Rain, Winds and more snow

Two full days of fresh snowfall gave a great winter atmosphere in Verbier. This morning saw rain at resort level which washed away some of the slippery stuff from the roads and paths. High winds also caused closures of lifts higher up on the main mountain and on the Savoleyres gondola until lunchtime.

Access to the itinerary runs including Tortin, Col des Gentianes, Vallon D'Arbi and Col des Mines remain closed due to avalanche risk. But there has been some great powder available elsewhere including Fontaneys and further afield in the four valleys. Rain has compacted a lot of the snow below Ruinettes but the crowds are still enjoying conditions above this area.

Testing out the newly openedLa Tzoumaz sledge run was great fun today with powder on the upper part and thick slush on the steeper lower part - have a look at the video and try it for yourselves..........







Forecasts for the next couple of days are for more clouds and snow. Daytime temperatures at resort level will be above zero so head up higher for fresh powder. Winds are also expected to reduce so allowing access to the top level areas.

Quite a lot of snow...

Well, the great news is it's still snowing and doesn't really look like it wants to give up.

As a result the skiing today has been brilliant and the prospects for the rest of the week look great - more snow's forecast later in the week and rumours are all over resort that there's loads more on the way ("the hundred year storm" apparently).

Of course that means that visability has been pretty poor for a few days, although this morning the clouds parted and revealed fantastic views of the resort, and if I'd remembered to take my camera out you'd all be coo-ing over views of Savoleyres drenched in snow and sunshine.

Sadly the camera was back at the flat, but I promise to get some pictures of the views tomorrow - although they may be a little cloudy...

Two days of snow in Verbier

After a busy, sunny holiday week the clouds rolled in yesterday and more snow arrived in Verbier. A few centimetres of fresh snow yesterday was followed by several heavy snowfalls during today. Temperatures at resort level were above zero causing some sticky snow below Ruinettes and particularly at the beginners slopes of Les Esserts.

The top of the main mountain remained shut the whole day due to gusting wind speeds of up to 80km/hr. High winds also delayed the opening of the Savoleyres gondola until lunchtime.

News of the Week!!! The La Tzoumaz sledge run is now open. The run goes from the top to the bottom of the gondola on the La Tzoumaz side of the mountain – 10km of pure excitement – remember your goggles and helmet!!

Forecasts for the next couple of days are for more clouds and snow. Temperatures will be dropping slightly as will the wind speeds so expect more of the upper slopes to be available with some fresh powder snow.

Recovering. Slowly.

Mardis Gras? So what's it all about then?

Well, imagine a very sensible nation. A nation of sensible people doing sensible things - like making clocks and working in banks.

We'll call it Switzerland.

Then imagine if somebody said "Hey everyone, let's have a massive party next Tuesday - you can all dress up and go bannanas".

Well, all that pent up insanity would suddenly be vented and even the most sensible looking ones would go stark raving bonkers for one night a year.

And that's what Mardis Gras is.

Naturally, the ES team felt obliged to join in - it looked a lot like this...







And we'll add more to our online gallery soon (well, as soon as we've edited them...).

Kids Academy Racing

At the end of two weeks of half term holiday ES Kids Academy Skiers took part in fun races in both Verbier and Zermatt.
First in Verbier...

Then in Zermatt

The Swedish Section Rocks

Swedish Section 3
Originally uploaded by European Snowsport.

Here they are: the All New ES Swedish Section. That means our Swedish clients can have top level tuition in your language as all of our Swedish Section Instructors are top teachers as well as some of our keenest skiers.

Cooler weather before more sun

The skies are clouded over and the temperature on the mountain has dropped to -3 C but sun and blue skies are set to return tomorrow. Temperatures will then be above zero and winds will be light – an excellent time to try paragliding – Verbier is one of Europe’s premier destinations for this sport.

On-piste snow conditions remain excellent although off-piste is somewhat crusty due to the warm weather of the last couple of days. Avalanche levels remain at level 3. If you are new to the area taking guided off-piste is recommended at the moment due to the unstable snow pack.

