And then, the sun came out…
Thursday March 28th WHAT A WEEK OF WEATHER!
We woke on Monday to a beautiful morning; crisp, clear and blue skies….. and that was it. Apart from the odd break in the clouds yesterday afternoon, it has been almost non-stop light snow showers with periods of high winds and poor visibility. One weak depression has followed another across our area and it’s been goggles ahoy all week.
The rain/snow line has been around village level and the humid air has meant the final slopes to the Bella Bar have been quite heavy late afternoon, with the piste front continuing to recede very slightly, but still a decent coverage for this time of year. Indeed the snow depth is good on most slopes and all runs into both villages are complete. The drop in temperature recently from the previous week meant the pistes were hard but they’ve improved as time has gone on and of course the snowfalls have helped. Off piste also changed from soft to hard conditions, but with new layers of snow having fallen, it’s been fun in the trees and the ‘garden’.
The all-important forecast for the Easter week is much the same with very unsettled weather coming, perhaps with heavier rain/snow over the weekend.
Tomorrow will be cloudy with more light snowfalls, before a possible ‘Retour d’Est’ settles in on Saturday. This could bring significant rain around village level with heavy snow higher up. This will continue throughout Sunday and in all probability mean parts of the mountain closed for a short time until avalanche issues are resolved – should be a few early morning bangs Sunday and Monday!
The precipitation will weaken on Monday with a calm period on Tuesday and some sunshine, before another system is expected on Wednesday. Later Thursday and into Friday we’ll hopefully see some clear periods to finish off the week….
Wow! Big week for us with lots of regular Easter skiers arriving, whatever the weather the MGS team will make sure you enjoy yourselves. Our final week and
Thursday February 22nd MORE FUN IN VAL CENIS!
Most of you will know Cedric as one of our top afternoon off piste adventurers…. But he also works with all ages and levels demonstrating how to move correctly as can be seen at the end of this clip.
As we move towards the end of the English Half Term period there are still two weeks of French school holidays. For whatever reason this week seems busier on the slopes than the previous when clients commented on how relatively quiet it was. Despite this and not great weather, people are enjoying themselves, most aware that we’re in a good position in terms of available skiing.
The forecast is rather uncertain and mixed. Today a depression is moving through the Savoie bringing precipitation which started as snow in the village, became rain at lower levels and will become snow again this evening as a ‘brutal’ drop in temperature is expected with the snow level eventually down to 900m. Tomorrow will clear for a sunny end to the week before cloud returns later on Saturday and unsettled weather prevails for the following few days. Weak snowfalls Monday and Tuesday will give way to sunshine midweek before more depressions arrive Thursday and Friday.
Not a clear forecast but quite promising for a bit of snow to top things up, which of course is always welcome. We’re looking forward to a bit of a break before returning to action in March when the post school holiday atmosphere is more relaxed and one of our favourite parts of the season.
Thursday 11th January WELL, THAT’S BETTER…
This past week light snow has regularly fallen and so has the temperature. It hasn’t been as dramatic as suggested, but still cold enough for the cannons to operate at times and for the snow to stay light and fluffy. It would have been pretty perfect if only the visibility wasn’t so bad for the first half of the week – hands could not be seen much in front of faces…
Today things have improved with the sun appearing and the forecast is for ‘grand beau’ for tomorrow and Saturday, so it should be an excellent end for those here at the moment.
Piste conditions are much better with the fresh snow and everywhere is open. Off piste is exactly what you’d want and as you can see the difference between really good skiers in powder and those who struggle a bit, is that when top end performers go down they are gymnastically correct, legs together, neat and tidy – apart from the fresh ‘beard’ of course.
The weather is expected to change on Sunday, with another depression moving through bringing cloudy conditions to finish the weekend and for Monday/Tuesday. Temperatures will rise before another system arrives on Wednesday which could bring the dreaded R word at lower levels. Let’s hope not as there is a big Europa Cup race here next Tuesday and Wednesday and the piste is already being injected to test the GS racers who will be turning up, including Charlie Raposo, the British number one.
Whatever the weather brings, we’ll make sure everyone enjoys their stay and as ever the team all look forward to greeting new arrivals this weekend.
