© Rob Wood
© Rob Wood
© Rob Wood
© Rob Wood
© Rob Wood
Alpe d'Huez Snow Report: 19th January 2016
Plenty of snow here now, with loads of runs open
Although the whole of Southern Alpine region is covered by an area of high pressure at the moment, temperatures still remain really cold – although thankfully wind speeds have dropped which has reduced the wind chill factor and also reduced the number of wind affected intermittent lift closures.
Temperatures have remained steady for the last few days at around -7degC at 3,330 metres and around -1degC in resort at 1,850 metres. However temperatures are set to rise towards the weekend to around -1degC at 3,330 metres and 8 to 10degC in resort – so with great snow and sunshine and warmer temperatures in the forecast, things look really great here in Alpe d’Huez.
The current area of high pressure (1022mb) looks set to stay over the whole alpine region for the next 3 to 5 days with pressure set to rise to 1038mb by Friday, bringing with it those warmer temperatures. The increase in barometric pressure combined with an easing in the isobars will further reduce the wind chill factor, and make it feel that bit warmer, particularly at the weekend.
Some snow has fallen up at 3,330 metres, but the last reportable snow fall in resort was on the night of Friday 15th / Saturday 16th daytime. This snow fell all the way down to Grenoble, around 250 metres above sea level, which made Saturday's traditional “transfers” a bit tricky, but it did bring snow to all the slopes in the Grande Domaine area.
Current snow cover stands at around 2 metres at 3,330 metres and 1 metre at 1,850metres.
There is also a noticeable “stretch” in the length of the day now with sunset now at 5.25pm – so on the way out are the really short days, which is always great news – I hate short days and dark evenings.
There are now 99 pistes open in the Grande Domaine ski area, and they are being served by 60 lifts. These pistes consist of 35 green runs, 32 blue, 27 red and 5 black. Of these 38 pistes and 26 lifts are in Alpe d’Huez itself.
With all these runs now open, there really is no stress in the lift queues as there really is an enormous amount of runs and lifts to keep things at a nice comfortable state.
The fresh snow at lower levels has enabled the opening of more runs in Oz, Vaujany, Villard and Auris – and indeed here in Alpe d’Huez, when on Saturday the blue run to Huez (Village) opened which means you can ski all the way down to Huez village now (1,500 metres).
As the pisteurs and mountain rescue guys get to grips with the new snow fall and compact it (and blast it where necessary) the Avalanche risk is back down to 3 (considerable) from 4/5 – but none the less, still take care out there – and if in doubt seek the advice of the mountain rescue guys who will be only too pleased to help you – remember they are like the lifeguards of the mountain!.
The Sarenne is in great condition, however it is freezing up at 3,330 metres, so if you heading up there make sure you wrap up well and take a balaclava, etc. In these cold temperatures the south facing of the DMC from 2,700 metres back down to resort provide that extra bit of warmth.
The snowpark is now open in Alpe D’Huez but is still in the process of really having the final touches put to it – but there are plenty of rails and kickers for you thrill seekers out there. And don't forget the BigAir practice facility at the bottom of the snow park – which is basically a big bouncy castle with a kicker, so get practising! The smaller snowpark over in Montfrais/Vaujany remains closed at the moment.
