Val Thorens Snow Report: 1st April 2013

Conditions last week were not great. Visibility was terrible and just on our learner area you struggled to see the end of the travelator. This was actually a blessing at some points as it meant that we did not see each others crashes!

After a couple of days we progressed up the lift and the sun decided to join us which was great. It had been really cold overnight however so some sections were quite icy to begin with until the sun warmed things up a little.

The lift turned out to be a step too far for some people in the group. Ability wise they were absolutely fine but they were just lacking in confidence which did not build as we headed down the run. This meant that the group started as six and ended with just two, myself and one of my guests. Everyone did thoroughly enjoy the experience - they just wanted to feel like they were on holiday and relax rather than getting worked up about skiing. I think it is important to only push yourself if you are happy to do so, no point doing something if you feel family or other people want you to do it rather than doing it for yourself.

It was the perfect week to be giving skiing a go, as the snow was great but visibility not so good which meant I was happy to be taking it steady.

Last week we had snow showers all week, which was not great for my guests as visibility was bad for most of the week. They did however still try and make the most of it. I ended up bringing lots of people back to the chalet early for movie afternoons and to catch up on their books by the fire. Some guests staying for a short break did get out and about and had a really fun time in all the powder. The guests also opted for a group sledging afternoon and some of the skiers decided they preferred being in the toboggan to trying to stay upright on skis!

The result of last week's snow showers is amazing snow for this week's visitors to the Three Valleys.

Also, as a special last week of the season treat for me, the sun is shining! Val Thorens is open right up until 5 May 2013 but I shall be leaving resort early to head back to the UK. There is no doubt that the snow will be great right up to resort closure. So, if you have not had your snow fix yet or want to get your last snow time of the season then it will still be a great time to come out here. I am sure there are some great deals to be had.

The pistes are in really great condition at the moment - a real joy to be skiing on. I cannot believe it is April snow. Although it is Easter week in the UK holiday calendar, the pistes and lifts are really quiet which is great for what is considered a peak week.

It was really quite chilly first thing this morning but soon warmed up. I had a lovely relax in the sun on a giant beanbag at lunch resting my ski legs. The cloud did start to come in towards the end of the afternoon so we did have the well deserved beer but not necessarily the sun we were hoping for.

There are light snow showers and sun forecast for the rest of the week. It is getting slushy towards the very bottom in the lower area of the resort so it will be a case of staying up high where possible to get the best snow. I am going to persevere with skiing for the rest of the week and who knows, maybe next season aswell…