Val Thorens Snow Report: 5th January 2015

As I don’t have any windscreen wipers on my goggles, for my day off on Saturday I opted instead for a more relaxed pace to my itinerary. After a couple of easy runs in the morning before the weather came in, I went to relax my ski legs at the Les Menuires Sports Centre.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, you’ve heard the words sports centre which conjours up and image of council baths back home. Well think again! This place is well worth the money, for 13,50 euros you have access to a lovely swimming pool, two jacuzzi’s, two saunas, a really large steam room and there is under floor heating so it is nice and warm. The only thing to point out is that if you are looking for Olympic swimming training, the pool is perhaps not for you. Perfect for my few lengths paddling about, but it is only a small pool.

There are also rows and rows of sun loungers facing out so you can relax and watch the skiers battling with the whiteout outside! It’s a really nice retreat and definitely a recommended visit, located just opposite the bus station in Les Menuires. There are also the same facilities up in Val Thorens along with a children’s soft play area and treatment rooms if you need any ski aches and pains massaging away.

So as Monday morning came around and all UK based people were heading back to the office, for me it was time to get up that there mountain! I had been patiently waiting to avoid the crowds for two weeks over the peak holiday period and have been very much rewarded, this week is just beautiful. A nice reminder of why mountain living works.

The pistes are still in good condition higher up. As can only be expected with limited snowfall, lower down you need to ski with caution as there is uneven cover. Where pistes are closed there is a barrier for a reason, no-one is trying to ruin your fun, please do not think they are hiding a lot of powder from you! I have also seen people trying to attempt the off piste, those tracks were made when it was soft and fluffy, now it is a pretty icey base so I wouldn’t really recommend it.

After a balmy few days the temperatures have thankfully now dropped which makes for lovely fresh skiing conditions. The sun is out as well to finally give my winter skin a blast but I did need to stay wrapped up.

It was a stunning day at the top of Cime Caron this morning, a spot that I would say provides one of the best view points in the Three Valleys, definitely worth a trip up. There are several viewing platforms which are a little bit of a hike up and tricky in ski boots, but you are rewarded at the top, simply stunning. At 3200m you may need to grab yourself a chocolat chuad to warm up in the Caron Freeride Café and why not take advantage of the their claim - to be the highest free WiFi point in Europe!

With three big bright yellow sunshines showing on my forecast for the next few days I intend to do much of the same. There is then the very pleasing sight of snow on the forecast at the weekend which will be very welcome indeed.

Anyone who hasn’t experienced January skiing and has the flexibility to squeeze in some ski time, then it is a definite recommend, you are missing out!