Thursday January 4th IMPROVING CONDITIONS AND ABOUT TO GET COLD!
The forecast for this past week has been accurate, with weak depressions moving through the Savoie bringing light snow showers, alternating with clear and sunny periods. Although some of the slopes are still hard and slippery in places, conditions have improved and it looks like a positive outlook to begin 2024.
As you can see the fresh snow has helped considerably, with off piste fun more easily attainable. Some areas are still windblown, but unquestionably better and – fingers crossed - with more snow expected, things will continue to improve.
Today is largely sunny, but during the night a weak weather system will move in bringing light snow which will continue off and on for the next few days. Monday is expected to be cloudy without much precipitation and the same pattern of weak snow/clear periods is forecast again next week. The main difference will be a considerable drop in temperature – by Tuesday we should really know winter is here and long johns will be handy. Brenda Faye will be giving a debut to her heated socks, and with her gloves already charged up, she is intending to stay toasty.
The cold weather should also mean the cannons can pump it out, so augmenting any natural snow, again bringing an improvement in piste conditions.
It’s been a busy but fun couple of weeks so far, the MGS team should be properly in the rhythm of things soon and those coming soon should be looking forward to a great time with us in Val Cenis. See you soon!
EASTER HOLS AHOY!
The weather continues to fluctuate between winter and spring. In a similar pattern to last week, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were sunny, relatively cold for the time of year and a fresh snowfall had produced lovely conditions as can be seen from the video.
Yesterday, however, saw a return to mild, humid air from the South which even carried some sand at altitude giving the snow an orange tinge. The slopes became sticky and off piste a very unpleasant form of porridge. Today and tomorrow doesn’t look great, but then winter looks like appearing again at the weekend….
The main piste front has significantly reduced in size but is still comfortably large enough to easily ski all the way to a post group ski drink and chat. The main teaching nursery slope is complete and we are fortunate to have pistes open at all levels all over the mountain. Conditions vary from decent to very good depending on the slope and orientation, but off piste at the moment is mostly too heavy to be really enjoyable.
But what about the all important forecast for the big Easter week coming?
After a cloudy but largely dry day today, a more significant depression will move in tomorrow bringing rain to around 2000m. During late afternoon and evening, the temperature will drop with the rain/snow line eventually falling to village level. Saturday is expected to be overcast with snow showers strengthening as the day goes on. Conditions are quite unstable and it is not clear what will happen on Sunday but the likelihood is weak snow showers will continue throughout the day before sunshine develops during Monday. Relatively cool temperatures will begin to rise and by Tuesday the sun will be accompanied by seasonal norms. Wednesday is very uncertain at the moment, but another depression bringing further snow showers is the present suggestion, to be confirmed.
As always, the weather is one of the few things we can’t inf
Thursday March 16th IT’S GOING TO GET HOT!!!
Let’s be honest, the weather this winter has been like the proverbial yo-yo…
If the temperatures over Christmas/New Year had been a few degrees colder the inundation which hit the Alps would have meant a bumper season, and last Saturday again we all got soaked as it rained hard up to around 1800m throughout the Savoie.
Wet snow up to Fema level which meant the runs down were heavy, but then the temperature fell just as another depression moved through and we had a nice snowfall early Tuesday followed by a sunny but cold day yesterday.
Now the forecast is for very warm weather to move in…….
The slopes are generally in good condition and the two full off piste groups this week have had some great skiing despite the Met area being quite windblown. Uncrowded runs, blue skies and pleasant temperatures – lovely.
For the first time this season, however, it looks like a sustained period of high temperatures is about to begin.
Friday is forecast to be sunny and very mild before cloud develops later in the day. This will persist on Saturday before a weak depression bringing some precipitation arrives on Sunday, the rain/snow line rising to around 1800m. The week will begin cloudy but the sun will break through on Monday and until Thursday it will be blue skies and unseasonably warm.
In fairness clear skies and high temperatures are not as destructive as humid, grey, warm weather, so once the sun comes out the pistes will suffer less damage, although the piste front may retreat a bit. We’ll make sure all those arriving on Saturday have a good time and the winter is not over – the yo-yo will drop again soon!
