Val Thorens Snow Report: 9th March 2012

Even though there has been a fair amount of snowfall in resort throughout the past week, we have still had a decent amount of sunshine in which to enjoy the renewed conditions. After yesterday’s relentless whiteout we were greeted by glorious blue skies this morning. We began the day by ascending Plein Sud, always a good start as it is a central area and the run is not too challenging. This morning it was largely populated by various ski schools and learners and the piste was rather busy. However, the piste is nice and wide and there are also a lot of freshly powdered off-piste areas to dip in and out of. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, make a right from the top of Plein Sud, head past the piste markers and stay high. Following the few ski tracks that should be there, the route takes you round to a fun off-piste area with plenty of obstacles. Last week the area was unsafe due to the lack of soft snow and some very icy patches but it has now been topped up and is ideal for those who want a nice playful bit of off-piste.

After Plein Sud we made our way through town (halting at a supermarket to grab some sweet supplies for the slopes) all the way to La Moutiere chairlift where the business of the day became apparent. When it is busy on the piste, this lift is always a good bet as the dual queues dispel their traffic up the lift quite quickly. This was but the first leg of our ascent and at the top we made our way past the snow park over to Funitel de Grand Fond. At the midway point it became apparent that there was some mixed weather around today; some heavy, cold looking clouds hanging around the higher peaks. We emerged from the car into some sparse cloud and strong winds. This could have inspired a negative response but, in reality, we need clouds for more snow.

From this point there are a number of runs which can take you to different areas but we decided to stay high, taking the Niverolles followed by the Fond blue runs that arrive at Chalet du Thorens. These accommodating slopes are littered with off-piste banks, some patches of moguls and plenty of opportunities for practicing your freestyle as well as general riding technique. From here we took the Portette chairlift up the north facing slope of the valley to hit the nice red run back down into resort. Usually, we would have made our way up Funitel de Thorens but the prevailing wind did not bode well for the temperature and conditions up-top. The more sheltered red run however boasted ideal conditions.

As for the forecast; there may be a little more precipitation this evening and tomorrow. As ever, it is subject to change (and we most certainly did not receive what was forecast this week) but it looks as though we will be experiencing a great deal of sunshine next week as well as a significant rise in temperature which will be hovering around freezing. Fear not; there has been enough snowfall this week to sustain the great conditions throughout the next week.