Opening Week Winter 2019/20

Hi everyone and welcome back to your blogging ski instructor direct from Méribel in the middle of the 3 Valleys. Time for another post about the latest snow conditions because let's face it, this is what most skiers are interested in at this stage of the winter. However I'm guessing that you probably have a general idea already - unless you live on the moon, banned yourself from using social media, or have attended too many Christmas parties and dinners. Why is this? Whenever the snow conditions are good, people tend to announce it to the world in a very loud manner indeed. Most people are saying that the conditions are 'very good' for this early stage of the winter. I actually disagree, I'm going to say that they are absolutely fantastic right now.

I'm not saying that every single piste is in perfect condition, this would be untrue. However, let's not forget how early in the winter it is, and remind ourselves that we would often be scratching around on artificial snow covered pistes a week or two before the Festive Period. This week it has seemed as if every other day/night, a snow storm has passed through and deposited up to 30 cms of fresh snow. This is a skier's dream, and also very good indeed for the mountain in terms of increasing the base on the pistes, and also building up the snow pack off-piste.

As is typical for the opening week, a reduced number of ski lifts have opened. However those that have been running offer a very good number of options of where to ski. The 3 Valley links have been open since last weekend, and it has been very enjoyable skiing in all of the valleys including Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Méribel and Courchevel. This coming weekend the ski lifts will open in St. Martin de Belleville, Courchevel Moriond (1650) and Couchevel La Tania. Mind you, the main lifts here at Chaudanne are closed today due to a raging storm, it's snowing heavily with very strong winds. This is expected to continue for at least another 24 hours.

There is more of a buzz about Méribel Town now. Further shops, bars and restaurants have opened. More people are milling about and I'm spotting an increased number of tour operator staff walking around in their uniforms. I'm also bumping into more friends whilst out skiing and walking about town, it's a lovely atmosphere definitely helped by the excellent snow conditions. If you are visiting the 3 Valleys over the Festive Period, it's looking very good for you now. How good is that? Until next time, have a great weekend, and enjoy all of those Christmas parties and dinners. Live With Passion. Martin.