Avoriaz Snow Report: 26th March 2011

Whilst we were skiing this morning it was mostly sunshine conditions but the clouds were building and became predominant in the afternoon but by then we had long since finished skiing. Basically we never got further than the Piste H leading into the Stade and Piste B which may sound a little limiting. However, not so, as it’s good to not have to chase a destination and instead concentrate on the skiing on a familiar run under consistent conditions.

Initial we used the Pleney bubble to lap Piste H and the Stade. These are two steep(ish) reds, so much so they hold ski races here. As you come out of the Pleney telecabine turn left and left again and that’s you at the top of Piste H. Initially very steep before the gradient slackens before pitching down again as you head into narrower terrain at the top of the Stade. The latter is a really good gradient for ripping it up or putting in the short controlled turns. We did a little of both mixing it up with lots of leg burning short turns and then some high speed Super G turns – don’t forget it takes some stopping at the bottom otherwise you’ll be entering the Tremplin hotel at a rapid rate!

The snow conditions are typically spring like - corn/sugar snow. It’s mild in the evening at the moment due to the late afternoon cloud build up so that prevents things freezing overnight. The conditions are actually really nice, it’s not catchy on the edges and you get turns something akin to powder – poor man’s powder but its good none the less. As the morning progresses things normally get more chopped up but this was not too bad today as the slopes were very quiet, they always are on Saturdays, no waiting at all at the lift.

Piste B was more of the same condition wise but is a much slacker gradient for the less experienced to get back into town. It shouldn’t be overlooked by more advanced skiers but do be considerate to learners as you flash passed – give them some room, you were there once!

For the length of time we were out we got maximum ski time and it was great to work on the technique and nail a better run each time or for that matter try to make up for the mistakes of the last run.

The ski legs were soon done and it was time to head for lunch. Off the mountain this time, we headed for the L’Etale restaurant just down the street from the Pleney telecabine. Recently refurbished it’s a great place to eat and a good tip for lunch, the plat du jour is excellent value. We sat on the lovely terrace people watching, eating and drinking – excellent! It’s a good tip to head into town as it’s cheaper and often less chaotic than a mountain restaurant as nobody thinks of doing it.

Snow is on the horizon, set to start up tomorrow night and continue into Monday morning with a rain snow limit dropping to 1300m – could be some good stuff around Tuesday!

Ps. Don’t be alarmed by the pictures, these are Morzine’s two lowest altitude runs and the pistes are a good 1-2m thick, doesn’t really matter about the grass on either side and skiing into town at this time of year is pretty good.

Bon Ski!

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