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Morzine Snow Report: 20th March 2013

Riding the March powder

featured in Snow report Author Debbie Priestley, Morzine Reporter Updated

After the recent snowfall, conditions couldn’t be better! We have had a massive dump of snow here in Les Portes du Soleil and it has completely revitalised the off piste conditions here. We’ve had at least forty centimeters of fresh snow all over the area making for some amazing skiing.

Monday was the day to be on the hill. The powder was picture perfect and after lunch, the sun even came out. On Sunday, during the first big snowfall, although the snow was lovely and light, the conditions underneath made things really hard work. You sank through the light snow straight onto icy moguls, ruts and anything else from the last week of no so great conditions. After the continued snowfall through to the second day, the conditions improved remarkably! Off piste was back on, and even the pistes were looking better. They can be a little lumpy after a big dump of snow, as any season worker can tell you. I spent Monday morning in the Pres La Joux area of Chatel, and it was amazing, knee deep powder and even sunshine after lunch. The only slight issue for me was that, due to the morning flat light, I had my low-viz yellow lenses on, so when the sun did come out, my eyes were streaming! So if you are sporting flat light lenses, remember some sunglasses just incase, going snow-blind really sucks!

The weather forecast might not look quite so great as far as snow is concerned this week, but it is looking good for the Rock the Pistes festival. Thursday morning is looking bright and sunny, which will be great for the powder riders, and for the festival. The afternoon is looking a little cloudy, but should still be good for all the outdoor concerts. The temperatures should also be fairly mild with the freezing level well over a thousand meters. On Friday, the freezing level goes up again, to over two thousand meters, so it should be warm and gloriously sunny for skiing and for concerts. A little snow comes back on Saturday, but still with mild temperatures, if could fall as rain lower down. Avoriaz should be safe, but Morzine and Les Gets might experience a little wetter weather. Sunday should see a little cloud in the morning, and snow again in he afternoon, still with mild temperatures though so watch out for rain lower down. Monday will see similar conditions but still the mild temperatures.

With conditions as they are currently sitting, head up early on Thursday and make the most of the snow, hit the concerts in the afternoon and relax in the sunshine. The same idea could be good for Friday to make the most of the day, with the warmer temperatures even at night, conditions are going to get soft, especially in the afternoon. Unfortunately, as far as skiing goes, conditions are going to be best in the mornings, and things are going to get slushy later on, especially if we do get any rain. If you’re a little nervous on the slopes, its usually best to either head off the hill before last lifts, to avoid the worst conditions, and the busiest time, or download on a ski lift. Spring conditions are great fun, but can be a devil for twisted ankles, so do be careful in the slush.

Sun cream is going to be especially important this week, with the bright conditions and if you’re making the most of the Rock festival. Thursday's big event is a fairly famous French group called Cali in Champery Les Crosets. Followed by Skip the Use in Chatel on Friday, Caravan Palace in Morgins on Saturday and Superbus in Avoriaz on Sunday. These are just the headlining events and there are concerts every day in every part of Les Portes du Soleil. Even the tiny village of Torgon had one event; Switch Cult is playing on Saturday as an Off the Pistes festival. All concerts start at midday with DJ’s followed by the main event. This festival is in its third year now, and each year is getting bigger. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the sunshine on the forecast should make it even better. Snow in the morning, and music in the afternoon; it should be a good end to the week!

Make the most of the fresh snow, and have a great holiday.

Bon ski!

Stats

Snow Report
  • Alt. Resort: 1800m

  • Alt. Summit: 2466m

  • High Temp.: -4

  • Alt. High Temp.: 1800m