Mont Blanc - from the top of the Balme chair
The highest section of the La Clusaz ski area opened on the 8th December for the day (a week ahead of the official opening) - with several Red and Black runs, and the Balme bowl (off-piste) open.
Following overnight snowfall, boot deep powder on a firm base was on offer pretty much everywhere. Altough cloudy in the morning, the sky was pretty clear by early afternoon and visibility good.
Conditions were the best I've opened my season with for many years, and probably amongst the best the area has seen in early December.
Cover was complete in both Balme and Torchere sectors. The skiers on the mountain appeared to be almost entirely local (no surprise) and that was reflected in the speed with which the Balme bowl was tracked - which has all helped to pack down an excellent base both on and off the pistes.
Although a sign warned that "Prudence" was required, the run down to the bottom (of Balme) was well covered and made for a great run down in the morning - although thaw/freeze had hardened it by the afternoon.
The sector was closed due to bad weather on the Sunday, but considerable snow has fallen throughout the day and more is expected overnight, tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday - as per our Snow Forecast for La Clusaz.
We skiied today in Chinaillon (Grand Bornand) and although much of it was in poor visibility (falling snow) there was more good skiing both on the couple of open pistes and off-piste around the Maroly run. Although the base is evidently not as well developed as La Clusaz, conditions were still pretty exceptional for Grand Bornand at this time of year.
Off-piste - Torchere - La Clusaz
All in all an excellent and promising start to the season in the Aravis.