Val Thorens Snow Report: 13th February 2012

Even though it snowed in the afternoon, the weather on Thursday the 9th of February was nice and bright for the second Ski Cross Europa Cup qualifications and Finals. From the start point at the top of the Deux Lacs chairlift, down the specially modified boardercross, to the finish point just by the Funitel de Peclet station, many turned up to watch the initial time trials and the final races in the afternoon. A fusion between technical/race skiing and some elements of freestyle riding, the speed and skill demonstrated by some of the best trained in the discipline was something to behold. France won big on the day coming in second, third and fourth positions in the women’s finals (Aude Aguilaniu, Jessica Millet Gouchoe, Meryll Boulangeat) whilst coming in first and fourth in the men’s final (Bastien Midol, Lucas Dandeville). Twenty year old Priscillia Annen came in first place for Switzerland with a superb qualifying time of 1:09.26.

The afternoon saw the brightness slightly quashed by a gathering of clouds as the snow began to fall. This was a blessing in disguise as it topped up the slopes with a soft layer for Saturday and Sunday. For those who find it hard to ride in deep powder, a thin layer of soft snow over a harder crust can make for nicer off-piste skiing/boarding. Over on the North-eastern facing bank that boarders Plein Sud, the snow is of just like this and the previously very bumpy slope has evened out some. The conditions may not suit all, but there is still the opportunity for getting some speed and hitting a few lips on the descent back towards town.

The red slope Christine, accessed via the central Funitel de Peclet, is a nice exciting run to ride in this good weather. It is not as slick as it was last week after the snowfall on Thursday which has made it a more accessible and not too challenging red run. The slope is also surrounded on both sides by some wide open off-piste areas that are a delight to ride. With some relatively steep gradients, they are great if you do happen to fancy some deviation from the rather unvaried geography of the piste itself. At the bottom of the run, why not get the Moraine chairlift (beware, it’s a particularly cold lift) and take the Moraine blue back down. It’s a nice, wide and straight piste that’s perfect for practicing turns and improving piste technique.

It is a relief to see that the temperatures in resort are going to be steadily increasing throughout this week as it is bitterly cold. With the multitude of guests that are in resort, the remaining snow is sure to be quickly stomped in and there is a danger of icy patches forming in the cold air. Thankfully, there is also a light dusting of snow due to fall intermittently over the next few days which should keep most areas nice and fresh. Exciting news for next week: the famed Frostgun Invitational Freestyle Competition is coming to Val Thorens on Wednesday the 15th and Thursday the 16th outside Chalet du Thorens. The event is sure to draw huge crowds to the piste, eager to see some of the world’s top freestyle talents hitting the 11m high, 8m wide kicker with a 15m gap. Gnarly.