Skiing on dry cold groomers

Looking at the stats, we have 135cm up at Mont Fort, 40cm in Nendaz and 25cm in Verbier. If you are based up near Carrefour, you could ski home to your front door which is always a winning feeling. With the depth of snow, the pistes are staying in fun skiing condition until the late afternoon. The run from the top of Attelas to the Mayentzet lift is a dream to lap first thing in the morning. Lac de Vaux has more snow and therefore more fun can be had in the off-piste territory.

The snow is cold, hard packed and dry. Mont Gele has opened its lift this week and so, if you are feeling adventurous, here is a newly opened terrain to get yourself down. Pick your line carefully to be sure you get to enjoy the fresh snow minus any rocks.

Le Chaux is still in great condition for the beginners and the snowpark here is being shaped up nicely with work happening daily on the big kicker. From here you can hop on the Jumbo lift, La Chaux - Gentianes, which will take you on your journey to Mont Fort. Up there it's open with its glorious, mountainous moguls and ending in its smooth pisted runout.

If you are thinking of heading off piste the first thing to note is the avalanche risk is at 3, which is graded as considerable danger. Lots of snowfall fell on not much of a base, so make sure you get clued up with the right tools (transceiver, shovel and probe) and ski with a partner before exploring.

If you would like to learn or practise your Avalanche rescue, the DVA park in Le Chaux is open from the 21st of January until the 26th of March. Free lessons are offered every Sunday at 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00 and you can just turn up with no prior booking. Each session is run by a guide and lasts for about 50 minutes. I would highly recommend this.

Upcoming in the weather forecast, there is potential snowfall due on Monday the 23rd and, looking even further ahead, there have been predictions of snow for the following weekend. Other than that, there will be slightly warmer temperatures this coming week and some sunshine to enjoy during your lunch stops on the hill. If you find yourself on the slopes in Bruson, I would recommend treating yourself to a coffee at the top in the small restaurant called La Pasay. It has a great balcony full of deck chairs and bean bags which is ideal for the sunnier lunch times without the crowds.