Val Thorens Snow Report: 8th April 2012

This is, obviously, marvellous news for the conditions of the snow on the pistes of Val Thorens. Little more than a week ago, we were experiencing the tail end of a heat-wave which seemed like it would never end. Ski-boots had been exchanged for flip-flops, snowboards traded in for Frisbees and Savoyard cuisine became balcony barbeques. Whilst this is all fine and good, it’s not really why we are here is it? The reason people flock to the world’s largest ski area is, of course, to ski; and they head specifically to Val Thorens to experience the most reliable snow towards the end of the season. It will always be a gamble taking an Easter ski-holiday as opposed to a Christmas excursion but, being the highest resort in Europe at 2300m, your best chances will always be up here.

Whilst it is nothing compared to the awesome lows of January, without any sunshine the temperatures have made a significant drop since last week and there have been some strong winds – particularly this afternoon – which could give a wind-chill of up to -15°C. It is, therefore, necessary to wrap up warm this week when venturing out. With the drop in temperature and lack of strong sunlight, there is less concern when it comes to slush (forgive me for cursing on this Holy day). Last week, if you happened to cross the boundary just above the bottom of the Plein Sud chairlift, you would have been met with fields of slush with extremely choppy, uncomfortable rollers. In short, it was not a pleasant ski. In less than seven days the new snow has transformed the slushy areas of resort, restoring them into the great runs that we know they are.

For those of you who were hoping to catch some Easter Holiday rays fear not; we are expecting some intermittent sunshine throughout the week when the snow clouds subside. In fact, tomorrow is promising to be a nice sunny day for skiing as well as Tuesday morning. With a new dump of snow, Orelle sould be a fantastic place to ski this week. Whilst the higher points of the neighbouring resort usually stand proud of overhanging clouds, it is best to go there when the skies are clear so you can appreciate the magnificent panoramic views from the top of Funitel Grand Fond and Funitel Cime Caron. Renowned for its excellent off-piste slopes - some of which can last as long as half an hour - with a dump of fresh snow like this, Orelle is set to become a powder rider's heaven once again. If you are feeling adventurous, head up Cime Caron and start making your way down Combe de Rosael, taking a right onto the off-piste just as the slope begins to turn towards Orelle. This will take you into Vallon du Lou, a wide and long off-piste run with sublime views and dwarfing surrounding peaks. Of course, with all the new snow, there is the possibility of a high avalanche warning so make sure to check at the ski-lifts weather it’s safe to do this kind of off-piste riding.