Val Thorens Snow Report: 15th January 2015

Just in the nick of time, as slopes lower down were starting to turn a bit green, we have had more snowfall at the beginning of this week. It is forecast to continue at the weekend with heavy snowfall due, just what we need! Steady snow over a couple of days would really turn around conditions and result in lots of smiling skiers.

Anyone due to head out for a holiday who is avidly checking webcams may be wondering what awaits, well honestly, I would say the slopes are good. A huge portion of the resort is remaining open and is an absolute credit to the piste team given the limited snowfall. With temperatures now dropping once again the snow cannons have been blasting over night to keep the piste topped up. I saw recently that there are a whopping 1,500 snow canons in the Three Valleys to help back up that snow guarantee! So you really don’t need to worry.

At the moment I have been opting for half day skiing before work and I’m finding it an absolute delight. As most people are stopping for lunch I’m still roaming around and find the pistes to be absolutely deserted! If you can hold off the stomach rumble and opt for a late lunch you are really rewarded with delightfully quiet pistes.

As already mentioned, the full Three Valleys is open with 288 runs and 150 lifts (out of 200) open for skiers. The only downside is that as it is a thin base, it can be quite icey. Slopes can be more challenging than normal and it certainly keeps you on your toes. If you are a beginner or nervous skier then I would advise sticking to slopes that you are confident on and don’t try a black just to tick it off your piste map! So, quiet pistes mean you can take your time and if you slide a little further than anticipated it’s not such a problem. In lunchtime skiing you also tend to avoid ski schools so don’t have to make your way around the snaking little learner skiers.

The Three Valleys is a huge area so if you haven’t already then check out some of the ski apps to track your stats for the week. Reporting how far you have skied, your descent and most popularly your speed. One piece of advice, don’t set it in the car on the way to slopes. I have heard on more than one occasion rapid claims avidly stood by, until questioned when exactly the app was set to start - at the Chalet, oops!

So all in all it’s still great fun out there and you will get out what you make of it. If you want to be a snow snob and weather watcher then leave your ski boots at home, if you want to have a good time with your ski crew and still get plenty of miles under your ski’s then…bon ski!