FATMAP is our favourite app for detailed off-piste / backcountry skiing data and informed decision-making.  It is only useful if you know how to read and interpret the avalanche bulletin (see here and here), can work with slope angles and exposition to minimise the risk of provoking avalanches, are familiar with avoiding terrain traps and equipped with ARVA/shovel/probe and maybe an airbag and are trained and practised in using all of the above (see here or here).

 Links

• Download the FATMAP App here
• Avalanche bulletin
• Avalanche bulletin & information app
• International Snow Training Academy
• Avalanche avoidance skills for amateurs

FATMAP in their own words

Welcome to FATMAP

Welcome to FATMAP – a new mapping technology for outdoor environments – a map, guide book, terrain toolkit and local insider all in one. We created FATMAP when we realised that current ski maps – on or off the piste – don’t give people the information they really need to know to make the most of their skiing.

At FATMAP’s core is an ultra-high resolution 3d model of the terrain to which we have added the essential information you want as a skier.

Whole ski areas have been mapped together with descriptions and detailed information to help you make better decisions about where to ski. Want to know where to find the moguls, which runs will be in the sun or where to find the steepest black runs? Looking for a restaurant with a nice sunny terrace for lunch? It’s all here in FATMAP.

Check out user comments and ratings for every line and use 3D fly-throughs to help you see and experience your chosen line virtually before you set out. Locate yourself with precision on the map and share your location with your friends so you never get separated again. And record your performance to keep track of your stats throughout the day.

For people wanting to venture off-piste, FATMAP gives you detailed information about the lines plus a whole terrain intelligence toolkit to understand gradient, aspect, altitude, avalanche and crevasse zones.

It is important to note that FATMAP is designed as a tool that provides you with information to make your own decisions. We are not suggesting or encouraging you to cross the safety barriers of the ski resort. Off-piste skiing is a dangerous sport which requires a great deal of expertise. There is no such thing as zero risk. FATMAP will never replace the knowledge and experience of a professional. You always ski at your own risk.

FATMAP is the manifestation of a lifelong-obsession with maps, a mis-spent youth with computers, a friendship founded in the mountains, and a shared ski addiction. We’ve worked with pro skiers, Mountain Guides, Mountain Rescue Associations and skiers everywhere to create FATMAP. We hope you like it and that it will help you to explore further and push your limits, safely.

Technical Details

FATMAP uses two different 3d models and a texture map.

Terrain Model – DTM

The base data for FATMAP is an ultra-high resolution 3d model of the terrain. Our model has the average height of every 2m2 area of terrain. The terrain model (DTM) shows the ground surface. It does not account for trees, rocks or buildings. It provides an accurate representation of the terrain to calculate gradient and other information. Our terrain models are created using aerial and satellite imagery. Whilst extremely accurate they have an error margin of +/- 3m.

Surface Model – DSM

In addition to the DTM we have a surface model which provides information about the surface of the terrain – including trees, buildings, large rocks and other objects. This provides a true-to-life view of the world as we see it. In Swiss areas we only have a surface model up to an altitude of 2000m so trees and other objects above this altitude do not appear in 3d on the model.

Texture Map

To bring FATMAP to life and show the terrain as it is in real-life, our terrain model is overlaid with the latest winter satellite imagery. Different areas use different satellites based on availability. Imagery is either 40cm monochrome or 50cm colour imagery which means each pixel of the image covers an area of 40cm or 50cm on the ground. The imagery has been ortho-rectified to the terrain model (DTM) so that it provides excellent GPS positional accuracy. The imagery is not live but provides a useful indication of the typical snow cover during the winter. You will need to inform yourself about the actual snow cover in the resort before setting out.

