Snow returns to Verbier
28th January 2012
30cm due in over the next couple of daysAfter a week of rough weather, which did see some healthy snowfalls arrive, thursday was beautiful, warm and sunny. This allowed us to get out into the area and play in the fresh powder, although Mont Gele did not open.
Air bag jump at La Chaux credit: verbinet.comClick on image to view full size
Great off piste and on piste conditions credit: verbinet.comClick on image to view full size
Mont Fort in the sunshine credit: verbinet.comClick on image to view full size
Warm temperatures make some lower slopes unstable by afternoon credit: verbinet.comClick on image to view full size
Mont Gele - off piste tracks credit: verbinet.comClick on image to view full size
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Sadly that sunny day was only meant to be brief and by Friday afternoon clouds and mist streamed up the valley cutting off the sunshine.
With the recent quiet pistes I have had some great days both on and off piste. There are not so many bumps or ice patches at the moment as they are a product of poor snowfalls (last year) and busy pistes (last month) All in all, January has been a great month although the regular bad weather has created many flat light days and caused some lift closures from time to time. I don’t know why they can’t make it snow through the night and be sunny by day!
By Saturday the snow had arrived and over the next few days there is around 30cms due in. Winds will be light. Temperatures are going to get very cold and the freezing level should drop down to the valley.
The whole area is open with the exception of Mont Gele. One other exception was the Mayentzet lift which had its inauguration on Saturday morning. Thankfully Tele-Verbier had the foresight to announce that the lift would be closed on Saturday morning until 11am. They announced this on Friday night, via Facebook, at around midnight!
The risk of avalanche is 2 out of 5 and that should not rise as this snowfall will be spread out over the next couple of days and winds are forecast to be light. There was still plenty of powder out there before this new snow arrived so when we do get the sunshine back it should be good times. While the light is flat the lower tree covered runs are the best bet for skiing and they can be found around all the lower areas of the 4 Vallees.
In La Chaux the park is up and running, when the sun is out, and there is a great selection of kickers, from beginner to pro. There is also a good selection of rails and also an air bag jump, where you can throw yourself off a kicker and practice all your tricks in relative safety.
During bad weather spells don’t forget to check out the ice go-karting down at the sports centre where they have a custom built track with chicanes, steep corners and long straights to get your speed up.
The weather over the next few days is forecast to be snowy with flat light and no hint of sunshine - Time to hone those Jedi ski skills again.
Conditions at time of reporting:
- Latest Conditions
snowy, flat light and clouds - Depth of snow on lower slopes
30cm - Altitude of last snowfall
+950m - Date of last snowfall
28.01.2012 - Depth of last snowfall
10cm - Total number of pistes
37 - Highest temperature
-1 - Altitude of lower slopes
1550m - Depth of snow on upper slopes
310cm - Avalanche risk
2 - Altitude of upper slopes
3330m - Altitude of highest temperature
1550m - Number of pistes open
36