I took a hydration pack when skiing in March, it was warm enough not to freeze it (it was also small enough to wear under my jacket) and I felt I needed the hydration. I've never felt the need in Jan/Feb.
It's -12 here in St Foy.
Also being Sunday when the 'nutters' appear (you know the type - dressed in black, standing up straight, blasting around and scaring old ladies such as myself), meaning we're going out a lot later. There is little if no warmth in the sun.
When it's this cold I'd advise having a couple of snacks in your pockets. I got quite cold yesterday and also skiing with a 12 year old (she's way faster than me), having a snack handy kept us going until the Chocolat chaud stop.
The boy is reporting a bluebird day in Tignes. He's been too busy to send any photos though apparently 🙄
The coming few days in France are going to be the coldest since 2018 according to Météo de France with snow for the Alps from Thursday. The episode is unlikely to last long though, these cold periods have been getting shorter and shorter. -16°C in the night and -3°C in the day for BSM on Tuesday. BSM is just over 800m, it'll be properly cold up on the glaciers of the resorts.
I always carry my MTB bag and put a bottle in it. Having been to Morzine 20+ times skiing I find it can be mixed re the rucksacks and the lift staff. Many will turn a blind eye and let you on, but.. occasionally, if there has been an incident they will insist you remove it and put on front, i.e. someone has their bag caught on the lift when getting it off.
There are many bars, cafes etc on the slopes so plenty of places to stop for a refuel and depends how far you plan to ski per days, you will find Les Gets and Avoriaz, both are great for shops/cafes.
Enjoy, as think you are there as I type this.
After appalling conditions for the whole of our stay in Utah, they’ve had 12 inches overnight, it’s still coming down and expected to carry on all week.
We got home at lunchtime.
After appalling conditions for the whole of our stay in Utah, they’ve had 12 inches overnight, it’s still coming down and expected to carry on all week.
We got home at lunchtime.
I feel your pain. Had a week in Baqueira Beret with limited snow cover and whiteout conditions for most days. Snow started falling on the last morning of our stay as we were out, then at lunch time they shut the entire mountain as the blizzard was so heavy, and we spent four hours in a mountain cafe on a roadside pass waiting to be ferried down on a small coach (18 seats or so) escorted by a snowplough. There were over 200 people waiting in the cafe so it took ages.
Even now, we've been in Ste Foy since before Christmas, but have barely seen a flake of fresh snow since we arrived. Forecast to start on Thursday though, fingers crossed 🤞
We go home on Sunday
Off to Flaine next week. Worried about the Reported French Medical Strike going on affecting the lift/piste openings. For the last few days there have been no blacks open at Flaine, less than 30% of the Reds open and about 75% of the Blues open. That might be Ok for me, but the better skiers in the party might feel a bit limited.
Even now, we've been in Ste Foy since before Christmas, but have barely seen a flake of fresh snow since we arrived. Forecast to start on Thursday though, fingers crossed
It's pretty weird that living just out of Cambridge, we've had more snow than the alps since Christmas.
I'm hopeful the end of the week sees the start of some gentle regular snowfall for the rest of the month, but the current snow-forecast is for about 1m over about 36 hours which is a lot in a short period and will probably just cause more problems than benefits!
That's perfect avalanche conditions. Heavy snow on old icy hardpack . That's not going to bind and full depth slumps are very likely. As there's been so little snow for a month all the powder hounds and season ticket holders will be out trying to make the most of the conditions.
Agreed stmind, it's likely to be a dangerous week next week so I hope everyone realises and is sensible, but unfortunately some won't be. If as bnb says above there is a medical strike on too it likely to be even worse.
Heading out the following weekend for a full week of backcountry snowboarding in Valais (Grimentz). Hopefully the big snowfall this week will have some to consolidate and we then get regular top ups throughout the week. Not quite sure what to expect as a completely new resort and not done much proper off piste stuff for a while, but the skills are buried in the back of my mind so just need to dig them out and dust them off. Transceiver training first morning I think.
Utah, they’ve had 12 inches overnight
20" in the last 48hrs. Screw you Utah. Your mother was a hamster...
@tuboflard who are you riding with? Spent a week in Grimentz off piste last year - one of my mates runs guided trips there ( amongst other places) Was a great trip!