With more snow than many other top European resorts Verbier continues to be sunny but chilly. Conditions on open runs are generally good due to the extensive use of snow cannons. Early starts are advised to make the most of the freshly pisted slopes. Late afternoon we are experiencing some slick areas of hard pack particularly on the lower slopes of Attelas just before Ruinettes. Ski servicing is likely to be at a premium this week – make sure you get your equipment booked in!
Yesterday the 2-man Combe 1 lift was working for the first time this season. The lift running from the Au Mayen restaurant up to Ruinettes allows access to a wide black run in good condition that then funnels down to a steep red with some good sections. Watch out for grit on the slope at the end of the track linking the red and black runs.
Today the new 6-man Attelas lift opened up running from below Ruinettes up to the right hand side of Attelas. The lift gives access to Lac des Vaux and to the top section of Attelas running back down the front of the mountain. The Powder Spirit Bar at the top of the new lift is also now open with live DJ action.
The La Chaux Express also started running today. This lift – newly installed last year – has both 6-man chairs and gondolas. Skiers taking the chairs must disembark at the first stage at the top of the ridge dividing La Chaux from Attelas. Those taking the gondola can continue over the ridge to the bottom of the La Chaux bowl itself.
Good news for beginners progressing from the nursery slopes at Les Esserts. The easy blue run at La Chaux can now be reached using the La Chaux Express gondola and the La Chaux 2 four man lift. 
The run from the bottom of the Combe 1 lift back down to Medran is still not officially open and is worth avoiding if you want to save your skis. Savoleyres still has just the Le Nord lift running but we hope to see the Tailley lift open at the weekend to allow access to the easy blue airport run – ideal for intermediates.
The long term forecast from Meteo Suisse shows sun to the end of next week. Some locals have now started doing snow dances to encourage the clouds! 