Morzine Snow Report: 19th December 2012
Early Season Powder Games
Les Portes du Soleil as a whole opened early on the 15th of December and the majority of links were open allowing access to most of the area. This weekend sees the entire area officially open so from the 22nd of December, it's all systems go.
The snow conditions for the early season have been amazing, one of the best starts to the season in fifty years! Last weekend we had some of the finest powder I’ve ever skied, and although conditions got a little damper mid week, the temperatures have dropped again with more snow falling.
The conditions on Sunday were a little heavy and visibility was not ideal, but it was still a great day to be up the mountain. We skied from Avoriaz to Chatel and back again, and everywhere in between. The powder in between was more skier friendly than snowboarder and I did find it hard work. That said, riding in the trees was fantastic, and the higher we went, the lighter the powder snow became.
On Tuesday it continued to thrown down light to moderate snow through tomorrow down as low as 800 meters. Today - Wednesday - looks like the day to be up the hill with clearer skies forecast which will be great after all the snow. More snow is forecast, but the freezing level is due to rise again, on Thursday, as high as 1,800 meters, so you can expect a little more rain lower down. Heavy snow is forecast on Saturday again. This could make transfers a little more difficult, but will set up next week well for some great skiing conditions, Just in time for Christmas!
At present, there is over 1m 60 cm of snow in Avoriaz village, with almost two meters of snow at the top! Santa’s been early this year for every one already here that's for sure!
The off piste conditions are good, and the avalanche risk earlier in the week was a three, but as always, be careful out there. Skiing in the trees is usually a safer bet but if you don't avalanche safety kit then please stick to the secured ‘Snow Zones’ shown on piste maps where you can ski safely in the Portes du Soleil area. NB Make sure to check with ski patrol to make sure these areas have been secured and are open. If you are skiing further off piste, do remember to take your avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe) and know how to use it. Any closed runs are a definite no go area as if an accident does occur, you won’t be covered by your insurance.
Some of the best conditions earlier in the week were found in the Les Lindarets bowl, where there was powder in the trees to be found all sides! We skied through The Stash and from the top of Prolays chair lift. We also dropped in on the Chatel side and found unexpected waist deep powder, thanks to the wind blown snow.
We did a couple of runs round the Grandes Combes chair lift but the visibility was poor and the winds were a little bit stronger at the top, lower down however, the powder was fantastic again. We also skied to the bottom of Les Prodains, where there was good snow cover, but it was heavy and sticky at the bottom. Down there we noticed that the new 3S Cable Car, due to open this season is still a fair way from being finished. It is now due to open in February but this is a big maybe and there are rumours that it may be March. The building at the bottom is still missing part of a roof! As a result this area could be very busy over peak periods as there is less parking because the new gondola station has been built in the old car park. A good way of avoiding this over the holiday period is (if you have a car) to drive on to the car park at Ardent and take the lifts from there. You can also get a bus there - check out our travel section for more details. If you've got a car, head to Montriond, past the lake and follow the signs for Ardent.
We stopped for lunch in Chanabang in Avoriaz, which is a great stop for anything from a hot drink to a burger for lunch. There is a great atmosphere, especially suited to all the Freestylers among us, and there's also a ski shop, so you can browse the latest gear aswell.
Despite the rain over the early part of the week, there is still a fair amount of snow in Morzine and the town still looks really pretty. If you don't manage to get out in the sunshine on Wednesday and find yourself skiing in some flat light conditions then make sure you invest in some flat light specific lenses for your googles. These are the ones that are either yellow, orange or rose tinted and are really worth buying as they make a massive difference to a day on the hill in these kinds of conditions.
Well, I hope you enjoy the snow, and have a great holiday. Can't believe it's Christmas next week - check out our events calendar to keep up to date with all the festive fun and games planned in town...
Bon ski!
Stats
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Alt. Resort: 1800m
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Alt. Summit: 2466m
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Alt. High Temp.: 1800m