Thursday February 23rd PHEW!
Although there is still one of the four weeks of the French school holidays to come, the busiest period during the last fortnight is almost behind us. The whole resort will breathe out as we approach the final third of the winter, so where are we?
Despite significant snowfalls in January, the carnage caused by the unbelievably hot and wet period just after the start of the season has meant that snow depths are below normal and in effect we’re a couple of weeks ‘along’ in terms of conditions, so it’s more like mid-March. The past few weeks under an anticyclone have been dry and sunny, although yesterday this changed to warm, muggy weather which is never great for the snow. Combine this with a significant increase in traffic during the Half Term breaks and unsurprisingly some areas are worn and in need of snow.
The forecast for the next few days is mixed, there may be a top up coming and of course we have the advantage of North facing slopes, so it’s a matter of glass half full rather than the other way round.
Tomorrow is expected to start sunny before cloud moves in which will prevail throughout the coming weekend. Some weak snow showers are possible Sunday later on. Unsettled but largely dry weather on Monday before a depression arrives on Tuesday which may again bring light snow showers. Similar pattern on Wednesday before the sun begins to dominate again towards the end of the week.
Fingers crossed for some snow to freshen things up and as the holiday period ends some repairs will be carried out on those areas which have suffered from the hammering of continuous skiers.
Having said all of the above, we love this time of year, everyone relaxes and enjoys being in the mountains in spring weather. Brenda Faye especially looks forward to the time when she can turn the heaters off in her gloves and top up the tan….
Thursday February 9th FAMILY WEEK, FAMILY VIDEO!
Thanks to the Tourist Office for some nice images. The off piste is considerably more tracked, but otherwise the sky is blue, it’s nice and cold and all looks good for the big week of Half Term!
The past few days have been relatively quiet for the first of the 4 weeks of French school holidays, but the next fortnight will be considerably more busy. The forecast is positive, for those driving down there shouldn’t be any problems with the weather, so it will be a matter of being patient around Lyon and Chambery, until the turn into the Maurienne Valley when all should calm down.
The slopes are in good condition from top to bottom, helped no doubt by the negative temperatures of the past fortnight or so. This morning was minus 12 in the village, but it’s a dry cold, so as long as sensible clothes are worn, it’s nice to be out in the sun.
Off piste is quite heavily tracked although of course there are always areas to enjoy, especially in the country around the l’Arcelle forest, so plenty to look forward to.
The forecast is pretty simple as we’re under a strong anticyclone for the next few days at least. Sunshine will dominate until at least the middle of the coming week with some cloud developing on Thursday and Friday. Temperatures will rise significantly but still be around the seasonal norm, before falling slightly in the second part of the week.
All in all, pretty darn good…
It’s going to be a very busy Saturday, we hope everyone has a safe and hassle free trip and we’re looking forward to helping each and every family have a great time in Val Cenis – see you soon!
Thursday January 26th PUMP UP THE VOLUME!
To really get the benefit of these clips, make them nice and loud, so you can hear Goda and Jane really express themselves as they explore the delights of some off piste…..
It’s cold, it’s snowed again and now it’s sunny! Should be a lovely end to this week and the start of the next. I would doubt that the snow depth is as yet quite at normal levels, but it will now be much closer, everything is open, the slopes are in good condition and off piste is a delight.
The forecast is for the temperature to remain low over the weekend with sunshine dominating. As Monday progresses a small depression will move through the Savoie bring weak snow showers in the evening. Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be cloudy and slightly warmer before another anticyclone brings settled and blue skies at the end of the week.
So a decent forecast and much for those arriving at the weekend to look forward to. We’ve really enjoyed this week with the return of many faces we hadn’t seen for three years in some cases because of covid and the ban on UK travellers. Fingers crossed we can now continue with a busy season and welcome all those due to arrive in what is now a lovely and picturesque Val Cenis!
Thursday December 29th DEPENDS ON YOUR POINT OF VIEW….
Glass half empty.
The weather event suffered by the Alps at the end of last week has had a significantly negative effect on much of European skiing. In our little corner of the world, Tuesday was about as bad as we’ve seen conditions during the past decade.
