Morzine Snow Report: 20th March 2012

The visibility up the mountain yesterday was not the best and appears to have restricted most people to tree lined runs around Linderets and the like. All of which meant there were plenty of lines to be had today. We did not go too far afield making use of the Mossettes lift out of Brocheaux above Linderets to access some superb skiing.

Initially we skied down the La Frontaliere Snowcross zone. This is the area you can see to the left of the Mossettes lift and immediately under it as you reach the end. The snow was lovely and deep and only a touch heavier than you would expect earlier in the winter in colder times. We were crossing other people's lines but that did not matter as there were still vast tracts of untracked to leave our mark on.

Second time around we decided to head off to skiers' left, this is a little more “off piste” and un-patrolled unlike the Frontaliere area. The usual chat here; make sure you have all the avalanche kit and know how to use it. You may not be far from the lift but it’s far enough to get into some big trouble. On a more upbeat note we once again found some superb powder to ski in.

Returning once more to the top of the Mossettes we dropped down the ridgeline a little way past the start of the Les Cases red and then popped off the piste eventually re-joining the Abricotine blue. This was the pick of the runs for me, a little steeper and faster and not too many people had been there before us. It was relatively untracked, something of a surprise this late in the morning.

As it was the pick of the day we had another go before deciding the powers were fading somewhat and it was time for lunch. There is a great little restaurant at the bottom of the Mossettes lift, hidden away behind the big obvious restaurant (which is also fine by the way).

Les Ancelles does some great food to keep you fuelled up should you be heading out for more turns in the afternoon or, alternatively, soak up an afternoon beer or three. We opted for the latter, reasoning that the snow was getting heavier on the last run and we had had the best of it in the morning.

This did appear to be the case as skiing home via Super Morzine we did encounter some sticky, grippy snow. In my opinion, make it count in the morning and go as long as you can before stopping for lunch. I know that’s not always an option, especially if you are on a short break and need to maximise your time. If this is the case, stay up high in the afternoon using pistes off the Mossettes, those in the Chavanette bowl or perhaps the Hauts Forts and you’ll be fine.

Bon Ski