Val Thorens Snow Report: 18th March 2012

With the clouds have come some very strong and cold gusty winds (perhaps the other way round) and this change of weather has dramatically and quickly changed the condition of the snow. This morning I took to the slopes and found them slightly icy but I was not worried as the first flurries of snow began to fall at 11.30. Our prayers have been answered

Firstly, I should mention that it won’t be long before you find yourself spotting an inordinate amount of English-speaking twenty-somethings gathering by the chair lifts and pouring out onto the piste from the slope based bars. Yes, you have timed your week inexplicably well and will be spending the next seven days sharing it with plenty of University students from around the UK. You’ve guessed it, cover your children’s ears as the amount of drunken antics you experience as you gracefully glide around resort will be at an all time high. On the bright side, the bad visibility and white out conditions may deter those trying to drag themselves out of bed with a hangover from too many Jagers in Maylasia or ‘Summit’ the night before. So, in essence, everyone is happy.

With these conditions forecast to continue intermittently for the most part of this week, it is good-practice to have a decent idea of where you want to get to and how. Arriving up the mountain and having your gradually deteriorating piste map falling apart as the snow falls heavily whilst you try to find the direction to Tete Ronde, can be an all too familiar nightmare. However, this is a great way to cover a lot of area as lift queues will be minimal and the snow will be fresh and so much more enjoyable. Furthermore, with the lack of crowds, the diligent skier should be able to cover a lot of ground in a day.

Fear not, sun worshippers; if you thought that you were set for some sunshine, snow and several sneaky beers then your time will come. Thursday is set to bring bright open skies and the need for a splash of some factor fifteen. With the new layer of fresh now it will be perfect conditions for the much sought after March skiing for which Val Thorens is the best in the Three Valleys. For this I would suggest heading over to our neighbouring resort of Orelle where you will catch some breath taking views and a nice variety of runs. If you want to carve your own path in the fresh snow then head up either the Peyron or Bouchet chair lift to The Three Valleys highest point: Point de Bouchet.

So, by spending the first couple of days making the most of the fast moving ski lifts and empty slopes you can kick back come Thursday. When the sun arrives, you can feel fuzzy and contented that you have already: eaten Kangaroo fillets at Ski Lodge- La Tania-, shredded up the DC park near Meribel (without breaking a leg) and enjoyed the almost endless and spacious run of Creux near Courchevel. You won’t be disappointed this week with varying conditions making your stay lively and a mixed bag of tricks for all levels of snowlover. Enjoy!