© Stuart Hamilton
© Stuart Hamilton
© Stuart Hamilton
Easter weekend in La Plagne
Every type of weather imaginable but incredible conditions
Season 2017/18 – the season that just keeps giving – continues to live up to its name in La Plagne. Snow conditions and depths remain superb across the entire Paradiski area, even at lower altitudes. With a fresh top-up of snow over the weekend – and more in the forecast – things really couldn’t be better.
Over the last few days, we’ve had every type of weather imaginable but, the bonus is, the temperatures have stayed mainly low keeping the snow fresh and a joy to ride. We’ve even been lucky enough to score fresh powder turns - in April! At times it’s felt like mid-winter with white-out blizzards only to then clear to T-shirt and deck chair weather – and all in just a couple of hours. I’ve said this many times but, when you’re heading out, it’s a good idea to dress in layers so you can put on or take off extra clothes. You could end up very thankful for that extra sweatshirt or fleece to put on when the weather closes in (as it frequently does at the moment).
However, even with all this changeable weather, the snow is enduring incredibly well - even in the lower altitude areas of the resort such as Montalbert, Montchavin and Champagny. Compared to last year (in fact compared to any normal year) conditions really are remarkable - more what we’d expect in February than in April. It’s a pattern that looks set to continue through this week too with yet more snow forecast for tomorrow and Thursday.
Of course, the only downside to all this unseasonal weather is we’re missing the typical lazy spring days, messing around in the sunshine and slushy snow. Still, summer is long enough so we really shouldn’t complain at having such great cover and such great snow, so late in the season.
So, as far as snow depths go, there is a frankly ridiculous 425cm up on the glacier while the main stations still enjoy an average of 250cm. Down low in places like Montalbert and Montchavin there’s still 50cm of natural cover – quite amazing for April. Typically at this time of year the lower resorts would be riding paths of artificial or ploughed snow. Indeed, it’s now got to the point we don’t even consult the snow depths around the resort anymore. It’s guaranteed we will see out this season without any problems – and it’s now looking increasingly likely we might even have the full area open for closing day.
Over the weekend, Les Arcs issued an April Fool’s Facebook post stating they plan to keep the glacier open through summer. While it was just a joke, there’s little doubt they could and I’ve heard similar rumours for La Plagne – though I’d stress these are very much rumours so don’t go booking any summer trips yet! Still, with over 4m on the tops right now, I’m sure it would be an option when they to decide to do so.
Another talking point this week has been the remarkable sunsets and sunrises we’ve been getting. The moon has been as bright as the sun at times. I was up early the other day and – not being particularly good in the mornings – I spent the first 5 minutes trying to work out if it was day or night. I have never seen a moon so bright, glowing like a fireball in the sky.
So, to summarise, conditions across the entire La Plagne area are still superb – and are likely to remain so right up to the season end. As we hurtle inexorably towards the closing date of 28th April, don’t be surprised to find us posting yet more videos and pictures of fresh powder. If you have the opportunity to book a sneaky last trip of the season, now might be a very good time to do so. With area-wide cover and fresh snow in the forecast, season 2017/18 in La Plagne is far from over.
Stuart Hamilton is Creative Director of iRide App (iOS / Android) and Editor of Ski-App and Snowboard-App (ski and snowboard video apps available exclusively on Android).