The Verbier Ride is one of the worlds leading freeskiing competitions. The Skier Cross discipline has become a recognized X-Games qualifier event. The Slope Style event attracts many of Europe‘s top freeskiing athletes. The event is being held this weekend at a specially designed course within the La Chaux freestyle area (Neipark 1936).

The Verbier Take the Hill by Keech contest has been deferred until the 17th March. This is a demo in the form of a contest between 5 pro-skiers, 5 pro-snowboarders and 5 pro-bikers.

Verbier basks in the sun

Yesterday morning early clouds cleared to beautiful blue skies in Verbier. The sunny weather continued today as temperatures climbed. Conditions on piste are great all over the resort - get out as early as you can to avoid the crowds.

However wet snow followed by more powder and now very warm conditions have made the snow pack very unstable. If you are tempted by the off piste take extra care. Make sure you are wearing a tranceiver and obey closed area signs. Tragically avalanches over the last few day have claimed lives in Bruson and on the main mountain in the Rock Garden and under the Jumbo lift of Mont Fort. Don't be added to the statistics yourself!

Savoleyres remains less crowded than the main mountain with few lift queues - a great area for improving beginners and intermediates. The piste machines were seen out today preparing the 10km La Tzoumaz sledge run - we hope it may be opening during the next week.

The Bruson area is also worth considering for uncrowded slopes. Being north facing the powder is also likely to last longer there.

The forecast for the next couple of days is for sun and blue skies and daytime temperatures of around 10 C. Into next week there will be some cloud but no new snow is likely for the next 7 days. Enjoy the good weather while you can!!!

Warm (but not too warm)

After rumours that there was going to be some seriously warm weather creeping up from the south, the effect hasn't actually been felt too harshly here...

Although the increase in temperature has been noticable, it looks set to cool down again tomorrow, with cloud coming in.

But as it's Charlie's birthday today, I won't bore you by banging on about what's been going on here - as it'll all pale into insignificance once the reports of this evening's debauchery start trickling in.

And Louis' playing in the T-Bar. Which should be an interesting combination.

On a slightly more ski-related note, loads of the ES team have entered the 20007 British Big Mountain Championships - if you fancy watching the event in all it's craziness check out davosklostersride.com.



PS Karsten and I have built a wicked igloo on Savoleyres today. And Karsten wanted everyone to know.

Everything is officailly brilliant...

Not only has it been snowing in Verbier pretty heavily recently, but it shows a distinct unwillingness to stop...




The snow has come just in time for a series of important events - it's arrived for the the start of the half term holidays as well as just after a sustained period of sun (which gave the pistes a bit of a beating), but most importantlty of all, it's arrived for the return of Charlie, ES's drinking dynamo.

Bless him.

The only concern here is that the wind will be coming up from the South over the next few days and warming things up - great for the holiday tans but rather dangerous for the off-piste.

So if you are venturing off-piste (and far be it from me to sound like your Mum) please be very, very, very carefull...


On a more cheerful note, Louis' playijg at the T-Bar on Friday night again - which is nice - and it's also Charlie's birthday - which means it will also be carnage...

The deep and fluffy arrives in Verbier

Snow falling over the last 48 hours has transformed Verbier into a real winter wonderland. Heavy snow falling on Monday was rather wet but yesterday morning saw soft dry powder everywhere. High winds stopped the opening of the top of the mountain so there should be plenty of untracked stuff available above Ruinettes and at the top of Attelas when the area opens up today.

Winds have caused some crusty conditions on exposed areas but has also resulted in pockets of powder elsewhere. Lots was to be found in Fontaneys and off the side of the piste under Combe 1 – see the video of clients enjoying the snow with Andrea Bionda of European Snowsport…..






On piste conditions above Ruinettes and at Savoleyres are great at the moment. However, there are some icy patches lower on the main mountain due to the wetter conditions of Monday. The Bruson area also looks amazing and plenty of people headed over there yesterday to take advantage of the uncrowded slopes and off-piste tree skiing.

