Val Thorens Snow Report: 15th January 2012

With the surge in sunshine and a general rise in temperature, the pistes have been thriving. Just after the snow fell, the unkempt nature of the slopes made for a nice change and the soft snow made leisurely boarding extremely fun. Whilst avalanche fears made riding some areas rather uncomfortable (last Saturday in fact had the highest warning of 5), the off-piste slopes were bursting with powder, ready to be ridden. Last week was pretty much powder heaven and the sunshine spurred us on to explore some areas on that map which I had not yet even considered, like the off-piste areas at the top of the Bouquetin and Peyron (in Orelle) skilifts.

Whilst the weather has more-or-less remained cloudless and sunny, the actual snow conditions have changed rather significantly. Now that they have had over a week to tame the powder and stomp it down the slopes have become incredibly firm in places. So, for those amongst us who prefer a clean, quick run, now is the time to hit the piste. It might mean that taking a fall is a little harsher and bumpier than usual (dig out those knee, elbow and wrist supports chaps) but in terms of white-knuckle, downhill riding, there are some great runs that will get your adrenaline pumping.

For the first time this season I rode the Boismint chairlift to ride the red piste of the same name. An old favourite of mine from years ago, the Boismint run is brilliantly fast and snakes down the mountain like a river. Depending on how you wish to approach it, the slope is suitable for those who want an exhilarating downhill sprint as well as those who want to take it slow. Whilst it is fundamentally a quick run which can sling-shot you round corners at speed, thanks to a relatively tame gradient, it can also be taken slowly. Moreover, the run also has some fun off-piste banks that rise up to the sides of the slope as it curves, which can be great for getting some decent air and practicing transfers and spins on boards and skis. As you approach the bottom of the piste, you can decide whether to take the BD Boismint which heads back to the chairlifts (Moutiere as well as Boismint) or continue down onto the adjoining Plan de l’Eau. Whilst it is essentially a continuation of the same run, it saves you slackening on your built up speed and even reveals some trees dotted around making for a nice change of scenery. The chairlift at the bottom can return you to BD Boismint.

Also, for the first time this week, I sampled the purpose built boarder cross which can be accessed via the 2 Lacs or Moutiere chairlifts. If you are keen on getting some speed and decent air (and if you have the stomach for it), there’s no better time to hit the boarder cross than this week. Whilst the softer snow would have provided the more timid with some security in terms of checking your speed and soft landings, the current sleekness of the run makes it slippy and quick and the humps in the snow lift you into the air with ease.

Yes, we have been greatly enjoying this surge in sunshine and it has certainly made the resort look beautiful. However, we are beginning to hear hushed hopes for snowfall. For the majority of this week, the new arrivals will be able to enjoy this sunshine that we have all been raving about, and the pistes are sure to remain in good condition whilst it does. However, according to the forecast, Wednesday night marks the return of the neige. Whilst it should only be mild at first, we may be looking at a fall of 20cm on Friday. Temperatures are remaining fairly average and winds will be reaching a high or around 30km/h so it seems unlikely that we are going to be snowed in like we were two weeks ago. Naturally, at this early stage, the prediction is likely to change and shift. Instead of sitting and waiting for it to do so, get out there on the slopes and enjoy the rest of the sunshine.