Brilliant sunshine and lots of snow in Meribel

The sun has finally returned to the Alps after the greyest February I can remember. Snow conditions are currently good in Méribel thanks to heavy snow falls early last week. The pistes generally still have soft and dry snow, with just some scraped areas appearing as the day goes on. However, today for the first time we noticed softer, slushy snow developing on the lower runs, so spring conditions are likely to start developing soon. As we all know, the snow can change rapidly in the latter part of the season thanks to the longer days and stronger sunshine.

We certainly have lots of snow in the Three Valleys this spring. Méribel has around 2m on the summit and there is around 3m of snow at the top of Val Thorens. I predict that April will be a great month: the Easter holidays falls in March this year, so the slopes will be very quiet throughout April and there is enough snow to guarantee good skiing right until the lifts close.

Now that the French holidays are over, the pistes are noticeably quieter and the lifts have virtually no queues. It’s a joy to be able to ski wherever you like without having to plan around avoiding certain lifts or the more popular pistes.

Today we did a bit of skiing in all Three Valleys and the snow was good virtually everywhere. We started with a quick whizz above Courchevel 1850. Courchevel never fails to amuse me with its determination to be the most up-market resort in France. The summits are adorned with art works; glamourous events such as polo tournaments are held on the snow; and this weekend, the resort hosted a helicopter show. Dozens of helis, classic and modern, were parked all around the ski area and tourist flights were on offer at the Altiport. Though I may snigger at Courchevel’s pretentiousness, I do like a helicopter ride and couldn’t resist taking a quick tourist flight around the valley. Sorry, I know it’s not very eco-friendly, but, it was enormous fun.

Next, we skied into Mottaret down the little-used Grande Rosiere black run, and then up the new Combes chairlift and over to the Belleville valley. I was reminded just how fantastic our lift system is. You really can ski from one end of the vast ski area to the other by taking just a few, fast lifts.

On such a gloriously sunny day, the obvious place to head for lunch is St Martin de Belleville: its low altitude, sunny and sheltered aspect and choice of good, affordable restaurant make this my favourite lunch destination in spring. Our choice was the characterful Lachenal restaurant in the old part of the village, a charming little place with a sun-trap terrace at the back. After a long lunch, we pottered home past le Rond Point bar in Méribel, and the more determined party-goers stayed here for some après-ski in the sunshine and a bop to a live band.

Sunshine, blue skies, warmth, good snow, great lunches, rosé wine, and après-ski on a sun terrace: this is what March skiing is all about for me. This week, Méribel celebrates its Spring Party with lots of outdoor events and music and plenty more sunshine is forecast. Méribel should be a fabulous place to be all this week…