Verbier Snow Report: 18th January 2012

The sunshine of the last week is just about on the way out and in its place there is a storm forecast for the weekend. That storm will be coming in with some moderate to strong winds and 30-40cm of fresh snow. As has been the case throughout the season the winds will be coming from the west.

Currently all lifts and areas are open and the cover is superb. The recent clear skies and sunny conditions have provided us with some excellent days, both on and off piste, and even now there are some shaded patches of fresh powder if you don’t mind a walk.

Queues have been non-existent recently and skiers have had plenty of room throughout the area to spread out and enjoy the pistes. The weekends are normally busier but weekdays should stay quiet for another couple of weeks yet.

The quiet pistes have also meant that less people have been riding and so bumps and patches of ice have not really fully developed and even the free ride runs of Chassoure to Tortin and Gentianes to Tortin have remained relatively flat.

Some new snow will be very welcome in resetting the off piste and giving the pistes a bit of a top up. Expect things to be bumpy on piste initially but after a day or two the piste groomers will have it all bashed down.

The risk of avalanche at the moment is 2 out of 5 but that should rise up to 3 out of 5 by the weekend, especially if it comes in with strong winds.

Recently I was at Savoleyres and I had a great day riding the gentle terrain on the front side that overlooks Verbier. Savoleyres is a great area to go for a social ski, with families or beginners, as the terrain is less intimidating and the views are magnificent.

If you are coming up for the weekend then Friday and Saturday might not be the best days but Bruson and the tree runs below Ruinettes are great ways to stay out of the flat light.

The forecast is showing some break in the weather by Sunday so do not despair – patience might be rewarded with some sunny powder runs after all.

Also, remember that there are plenty of things to keep you active even if it is snowing up the mountain. The sports centre has an ice rink, swimming pool and even ice go-karting, which is not to be missed on your visit to Verbier.

I will be posting another report just before the weekend with more up to date information and between now and then you can keep an eye out for my video report. Also sign up to our dump alerts and check out Twitter for more up to date information as conditions change over the next few days.