3 Valleys ski links to open next weekend

Since the end of November we have not had any further snowfall in resort just blue skies and temperatures falling just around the -1 degree C mark.

Whilst in previous seasons a resort can be announced as ‘open’, in actual fact quite often there are limited pistes and lifts operating for the early part of the season. In Val Thorens however there are only four lifts closed meaning 26 out of the full 30 lifts in the ski area are up and running. There are also 59 out of 85 slopes open which is a fantastic start to the winter season. If you are planning your route just note that it is only Plan de l’eau, Plan Bouchet, Funitel 3 Vallees and TSD 3 Vallees that are closed for the moment, the rest of the ski area including the fourth valley Orelle are all open and ready to ski.

The resort itself is fairly busy at the moment with the usual influx of coach parties and university groups taking advantage of pre-Christmas skiing. Also as we only have Val Thorens open it means all skiers remain in this area. Weekends are also proving popular with a surprising number of visitors heading up to the resort to take advantage of the great early ski conditions.

Whilst Val Thorens has profited well from the late November snowfall lower altitudes did not quite get in on the snow action. The higher areas of the Three Valleys all have a nice covering however the canons are working hard to link up the lower pistes. This weekend the official opening of the Three Valleys will take place with all links open. Whilst Val Thorens can produce impressive figures for the number of open lifts and pistes I am not so sure that the lower resorts will compete quite as well. So just be sure to check the live piste maps at each lift station to check your route, I fall foul of this every year with my usual routes not opening up until the Christmas and New Year peak weeks. Do not fret though there will still be plenty to go at! La Masse area of Les Menuires for example will be closed until the anticipated opening date of 17 December 2016. Over in St Martin it seems the snow canon investment this year was worthwhile as they are working hard to get the lower slopes in a good condition to be able to ski back to resort.

We are seeing a rise of temperatures this week in Val Thorens with a forecast at around 5 degrees until temperatures (thankfully) start to drop again at the weekend. There is no sign of any snow on the forecast over the next couple of weeks but we are keeping an eager eye out in the hope that this will change.

Val Thorens not only starts the season with great pistes they are also hosting two fantastic events. Last weekend in Val Thorens saw the annual hosting of the trophee andros on the Val Thorens ice driving circuit. With the early November snowfall and low temperatures the track was in fantastic condition certainly better than previous years. Taking place over Saturday and Sunday the weather was kind to spectators able to warm cold fingers and toes in the sunshine on the sidelines. This is a great event always held in the first weekend in December and is really easy to access to watch, either on foot, skis or whilst you travel overhead on the ski lift and it’s free. The only issue as ever with Val Thorens is parking with the police on vigilant patrol for on street parking, it is adviseable to take advantage of the parking in resort and use the free shuttle bus to/from the track. We were able to watch some fantastic finals on Sunday from the Elite Pros with J.Philippe Dayraut coming in top of the points table.

We really are so lucky to be able to take advantage of some fantastic events in the Three Valleys with Val Thorens hosting this weekend the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup. Ski Cross is a discipline gaining more and more attention and is really fantastic to watch how the pros do it - no fear! The course is again easily accessible on foot or skis. If you are in Val Thorens here is the schedule over the next few days:

• Wednesday 7 December - Training
• Thursday 8 December - 10am - 3.15pm qualifiers
• Friday 9 December - 12.30pm - 2.30pm Final 1
• Saturday 10 December - 10.30am-12.30m Final 2

So here’s hoping the Three Valleys resort opening gets off to a smooth start this weekend and welcome to anyone arriving in resort to take advantage of these sunny, snowy conditions.

Bon ski!

When she's not writing articles for us, Gemma runs My Mountain Boutique. Take a look!