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Blue skies & plenty of fresh snow in the Portes du Soleil

Conditions are much improved after a slow start to the winter

featured in Snow report Author Giles Towler, Morzine Reporter Updated

Following heavy snowfall over the weekend the Portes du Soleil ski area has been completely transformed. The snow has been on its way for a while now and a huge storm came in at the weekend. Approximately fifty centimetres fell over the space of two days, adding to the snowfall of the previous week.

High winds initially affected the snowfall at higher altitudes in more exposed areas, blowing much of it away. The high winds also left the Fornet area closed for much of the weekend. However, the snow remained consistently good on the lower slopes in the trees and by the end of the first day of snow the wind had dropped allowing the snow to settle.

The majority of the Morzine ski area (Pleney, Chamossiere and Nyon) is now open and Super Morzine has finally opened for skiing, allowing skiers to ski over to Avoriaz. [See Live Lift Status across the Portes du Soleil].

ski area near morzine

Les Gets has thirty seven out of fifty pistes open and Mont Chery has now opened for skiing as opposed to mountain biking, with excellent snow in the trees.

Avoriaz is now almost completely open with some of the black runs (such as Combe Du Machon and Coupe Du Monde) still closed. There is a snow base of around forty centimetres at lower altitudes and ninety centimetres at higher altitudes. In Chatel forty seven out of seventy three pistes are open and fifty out of sixty one lifts are open.

ski area near morzine

The pistes are now mostly in excellent condition with packed powder. There are a few areas which have a small number of rocks coming through but in general the snow cover is very good. Off piste has been a bit hit and miss - some areas have had very deep snow whilst in others there has not been enough snow to cover the rocks. This is largely due to the winds and it’s been important to check conditions around you before venturing off piste. There has not been a proper base layer which has added to the risk. The avalanche warning has been at a four out of five, so avalanches have been likely to occur even without anyone triggering them. Much of the snow is now tracked out however and it is probably a good idea to wait for the next snowfall before heading off piste (or book a local guide or ski instructor to take you).

ski area near morzine

Temperatures have stayed very cold - down to about minus twenty - which is good for snow retention but does mean that it can be very cold on the lifts, so wrap up well! There is currently no snow on the short term forecast - just continued sunshine and cold weather - but hopefully there will be some on the way next week which should provide perfect conditions. 

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