Val d'Isere Snow Report: 4th February 2016

I was hoping that the rain-limit would only reach about 2,200 metres Sunday night and we were very disappointed to find that the rain fell up to around 2,800 metres. With the re-freeze we had a rain crust almost to the top of the highest runs and the off-piste skiing for the most part was dreadful.

Fortunately it was a beautiful sunny day and we did manage some great soufflé doux off the Grande Motte in Tignes but anything lower down was ‘wishbone’ snow and to be avoided at all costs. To make matters worse the pistes were terrible as well and there was no escape. The lower slopes were icy from the rain while the upper slopes became bumpy and very unpleasant, and it was just one of those days that had everyone exasperated.

Fortunately the sun shone on Tuesday as well and the off-piste conditions improved drastically and everyone had smiles on their faces again. We still needed to remain at altitude and chose the Grande Motte again over the Pissaillas Glacier at the Fornet. Fortunately for the piste skiers the machines did a fabulous job overnight and the piste conditions were remarkably improved as well.

On Wednesday it was back to flat-light and falling snow and fortunately enough new snow fell to cushion the ice-crust below leaving us with many more options. I was out in the afternoon when the wind started to blow and eventually they had to shut the mountain down. I love witnessing a storm like that and my clients thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It snowed about 20-to-30-centimetres during the day and we were hoping for the best on Thursday when the sun was forecast to shine again.

After such a tough day on Monday everyone was ecstatic with the stunning snow conditions in Tignes Thursday morning. When the northerly wind gets up enough to close the resort we manage to find more lee-slopes in Tignes and we weren’t disappointed. The ‘Alpine’ team all enjoyed fantastic conditions and it was a real reward for those who’ve dealt with some tricky conditions earlier in the week.

Weather: It’s snowing again Thursday afternoon and should continue into the early hours of Friday morning when it should clear up and give us a sunny morning.

• Saturday- Partially sunny -4C/+2C Wind from the S at 5km/h
• Sunday- Snow -4C/0C Wind from the S at 5km/h
• Monday- rain/snow -6C/+2C Wind from the W at 5 gusting to 55km/h

What you may have worked out is 5km/h doesn’t seem mean a lot and it is usually much windier that that at altitude. Any time it’s gusting around 50km/h in town you know it will be exciting further up the mountain. This week winds of 120km/h were recorded at altitude and Wednesday afternoon the wind was so ferocious that the lift system was closed down around 3:30PM. Fingers crossed that our next snowfall comes without the strong wind that has plagued us recently.

Have a great weekend!

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