Snow returns to Courchevel this week

Plenty of snow arriving in the next 48 hours

featured in Snow report Author Eliot Prince, Courchevel Reporter Updated 28 February 2017

Two weeks of blazing sunshine and peak holiday season is coming to an end as a fresh layer of snow approaches for Tuesday and Wednesday. Current ski conditions are still excellent with the pistes in good nick thanks to cold nights and extra top ups once again from the snow canons

Whilst there is a warm breeze still in the air that is leaving a very spring feeling around Courchevel, the clouds and cold temperatures are making their way towards The Three Valleys. The storm arrived Monday night and everyone here is rubbing their hands with glee waiting for the snow which should keep falling for around 48 hours.

The forecast is looking like around half a metre and that is certainly going to be enough to cover up those muddy patches at lower altitudes. Freeze level will be dropping all the way past 1000 metres, so that means snow down to Le Praz, La Tania and the Saint Bon villages.

Ski conditions will change dramatically, from slushy spring type afternoons to something more recognisable as winter in February with March fast approaching.

If you are around Courchevel this week then it will probably be worth sticking to the lower altitudes for Tuesday and Wednesday, the trees on the La Tania side are always a good place to hideaway in a whiteout offering protection from the elements and a bit more definition than Courchevel 1850 or 1650.

Make sure you are in bed early on Wednesday night as first lifts on Thursday are not to be missed as the weather is expected to clear and if the sun pops onto a blue sky, it will be a bluebird day that every single skier dreams about. Do not miss out.

Those arriving towards the weekend can look forward to some of the best conditions of 2017 so far. If you are looking to enjoy some perfectly manicured pistes then the next 10 days are going to be gorgeous. Fingers crossed, there will be a few extra dustings of snow after the big dump over the next few days. Keep your eyes peeled for a dump alert to find out how much snow has actually fallen come Wednesday.

If you are looking for a few tips for where to venture to find the best fresh lines then gather round and do not tell too many people, so we can enjoy some quiet snow spots. Courchevel 1650 is always a perfect place to get amazing snow conditions. It is generally peaceful and quiet with an abundance of easy access off-piste to suit everyone have a little look around the Chaplets chair lift. If you want to dip your toes of the side of the piste and have a play on some easy terrain you will be spoilt and those looking to go further afield can find fresh tracks all day. Just remember to be safe out there, it is easy to get a little over excited and cavalier when the snowflakes start to fall again.

Courchevel 1850 will be back in its prime with Saulire sparkling in fresh snow, you may want to try the famous Grand Couloir for a real challenge. Do not forget to take advantage of the wide open slopes that make you look and feel like a better skier on the ample mix of blue and red runs. Blue run Creux is always a great point to kick off the day and can take you around to the areas in 1650 mentioned above.

The whole Courchevel Saint Bon valley is bristling with energy and excitement for the snowfall and I fully expect to be drawing back the curtains this week to the noise cancelling peace that a layer of snow brings to the world.

Eliot Prince is a freelance writer with a focus on the ski industry, he offers services to small and bespoke companies.