European Snowsport

Outstanding, independent ski schools in Verbier, Zermatt, Nendaz, St Moritz and Chamonix

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    New Year, New Headgear?

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    As you all set off to celebrate the New Year, it’s worth sparing a thought for Sandy and Nicol. After all, in this day and age there can surely be no excuse for wearing a bandana without even a trace of irony?

    Now, young Sandy may have the excuse of youth, but Nicol should surely know better by now…

    However, this is nothing if not a democratic blog, and we want your views. So please send all views to [email protected] and we’ll let you know what you the people have decided.

    So far Heather from the Pub Mont Fort has voted for the bandana (although she is Australian) as has Katrina from the Bristol Hotel.

    Everybody else in the whole of Western Switzerland has correctly identified the trend as rubbish…

    Anyway, send us your opinions and hopefully we’ll be able to cure these two of their terrible affliction.

    In the meantime Happy New Year from everyone at ES, and brace yourselves – serious snow is due to hit tomorrow…more soon…

    Is it me…

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    …or are Ski Instructors getting younger? Well, whilst we’ve been debating if we can find a jacket in Igor’s size, we’ve also been taking heart from the rumour that proper winter weather is due to hit next week…

    As soon as it happens (or if it gets ‘delayed’ again) we’ll let you know.

    Verbier slopes crowded but with snow

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    Verbier – one of the few European resorts with decent snow cover is packed with holidaymakers seeking snow. Snow conditions on the main mountain are still good although the main runs are crowded and lift queues are long.

    New uniforms for the Swedish instructors
    at European snowsports

    Crowds at the top of the funispace
    None of the itinerary routes are open as yet although Mont Fort is available to those seeking challenging skiing.
    Savoleyres is a useful alternative to those seeking quieter slopes and few queues. There are limited runs open but enough to keep skiers of all standards entertained for a few hours. The Route Carrefour is open providing access to the Marmotte and Namaste Restaurants at the base of Savoleyres. However – watch out for the poor snow coverage at the end of the run – a small walk is required down the last section to the Carrefour restaurant.

    A new snack bar – the Yeti – is also now available for light refreshments at the Carrefour roundabout.

    Although a few clouds drifted across the sky today no snow is forecast until well into next week – long live the snow cannons………


    The New Yeti bar at Carrefour

    Happy skiers

    Surfing season

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    Ahhhh, Apres Ski. That’s right, after a long summer spent waiting, the Apres Ski bar at Farinet has re-opened and last night the first crowd-surfers of the season took flight.

    And Apres Ski also means that their legendary Happy Hour is back between 4 and 5. Naturally, everbody from ES heads straight home as soon as our lessons finish, so you won’t find any of us in there. Especiallly not Kato.

    Anyway, here’s what it looked like…




    Detailed Verbier Snow Report With Video

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    Well maintained slopes on the main mountain are standing up well to the crowds of holidaymakers. Runs are at their best during the morning. Later in the afternoon there are extensive patches of hard pack on the steeper slopes. It is now possible to ski all the way back to Medran, but try to come down before 3pm when the runs down the mountain are very busy.

    Inside at Chez Simon – Savoleyres
    At Savoleyres the blue airport run remains closed due to poor snow coverage however the red run from the top down to the Tailley lift is open. It is possible to ski down to the Les Etablons lift on the La Tzoumaz side and the Sud lift on the front side is also open. A track has been pisted along the road on the front side to allow skiers access to the Route Carrefour so you can ski back to the main mountain.

    Good News at Les Esserts – the bottom section of the button lift is now open. This gives beginners a slightly steeper slope to practice on before progressing to the main mountain.

    Meteo Suisse shows sun and daytime temperatures of +10 degrees C for the rest of this week. Bets on when there will be more snow are forecasting 4th/5th January.

    More lifts open for the crowds

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    Christmas Eve in Verbier feels more like a spring day with warm temperatures and stunning blue skies. On the mountains the snow cannons are maintaining the snow well for the crowds arriving for the Christmas festivities.

    Excellent news for improving beginners and intermediates looking for easy blue runs The Tailley lift has now opened in Savoleyres allowing access to the wide blue airport run. Savoleyres is reached by taking any of the buses from Medran two stops to the bottom of the Savoleyres gondola.

    On the main mountain the 1936 Bar situated halfway between Medran and Ruinettes had its opening party yesterday and provides welcome après ski on the way home down the mountain as well as daytime drinks and snacks.

    The magic carpet ski escalator is working at Les Esserts giving access to two easy slopes for beginners. The free No 2 Hameau bus runs from Medran every 15 minutes to the area. Day tickets for 5 francs are available at the booth near the road.
    Piste machines are hard at work preparing the snow for the button drag lift but this is not yet operational.

    Despite some travel problems from the UK the resort has filled up with seasonal holidaymakers both on the slopes and seeking last minutes presents in the shops. The ski schools are also very busy. Skiers and borders looking to improve their technique need to should book in advance to secure lessons.

    For the rest of this week the forecast is for sun and daytime temperatures increasing to around 10 C at resort level.