More snow on the way this week in Avoriaz

Almost 100% of the ski area is currently open

featured in Snow report Author Giles Towler, Avoriaz Reporter Updated 22 February 2017

It’s still the French school holidays which means that the slopes are still very busy throughout the Portes Du Soleil, but it is possible to find some quieter areas; over towards Chatel, Torgon and Morgins are generally quieter than the slopes around Avoriaz.

The link from Super Chatel to Morgins is currently not open due to a lack of snow and other areas are also suffering a bit due to a lack of snow; the bottom of Zore on Super Morzine is not open and the whole run is a bit muddy with some rocks poking through.

Generally it is best to avoid the lower slopes that get the most sun. Whilst Pleney is quite low it is also quite shaded so that has helped the snow cover. Super Morzine and Mont Chery have suffered more due to their low altitude and the fact that they get more sunlight throughout the day.

The warm weather of the past week has made conditions slushy and spring like on the pistes. There has also been rain all the way up to Avoriaz. However, there is quite a significant snowfall predicted for the next couple of days, potentially up to twenty centimetres, with more expected next week. It has been becoming increasingly cloudy for the past couple of days suggesting that a storm is on the way..

The half pipe in Avoriaz is not yet up to full size, due to the lack of snow, and the jumps in the Chapelle park still have some way to go, which is a bit of a shame considering X Games Big Air champion James Woods was in town this week! The park on Super Chatel is in good condition although the big air competition that was planned for last week had to be changed to a rail jam due to a lack of snow. (Find out more about the Snowparks in Avoriaz).

192 out of 198 lifts are currently open, and 282 out of 332 runs. By next week the February crowds should have died down, so if we get the snow that is forecast, March could potentially be the best month of the season! Due to the recent warm weather though, it is important to check the avalanche bulletin and be careful if you do go off-piste.

With snow forecast for the weekend it is also important to be prepared for delays in travelling to and from resort and to have snow chains ready if you are planning to drive.