4 valleys and Mont Fort open

It’s Sunday afternoon and the clouds have rolled in at last. Temperatures have dropped and a small amount of snow is falling up above Ruinettes. We hope for a little more overnight but the next large fall is predicted for Wednesday.

Yesterday saw the opening of Mont Fort and the link to the 4 valleys via Siviez. Crowds headed up for first runs from the top of the resort this season. Snow conditions on Mont Fort itself were very good with some deep, if heavy, powder. The track from Col des Gentianes back to La Chaux is open but many preferred to take the Jumbo lift back down as the coverage was a little sketchy.

A group of us took advantage of the 4 valley opening to tour across from Siviez via Veysonnaz over to Thyon. While the route is now possible many pistes have thin cover and the Mayens de L’Ours race piste good at the top is very rocky at the bottom – take your older skis if planning a day out. A recommended restaurant situated between Nendaz and Veysonnaz is the Aux Chottes – a lovely wooden hut warmed by log burners and serving excellent game in season.

Savoleyres also opened yesterday and snow conditions are good. Currently just the gondolas and the six man Le Nord lift are currently open. It is not yet possible to ski down to La Tzoumaz or down the front via the Route Carrefour back to the main mountain.

For complete beginners the magic carpet at Les Essets is now open. Looking for the next step after this? Savoleyres is a good option. Even with the currently limited pistes this area provides a quieter and easier environment than the main mountain. Chez Simon – the cosy bar restaurant under Le Nord lift is also open and serving its famous apple tart.