Sunshine & blue skies return to Verbier : 26th December 2011
More snow forecast this weekend

Fantastic sunshine has returned to Verbier providing superb conditions both on and off piste. After some heavy snowfalls at the start of the season and a recent top up of fresh snow a few days ago there has been powder in abundance. The whole area is now open and this has allowed the crowds to spread out and many areas were only lightly tracked until today.

Mont Gele and the Mont Fort glacier opened on Sunday allowing skiers to access the free-ride runs of Gentianes to Tortin as well as the Mont Gele runs. The free-ride run from Chassoure to Tortin opened a few days ago too but has already developed bumps.

The recent snowfall brought in around 10cm of snow but the freezing level rose quite high and rain did fall as high as Attelas. This rain seeped into the snowpack and caused some off piste areas to slide or at least fracture and the risk of avalanche remains 3 out of 5, which is considerable. Runnels, where the rain runs down the off piste areas, can be seen on many off piste areas below Ruinettes and the Verbier side of Savoleyres.

The rain and high freezing level has created quite icy pistes on lower slopes so make sure your edges are well tuned but, generally, piste conditions are excellent.

Vallon d’Arbi and Col des Mines free-ride runs are still closed. Do not cross the closed barriers as you risk voiding your insurance if you do get into an incident.

Temperatures have remained very cold, even with light winds, so wrap up well, although bright sunshine today and yesterday has been taking the chill off slightly.

We have been using the new Mayentzet chair lift to get up the mountain but the routes to get there are a little convoluted.You can either take the bus to Carrefour and scoot across or take the magic carpet from Le Rouge restaurant to the Le Rouge pomma and then scoot across to the rope drag that takes you to the lift. This does take time and add in a small queue and I wonder if it is actually faster to go to Medran.

The weather over the next few days looks as if it will stay sunny and cold but for next weekend there is a forecast for more snow. Keep it coming is all I say.

If you are lucky enough to be coming to Verbier over the New Year period then you will not be short of a party or two. All bars, clubs and pubs are selling tickets and it is best to buy before the night to avoid tickets getting sold out or paying more on the door. Rest assured that the main ‘unofficial’ party in the centre of town will be another mad affair but only end up in the centre of the crowd if you really want to party as it can get quite hectic. The Farinet Lounge and Central T-Bar locations are the best way to watch the party without getting covered in champagne. Most bars allow you to leave and head to Place Centrale to see in the New Year before going back in but make sure you check before you buy your tickets. Public, Farm Club and Farinet Lounge sell the most expensive tickets with Pub Mont Fort, T-Bar and CasBah cheaper options but less opportunity to celebrity spot.

From all of us at Verbinet and Skinets have a happy New Year and be sure to work off that turkey belly in time for what is sure to be a fantastic January in the Swiss mountains.

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