Clouds cleared to give beautiful blue skies yesterday. Skies will be overcast today with a bit more snow but then clear for blue skies at the end of the week. The high winds of the early week should be dropping but any off-pisters should watch out for cornices.

Heavy snow forecast...........

Blue skies and fast moving clouds herald more snow to come in Verbier. We have had a few centimeters of snow over the last 24hrs but the big fall is forecast for tomorrow. Visibility today has been quite good even with the early cloud cover. Winds have been fresh and as a result the top of the main mountain has been closed including Mont Fort and Tortin.

Snow conditions are generally very good with the small amount of fresh powder improving the pistes. For the adventurous skier and rider off-piste is also a possibility – but watch out for the rocks – there is only thin cover in some places.

Crowds are arriving for the British half-term week which starts this weekend so expect some queues at the La Chaux lifts and at the Les Esserts beginners area tomorrow. Savoleyres provides a good alternative for intermediates and is likely to be much less crowded than the main mountain over the next couple of weeks. With the additional snow expected soon we hope that the 10km La Tzoumaz sled run will also be opening soon.

If want to ensure a good lunch venue then make sure to book in advance – popular sit down restaurants include:

Carrefour reachable by bus and on ski (027 771 70 10)
Le Olympique at the top of the Funispace (027 771 26 15)
The Marmotte at the bottom of the Savoleyres T bar (027 771 58 34)
Au Vieux Verbier at Medran (027 771 16 68)

If snow is falling seating in all the above will be reduced due to everyone being inside.

The general forecast is for clouds and snow – up to 20cm per day on Monday and Tuesday. Winds will be quite strong – between 50 and 70 km/hr up the top of the mountain – in which case there may be lift closures. The avalanche risk is also likely to rise to 3 or 4.

Get your fat skis reserved early – when the deep fluffy stuff arrives you want to make the most of it!!!!!!!!!

Er, congratulations...

Well, the Gap Year Students have finished their Instructor Training and the result are in - rather impresively the entire course has passed (apart from the two who had to retire hurt).

Now most BASI courses always include a few people who don't quite make it, so it's a real testiment to their hard work and the hard work of Julian and Roddy at ES that they've all dove so well.

However, when you see how a few of them chose to dress on the last day of the course, it makes you wonder if we shouldn't take their badges back...

Snow has arrived and more forecast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Snow has been falling here in Verbier and more is expected over the next couple of days. Soft fluffy stuff was much in evidence this morning although as usual soon got tracked up with eager skiers going for the off piste. Blue skies today replaced the heavy clouds and low visibility of yesterday – but as I am writing clouds are once again approaching from the west.- excitement is building as well.

All pistes on the main mountain are in good condition and well groomed. The final of the Swiss Junior Super G championship finishes today which should free up more of the slopes down from Attelas which have been cordoned off for the event.

The off piste is more variable with some wind crust but still worth a go. Most of the itinerary routes including Tortin and Col des Gentianes are open but the Col des Mines/ Vallon D’Arbi, route remains closed for the moment.

Savoleyres pistes along the top and back of the mountain are also very good. However you need to use a track to negotiate the last part of the front of the mountain down to the Route Carrefour due to poor coverage on the lower slopes. Good variable off piste can be found under the 6 man Le Nord lift and the sun is shining on Chez Simon – a good stop off – especially for the famous apple tart.

Chez Simon at Savoleyres

The next week is UK half term holiday and we expect things to be getting really busy around the resort and up on the slopes. Most of the ski schools are already heavily booked up so if you want a lesson make sure you get your reservation in asap.

Weather forecasts for the next couple of days show sun with some cloud and on mountain temperatures of around –2 C. More heavy cloud and snow are possible on Monday and Tuesday – winds will remain light.

Snow starting to fall in Verbier

Snow has now been falling on and off for the past 24hrs – at least up on the mountain if not in resort. Temperatures have dropped significantly and there is the prospect of more to come. Forecasts are making the prediction of 10-20 cm over the next couple of days with a potential dump on Sunday.

