Val Thorens Snow Report: 26th February 2015

There was snow forecast for Saturday which once again fell on a busy changeover, but did not cause too much travel chaos. The snow fell heavily overnight and into Sunday and after a slight respite with just a lingering cloud we had snow once again at the beginning of the week. Wednesday was forecast sunshine and ta-da, just what everyone was waiting for! Finally a clear day to enjoy the previous day's powder, the reward for those who had endured a couple of no-visibility snow days.

We are now over half way through the season and the weeks seem to be flying by. Having done a quick activity review to make sure I can fit plenty of reporting in, this week it was time for the dog sleigh!

Based in St Martin de Belleville, I opted for a 30 mins trip at 36 euros. You just need to book at the Tourist Office and make sure you get in quickly as it gets super booked up. They take bookings on a Saturday for that week and usually by the end of the day it is full.

To arrive at the meeting point you need to take a short walk following the signs on the track below the Cochet car park. The information advises a 30 minute walk but I would say it takes around half of that time depending on ability and whether you are walking with little ones with little legs! The track is pisted so you can wear normal walking shoes.

Once you are settled in the sled there’s just an “allez les filles” and you’re off! I joined two others but maximum capacity is two adults and two children. We were apparently the quickest of the day (2pm). After a rapid start though don’t fret, it’s not a speedy trip. The dogs trot along a walking track and after 15mins there’s a short break for the dogs and a photo stop for the passengers, then you return. If I’m totally honest I wasn’t blown away, however, I figured their target market is perhaps not an early 30’s female taking part by herself!

When we got back to the meeting point there were some very excited faces of two children snuggled up in their onesies and that for me summed it up, a recommended family experience. Perhaps also suitable for a couple but don’t expect much romance, there’s a geezer stood behind you and they may need to do a quick stop if the chiens ‘faire caca’!

So there’s that and I have to say, I’m up for trying most activities - I enquired with Valthonet HQ about jumping out of a plane recently in Courchevel. This idea was stumped when I received the same gift for valentines to take place in the summer (flowers aren’t my kind of gift). There is however one other activity that is definitely not my cup of tea so you will have to try this one for yourself. New for this season you can take part in ice diving! Taking place at Lac de Lou, it involves a 40 minute walk from Val Thorens (snowshoes or touring skis). After a short briefing in a mountain chalet, the qualified instructors of Evolution 2 help you into your suit, mask and flippers then you glide into the water all for 140 euros! A unique experience that could add to your holiday – so who’s brave enough…? 

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Read more 3 Valleys Snow Reports from Meribel & Courchevel.