a half drunk bottle of rose and a slice of cheese picnic

a few ski tracks in the snow and blue skies above

a couple of pistes converging with barely anyone skiing

people lying on park benches on the pistes

two piste markers with very blue skies above

Val Thorens Snow Report: 12th February 2015

Sun, more sun and relatively empty pistes for the start of the school holidays

featured in Snow report Author Gemma Hunt, Val Thorens Reporter Updated 17 February 2015

Wow what a week, just glorious! The smell of suntan lotion is in the air, sun on your face, bluer than blue sky, not a cloud to be seen and most importantly fantastic pistes. I think you get the idea, it’s been a bloomin’ good week in the Three Valleys!

Whilst French holidays are now under way, it seems everyone else is perhaps saving their holiday, as the slopes are surprisingly quiet for approaching mid-February. I am certainly not complaining, quiet pistes are my absolute favourite.

One thing that is noticeable is that there are more families and small children around. Some very cool little skiers and snowboarders heading down the slopes, great to see them starting so early. I did however find one little stranded skier yesterday whose parent hadn’t noticed her fall and had skied on, so try to keep an eye out for little ones and help them get back on track.

Similarly make sure you ski with caution during these busier weeks coming up, children as with adult beginners, are not so predictable and can traverse across the slope so just take the speed off when possible. I have heard on two occasions adults who were about to have a collision with a small child who ended up having to pick up the tiny skier just to prevent injury. This is not advisable, just ski with care!

At the moment it is unusually warm for February, which is making for some very enjoyable ski days. You know that it must be less chilly when I’m not wearing my usual two jackets and seven layers! People always ask why I carry a backpack and it is normally to carry spare gloves, hats, goggles, hand warmers. This week it had a slightly different purpose. Having regretfully turned up a little late to meet ski friends, I find that along with an apology, if you have a bottle of rosé in your bag along with some jambon and fromage for an impromptu picnic you’ll be forgiven pretty quickly! Taking a picnic on the mountain is a definite bonus to the ski day and there are so many spots to choose from with amazing views.

We managed to stumble across a fantastic location and it was certainly a very relaxing way to while away an hour or so. After several seasons of mountain picnics, I’m quite a pro, wine glasses, table cloth and all there’s no holding back! If you haven’t tried it already then I definitely recommend, you just have to have a willing volunteer to carry it around and hope they don’t fall on your sandwiches!

I have been asked to look out for some romantic ideas to recommend for Valentines day this weekend and the only one I have come across is pretty random I have to say! In teams of two, couples can compete in Val Thorens in a ‘fun Segway cross challenge’. There are apparently prizes to be won and ginger hot wine offered to all lovers. It is free to join but there are limited places available, taking place on Friday at 5pm. Perhaps a fun way to end your holiday but maybe not the most romantic if you are a competitive duo!

The sun is shining once again today but it seems it is the last sign of warmth for a few days with light snow due at the weekend. The estimated snow levels should not cause too much chaos but with one of the busiest weeks coming up, please be prepared if you are driving to resort.

Right time to ski and my wine rack is empty so I must make sure I’m on time..

Read more 3 Valleys Snow Reports from Meribel & Courchevel.