Meribel Snow Report: 3rd January 2012

Today was one of those heart-stoppingly beautiful days when you realise that there is nowhere else on earth that you would rather be than Méribel, and nothing you’d rather be doing than ski.

The day dawned cold and bright on a world which had been transformed by fresh snowfalls. Chalets had been newly thatched with snow; tree boughs were laden; icicles were glinting; pavements and roads were white; and the sky was that fabulous, deep blue that only occurs in the mountains in the depths of winter.

The slopes were equally heavenly. For a start, they were much quieter as the French have gone back to school (bad luck, French children). The pistes were freshly groomed and the snow was so soft that it made no sound as you skied over it and felt distinctly bouncy underfoot. This is sometimes described as “hero snow” because it flatters you into believing you are the world’s best skier.

The fresh snow has covered over the hard lower runs and given us perfect conditions from the top to the bottom of the ski area. “It’s like a different sport”, commented my ski companion, Nicola, who agreed that after last winter’s mediocre conditions and frequently hard pistes, it is a joy to be back on really great snow again. Even at the end of the afternoon, the slopes were still wonderfully enjoyable to ski, with fluffy moguls developing on the steeper runs.

The off-piste was pretty amazing too. Though the powder was a bit wind-packed in exposed areas, it was light and deep and fluffy in more sheltered gullies. I forgot my sensible decision to stay on piste until I get my ski legs back, and spent much of the day bouncing around in powder with a ridiculous grin on my face.

I shan’t bore you with a description of where we skied and where the best snow was found, because conditions were so good everywhere. I will just mention that the Combe Laitelet piste makes a great last run back down into Méribel at the end of the day (it was closed for much of last season through low snow cover and I’d forgotten what an appealing run it is). When the snow is good, this tree-lined blue run is the perfect route back to the Chaudanne area of Méribel. It’s much quieter than the main Lievre piste, with a wider and gentler slope. To find it, turn right at Tougnete 2 in the direction of Mottaret and take the first left turn.

The forecast is for more snow over the next three days (102cm more, if the predictions are to be believed) followed by more sunshine. There is already over 2m of snow on the summits, so conditions are about as good as they get.

If you happen to be wondering whether to book a last-minute break to Méribel this weekend, I suggest you book immediately! Where else would you rather be?