European Snowsport

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

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    Archives for 2007

    The deep and fluffy arrives in Verbier

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    Snow falling over the last 48 hours has transformed Verbier into a real winter wonderland. Heavy snow falling on Monday was rather wet but yesterday morning saw soft dry powder everywhere. High winds stopped the opening of the top of the mountain so there should be plenty of untracked stuff available above Ruinettes and at the top of Attelas when the area opens up today.

    Winds have caused some crusty conditions on exposed areas but has also resulted in pockets of powder elsewhere. Lots was to be found in Fontaneys and off the side of the piste under Combe 1 – see the video of clients enjoying the snow with Andrea Bionda of European Snowsport…..

    On piste conditions above Ruinettes and at Savoleyres are great at the moment. However, there are some icy patches lower on the main mountain due to the wetter conditions of Monday. The Bruson area also looks amazing and plenty of people headed over there yesterday to take advantage of the uncrowded slopes and off-piste tree skiing.

    Clouds cleared to give beautiful blue skies yesterday. Skies will be overcast today with a bit more snow but then clear for blue skies at the end of the week. The high winds of the early week should be dropping but any off-pisters should watch out for cornices.

    Heavy snow forecast………..

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    Blue skies and fast moving clouds herald more snow to come in Verbier. We have had a few centimeters of snow over the last 24hrs but the big fall is forecast for tomorrow. Visibility today has been quite good even with the early cloud cover. Winds have been fresh and as a result the top of the main mountain has been closed including Mont Fort and Tortin.

    Snow conditions are generally very good with the small amount of fresh powder improving the pistes. For the adventurous skier and rider off-piste is also a possibility – but watch out for the rocks – there is only thin cover in some places.

    Crowds are arriving for the British half-term week which starts this weekend so expect some queues at the La Chaux lifts and at the Les Esserts beginners area tomorrow. Savoleyres provides a good alternative for intermediates and is likely to be much less crowded than the main mountain over the next couple of weeks. With the additional snow expected soon we hope that the 10km La Tzoumaz sled run will also be opening soon.

    If want to ensure a good lunch venue then make sure to book in advance – popular sit down restaurants include:

    Carrefour reachable by bus and on ski (027 771 70 10)
    Le Olympique at the top of the Funispace (027 771 26 15)
    The Marmotte at the bottom of the Savoleyres T bar (027 771 58 34)
    Au Vieux Verbier at Medran (027 771 16 68)

    If snow is falling seating in all the above will be reduced due to everyone being inside.

    The general forecast is for clouds and snow – up to 20cm per day on Monday and Tuesday. Winds will be quite strong – between 50 and 70 km/hr up the top of the mountain – in which case there may be lift closures. The avalanche risk is also likely to rise to 3 or 4.

    Get your fat skis reserved early – when the deep fluffy stuff arrives you want to make the most of it!!!!!!!!!

    Er, congratulations…

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    Well, the Gap Year Students have finished their Instructor Training and the result are in – rather impresively the entire course has passed (apart from the two who had to retire hurt).

    Now most BASI courses always include a few people who don’t quite make it, so it’s a real testiment to their hard work and the hard work of Julian and Roddy at ES that they’ve all dove so well.

    However, when you see how a few of them chose to dress on the last day of the course, it makes you wonder if we shouldn’t take their badges back…

    Snow has arrived and more forecast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Snow has been falling here in Verbier and more is expected over the next couple of days. Soft fluffy stuff was much in evidence this morning although as usual soon got tracked up with eager skiers going for the off piste. Blue skies today replaced the heavy clouds and low visibility of yesterday – but as I am writing clouds are once again approaching from the west.- excitement is building as well.

    All pistes on the main mountain are in good condition and well groomed. The final of the Swiss Junior Super G championship finishes today which should free up more of the slopes down from Attelas which have been cordoned off for the event.

    The off piste is more variable with some wind crust but still worth a go. Most of the itinerary routes including Tortin and Col des Gentianes are open but the Col des Mines/ Vallon D’Arbi, route remains closed for the moment.

    Savoleyres pistes along the top and back of the mountain are also very good. However you need to use a track to negotiate the last part of the front of the mountain down to the Route Carrefour due to poor coverage on the lower slopes. Good variable off piste can be found under the 6 man Le Nord lift and the sun is shining on Chez Simon – a good stop off – especially for the famous apple tart.

    Chez Simon at Savoleyres
    The next week is UK half term holiday and we expect things to be getting really busy around the resort and up on the slopes. Most of the ski schools are already heavily booked up so if you want a lesson make sure you get your reservation in asap.

    Weather forecasts for the next couple of days show sun with some cloud and on mountain temperatures of around –2 C. More heavy cloud and snow are possible on Monday and Tuesday – winds will remain light.

    Snow starting to fall in Verbier

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    Snow has now been falling on and off for the past 24hrs – at least up on the mountain if not in resort. Temperatures have dropped significantly and there is the prospect of more to come. Forecasts are making the prediction of 10-20 cm over the next couple of days with a potential dump on Sunday.

    Bruson is fully open at the moment. The rest of the four valleys is also worth a trip at the moment with Thyon and Veysonnaz reported to be quiet and with reasonable snow conditions.

    Everywhere has a little more snow but some of it has been a little wet and has compressed down. We hope for more powdery conditions over the next couple of days.

    The Junior Swiss Giant Slalom competition is running on Attelas from the 5th – 9th February so expect excitement watching the black runs but also some restrictions on the main runs down from the Funispace and the new Attelas 6 man lift.

    Its snowing in verbier

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    It’s snowing at 2 pm Verbier Time, small flakes started falling which are now about the size of “em chocolate sprinkles” said Georgia Fitzgerald rather modestly, ES West country Instructor and Ski School Debutant. “This is the begginning of the big one” she added later…