Snow conditions in the French Alps
The lifts in Paradiski open in mid-December and then close by the first
of May. Each month has it's own particular appeal:
December can provide some of the most rewarding days of the winter, usually because there is hardly a soul on the mountain, and when the conditions are right you can have days and days of untracked powder and empty groomed pistes. Another obvious bonus is that you get to spend Christmas in the most Christmassy environment possible. The downside is that it can be bitterly cold because the sun sets behind the mountain quite early taking all the warmth with it. This makes for incredible winter sunsets, but once it has gone, it is definately time to head indoors for a mulled wine and some hearty grub!
January is usually a favourite because of the school holidays and people taking time off after Christmas. It normally snows fairly consistently throughout January which is important in order to build a decent base for the rest of the season. The downside is that it can still be very cold, and you need to invest in decent waterproof clothing.
February is similar to January weather-wise and has the additional draw of the school half-term holidays. It is not usually too cold, and has a fairly consistent snow fall. Unfortunately the holiday period can mean queuing for lifts, but if you can stay away from the nursery areas it's not too bad.
March is a bit misleading because you expect it to be warming up for Spring. In fact it is usually as cold and snowy as February. There does tend to be a bit less ice around because the night freezes are not as severe, and towards the end of the month the sun stays out for longer.
April in Paradiski is great. You get the best of both worlds because there is usually plenty of snow left on the mountain, and you also get to enjoy a bit of sunbathing, and spending warm evenings sat outside the chalet. There are always fresh snow falls, and because the mountain tends to be quieter you have all the powder to yourself. Another bonus is that you don't have to contend with ice because any compacted snow is softened by the morning sun. The downside is that if you don't enjoy slushy snow you need to head home by about 3.30pm on warm days before it melts too much.
Don't forget that in you can also ski and snowboard from mid June until September on the Tignes Glacier which is a short drive from our chalet in Bourg.
December can provide some of the most rewarding days of the winter, usually because there is hardly a soul on the mountain, and when the conditions are right you can have days and days of untracked powder and empty groomed pistes. Another obvious bonus is that you get to spend Christmas in the most Christmassy environment possible. The downside is that it can be bitterly cold because the sun sets behind the mountain quite early taking all the warmth with it. This makes for incredible winter sunsets, but once it has gone, it is definately time to head indoors for a mulled wine and some hearty grub!
January is usually a favourite because of the school holidays and people taking time off after Christmas. It normally snows fairly consistently throughout January which is important in order to build a decent base for the rest of the season. The downside is that it can still be very cold, and you need to invest in decent waterproof clothing.
February is similar to January weather-wise and has the additional draw of the school half-term holidays. It is not usually too cold, and has a fairly consistent snow fall. Unfortunately the holiday period can mean queuing for lifts, but if you can stay away from the nursery areas it's not too bad.
March is a bit misleading because you expect it to be warming up for Spring. In fact it is usually as cold and snowy as February. There does tend to be a bit less ice around because the night freezes are not as severe, and towards the end of the month the sun stays out for longer.
April in Paradiski is great. You get the best of both worlds because there is usually plenty of snow left on the mountain, and you also get to enjoy a bit of sunbathing, and spending warm evenings sat outside the chalet. There are always fresh snow falls, and because the mountain tends to be quieter you have all the powder to yourself. Another bonus is that you don't have to contend with ice because any compacted snow is softened by the morning sun. The downside is that if you don't enjoy slushy snow you need to head home by about 3.30pm on warm days before it melts too much.
Don't forget that in you can also ski and snowboard from mid June until September on the Tignes Glacier which is a short drive from our chalet in Bourg.
"We came in March on your recommendation that is was a good time to come, and it was!" - Josh
