© Caroline Sayer
© Caroline Sayer
© Caroline Sayer
© Caroline Sayer
© Caroline Sayer
© Caroline Sayer
The sun has come out after so much snow
What has happened to the weather this winter? It has snowed, bucketed it down, blizzarded, sleeted, flurried, snowed, rained and snowed some more. I can’t remember a season when so much fell from the sky. Snow clearing is a constant occupation.
This weekend we enjoyed a few days' respite from the snowfalls and had a chance to make the most of exceptional skiing conditions. The slopes are in near perfect condition with soft snow absolutely everywhere. They are so soft and smooth they make you feel as if you are a really talented skier. “Hero snow”, I’ve heard it called. The only tougher snow is on the low pistes through the resort where rain last week resulted in some harder areas.
The snow depths are excellent: 100cm in the resort and a vast 244cm on the summits (that's 8 feet of snow in old money). It's even been possible to ski all the way down to Brides-les-Bains at 600m. Now that the holidays are over, the slopes are quieter and there are virtually no queues anywhere. The sun came out briefly this weekend and the temperatures were normal for this time of year, around -5ºC at La Chaudanne and -10ºC on the summits.
We decided to ski over to Val Thorens to make the most of these relatively kind weather conditions (to my mind, VT is best avoided during windy/cold/flat light conditions as it's high and exposed). En route, we decided to check out some of the new lifts and pistes that have appeared this winter.
First, we took the new, blue La Corniche piste into Val Thorens. It starts from La Folie Douce restaurant/bar and gently winds to skier's left, arriving above the top of VT. It's a little bit flat so probably best avoided by boarders but it does offer beautiful views over the resort. It will come into its own during busy periods when it will offer a much quieter route into Val Thorens than the busy Plein Sud run.
More exciting is the new Moraine gondola lift which replaces the old chairlift of the same name. This long and exposed chairlift was nicknamed ‘the fridge’ as it was so cold (and the short, even chillier Col chairlift above it is known as “the freezer”). The new gondola is a huge improvement, offering a fast and comfortable ride to the foot of the Glacier de Thorens in spacious cabins for ten. It serves two excellent, long, wide, cruisey blues, Moraine and Genepi, which are known for their good snow and are a great place to practise carving turns.
I had intended to ski into Orelle to try out the new Croix d’Antide run but the lure of a good lunch at my favourite VT restaurant, Chalet de la Marine, was too strong so this new blue run will have to wait for another day…
On our way back to Méribel from Val Thorens, we took the new blue Lac de la Chambre piste. As I'm sure you know, this run forms a major route between the two valleys and had a tricky steep first section which is mostly in deep shade. This section is still graded red and has been allowed to form big moguls. The new blue alternative (on skier's right) is a much easier and more pleasant way back towards Méribel. In addition, the lower, narrower part of this run has been reshaped and widened, making it a much nicer route home than before.
Thank you to Eliot, SeeCourchevel's snow reporter, who provided the last report while I was off with the ‘flu. My top tip for this winter – do have the ‘flu jab, it really wasn’t very nice…
The forecast is for a return to yet more snowy weather. We are expecting a whole week of heavy snow from Tuesday onwards. Back to snow clearing again…
Intersport Les Balcons in Val Thorens offers high-quality ski and snowboard equipment, clothing and accessories for all levels. Their expert team ensures comfort, safety and performance, whether you’re hiring or buying gear for your holiday.
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Val Thorens!
Hire skis and snowboards at the beginning of the street Les Balcons, 50 m to the residence Altitude, Val 2400 et Chalets du Soleil. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your first skiing day.
Pierre and his team welcome you to their new shop for your ski hire in Val Thorens. They look forward to welcoming you throughout the season so they can share their passion for the mountain with you!
In the centre of Val Thorens, this shop brings together top snowboarding brands like Volcom, Vans, Capita, Union, Deeluxe, Salomon, Thirty Two, Beyond Medals, Jones and more.
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
A ski school that brings technique and pleasure together throughout the Alps.
This company offer group ski and snowboard lessons throughout the winter season for all ages and abilities.
Helping holidaymakers enjoy seamless airport transfers since 2008. From prompt and professional drivers, to stylish and well-maintained vehicles. A journey with them is more than just a transfer. Their aim is to ensure all their customers travel in comfort and with confidence.
From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
This company offers a great value shuttle service as well as private transfers from Geneva Airport to Val Thorens. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
Head out on a snowmobile with a guide and experience the mountains at night time when the lifts have closed and the pistes are quiet.
Alpamayo are a group of high mountain guides based in Chamonix all year round as well as in Val d'Isere and Tignes in the winter.
Spend an exhilarating trip being pulled in a husky sled. Excursions for 30 minutes or 1 hour are available from the tourist office in St Martin.
Find out all about what is happening in the Val Thorens area and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the region. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsA number of events take place over the winter and summer months in Val Thorens and the Belleville valley in which it sits. From ski cross championships and music festivals to a mountain bike race that takes place across the whole of the Three Valleys, the Trois Vallées Addict Tour, and the occasional Tour de France stage, you'll find something to keep you entertained during your stay.
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