© Méribel, Coeur des 3 Vallées
Masses of snow in Méribel for the Easter holidays
And it’s still snowing…
If you are coming out to Méribel this Easter, you are likely to enjoy the best conditions you will ever find at this time of year. There is still masses of snow in the resort (perfect for snowball fights and snowman-making) and there is masses of snow on the slopes (76cm at the bottom of the runs, 322cm on the summits). Simply put, we’ve never seen so much snow at the end of March.
Almost the entire ski area is open. Just one minor run, the red Villages run below the main resort to Les Allues, has now closed. The snow quality still very good, though we no longer have the “hero snow” of last week, as the slopes are just beginning their gradual transformation from wintery snow into spring snow.
The snow is lovely on almost all the runs, however, the lowest runs through the resort, especially those which receive the afternoon sun, have turned into spring snow. What do I mean by spring snow? This is snow that has been transformed by warmth and sunshine from snowflakes into sugary granules. This sort of snow tends to be hard first thing in the morning, especially now the clocks have gone forward. Spring snow softens as the temperature rises or the sun warms it, developing a fine slushy top layer which makes it delicious to ski if you time it correctly. On very sunny and warm days, this snow will turn into slush in the afternoons. However, we haven’t got to that stage yet as the weather is still overcast and relatively cold, and it is actually snowing as I write.
Today we decided to stay high to make the most of the dry and powdery snow on the upper runs. I took my favourite route from Méribel Centre to le Mont Vallon which takes in the runs that receive the morning sun: Tougnète 1, down the Elements snowpark whoops, Tougnète 2, Dahu red run, the new Roc de Tougne chairlift, Lagopède red run, Chatelet chair, and then Bouvreuil red run. The snow was great on all these runs, as it was on le Mont Vallon. More surprisingly, it was even good on my least-favourite run, the blue Martre run through Mottaret. Truly, we have been blessed with excellent snow this year.
However, conditions can change very fast this late in the season, so the time must come soon when the runs transform into spring snow. This process has only just started to happen on the lowest runs, and the forecast is for cold weather and light snowfalls this week, which should keep the snow in good shape a little longer…
I think it’s fair to say we all like a good photo of ourselves on holiday. Today, as a change from photographing skiers or landscapes, I thought I’d try to find the best spots in the Méribel Valley for posing for an original picture. There wasn’t much sunshine today, so the photos are a bit dull, but you should get the idea.
The picture frames. All around Méribel’s ski area you will see these giant photo frames, always positioned with a dramatic view in the background. They are marked on the lift map with a camera symbol, labelled “spot: cadre photo”.
Heart-shaped sofa-shelters. These comfy rest areas appeared for the first time this year. Our kind lift company has realised that now the lifts are so speedy, we need new places to sit down and relax. They have responded by introducing rest spots around the slopes, including these adorable heart-shaped covered sofas. Perfect for a little rest, snooze or cuddle à deux…
Into the Wild sign. This wooden sculpture recently appeared at the top of the Mont de la Challe, promoting the redesigned pistes and brand new chairlift in this beautifully wild area. It’s literally made for posing on.
The Méribel sign in the DC Area 43 snow part above Mottaret. The ideal spot for posing and sending a photo back to your mates at home in order to make them jealous…
Finally, don’t forget the 3 Vallées Selfie spots. These fixed cameras in specular spots around les 3 Vallées send zoomed photos direct to your social media pages. These are also marked on the lift map.
Happy snapping!
