Archives for 2007

A bit soggy…

3 3 月 2007 by European Snowsport

Not the best day to be in resort – it was pouring all morning which discouraged just about everyone from heading up the hill.

However, if you were brave enough to take the plunge it wasn’t as bad as it looked.

OK, it was pretty windy at times and it was snowing little icy pellets, but in the afternoon the cloud started to break up and we had some amazing runs through the fresh powder on Fontanays.

Michel also has also heard that there have been record snowfalls on Mont Fort with drifts rumoured to be up to 8 meters deep.

The avalanche risk is correspondingly huge too… And even more snow is forecast.

Anyway, here’s a picture of Olly trying to look brave at the top of the La Chaux Express lift:

The last 48hrs has seen a mix of snow rain and occasional glimpses of blue sky in Verbier. Snowstorms and high winds up top caused closures on the main mountain yesterday and today and the avalanche risk has been upgraded to HIGH (4). Rain overnight at resort level turned to snow again this morning as temperatures dropped and more snow is forecast over the next couple of days.

Snow conditions are good on-piste but the off-piste powder is wind blown and heavy – better for boarders than for skiers. Lift queues have been longer than usual due to closures of areas and extra crowds in the busy swiss holiday week. Get out there early to avoid long waits.

The Route Carrefour and most of the itinerary runs remain closed due to avalanche risk. Runs below Ruinettes are open on the main mountain but expect rather wet compacted conditions.

Forecasts for the next couple of days are for slightly higher temperatures and some rain tomorrow followed by clearer skies and some sun on Sunday. More rain and snow to return by Monday. Winds are expected to drop which should open up the higher area around Mont Fort and also access to Tortin and Col des Gentianes runs.

Rain, Winds and more snow

28 2 月 2007 by European Snowsport

Two full days of fresh snowfall gave a great winter atmosphere in Verbier. This morning saw rain at resort level which washed away some of the slippery stuff from the roads and paths. High winds also caused closures of lifts higher up on the main mountain and on the Savoleyres gondola until lunchtime.

Access to the itinerary runs including Tortin, Col des Gentianes, Vallon D’Arbi and Col des Mines remain closed due to avalanche risk. But there has been some great powder available elsewhere including Fontaneys and further afield in the four valleys. Rain has compacted a lot of the snow below Ruinettes but the crowds are still enjoying conditions above this area.

Testing out the newly openedLa Tzoumaz sledge run was great fun today with powder on the upper part and thick slush on the steeper lower part – have a look at the video and try it for yourselves……….

Forecasts for the next couple of days are for more clouds and snow. Daytime temperatures at resort level will be above zero so head up higher for fresh powder. Winds are also expected to reduce so allowing access to the top level areas.

Quite a lot of snow…

27 2 月 2007 by European Snowsport

Well, the great news is it’s still snowing and doesn’t really look like it wants to give up.

As a result the skiing today has been brilliant and the prospects for the rest of the week look great – more snow’s forecast later in the week and rumours are all over resort that there’s loads more on the way (“the hundred year storm” apparently).

Of course that means that visability has been pretty poor for a few days, although this morning the clouds parted and revealed fantastic views of the resort, and if I’d remembered to take my camera out you’d all be coo-ing over views of Savoleyres drenched in snow and sunshine.

Sadly the camera was back at the flat, but I promise to get some pictures of the views tomorrow – although they may be a little cloudy…

Two days of snow in Verbier

26 2 月 2007 by European Snowsport

After a busy, sunny holiday week the clouds rolled in yesterday and more snow arrived in Verbier. A few centimetres of fresh snow yesterday was followed by several heavy snowfalls during today. Temperatures at resort level were above zero causing some sticky snow below Ruinettes and particularly at the beginners slopes of Les Esserts.

The top of the main mountain remained shut the whole day due to gusting wind speeds of up to 80km/hr. High winds also delayed the opening of the Savoleyres gondola until lunchtime.

News of the Week!!! The La Tzoumaz sledge run is now open. The run goes from the top to the bottom of the gondola on the La Tzoumaz side of the mountain – 10km of pure excitement – remember your goggles and helmet!!

Forecasts for the next couple of days are for more clouds and snow. Temperatures will be dropping slightly as will the wind speeds so expect more of the upper slopes to be available with some fresh powder snow.