Tignes Snow Report: 23rd March 2012

The pistes are best enjoyed in the mornings in the current conditions as towards the end of the day they are getting very wet, slushy and mogully. This will be standard for most of this week by the look of the forecast, so get up early and enjoy the sunshine, it’s not normally this hot in March, you might even get a sun tan!

A good place to play when the snow gets softer is in the snow park, I actually enjoy it more with soft snow as it hurts less if you have a bad landing when you’re flying off kickers. The snow parks in both Val d’Isere and Tignes are both well maintained and contain a variety of kickers, ranging from beginner level greens to a massive black kicker in the Oakley sponsored Val d’Isere snow park. The park in Val d’Isere is easier to get around quickly as it’s much more compact and all the runs bring you straight back to the ski lift, whereas the Swatch snow park in Tignes is a little longer winded and has not got its own lift system. The chair lift over it does give you a great view of everyone else who is riding the park though.

Another way to enjoy the current conditions is to cruise the pistes early in the morning, and go with my usual advice of following the sun around to get the best snow. The temperatures are due to be consistently high for this time of year this week, which will make for softer snow all over the mountain and, towards the end of the day, an abundance of slushy moguls. That said, this kind of weather is perfect for enjoying sunny lunches on the terraces of any of the mountain restaurants. There is still some good off piste skiing too if you know where to look. There is some great spring snow about on most North-ish facing slopes too.

If you are wanting to ski off piste then Henry’s Avalanche Talks is running Avalanche Transceiver training next Wednesday (the 28th of March) meeting at two o’clock at the top of the Olympic cable car in Val d’Isere, by the pisteurs hut. If you wish to attend then the best thing to do is book through the Henry’s Avalanche Talk website in the Beeper Training section. It really is worthwhile, and can be a lot of fun in the sun!

The weather forecast for this week is, as you can probably guess, is for bucket loads of sunshine. Tomorrow (Saturday) right through till Wednesday are all predicted to be beautiful bluebird days, with warm temperatures of just between minus two and plus four during the day at mid level. So hotter in town, and just a little bit cooler at the top depending on the wind. Sun cream is going to be essential this week, at least factor twenty, as are a good pair of sunglasses or goggles. Even the best of us can get sun stroke (me – last week!) and it is not a pleasant experience.

On a more fun note, there is a charity event taking place in Val d’Isere this week. Step Up For Africa 3.5 is taking place on the off piste area to the left of the Tommeuses chair lift as you go up. There will be a big kicker for anyone feeling up to it, and some smaller ones at the side along with a BBQ which is to raise money for Step Up For Africa. The event is great to watch, especially when the weather is good, and you usually see some pretty awesome riding too!

All in all, it should be a great week here in Espace Killy, who doesn’t enjoy skiing in the sunshine?

Bon Ski!