Bruson is fully open at the moment. The rest of the four valleys is also worth a trip at the moment with Thyon and Veysonnaz reported to be quiet and with reasonable snow conditions.

Everywhere has a little more snow but some of it has been a little wet and has compressed down. We hope for more powdery conditions over the next couple of days.

The Junior Swiss Giant Slalom competition is running on Attelas from the 5th – 9th February so expect excitement watching the black runs but also some restrictions on the main runs down from the Funispace and the new Attelas 6 man lift.

Its snowing in verbier

It's snowing at 2 pm Verbier Time, small flakes started falling which are now about the size of "em chocolate sprinkles" said Georgia Fitzgerald rather modestly, ES West country Instructor and Ski School Debutant. "This is the begginning of the big one" she added later...

Letting off steam

As a general rule of thumb, if you take 30 ski instructors up a mountain, fill them up with wine and cheese, top it off with a couple of shots, and then hand them a sledge and tell them to meet you in Medran, the results are fairly predictable.

However - agaiunst all the odds - the annual ES staff meal was an injury free experience, and the only notable problem was Sandy moaning abou a tiny bruise when he (rather unsurprinigly) rolled his sled (prooving once again that he can fall over almost anywhere and anyhow).

Suffice to say, much of the evening's events are top secret, but here's what the bits we can show you loked like...


The boys go to work...



Table One prepares to raid neighbouring table Two's supply of cheese...



Toby "rewards" notable instructors (congratulations to Olly D on being voted "most likely to be the next gay James Bond". We're all very proud).



Caroline looks beautiful, whilst Kato sadly doesn't seem to have quite mastered the look...


Snow's coming a bit Tuesday and Wednesday and some more serious stuff on Friday... Meanwhile rumours are spreading that the '100 year storm' is on it's way...

(And Gus and I want to make it clear that we won the race up to the retaurant, even if nobody else was aware that there was a race.)

Snow on the way to Verbier

Snow is on its way to Verbier. Forecasts are for some significant a snowfall this Tuesday and potentially more at the weekend.

Savoleyres remains the quietest place to ski with the most variety of conditions. Watch out for the end of the Route Carrefour though as the last bit goes rapidly to tarmac.

Nordic skiing, ski de fond or langlauf is very popular at the moment with purpose built tracks extending from Ruinettes round to La Chaux and offering some amazing views along the way.

Another new innovation in Verbier is the Dog Sled team of huskies doing round trips from Ruinettes to La Chaux.

Celebrity spotting today saw Richard Branson doing his first parapente (paragliding) flight with Mike of Verbier Summits.

Richard Branson on take off

Nothing is as you'd expect

There are some things in life that you come to really depend upon.

The things that never change - the sun comes up in the morning, all babies look the same and Australians always win at cricket.

So when stuff changes it becomes awfully confusing.

For example, Louis plays on Thursdays and is always depressingly good. Right?

And January and February are freezing cold. Right?

Well, everything's a bit odd at the momment - Louis' playing on Fridays (still depressingly good though), and it's still beautiful and sunny in resort even though it's February.

I know - you can't rely on anything any more (apart from the skiing high up staying great).

Still, it all looks a bit like this...

Blue sky paragliding

Verbier snow conditions on piste are still very good and the off-piste has now turned to spring snow. People are enjoying the sunshine and balmy days and the snow cannons are working hard overnight to maintain the pistes in great condition.

The weather is great at the moment for parapenting (paragliding for us English) see the video for how to take off on skis with '>Mike of Verbier Summits.

Yellow Mike the infamous Farinet après ski band has had its last night this Wednesday. After numerous seasons of excellent entertainment to the masses they have decided to retire. The last night itself was awesome and packed out – they will be sadly missed.

Daytime temperatures are set to stay above zero for most of the next week. However snow is forecast for next Tuesday and Wednesday so watch this space for more updates as the snow zone gets closer……………