Val Thorens Snow Report: 13th January 2016

Having tried skiing and snowboarding previously my parents have decided that their mountain holiday involves walking, lunching and vin chauding – perfectly fine by me! They have visited the resort for several winters so trying to find something new in the resort that does not involve skiing can be challenging.

Today we opted for a pieton pass in Les Menuires and took a risk buying the Roc 1 and Roc 2 pass despite the second section being signalled as having a delayed opening. Unfortunately the avalanche risk was too high to open the lift but it didn’t ruin the day, also as a walker, the last thing you want is to be able to get up the mountain but not back down again!

As we arrived in Les Menuires just before midday the sun started to peak through the clouds allowing us to stay wrapped up for chocolate chaud on the terrace of La Skilt. It was at this point with Roc 2 still closed we decided to head up anyway and see if the lift opened. One thing that I have noticed this season is the number of information points that have cropped up all over the place, such a useful addition to the resort. Especially during weeks such as this where not all the usual links are open so there is someone on hand to make sure that everyone knows the route they need to take.

As it has snowed for over a week now there was much fun to be had at the top of Roc 1 but after attempting the walking path and falling knee deep in snow we decided to retreat back to the picnic table. It was a pretty rapid picnic as the temperatures were really low today and then we headed to Chalet des Neige for a glass of rose with the sun warming cold fingers and toes in the deckchairs on their stunning terrace.

It was selfie city up there today with everyone wanting to capture a rare day this season of blue sky and powder, the ultimate combo! The fun didn’t end for everyone on the piste as I returned home and found my neighbours had built a jump on one side of the road and were impressively ski jumping over the road into a field, bravo. I didn’t give it a go!

There is more snow forecast over the next few days, continuing into next week. The Three Valleys took some time to get going this winter but now it’s seems there’s no stopping the neige!