Val Thorens snow report: 31st January 2014

True, the slopes weren’t in the best condition at the start of this month, but after the past two snowy weeks, skiing conditions are now great. The snow depth is improved (up to 190cm at the top of the runs in Val Thorens today). The pistes are in really good shape virtually everywhere, with just one or two scraped hard areas here and there to keep you on your guard. The off-piste has been fantastic this week (view the previous snow report dated 29 January if you don’t believe me) and the sun is now shining on a beautifully white resort, with snow-laden chalet roofs and trees everywhere you look. January, we love you.

The French holidays begin on 15^th February so there are two more weeks to enjoy low season skiing in the 3 Valleys. I hear from hoteliers, estate agencies and ski instructors that the week starting 9^th February has very few bookings – if you are wondering whether to take a last minute holiday, that week would be a good one to pick.

Today we skied mostly in Val Thorens and enjoyed wonderful snow everywhere. For what they are worth, here are a few random thoughts that occurred to me as I was happily skiing around.

• At the top of the Peclet Funitel, check the information board to see which of the runs has been pisted. These long runs are so gorgeous that it would be a shame not to chose the one with the smoothest snow.
   
• The brand new Pionniers chairlift in VT is just as vertigo-inducing as its predecessor. Known as ‘the scary chair’ this skims over the top of tall apartment buildings and should be avoided by anybody who doesn’t like heights. Take the alternative Plein Sud chairlift instead.
   
• The quickest route from VT to Méribel is the direct route down Lac de la chambre piste, keeping to the high ‘tranquil’ path that leads past the Plan des main restaurant and down the Ours blue run to Mottaret and the Truite run to Meribel. The skiing may not be particularly interesting as much of it is along paths, but it’s much quicker than any other route for when you are in a hurry.
   
• Wear an extra layer in Val Thorens, as it’s always colder than the other valleys. I love my lightweight down jacket that scrunches up small enough to fit in a rucksack and I invariably need to put in on it when I ski into VT.
   
• Having your skis serviced regularly is worth it. My newly edged and waxed skis felt like new today - I overtook everybody on flat paths and felt like I was riding on rails. Note to self: must service skis more often.
   
• Lunch at La Folie Douce Fruitiere restaurant in Meribel or Val Thorens is FUN. Okay, 29€ for a hamburger is expensive, but the food is very good and you get a great floor show and dance party thrown in for free which makes it feel much better value for money. For many people, a holiday in Méribel or Val Thorens isn’t complete without at least one afternoon at La Folie Douce – love it or loathe it, you have to go along at least once and see the party for yourself.