Verbier

As one of the largest ski areas in Europe, Verbier exists as both a top-class ski resort and cosmopolitan get-away. This combination has drawn many a skier and snowboarder, regardless of their experience level, as well as those looking for a relaxing holiday and lively nightlife. Its location on a sunny plateau at the heart of the 4 valleys grants easy accessibility to those coming from Britain, Netherlands and the Scandinavian regions, giving the area a vibrant and diverse culture.
It’s known as a premiere off-piste ski area with infamous runs like the Back-Side of Mont Fort, Stairway to Heaven and the Couloir de la Banane. Perhaps the most intimidating run is the Bec des Rosses. This run hosts the annual Freeride World Tour which ends its exhibition of the world’s most adventurous athletes on Verbier’s excellent slopes. This massive area joining Nendaz, Veysonnaz, La Tzoumazand and Val de Bagnes all create the 4 Vallées. With 94 lifts and over 400km of piste, all which can be serviced by one lift pass, offers endless opportunity of exploration.
From the resort at 1500m, heights of more than 2700m can be reached by two consecutive gondola rides that take under 11 minutes in total. There, the high altitude guarantees abundant snow. A regular, free shuttle bus links the Médran gondola with the lifts for the other, smaller ski areas via different routes among the chalets – it also provides the majority of people with access to the central area and its slopes.

Off Piste Skiing

Off-piste skiing outside the safety of the marked pistes carries with it significant risks. There are many routes detailed in each area, of varying seriousness and technical difficulty. There are routes just by the side of the piste, others far away from the resort in alpine terrain including glaciers and everything in between. Each route will necessitate a different approach. One which is solely your responsibility.
Whether it is avalanches, crevasses, cliffs, steep terrain, navigation or other hazards, know that the dangers involved in off-piste skiing can kill you.
It is important to note that FATMAP is not something that will make decisions for you. It will not tell you where and when to go, where is and isn’t safe, guarantee outcomes or your safety in any way. It is not the only tool you will need and it definitely does not replace your eyes, ears or brain.

Know the conditions and weather forecast – and keep track of them throughout the day

Read the avalanche bulletin carefully

Learn about avalanche safety – take a course.

Have the right equipment and know how to use it (e.g. transceiver, shovel and probe).

Never follow tracks blindly

Ski according to your ability

Tell people where you are going and what you are planning

Always ski in a group and never venture off on your own

Always be prepared to turn back

Avoid the steepest sections of a given slope

Always travel with a good distance between you and descend key passages one at a time

Ski within visibility of each other. Stop and regroup on islands of safety.

Ski in small groups of similar ability

More experienced skiers should be both at the front and at the back

Avoid steep slopes at the sides of gullies, slopes with roll overs and slopes where wind-slabs form.

Avoid long traverses – or if one cannot be avoided, stay as high as possible.

FATMAP also includes some marked itinerary runs. These are runs which are marked and avalanche controlled by the ski resort. They are still considered off-piste runs which are not maintained or controlled. Whilst avalanche controlled, all the other dangers of off-piste skiing exist and they should not be underestimated.
If you don’t feel that you have sufficient expertise, or don’t feel comfortable with taking on the full responsibility of decision making off-piste, we strongly recommend hiring a UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide.

Glaciers

Some of the terrain in FATMAP is glaciated. This terrain can be identified using the Crevasse Zone feature available with a FREERIDE subscription. Skiing on glaciers carries additional risk and demands a level high level of experience and skill.
Crevasses are the principle danger when skiing on a glacier. In the winter, crevasses are often covered by snow bridges that can give way under the weight of a single skier. Glaciers are moving all the time and it is not possible to ‘map’ crevasses accurately on a map. Whilst different ‘risk zones’ are defined in FATMAP, you ski at your own risk and with the understanding that crevasses may form anywhere on a glacier. Crevasses are a serious danger that carry the risk of death.

