Les Arcs Snow Report: 9th February 2016

Granted there have also been the down days drenching us in cloud and rain…such is the current weather out of my window. However I am low down in the valley and can fortunately see a snow line forming in the cloud a hundred meters up or so.

A good sign of things to come based at the latest snow-forecast.com predictions. Right now it’s forecasted that we can expect around 1.5-2 meters of snow by the end of the week.

The current resort conditions are great fun, some of the lower down areas have been victim to the warmer bluebird days, which resulted in the snow cover melting away but mostly areas that are barely skied.

Up in 2000 as you can see from the video, the conditions are prime for a good day out. There is plenty of terrain to explore, space to ski and on piste attractions and establishments such as the Bulle Café and the Igloo bar with its intriguing ice sculpture exhibit. Grab a glass of vin chaud or a beer and take a wonder through the carved tunnels at the unique works of art on show (€5pp).

Picturesque Arc 1950 offers up its usual array of attractive bars, restaurants and shops, just keep an eye on lift times if you live in Peisey-Vallandry/1600/1800 and decide to stop. Otherwise you can get the bus back fairly easily.

Back on over into 1800 the park has been open for a while now accommodating jumps and rails for all levels of skiers/snowboarders. They’re currently building up a fun looking jib line for the more experienced park riders, so after this forthcoming dump of snow it should be ready. Opposite l’Altiport bar below the park, they have a free-to-use air bag and a jump that will video you hitting it; great fun for those getting involved and those watching with a drink or some food.

Moving further down you arrive at the most popular après bar on the mountain, l’Arpette, where dancing on tables is encouraged and champagne flows freely from the VIP balcony and consequently down the back of your jacket… The DJ stands in his converted ski lift DJ booth pumping out tune after tune. Shortly after 5pm he steps down, the music stops and the masses depart onto their next port of call.

We always choose to wait until the initial rush has left, making the ski down with the sunset that extra bit special and slightly less crowded.

If you’re out this week enjoy all the fresh white stuff. On the heavy snow days I’d recommend skiing in Peisey-Vallandry or Arc 1600 due to the runs encased by trees helping to maintain a good level of visibility. If you’re out at all this month…you’ll be able to do the same if not more when the snow stops and the sun starts again.

Let’s hope February presents itself to be of the same calibre as January! Now as it’s pancake day that’s exactly what I’m going to do…

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Filmed and edited by Action Elements/Rupert Osborne