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More great powder skiing in Val d'Isere

Mixed weather in the Espace Killy

featured in Snow report Author Wayne Watson, Val d'Isere Reporter Updated

Wow, what a brilliant but at times difficult week that was! From murky skies to deep cold snow in the sun, we had a bit of everything. This season has been great so far and, as we slowly start to transition into spring, there are no signs of the excellent conditions ending anytime soon.

On Monday, we enjoyed another day where the weather was better than forecast and we had a brilliant morning in Tignes. We skied the Borsat, the Chardonnet, off the Tourne, the Sachette Couloir and a run in the Altiport to finish and the snow quality was superb.

Mixed weather in Val d'Isere

Tuesday was much more difficult as it was overcast and the visibility was poor but we managed a great ski in Tignes’ Little Lavachet where there are a few trees down low to give some visual relief. We then skied the Sachette via another couloir and, by this time, some welcome light had filtered through making the navigating much easier.

Mixed weather in Val d'Isere

On Wednesday, we headed up to the Fornet for a change of scenery after skiing in Tignes for two days. After a murky start, the skies cleared just enough to make for a fantastic morning of powder skiing up on the Pissaillas Glacier.

Mixed weather in Val d'Isere

The snow quality on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday was first class but it was even better on Thursday. We had some fresh snow overnight and, with the first sunny day since last Sunday, we savoured one of the top three days of the season. We returned to Tignes because the snow was noticeably deeper there and we had a brilliant day. Warming up with the Kern in Val d’Isere we then went over to Tignes via an excellent Borsat. The Grande Motte offered some stunning snow and we had a run on the atmospheric North Face of the Grande Balme, which was wonderful. Many of the clients called it the best day of the season and a couple went as far as saying it was the best skiing day of their lives. It really was quite exceptional!

Mixed weather in Val d'Isere

I often mention it but it’s for a good reason because the pavements in town are unbelievably treacherous. It’s getting worse because it is warm enough in the day for the snow on the roads and pavements to turn slushy and then cold enough at night for them to refreeze into a nasty slippery surface. The pavements are very uneven and full concentration is necessary when plotting your route. I often see adults carrying small children on their shoulders and cringe because it’s a long way down and it doesn’t bear thinking about if the parent slipped. Please, do take care when walking around town.

Mixed weather in Val d'Isere

It looks as if we’ll get some more snow over the weekend with some sun and snow showers on Friday, followed by light to moderate snow on Saturday and Sunday. Have a wonderful weekend, enjoy those quiet pistes, (especially on Saturday) or, even better, the powder and look out for another update on Monday.

Follow more from Wayne on his Daily Diary.

Ski safely off-piste

Exploring beyond the ski resort boundaries is an amazing experience for anyone who's physically fit and has mastered the pistes well enough. There are, however, risks associated with venturing outside the safety of the marked/patrolled ski area, including awareness of your actions on those below you on the slopes. Mountain guides are professionally qualified and have extensive knowledge of the local terrain, to provide you with the safest and most enjoyable possible experience in the mountains; as a visitor here we highly recommend you hiring one. Many ski schools and also mountain guides provide instruction in off-piste skiing, avalanche safety and mountaineering techniques. Make your time in the mountains unforgettable for the right reasons, ski safe!

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