski Championships taking place in Méribel.

Meribel is enjoying unprecendented amounts of fresh snow and all areas are open. Caroline is looking forward to quieter pistes in the coming weeks and some fresh snow. Upcoming events include Russian Christmas celebrations and ice hockey matches.

Brit skier James Webb landing a front flip into his skis. Thanks to Tim Ackroyd for the video.

Winter is coming. There is no denying it. Temperatures have dropped, days have become shorter and Christmas decorations are ALREADY in the supermarkets!

Caroline has been enjoying a return to wintry weather and vastly improved snow conditions. Temperatures of minus 12C, fluffy powder off-piste and great snow on piste all are keeping skiers very happy in the Three Valleys this week.

Low season has started and the Three Valley slopes are quiet once again. Bizarrely, the snow conditions have improved since last week, despite only the tiniest amount of fresh snow falling. Caroline tries to explain this paradox, and gives details of where the best snow is to be found (la Masse) and also the best weather (definitely not Val Thorens while the Foehn/Lombard wind is blowing).

I am standing on Combe de Tougnete in a snow storm, overlooking the Val Thorens & Méribel Valleys.

It won't be long until we can start watching some of our favourite ski racers and national champions hurtling down the mountain again. Forget Ski Sunday, here's where you can come and watch some of the action live in resort:

The viral video that everyone's talking about.. "You've got to schuss this bit Margaret; you've got to schuss it!"

Winter starts this weekend in London with the annual Ski and Snowboard Show. This year the show is back in its old venue of Earl's Court and, as usual, there is plenty to do. To help you make the most of the show we went ahead and came up with a list of our top five attractions for this year.

Ewan and the boys skinned up to the top of the Courchevel 1650 gondola to enjoy and early morning ski on the first of this season's snow. There's plenty more snow on the way as well as more from the lads at The Boot Lab.

Conditions here in Courchevel are absolutely superb. The off piste is exceptional at the moment and the pistes skiing is perfect. The resort is not too busy at the moment and the ever efficient Courchevel lift system manages the crowds. We really do have perfect conditions here in Courchevel.

It's been very cold here in Courchevel but that has given us near perfect conditions both on and off piste. The powder has been epic and the pistes are in such good condition that there really is something for everyone at the moment.

We have had a lot of snow this week and the forecast for the next few days is for the sun to return. With all the snow that has fallen it's gonna be amazing.

Ewan is under a rug enjoying a vin chaud at the end of a good day on the hill, watch this weeks report to find out how you can enjoy this little slice of hapiness as well as the best snow and fireworks and parties.

We have some amazing snow this week but with some very changable weather and temperatures and the wind has come from all over the place.

It's been a glorious week here in Courchevel with blue skies and sunny weather and the forecast is for more of the same. The snow is holding up really well under the holiday traffic and the pistes are still in great condition.

The sun finally came out today and we were able to enjoy some of the new snow that has been coming down over the last few days.

There are a few disturbing images in this week's report, one is the sight of clouds and even a little rain in Courchevel, the other Ewan's ginger 'tache.

Meribel has opened to some of the best snow in recent years. There is absolutely oodles of the stuff and it's not just snow that's new to Meribel. We also have new lifts, bars, restaurants, coffee shops and even pistes.

Conditions here in Meribel are simply superb. We have masses of snow and this is already one of the best winters the Three Valleys has had in the last twenty years and we still have another ten weeks ahead of us. To make sure you stay safe in the busy weeks ahead make sure you know the 10 Rules of Piste Safety.

The cold, cold temperatures have given us some wonderful snow and the clear skies mean that conditions are nigh-on perfect. Wrap up w.arm if you want to enjoy all the quiet slopes, all of which are open

Well the grey skies have come back but we have had a short break in the clouds, Wednesday was one of the best days in memory and the forecast is predicting more snowfall.

We have had some great days this week in Meribel, although today was a little overcast and the light was a little flat there was still space between the trees where we could enjoy the good snow.

It's busy in Meribel but there is snow falling especially on the higher ground and the sun is forecast to return as towards the end of the week. By Saturday we should have clear skies and quiet slopes.

The lower pistes are bullet proof at the moment because we have had rain which has frozen solid, luckily the rain fell as snow higher up and there was some great skiing on fresh snow on the upper runs. Better still there is more snow on the way, a lot more.

It has been very stormy and snowy here in Meribel but when the sun re-appears we will have masses of untouched snow to enjoy.

Meribel is wonderful during January, quiet slopes, with clear skies and superb snow. The pistes are wonderful at the moment especially over in Val Thorens and there is some off piste snow if you are prepared to hike for it.

March was, to be honest a bit disappointing but it has led to the best April skiing in 20 years. There's little else to be said.

We have superb ski conditions in Meribel and the Three Valleys and we are looking forward to the weekend when the Women's World Cup will be held. The run is ready and there is sure to be a big party when the ladies take to the slopes on Saturday.

We are still enjoying one of the best winters in the last twenty years with excellent snow conditions, great cover on the slopes and ski and snowboard competitions coming soon.

The sun has been shining all week and the days are starting to get longer here in Meribel but the air is still cold and the skiing is still excellent with great cover throughout the Meribel Valley.

Spring has finally arrived in Meribel with fairly mixed results. We have had some lovely sunny weather but for the latter part of the week we have been suffering under a Fohn wind which has kept the temperatures high and the winds higher.

It has been one of the best seasons for a generation here in Meribel with huge amounts of snow falling right up to the end. The sun is now out and the pistes are incredibly quite. The perfect end to a perfect season.

Outdoorsman Ray Mears explores some of France's most beautiful regions and its wildlife. He begins in the Vanoise National Park in the high Alps.

If you're looking for something a bit different to do during your ski holiday in Val Thorens, why not try a bit of tobogganing?

The sun is shining, the snow is wonderful and even the half term holiday queues are not as bad as expected. Caroline has been skiing in Courchevel 1650 and finding good snow and empty pistes here (though she seems to think she’s somewhere called “1600” – a case of too much sun, perhaps?)

If you like deep snow, long descents, blue skies, skiing and Val Thorens, to be perfectly honest, you simply must check out this great video by Val Thorens United!