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Val d'Isere Snow Report: 22nd January 2015

Great snow cover but we're all still waiting for that elusive BIG dump..

featured in Snow report Author Josy Daughtry, Val d'Isere Reporter Updated

Everybody has been waiting a long time for a big 'dump' of snow that we really need here in Val D'isere, but unfortunately it still hasn't appeared. That, however, doesn't mean that conditions are bad. Yes, parts of the pistes are icy but there is still plenty of good skiing throughout the Espace Killy.

Most of the slopes and lifts are open and there is plenty of variety to keep you busy during your stay in Val. At the moment I have been skiing most days on the Solaise side (which tends to be less icy and less busy), there are some lovely easy runs on this side along with plenty of nice restaurants.

'Madeline' is a nice, wide green piste where you can practise new things. It can get quite busy in the middle of the week as beginners improve and instructors tend to take ski schools here. If you then head to the 'Up and Over' (be prepared if you haven't been on this before, its slightly like a rollercoaster!) chairlift it will take you to the Val Glacier which also has really nice conditions at the moment. There is something for everyone up there – blues, reds and plenty of good off piste (be careful though, as the avalanche risk is still high at the moment).

Heading over to the Olympic side there is also plenty of good skiing. Again slightly icy in places but generally still better conditions then anywhere else in the Alps. Le Face is the home run but I would recommend only doing it first thing in the morning - it gets very icy and becomes a danger zone any time afternoon.

A really nice route to do is what my friends and I call the 'happy circle' - Take the bubble up the Olympic, ski down Verte to the Borsat lift, take the Borsat lift and ski down to the Grand Prix lift following really nice easy blues and greens. For something a little more challenging skiing down to La Daille from the top is on a nice red run which is used for the women's downhill skiing competitions. Currently it is holding the European Ski Cup. Today the sun is shining and it is relatively warm. Val d'Isere isn't so busy and you will find on occasion that you have the pistes to yourself!

If you want a break form skiing I would recommend taking advantage of your free entry pass to the Centre Aquasportif. It is good to have a break from skiing and relax in the hot tub, sauna, steam room and pool. The facilities are of a high standard and it offers something a little different to do whilst you are on holiday. The centre is at the bottom of the Olympic chairlift and be sure to remember to take your lift pass to justify your free entry.

Just outside of the village there is a BMW test driving track which offers a wide range of fun driving experiences. Learn to handle a top of the range car on ice with professional driver aside. You can also try out Ice Karting – go karting but on ice! [Find more winter activities here].

Yes, we are long awaiting a good dump of snow, but there are still plenty of good pistes to keep you busy during your stay, and when you get here be sure to pick up your copy of Val Scope from the tourist office to see a list of upcoming events, or take a look at our events calendar.

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Ed: For what's happening on the other side of the Espace Killy, take a look at our snow reports from Tignes.

Location

Map of the surrounding area