European Snowsport
Outstanding, independent ski schools in Verbier, Zermatt, Nendaz, St Moritz and Chamonix
Taking a hard and direct lines all four team members clawed their way back in to the front of the pack. Estimates put Team ES Near the front of the action.
As we go in to the evening moral is high and team work is playing a key part in quick lap times.
More to come as soon as we can get back to the computer…
ES team Members Louis Hall (GBR), Olivier Sonsonons (SUI) Andreas Brihem & Anders Nystrom (both SWE) have begun the Verbier 24hr Freeride competition.
Olivier skied first taking a slight lead in the running section from place central to the Medran. Heading in to the afternoon Team ES is in the top three teams.
More news will follow as the competition develops…
Racing finshes 12 noon tomorrow.
Olivier
Yes the snow has arrived at last………….Fresh soft powder snow has been available all around Verbier for the the last couple of days. Conditions are now a bit more compacted but cold temperatures have kept the conditions good. Wind during the recent snowfall has caused pockets of powder to develop in certain areas – have a look at the <a href=”‘>video if you want to see how deep!! It is still possible to find soft powder even if a bit chopped up – especially over at Savoleyres which has been quieter than the main mountain.
This weekend sees the Dominique Perrier 24hr Freeride competition starting 12 midday tomorrow and continuing until the same time the following day. Teams of keen skiers will be aiming to do the greatest 
number of vertical feet day and night to win the competition.
During a relatively quiet week in resort training for instructors has been much in evidence. On the Savoleyres stade European Snowspor
t and New Generation were doing some giant slalom gates this afternoon. While the Peak Leaders Gap Year course have now finished their training and are about to take their instructor assessment – good luck!
Today saw blue skies and ice particles sparkling in the sun. Wrap up warm though as temperatures on the mountain have been around –15 C. Snow is now all the way down into the valley and winter seems to have arrived at last. The forecast is for the cold conditions to continue for the next few days.
After a very long wait we were rewarded with a hefty dump of perfect powder, so with Sandy and Jim (from the opposition), we headed off to Savoleyres before catching up with the resort staff to do a bit of training.
Suffice to say it didn’t disappoint anyone when the sun came out and Savoleyres was revealed in all it’s glory…
And then we headed to Apres Ski to see the long awaited return of Yellow Mike – a fantastic performance as usual..
And it looked a little something like this…
Tortin yesterday had some great smooth packed powder. The options for this famous run are to go straight down the large moguls at the entrance or negotiate a tricky traverse along to skiers right. The effort is worth it though whichever route you choose. Conditions tomorrow with the new snowfall can only improve the somewhat rocky way in.
On the après scene rumours are flying about a billionaire who funded a free bar at the Farinet last night. Ambulances were called to ferry away a few that had overindulged. Expect crowds there again tonight for the delayed first night of the infamous Yellow Mike Band.
The Bruson area remains closed as is the Col des Gentianes itinerary route. It is still best to take the lift down from Ruinettes at present.
Fingers crossed for an extended snowfall although the forecast is only for 13cm – but looking outside just now it looks as though the weather has settled in for the night at least – get those fat skis ready!!!!
Over the last couple of days there has been a steady build-up of cloud cover and dropping temperatures heralding a change from the warm conditions we have been experiencing. A small amount of snow has already fallen and up to 5 cm is expected tomorrow followed by up to 20cm on Tuesday – at last the snow arrives!!!!!!!
Crowds of local people thronged the slopes this weekend, but we expect the slopes to be quieter during the week as cars are already leaving the resort. Apres ski has also been very busy and the Farinet Apres bar has the ever popular Yellow Mike band playing next week – get there early before all the tables go – or you will have nothing to dance on!!!
Conditions on the main mountain are very good as with the higher winds powder snow has been blown into the valleys. Off-piste is still affected by wind crust but Tortin is said to be very good with few moguls and some deep pockets of powder. Mont Fort is open once again having been closed due to high winds and the snow is soft powder.
The warm weather has kept the snow soft allowing some good mogul practice on Fontaneys. However, there have been some avalanches with the Col des Gentianes itinerary run experienced a full depth slip on Friday. – Watch those snow conditions!!
