Val Thorens Snow Report: 6th December 2015

For this date in the season the pistes were surprisingly good with some amazing snow at the top. As can be expected lower down there are a few sketchy areas and it is certainly hard packed so take care.

Whilst on first sight in Les Menuires there did not appear to be a huge amount of lifts open there was still a good range of pistes on offer. The runs leading off the top of the Bruyeres lift were fantastic and despite it being opening weekend they were no crowds meaning we had most pistes all to ourselves. Also it was great to see that the Granges lift was open dipping into the top of St Martin where again conditions were good for this point in the season.

Temperatures were perfect for me with a nice chill but no freezing hands and toes, for others with normal body temperature control however it was a little on the warm side! There was not a cloud in the sky all day and it was generally a nice reminder of what it is that everyone loves so much about a day’s skiing on the mountain!

It was the first time for the past couple of years where the weekend of the Andros Trophee has fallen on good weather however the downside being that the ice track was not so icy!

As it is still early days for the resort all the usual selection of restaurants and bars are not open however you can still find a sunny terrace of two for a ski break. We stopped for lunch at Ninkasi in Les Menuires whose menu offers mainly burgers and salads and they also serve a good selection of beers, wines and flavoured vodkas to warm ski bodies.

All in all it was a great start to the season and a good time to loosen up ski boots and find our ski legs. Today it is another delightful day of sunshine with the same lined up for tomorrow. Whilst the pistes are in good condition more snow is needed if the rest of the resort including St Martin and La Masse can open as scheduled this weekend. On the weather forecast there is snow due on Wednesday and Saturday in Val Thorens and we need temperatures to drop to allow use of the snow canons lower down. Fingers crossed the final sections in need of better snow cover will be taken care of this week!