Avoriaz Snow Report: 5th April 2013

We have fantastic conditions here in Les Portes du Soleil. Almost all of the runs are still open and still skiable, without wading through mountains of slush too. It was actually pretty hard everywhere today.

Unfortunately, Mont Chery in Les Get has closed along with Abondance and Chapelle d’Abondance. St Jean d’Aulps is closing on the seventh with Super Chatel, and Morgins, Champoussin, Linga, Les Gets and Morzine all set to close on the 14th, with Pres La Joux and Avoriaz closing on the a week later. This is a real shame as we still have meters of snow here, but we’ve had a great season and are looking forward to next year, and several new ski lifts!

With conditions as they currently are, it shouldn’t matter when you ski during the day. The slopes are staying firm right through the day and the slush production is marginal. Beware if conditions get warmer though as there is potential for a lot of slush. Sometimes it's best to take an early bath and get involved with the apres!

The weather forecast is mixed again, to say the least: Friday is forecast snowy with virtually no wind at the top, and we’re forecast light rain in the valley. Mild temperatures are predicted and the freezing level is set to sit at around 1,700 meters. Saturday is forecast with light cloud in the morning, and snow shower in the afternoon, up top, again with light rain in the valley, the temperatures and freezing level should be similar. Sunday on the other hand, is forecast to be bright, clear and sunny. The freezing level will still be sitting around the same level, but after Sunday things are set to change. Monday sees the wind pick up and the clouds roll back in, with snow and rain returning to Les Portes du Soleil. Light snow rolls in from the afternoon and into Tuesday where it’s set to get a little heavier. Tuesday, unfortunately look set to see some high winds in the picture. This will make it feel a lot colder and with the snow could make conditions a little tricky. Around Morzine level we look set to see a mix of snow and rain over Monday and Tuesday (fingers crossed for just the snow!). These conditions should make for some great powder skiing higher up, and help rejuvenate the pistes again lower down. Who said the season was over here?

With the forecast as it’s currently sitting, Sunday looks like the day to ski and Monday and Tuesday might be the days the relax a little more. The skiing after Wednesday should be good though. As there’s rain on the forecast, you probably want to stay high, above the freezing level if you can, so you’re in the snow, and don’t get drenched in the downpour. Ski gear isn’t always s waterproof as you expect, and it’s no fun skiing when you’re cold, wet and soaking!

Even on Sunday, although mild, the temperatures are still set to be below freezing at the top, and with a high of seven degrees in Morzine village. This should mean the snow will stay firm through most of the day, and we should avoid the worst of the slush. Be careful when it does appear though, as it can be a right pain for knees, and general falling over. It’s never as soft as you think either!

I would still advise getting up early to make the most of the slopes, but when the weathers pretty yuk, take time and enjoy your mornings, you are on holiday after all. Do remember though, if it’s raining down low, it’s snowing up top! And skiing in snow is a whole different story then.

With things starting to close down now, it is getting a little quieter around town and on the slopes. You can enjoy quieter lift queues and restaurants at lunch time, and even still find powder lines late into the day (when the snow comes that is!). This is a great time to be on holiday, especially with as much snow as there currently is. Think yourselves lucky and enjoy your holiday, in a couple of weeks we’ll be shut down, and it’s a long wait till the snow comes back!

Bon ski!