Val Thorens Snow Report: 28th March 2014

The temperatures have been cooler so the snow if holding up well however avoid the directly south facing slopes in the afternoon as they are getting a bit slushy. Head up the east side of the valley first thing and then head over the opposite side later in the day if you want to explore the whole valley. The weather is now due to stay the same for the next five days. It will cloud over occasionally and be chilly first thing before the sun is out so you need extra layers plus a load of sun cream and water!

If you fancy trying out something completely different these holidays check out the ski touring Val Thorens has to offer. Ski touring involves putting skins, a long strip of fabric which stops your skis sliding down the hill, on your skis and hiking up the hill. It’s kind of like telemarking except you’re going up instead of down! You can rent touring gear in many of the local shi hire shops. Ski touring is a very efficient way to get fit and you can choose the speed you go at and the hill to adapt it to your level. You are allowed to ski tour up the side of the pistes in Val Thorens but if you chose to do so make sure you get up early to avoid people skiing down. However ski touring is much better when you get to places that the ski lifts won’t take you. You get to go places no one else is and ski where no one else has skied.
If you are a first time ski tourer and want to venture into the back-country talk to a mountain guide first. They will offer you advice based on your ability, point you in the right direction and suggest off piste courses, heli-skiing and even skiing during the summer months!