Blue skies and quiet slopes in Verbier

The past few days have seen some bitterly cold temperatures, as low as -14C in the shaded valleys. This is positive news for the snow conditions though, as the previous snowfall from last week has stayed completely fresh, and a soft layer of powder still sits on top of the hardpack. A small top up of 4cm arrived yesterday, adding to the already impressive base we now have, and making for excellent on-piste conditions throughout the day. I’ve been skiing all over the 4 Vallees this week, making a trip over to Nendaz on Tuesday, as well as venturing across to Thyon on the other side of the piste map yesterday. The runs in the central bowl between Siviez and Veysonnaz are icy in places given their shaded positioning, but generally are a pleasure to ski.

Two of my favourite runs in the 4 Vallees can be found over in Thyon; the red Veysonnaz and Piste de Lours. Both are used as giant slalom competition courses, and are long with very interesting rolling terrain as they wind their way down through the trees. Without good snow they can be a challenge, being extremely icy in places. However, with the great snowfall and cold temperatures we’ve had recently they are both in perfect condition, and alone make the trip over to Thyon worthwhile. Over towards Nendaz, and things are equally as positive. The red Plan du Fou run leading down from the top of the Gondola and into Siviez has lots of accessible and still fresh off piste to the sides of the runs, offering the beginner and intermediate skier a chance to try some low risk powder skiing. Over the other side, the Les Fontaines itinerary is tracked out with large moguls and a challenging top section, but with a layer of soft snow in between the bumps to make for a good edge hold.

The Verbier ski area mirrors the conditions found elsewhere in the 4 Vallees, with great snow conditions on piste, particularly between the Les Attelas and Mayentzet chairlifts thanks to the snow cannons running throughout the night. Higher up around Mont Fort and the Col des Gentiannes, the snow off piste is tracked out mostly but there are excellent pockets of untouched powder for those who are willing to put in the hike. The backside of Mont Fort is currently a great option for anyone wanting an easy tour, with great snow and several options for different lines and routes. The five-day forecast is looking exciting too, with 50cm forecast to fall over Sunday and Monday night. Tuesday is forecast to be sunny too, so the conditions could be incredible if we receive the significant snowfall that’s forecast. In the longer range forecasts there’s even more predicted too, with potentially large snowfalls coming during early February.

With the snowbase up top currently sitting at nearly two metres, and 80cm at resort level, there are far less exposed obstacles underneath the snow now than earlier in the season. This means that any snowfall we now have will create excellent off piste riding conditions, as one can ski either through the trees or higher up the mountain without having to worry about striking a rock or tree stump. The avalanche risk has dropped back down to level two, although with the new snow on the way that is likely to increase once again, so be mindful of this after a heavy snowfall. For now though, the sun is out, and the mountain is in fantastic shape.

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