Time for Summer to arrive

Despite the snow which fell earlier this week as shown above the lifts have closed for the winter season and it's time to start thinking about summer activities. Chalet Vache Bleue is open throughout the inter season period as well as the summer season. This year Meribel is proud to be hosting the Mountain Bike World Cup Finals in August which promises to be a huge event with over 4,000 Athletes representing 9 Countries attending. We will post more information about the event closer to the time.

It's not all about Mountain Bikes during the summer in Meribel there are many other events planned from Flying to Fly Fishing, although of course you don't need to be attending a planned event to simply enjoy the magnificent scenery. The well marked paths and tracks throughout the area from the valley floor to the peaks should not be missed and during the main holiday period the lifts swing back into action to make the trip up a little easier on the legs.

During the summer access to the lifts and a range of other events can be achieved through the purchase of a Meripass. As Partners with Meribel Tourism we are able to off the Meripass at a reduced rate, we will include all the details in our next Post or e-mail us: chaletvachebleuemeribel@gmail.com for more details.

To mark the end of the winter season here is our favourite picture from the season which was taken in Les Allues on 6th February. The 2014/15 winter season will be upon us very soon but don't forget to take advantage of all the Alps during the summer.

What's the weather like in March?

Simple question impossible to answer. As we come to the end of March we would reasonably expect to be in Spring Skiing mode. The days are long, lifts open until late afternoon, the odd fly has been spotted and the goggle tans are developing. All of this was completely true until the end of last week when winter decided she had not quite finished yet. By Sunday we were experiencing temperatures of minus 25 in the wind and wondering if we had imagined the temperatures of 14 plus degrees and apres drinks in the sunshine only days before.

The dramatic drop in temperature brought snow, lots of it. Even down at Village level the early Primroses were hidden by snow and the alarm clock was beaten by the snow plough off to do his snow clearing. The Pistes are fresh and in beautiful condition so it seems a shame that there are so few people here to enjoy it. When Easter falls late, March is usually a quiet period. There are no school holidays and the idea of "Spring Skiing" can raise concerns around the quality and quantity of snow. 

So is it risky to book a snow holiday for March? Our experience would say not at all. The Three Valleys area is high and benefits from a mostly northerly aspect which keeps the snow in good condition. Piste grooming in the area is amongst the best in the world which ensures the conditions are the best possible. The efficient lift system can get you up high quickly and even if spring snow appears at the bottom of the area down lifting using Gondolas at the end of the day is always an option.

We have been in the area many times during March and a quick check through our Photos confirmed that it always snows during the month. So as many people start to think about their snow holiday for next season don't forget about March as a possibility. As an added incentive next March from the 18th to 22nd March the 2015 Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals will take place in Meribel. This is not just a "first" for Meribel but also a "first" for France. What better excuse do you need?

To show off our lovely conditions here are a few pictures taken over the last 7 days.

Enjoying the sun before the weekend

Lovely afternoon sunlight on the way home

The Altiport area plunged back into Winter

The sun did try but the snow clouds won in the end

Yellow is the new Black in The Three Valleys

Across The Three Valleys ski area there are Green, Blue, Red and Black marked Pistes or runs. The frequency with which they are groomed/bashed at night by the Piste Machines varies within each resort area but as a rough guide Green runs will be groomed every night, most Blue runs will be groomed, a lower % of Red runs will be groomed and an even lower % of Black runs will be groomed.

When Pistes are groomed the unevenness of the surface is reduced and moguls are flattened leaving a corduroy surface which we commonly refer to as Hero Snow. It is predictable and in most cases a very different experience than skiing or riding Off Piste where no slope preparation is carried out and obstacles such as rocks and sudden drops in terrain exist.

Over the past few years we have seen an increase in the number of people wanting to explore Off Piste. This is partly driven by the availability of equipment which enables people to  participate in the experience without a huge outlay in terms of money and time to learn new skills. This has led to some problems, the weather this season has given us an unstable snow pack and avalanches have been frequent some sadly fatal. A local guide commented on one of the problems with this increased interest in Off Piste areas being people have "equipment beyond their capability". 

One of the problems is how do you learn how to ski or ride Off Piste conditions without actually going Off Piste and endangering your life and that of others. This year the Les Menuires area of The Three valleys have taken steps to address this. On the Piste Map there are now Liberty Ride Pistes which are marked in yellow:

These are marked pistes which have had obstacles such a rocks removed but no grooming is carried out. The condition of the snow is therefore what you will find Off Piste providing a safe area in which to experience these very different snow conditions. Piste markers are used and the areas are patrolled.

Liberty Ride Piste marker

Three Liberty Ride areas have been introduced and no doubt more will follow. They can be found on la Masse: access via la Masse 2 gondola, on Ariondaz near Saint Martin: access via the Saint Martin 2 chairlift, and pylônes: access via the Sunny Express chairlift. This is a great innovation by the area so before you venture Off Piste for the first time practice your skills in one of these areas.

Flags - not just for Australian beaches

Spending half our lives in Australia we are well used to looking at Flags for information, they are the way Surf Lifesaving Patrols warn of conditions and where is safe to swim at the beach. A similar system operates in the Three Valleys at the points where you can move from one valley to the next. Years ago it was necessary to seek out the blackboard of information at the top of the lift stations and although these still exist the flag system is simple, easy to spot even from a distance and easily understood whatever your language you understand. 

