Fresh layer of snow this weekend in Courchevel

Fresh snow this weekend in Courchevel

The Beast from the East punches Courchevel into Arctic-like conditions

featured in Snow report Author Eliot Prince, Courchevel Reporter Updated 6 March 2018

I’m sure you are sick to your back teeth hearing about snow, ice and winter. I flicked on BBC news this morning whilst whipping up some pre-ski eggs from my apartment in Le Praz. Looks like they could use a good snow reporter I thought too myself with a chuckle. A rarity that I’m checking snow conditions in London rather than La Tania. We’ve not had a whole load of fresh snow in Courchevel this week until today that is. I hope you’ve been dusting off your ski wear this week to test it out because we look set for a snowy week.

The Alps have not missed out on the arctic-like conditions recently. Yes, it is generally pretty frozen over but the end of February was definitely down there with the coldest temperatures in recent years. Lows have hit -25ºC on multiple occasions at the summit while -15ºC and below has been sweeping through the whole resort even down to Le Praz and La Tania.

If you are dressed sensibly then it can be a tremendous time to ski allowing the pistes to stay crisp and manicured all day long. Whack your thermals on and an extra jumper. It’s definitely the time to take advantage of cold slopes with March upon us and spring roaring up from behind.

A quick ski this morning revealed heavy snow falling across The Three Valleys which is expected to continue throughout Friday and Saturday. Conditions will be changing over the weekend with a deluge of snow coupled with milder temperatures. It may still feel quite nippy with a little bit of wind chill through the weekend and early next week. Air temperatures should stay below freezing, especially above 2000 metres.

The early part of next week may see mixed conditions with cloud and snow interspersed by sun as the wind eases. Much of the slopes and villages will be quietening down during March and our longer days allow for extended lift opening times. An extra hour to ski in the afternoon makes it perfect for picking the times to enjoy the best conditions.

As usual for this immense winter season, skiing really is incredible wherever you venture at any time of day. If you want a big day of exploring, I would suggest starting out with a ski around La Tania early in the morning before heading around to the summit and Courchevel. Serve up your ski group a packed lunch and take advantage of the quiet midday slopes. Finish off sliding down blue run Creux for an afternoon of mellow skiing and apres in 1650. Then simply grab a free bus home for dinner.

I gave myself a little break from skiing this week to go and explore the mountain trails on foot (or take snowshoes). If this sounds appealing, grab yourself a hiking map from the tourist office and check out some beautiful walks. I took the trail starting in Le Praz that winds its way up to the stunning Lac de la Rosiere. The route is accessible during the winter, packed with mind-boggling icy waterfalls and a stunning lake to top it off. Remember, if you do decide to head off into the forest for a walk (or ski) tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back. It can be easy to get into trouble a slip on some ice. Think about taking some poles and snowshoes to aid your exploration!

Eliot Prince is a freelance writer with a focus on the ski industry, he offers services to small and bespoke companies.