Val Thorens Snow Report: 3rd February 2012

The week got off to a shaky start with some cold, overcast days with low visibility and snowfall but it has since offered a couple of days of utterly ideal conditions and being out on the mountain has been blissful. Popular mid-level blue pistes such as Plein Sud and Tête Ronde are currently nice and soft and their powdery slopes are littered with moguls of various sizes which can be great fun to navigate. Both also offer excellent off-piste areas and nipping on and off the slope or sourcing lips in the snow from which to get some air on these runs is extremely fun. Similarly, the Dalles run from the top of the Cascades chairlift is an exciting descent suitable for a wide range of abilities. The run is popular for Chalet de la Marine, the superb self-service restaurant at the top which offers traditional French meals as well as standard burgers and sandwiches.

The weather on Wednesday was glorious and bright, offering excellent levels of visibility despite the passing clouds. The decent weather offered an apt opportunity to ride some of the less familiar slopes in resort and even sample some new areas. At the top of the Funitel de Bouquetin, the previously closed un-pisted red run, Triton, is now open. Whilst the run is very short in length, detouring from the lift station to the Pluviomètre blue run which makes its way back down into Val Thorens, it is decent, fast and exciting for those with a penchant for adrenaline. Furthermore, with the long ridge-path which runs along the top and some cliffs of various sizes peppering the top of the peak, the area is great for some of the more extreme off-piste riding in resort.

Of course, in the sunshine, there is nowhere better to ride than Orelle, the small neighbouring resort included with the Val Thorens lift pass. The incredibly picturesque valley is a haven for those hunting for wide off-piste runs which feel off the beaten track and there is a good variety of blue, red and black pistes to keep everybody happy. With the cold air refrigerating the snow and keeping it fresh, the majority of the powder in Orelle is as lush as can be and fantastic to ride. The area is popular with those looking for a more extreme off-piste experience because of the length and steepness of the slopes as well as the rocks and cliffs that offer jumping/ dropping spots.

At the top of the Grand Fond cable car, there is a magnificent valley which is seldom ridden and carving your own lines into the powder is a delight. Swept into lips and ridges, there are plenty of opportunities to practice your jumping, but beware of hidden rocks and make sure the landing areas are suitable. Further up, at the top of the Bouchet chairlift (incidentally, the highest point in resort), there are two off-piste options available. For a long, speedy run, hit the red run Coraia and peel off to the left at the earliest opportunity. The quality of the powder here is unmatched and the steep slopes make for a breathtaking descent.

Temperatures are set to remain cold throughout the next week and there is less snow forecast, with only a little falling this evening and on Tuesday and Wednesday. With light winds and clear skies, we should have some glorious conditions until at least Tuesday morning. It is going to be an exciting week in terms of ski events with two Skicross European Cup qualifications and finals, the first on Wednesday and Thursday and the second running throughout Friday at the Boardercross.