More ski resorts open in the French Alps this weekend due to exceptionally good snow conditions. The wave of cold weather which brought snow and in some cases, unfortunately, misery has been a big bonus for the French Alps and Pyrenees.
Yesterday French television interviewed skiers enjoying perfect skiing conditions everywhere, the snow is light, soft and crisp, perfect powder and well covered pistes. There is some avalanche risk, particularly in the northern Alps so be careful off piste.
I went to Grolieres les Nieges which is one of the lower French ski resorts in the southern French Alps, in fact you can’t get much further south, there are views of the Mediterranean from the top of the highest lift.
The resort was fully open (and now stays open) and everyone I spoke to was full of praise for the conditions. Not surprising really, there was not a cloud in the sky and the air temperature was crisp but not too cold, perfect conditions. The added bonus being that there were not too many people, even on a weekend.
Personally I was there for a walk on snow shoes with a friend. No guide needed as the recommended walk is so well marked you can’t go wrong, just follow the orange markers. I’ve never come across a walk so well marked before. We marveled at the pine trees groaning under the weight of snow and admired the panoramic views of snow capped mountains, in peace, well away from any noise from the resort pistes.
If you haven’t tried snow show walking its worth a go, it’s very cheap to hire the shoes and they are not particularly expensive to buy. Once you are kitted out it cost you nothing.
View the Villas du Monde - Villas Worldwide selection of ski accommodation in the French Alps where you will find our well priced range of ski chalets for rent in Isola 2000, our resort in the southern alps. If you would like first hand information from me about skiing in the area then just call our freephone number or send an email. Or information on any of our other French Alpine and Pyrenees resorts, likewise.
Author – Peter Horrocks