Over the last two weeks we have had a couple of days of high winds including one day last week which managed to knock over the large festive snowman which marks the entrance to Les Allues and numerous large signs around the resort. On very windy days you don't really need to be told it is windy but it frequently happens that the wind increases during the day which can lead to lifts being closed and ultimately you can be stranded in the wrong valley. 

The flags are positioned where you transition from one valley to another and look like this:

This is of course the favourite flag - Green for all good, links are open and no problems anticipated. This is followed by Amber which signifies that crossing over to a Valley other than the one you are staying in is "not advised":

This is probably the toughest one because lifts will still be open and you may be tempted to cross to another Valley but be warned the weather can change very quickly and taxi fares home are expensive. 

The final stage is the red flag - which I don't have a picture of - which signifies the links are closed. This can cause confusion for some people as Pistes leading to the next valley will be open however you will not be able to get back to the top as the lifts will be closed.

The flag system is not the only way the lift companies keep slope users informed there are still the blackboards and message boards as you get on and off lifts. If in doubt don't be afraid to ask advice from either the lift operators or the Piste Patrol in the huts located throughout the area. It is in their best interests to keep you safe, they are friendly, approachable and have the best knowledge of the area.

Finally the weather here in Meribel is a little grey and snowy today but we are promised a return to sunny days for tomorrow followed by a light fall of snow on Friday to freshen up the Pistes. Perfect really and to end this post a picture taken on Monday which really was the most perfect day to be enjoying the snow in Meribel

Lovely day for a picnic.....not!

Wild weather

January definitely ended in a more traditional way weather wise than it started. According to a local newspaper the first 10 days of the month were the hottest on record, the last 10 days probably didn't break any records but it was certainly cold. On Saturday we ventured over to Val Thorens, ready to take advantage of the empty slopes and hoping to be able to walk straight on to the Cime de Caron lift without waiting. As we skied down into VT we had a stark reminder of how weather conditions can change dramatically from one valley to another. 

We left Meribel under blue skies and light breeze, as we were half way down the Pluviometre piste we could see the clouds of snow rolling down the main pistes in VT. The top lifts were closed but we were able to make it into Orelle - the Fourth Valley - where even though one lift remained closed the skiing on the freshly blown snow was a dream. The facial exfoliation we had to endure to get around the top of Col de Rosael was worth it and Orelle was all ours, we have skied the area in quiet conditions before but never in such solitude.

Top of Combe de Rosael

Cime de Caron did open at lunchtime which allowed us another jaunt into Orelle and the the inevitable happened - we became hungry. Most days we take our lunch and a flask of hot chocolate with us. Aside from the cost of eating and drinking on the mountain taking your own lunch means you can stop when and where you want or at least it does unless it is blowing a gale and freezing cold. Those January days just a few weeks ago of sitting in glorious sunshine enjoying a picnic have gone so thank goodness for the increase in the number of "picnic areas" in the Three Valleys many of which provide shelter from not so nice weather. The size, standard and facilities vary, the one we used on Saturday is semi-open but definetely an improvement on being completely exposed.

Lunchtime - top of Plateau drag lift VT

One of the most recent additions to the picnic areas of The Three Valleys is the Chaudanne Lounge in Meribel. Situated at the Saulire Express 1 this really is more than a picnic area with a section of comfortable lounge seating, free WiFi and Microwaves. Ideal as a meeting point as well as a very warm, comfortable spot for lunch or just a rest. 

Special mention is also deserved by Plan des Mains at the base of Mont du Vallon. This is both a Restaurant and a sandwich spot where they have generously provided an area of deck-chairs for those bringing their own lunch. All they ask is that you use the bins provided to keep the are tidy, not too much to ask really.

Picnic areas are marked on the Piste map with a picnic table sign, worth checking out even if just for a 5 minute breather between runs or a handy meeting spot.

Staying safe on the slopes

We are currently enjoying great on-piste conditions in Meribel and the whole 3 Valleys area. Following a very (unusual) warm start to January it has started to get cold again and whilst we haven't had any major dumps of snow the falls that we have received have kept the pistes in great condition. Off-Piste the conditions are best described as "unstable" and are not advised unless you are with a Guide and properly equipped. Last week we were rewarded for our decision to go skiing in what looked like a white out from our windows in Les Allues. As we reached the summit of Saulire it was as if someone had opened the curtains - blue sky and sunshine greeted us as the pictures below show.

Although it is blissfully quiet on the Pistes in January accidents can still happen. A recent article in the UK Daily Telegraph quoted the number of injuries sustained in the French Alps last season as 1,400, 12% being the result of collision with other Piste users. Here are a couple of tips to minimise your risk:

• Always look up the slope before entering a run and stay aware of where others may be going especially in those areas where several lifts depart from the same area.
• Give other Piste users plenty of room, you have no idea what their next move may be
• If you need to stop do so at the side of the Piste and never just over the brow of a rise where you cannot be seen clearly by Piste users coming down the slope.
• Be mindful of the conditions - this includes weather, snow conditions, type of Piste and time of day. Major runs which take people to resort accommodation hubs at the end of the day are often best avoided. There is nothing wrong with experiencing a Gondola travelling downhill when conditions make it the more enjoyable option. You will receive a warm welcome from the lift operators, they know a wise decision maker when they see one.
• Wear a Helmet. It won't save you in every circumstance but in a collision it can help to minimise your injuries.
• Don't ski or ride under the influence of alcohol, in addition to the obvious dangers of slower reaction times it can invalidate your Insurance.

More snow is forecast over the next few days and much colder temperatures - a maximum of minus 16 is predicted for the summits on Friday. Time to wrap up well.