Haute-Nendaz

Eight or so years ago, I was fortunate to win a competition on J2Ski for a short stay at the brand-new Nendaz 4 Vallees Hotel. It was utterly superb and we vowed to return one day. Last week, we did! Early flight with Swiss from Terminal 2 on Sunday morning (slow baggage at Geneva meant we missed our intended train) but on the next to Sion where we changed to the post-bus. In resort just after 1pm and on the slopes 30 minutes later. It was warm and the snow low down for most of the week was slushy to say the least. Inevitably, south facing slopes were especially affected and the link from Tracouet to the rest of the Four Vallees at Prarion was a nightmare of a blood-wagon special with knee-deep moguls of pure, wet porridge! It was better to access the Verbier and other sectors by taking a bus to Siviez - less convenient but much safer and more pleasant. Higher up the snow was holding up pretty well but the lack of recent snow meant the itineraries were festivals (not in a good way!) of waist-high moguls. The Neige Adventure ski school provided solid private lessons for Mrs LOTA while I roamed the circuit. We did have snow on the Tuesday but it could hardly be counted as 'powder' - more like thick, brown, Sahara cement! The hotel was as magnificent as we remembered and we took full advantage of the superb spa. On Friday, we skied until 2.30, changed in the spa and were on the bus/train back to Geneva at 3.40pm. The only sour note was Geneva airport, which really is falling behind. Crowded, over-priced and very few options airside for a drink and food. And the lounges were shut as well! Heathrow was a breeze in comparison!

Sounds look a good trip, given the warm weather