After 36 hours of rain up to 2400m throughout the Savoie, the temperature then dropped below freezing and Torville and Dean were seen practising on the Ramasse.
With the rain we lost over a foot of snow from the balcony and unsurprisingly there are bare patches on many slopes with some pistes now closed. Particularly badly affected are areas with considerable traffic turning in the same spot.
Glass half full.
Hey we’re skiing from top to bottom! Almost everywhere looks white.
Without going into detail there are resorts with no skiable snow left on lower slopes, mudslides/landslips have bought down pylons making lifts inoperable and there is talk of closures until snow comes.
Conditions are very variable, we’ve had some great afternoons this week, especially in Termignon as the video shows, and if…… if, the temperature can be at normal seasonal levels for a few days, the cannons can repair much of the piste damage.
Despite the forecast not being wonderful, things will gradually improve. Cloud developing today will lead to weak snowfall later tonight and although it will rain again tomorrow to around 2000m, it is not expected to be the drenching we got last week. The weekend will be a mixture of cloud, sunshine and very mild temperatures, before things begin to cool down mid-week as an anticyclone settles in with blue skies and largely sunny periods.
Happy New Year to all, after the last few years of looking wistfully at the mountains, it may not be perfect but it’s lovely to be on skis.
Thursday Dec 22nd NOT WHAT WE WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS….
Bit of a nightmare in the French Alps. After the perfect dry snow of last weekend which could hardly be made into a snowball, the weather has turned super mild and damp, with a fairly horrendous forecast for tomorrow.
The upshot of the humid and warm air which has prevailed for the last few days is that the snow has become wet and soft. Areas of busier ‘traffic’ where more skiers turn in roughly the same area have become brown, worn and unpleasant looking.
The two off piste groups this week have really been impressive because light and fluffy snow from the same time a week ago has become heavy sludge in which turning has become demanding let’s say….
Having said all of the above, everyone here this week is having a great time and apart from the battered areas, the pistes are still in decent condition. The big problem is coming tomorrow, when a weather warning for the whole of the Savoie is indicating heavy rain up to 2400m.
This will of course not help and will be a shame for those finishing their holiday on a wet note. The rain is expected to start during the early hours of Friday and continue through until Saturday morning before gradually fading out to leave sunny periods. Sunshine and mild weather is expected to dominate for Christmas Day and the early part of next week before a small depression comes through on Wednesday bringing a drop in temperature and potentially some snow, but nothing significant. The milder weather is forecast to then return for the end of the week.
Sorry! Not a very positive report, but once the really wet weather moves through tomorrow, hopefully things will start to dry out and there is still plenty of great skiing all over the mountain. We have a lot of lovely regulars arriving this weekend, as well as some fresh faces, and we’ll make sure everyone enjoys their time in Val Cenis!
And one other thing…. the MGS team wish all of you the happiest of Christmases a
Thursday December 8th NOT LONG NOW!
With just over a week to go before our first clients arrive, how are things looking?
Basically it’s positive news. Although there hasn’t been a major dump in the Savoie yet, we’ve had a number of snowfalls which has resulted in a decent covering over most of the ski area, which has of course been augmented by the snow produced by the cannons.
As can be seen, whilst there is still more piste preparation to be done in some areas, the slopes will generally be in good condition, it is simply that there probably isn’t enough depth yet for off piste skiing apart from in the lower meadows where the snow covers grass rather than rocks.
Some lifts will be running this weekend with the Tous en Piste celebrations which kick off the winter, with skiers coming in just for a couple of days.
The forecast is for snow showers tomorrow, then cloudy on Saturday followed by a couple of cold but sunny days. From midweek onward cloud will dominate with milder temperatures and intermittent snow showers. These should help improve conditions further, so those arriving on the 17th can start getting really excited.
The new MGS team will be keen as mustard to also get going and as usual we’ll update things next Thursday so those driving next Saturday will have a firmer idea of what the weather will be doing.
Thursday December 1st STARTING TO LOOK GOOD!
It’s now hats and gloves when venturing out with temperatures in the definitely chilly range. Happily when taking the mutt out we also have to wear boots to march along snow covered paths.
