Courchevel Snow Report: 7th February 2014

There is something magical about heavy snowfalls – even after two decades in the Alps, I still get excited about the way the world is transformed and everyday objects are instantly made beautiful. It also brings out my inner ten-year-old. Who can resist going out and making snowmen, throwing snowballs or making snow angels on a day like today?

Naturally, being a fair-weather skier, I’m not on the pistes today. I’m waiting until the sun re-emerges tomorrow when we can actually see what we’re skiing on.

After a relatively low-snow start to the season, the mid-season has been abundantly snowy and the forecast is for another very snowy week to come. Piste and off-piste conditions have been great this week and should remain so. And even more good news: those pistes which have been closed so far this winter – Couloir Tournier and Raffort – have finally opened. Only one piste remains closed in the Meribel valley, the red Villages run below the resort to Les Allues.

During heavy snowfalls, the roads in resort can become chaotic despite the best efforts of the local snowploughs. The police are currently out directing traffic around wedged cars and passers-by are helping push stuck vehicles. The roads completely ground to a halt the other night for over an hour after an accident below the resort. Having learned the hard way, allow me to share some of the things I’ve learned not to do when driving in a ski resort.

1) Driving without snow chains. Unless you have a four-wheel drive car with winter tyres, you won’t make it up snowy mountain roads. Put chains on before your car slides into a ditch or blocks the road. It’s a really, really good idea to practise putting snowchains on in a nice, warm, dry place rather than try to work out how they fit in the dark in a blizzard by the side of a busy main road.

2) Driving with snow on the roof of your car. Yes, it looks pretty but the police may fine you for having an unsecured load. Or worse, when you brake going downhill, the whole lot will slide forward and obscure your windscreen, causing you to crash. It happens all the time here. Top tip: the best way to remove snow from the top of your car is to use a soft-bristled broom.

3) Relying on first gear. Wheels tend to spin in first gear on snow. Try driving slowly in second gear instead.

Also, it’s not a great idea to ski on the pavements or road. There are lots of cars out there being driven by people who have no idea how to control them. Do you really want a ton or two of metal sliding into you at speed?

Check out the video to see what is involved for the snow clearance team from Val Thorens to get the roads ready for the morning.

You will find more info about driving to the resort here. And if you are driving to the Alps this weekend, and the journey takes longer than usual, you can console yourself with the knowledge that the snow is going to be fabulous when you arrive…..