Val Thorens Snow Report: 4th January 2012

Similar to last week, Monday was another day of poor weather counterbalanced by excellent conditions underfoot. Because of the volume of new snow (which is incidentally, still falling as I write these words) the piste-patrol has had a tough time keeping each piste under control. This however, is something of a boon as most of the slopes are very soft. The pistes that matter (the central areas utilised by the ESF ski schools for example) have received the necessary attention and are safe for beginners, whilst many of the surrounding runs feel surprisingly fresh and more exciting than usual.

We spent the day staying mostly local since visibility lowered drastically higher up. Because of the white-outs, there was a lull in off-piste activity as the contours of the snow were undefined making wipe-outs highly probable. However, since the pistes were so drenched in fresh snow, sections of very soft powder could often be found at the sidelines. Fond, the blue run accessed via the Portette chairlift was a particularly popular location for this kind of skiing/boarding. With its varying gradients, occasional mogul fields, and powder to be found at its borders, the run was popular with those looking for an exciting ride but not keen on the idea of throwing themselves down the nearby red slopes. Indeed, the adjoining Rhodes run appeared to be completely bereft of people as it appeared to be entirely unsafe.

The buzzword of the week is most definitely ‘powder’, and for those of us who are most comfortable silently gliding across the top of an unspoiled off-piste slope, Tuesday was the best day of the season thus-far. There was some trepidation as to whether the sun would shine as proudly as the forecast suggested and at half past eight in the morning there was an audible sigh of relief which resounded through the streets. With all of the surrounding peaks visible against the blue sky, myself and two fellow boarders ventured up the Moutiere chairlift followed by the Grand Fond to access the pistes of Orelle. Included in the standard Val Thorens ski pass, yet far enough removed to feel like a small, separate resort, it was an exciting change from the now familiar local runs. Whilst the wind was funnelled over the top of the mountain with some force, once you began the descent of the long Mauriennaise red piste, the wind died down and the sunshine made it incredibly warm. The slope itself is an absolute joy. With none of the visibility problems from the day before, we were able to flit on and off the piste in comfort and there are some marvellously exhilarating hidden areas to be explored. Furthermore, with better views of the Alps, the area is significantly more beautiful than what we have been used to in Val Thorens. After a few descents of the piste and a disappointingly expensive mountain burger in Plan Bouchet (packed lunches would have been a better move), we ventured back over the brow towards town. Spending the afternoon clowning around in the powder by the top of the Bouquetin cable car, we rounded off what has been the most satisfying day on the slopes this season.

The forecast for the end of the week is, as per usual, a mixed bag of tricks. With another significant dump expected tomorrow, along with strong winds and low visibility, it is doubtful that all areas will be accessible and the slopes will likely be quiet. Whilst snow may continue to fall through the night and into Friday morning, the afternoon is forecast as sunny but cold. The weekend’s arrivals are in luck as the sun will then (hopefully) be with us until Monday as the days get steadily warmer into next week.