The cannons are churning away and as you can see there is a decent natural snow depth which means everywhere is nice and white. This video is from the top of the nursery slope and this will soon be pisted. Some areas have already been bashed and skiers from the region have been training and racing around the Fema this week.
Snow showers are forecast over the coming week and next Thursday we will post images of pisted slopes which will be ready for the Tous en Piste weekend of the 10th and 11th, the traditional start of the Val Cenis winter.
We’ll have a little walk up and a ski down, all of course in the line of duty to let our lovely clients know how things stand. Well someone has to do it…..
Thursday November 24th START YOUR ENGINES!
As forecast, the temperature has dropped significantly over the past week which has meant the commencement of that lovely noise everyone welcomes – the cannons have started.
Here is a tiddler near the village, but the main ones on the slopes have begun their work and if things stay cold for a few days it’s always amazing just how much snow they can produce.
We actually had a nice dusting of the real thing as well last night and it looks a picture here at the moment. Although this will probably disappear in the village over the next few days, hopefully the winter is really beginning.
Now then kids, it’s time to start that fitness programme, sitting at the wall and all the other good stuff, so you’re in absolutely prime condition when you hit the Val Cenis slopes this winter. Push away from the buns and do some knee bends instead. You know it makes sense….
Thursday October 27th
TO AVOID TROUBLE IN THE MOUNTAINS….
Next month sees the introduction of new legislation in France, to bring them in line with other countries such as Italy and Austria.
From November 1st – 30th April each winter, all those driving in the Alps will be required to have ‘appropriate equipment’, which means either snow tyres, or chains/snow socks with the vehicle.
This applies equally to those with 4x4s, and the friendly gendarmes can check for snow tyres really quickly as they carry a snowflake logo on the tyre rim alongside the wheel measurements.
Normally we suggest checking our forecast on the Thursday before travel to see if weather problems are likely or possible, and to prepare accordingly, but now everyone driving without snow tyres must carry either chains or snow socks in the car.
With extreme weather events more likely in the UK perhaps, investing in equipment may be a good move anyway, but to avoid hassle and fines if there are checks en-route – for example at peage pay points when entering the Savoie – this winter it will be a requirement.
One other point to note, and we see evidence to the contrary every season after a snowfall, have a practice putting on chains or whatever beforehand. Unsurprisingly, it will be inclement, cold and probably dark, so have an old pair of gloves to hand and something to kneel or lay on in the snow. It’s never as easy as it looks on youtube, and when you’re tired and want to get there, a pre trip practice on the drive at home is worth it…..
Thursday October 27th TO AVOID TROUBLE IN THE MOUNTAINS….
Next month sees the introduction of new legislation in France, to bring them in line with other countries such as Italy and Austria.
From November 1st – 30th April each winter, all those driving in the Alps will be required to have ‘appropriate equipment’, which means either snow tyres, or chains/snow socks with the vehicle. This applies equally to those with 4x4s, and the friendly gendarmes can check for snow tyres really quickly as they carry a snowflake logo on the tyre rim alongside the wheel measurements.
Normally we suggest checking our forecast on the Thursday before travel to see if weather problems are likely or possible, and to prepare accordingly, but now everyone driving without snow tyres must carry either chains or snow socks in the car.
With extreme weather events more likely in the UK perhaps, investing in equipment may be a good move anyway, but to avoid hassle and fines if there are checks en-route – for example at peage pay points when entering the Savoie – this winter it will be a requirement.
One other point to note, and we see evidence to the contrary every season after a snowfall, have a practice putting on chains or whatever beforehand. Unsurprisingly, it will be inclement, cold and probably dark, so have an old pair of gloves to hand and something to kneel or lay on in the snow. It’s never as easy as it looks on youtube, and when you’re tired and want to get there, a pre trip practice on the drive at home is worth it…..
Tuesday September 27th AUTUMN IS HERE!
It's colder, dusting of snow at altitude and smoke from chimneys.
Thought you might want to see a video from the Tourist Board as a reminder....
With no more clients to worry about, the girls let rip…
A great way to start the week… turn that volume up to hear Pam breaking the sound barrier in Termignon ⛷
