So here’s the first snow report of 2010 from our man on the ground, George Fry.

30th December 2009 – Tignes and Val d’Isere

On arriving in Tignes at 10pm 29th Dec it was actually +1C and raining. Snow was melting!! However, an early start showed that the snow coverage was generally very good with off piste deep enough to avoid rocks although a few branches were still visible. Good hard pack base but as soon as the crowds got up snow very quickly turned slushy and wet on lower slopes. Moguls started appearing even before lunch. Higher up was better but moguls still developing. The afternoon saw a foot of badly needed snow fall, pistes turned to powder and although the weather was bad some great skiing was had on the fresh snow. More snow has fallen since and as long as the piste bashers start to do some work the pistes will be glorious.

31st December 2009 – 2nd January 2010 – Port du Soleil (staying in Morzine)

No snow and positive temperature on arriving in Morzine. Snow conditions were very poor with lower slopes resembling a slush puppy from the morning onwards. Higher up some good snow could be found but no fresh snow around. A hard pack base but not very much and rocks still appearing off piste. Lower slopes also had bare patches where dirt/rocks had come through. Not possible to ski down into Morzine and the Olympic run had no snow!

The new year saw slightly improved snow due to a few centimetres falling the day before but lower slopes still very quickly turning into slush. Up on the Swiss boarder snow generally better but icy patches started appearing towards the end of the day. When I left on the 2nd 2-3inches had fallen in Morzine and reports were of a good dusting higher up with some nice powder being found.

4th January – Chambery

6 inches of snow fell during the night, airport delays likely, and snow continuing to fall! Let’s hope it is the same in the resorts!!