Alpe d'Huez Snow Report

Spring snow & sunshine in Alpe d'Huez : 16th March 2012

The French holidays are now officially over, and things have calmed down somewhat in resort with shorter lift queues and quieter pistes. That’s not to say that Alpe d’Huez has suddenly become a ghost town. I am surprised at how many tourists are still here this week; they had obviously been biding their time, waiting for the last snake like lines of ski schools, to slither off until next winter. Those who are holidaying here this week will benefit from almost non-existent lift queues, a far cry from the past month.

The lack of traffic on the slopes makes up somewhat for the recent lack of snow. Since last week’s brief attempt at snowfall, the skies have been cloud free and crystal clear. Temperatures have again increased, and you would be forgiven for thinking we had already reached summer. Holidaymakers and residents have been enjoying the sunshine, and those smart enough to have packed their swim gear have been taking advantage of the outdoor pool. The resort now seems pleasantly busy with full terraces and the occasional BBQ at the many bars scattered around town.  

Whilst very pleasant to bask in, the weather has of course had an effect on ski conditions. Thanks to the heavy dump we received at the beginning of the season, there is still a good covering over most runs in resort. Today there are 119 out of 133 runs open, a far cry from the situation last year. Those that are open are certainly feeling the heat after midday, as snow becomes slushy and heavy, especially lower down. Anyone who's fussy would be best advised to head out first thing, as the pistes are in better condition having cooled down the night before.

With the weather in mind I decided to head up to the glacier yesterday morning to see what conditions were like up top. Having learned from my mistake the previous day, I left the jacket at home and headed out in just a T-shirt in the direction of Marmottes. There are two possible ways of accessing the glacier from Alpe d’Huez: via Marmottes or DMC1. Taking the DMC lift to the second station, you can then take a lift to Pic Blanc, the highest accessible point in the area and the top of the glacier. From here there is access to the runs of the glacier and the world’s longest black run, La Sarenne.  You can also access the area from Bergers by taking the three consecutive Marmottes lifts arriving slightly lower down on the glacier. This option is probably best for those not so keen on blacks, as you arrive at the top of some gentle red and blue runs meaning those who are not so confident can also enjoy high altitude skiing.

Arriving at the top of Marmottes three we decided to head down the blue Herpie run. Unsurprisingly the snow was in remarkably better condition and we enjoyed the run so much we decided to take the chairlift back up and do it all over again. There are two blue runs and a red on the glacier, which seems much bigger when you are up there than it does on the piste map, so intermediates should not be put off by the altitude.

After soaking up the views on various descents, we decided to make our way back down to Alpe d’Huez on La Sarenne before it shut for the day. The run is shutting at 1pm at the minute, so anyone wanting to have a go at what is, apparently, the longest black in the world would be best advised to get up there early.

We had clearly chosen the right moment to start heading down, as we slipped through the barriers just as the pisteurs were closing the run for the day. Approaching the run from the bottom of the glacier means that you miss out the hardest section at the top of Pic Blanc, and the rest of the run, although very long, seems more like a red than a black. During the descent, it became obvious why they are closing the run so early, as we dodged patches of grass and exposed rocks. I guess they are trying to keep traffic off the run in the afternoon in a bid to keep the run open for as long as possible in the season.

The last part of the run is VERY flat, and having done it many times before we attempted to keep our speed up before hitting it. This proved slightly more difficult than normal as we manoeuvred between mud and rocks, and any speed we had achieved was promptly counterbalanced by the ensuing slush. Pushing ourselves along the last few km of La Sarenne we promptly took the Chavelet chairlift back over Alpe d’Huez way.

Hungry and eager to continue enjoying the rays, we then headed to local bar and restaurant Rendezvous for a BBQ they had organised outside on their terrace. Having already had the pleasure of enjoying the delicious food they serve up in the restaurant, we were excited about finding out what the BBQ had to offer. We were not to be disappointed as we were treated to a selection of salads and BBQ delights, served with a beer and a smile. It’s a nice place to sit outdoors on a sunny afternoon, and we ended up soaking up the rays late into the day.

The weather is expected to remain the same for the rest of the week, with forecasts suggesting snow as of Monday, although this could obviously change. And if it doesn’t snow, the wonderful weather should make up for it. Those not wanting to spend all day on the slopes will find plenty other activities to keep them amused in the sun.

Bon ski et a bientot!

• Date of last snowfall
  17/12/2011
• Depth of snow on lower slopes
  100
• Highest temperature
  5
• Altitude of lower slopes
  1860m
• Depth of snow on upper slopes
  330
• Altitude of upper slopes
  3300m
• Number of pistes open
  116
• Altitude of highest temperature
  1860m

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