Find out about conditions on a glacier before setting out

Ski in a controlled manner

Always wear a harness and carry safety equipment (rope, pulley system / crevasse rescue kit etc.) when skiing on a glacier

Never take your skis or board off

Cross snow bridges with some momentum – don’t stop in the middle

Rope up if necessary

Equipment

Essential equipment for off-piste skiing

Avalanche transceiver

An essential item for off-piste skiing. You should wear a transceiver whenever you ski off-piste. The device transmits a signal/digital beacon which allows a buried person to be found using another transceiver. It is essential to practice using a transceiver regularly. Statistics show that there is 95% chance of finding a victim alive if they are found and dug out of the snow within 15 minutes. Make sure you check all the transceivers in your group are switched on and working.

Avalanche probe

Essential to locate a buried person precisely during the final stages of a transceiver search. Carry a sturdy probe and know how to use it.

Snow shovel

The last of the absolutely essential three items. You need a shovel to dig for a buried friend. Carry a shovel with a metal blade and a long, sturdy (preferably extensible) handle. Learn shovelling techniques and practice – it’s not as straightforward as it might sound!

Airbag

Recent research and statistics show that airbags increase your chances of survival in an avalanche and are quickly becoming standard avalanche safety equipment for many people.
Map & Compass & Altimeter

FATMAP is an excellent tool, but it only works so long as your battery lasts. We strongly recommend you always carry an altimeter, compass and contour map which also has additional information not shown in FATMAP.

Whistle

For attracting attention in case of an accident.

First aid kit

Carry an emergency blanket, spare sunglasses/goggles, basic medicines, bandages, plasters and compresses as a minimum.

Decision Making 3×3

Decision-making involves examining, choosing, and carrying out options. When off-piste skiing the decisions we need to make can be complex. There is a lot to think about at once and using a framework can be useful as a reminder and to ensure you don’t forget something and think about things systematically.

The ‘3 × 3 Filter’ developed by Werner Munter is a commonly used probabilistic strategy of decision-making in the mountains, particularly for the assessment of avalanche risk. Three avalanche factors are looked at through three regional filters.

The aim of the 3×3 filter method is to minimize the risk of triggering an avalanche as much as possible. In practice, this means to work out whether we believe a certain slope is safe to travel on.
Three key avalanche factors to consider are:

• Conditions (snow and weather)
• Avalanche terrain (principally gradient)
• People (person moving in the terrain)

These can be considered from three different perspectives:

• Regional
• Local
• Zonal (individual slope)

Always start with an assessment of avalanche risk at a regional level. Check the avalanche bulletin reports and weather forecasts and understand the conditions and general danger levels in the region.

Once in a local area, constantly observe your surroundings to help identify possible danger zones – and perhaps differences with your earlier assessment at a regional level.

When evaluating individual slopes for a decent, look at the terrain for clues of potential avalanche danger.

The general concept is that when you look at the three key avalanche factors for each of the three perspectives and therefore 9 times come to the conclusion that conditions are good/safe, it is reasonable to continue. If, however one or more times we come to the conclusion that conditions are not right then we can adjust our plan and do not ski to avoid putting our lives at risk.
Always start with a regional assessment (preparation), followed by the local evaluation (area assessment) and finally look at the individual slope.

Avalanche Risk

Source: ANENA, France
People die in avalanches every year. The chance of being killed in an avalanche is estimated at about 15% once you are in an avalanche and the chance of survival once buried diminishes very quickly from almost 95% in the first 15 minutes (unless the avalanche has caused fatal injury) to 35% after 35 mins.
When skiing off-piste, everyone in your group should carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. A shovel or probe between two is NOT sufficient. The absence of any one piece of equipment undermines the usefulness of the others and compromises your safety. Regular training is essential and it is important to recognise that this equipment is a last resort should the worst happen. It is much better to avoid avalanches in the first place.

Key Factors

There are a number of key factors involved in assessing avalanche danger. The main ones are:

Terrain

The risk of avalanches increases with the angle of the slope. Beyond 30 degrees, all slopes can potentially be unstable – although rare, avalanches are possible below this gradient, particularly wet snow avalanches in spring time. It is possible to trigger an avalanche remotely – potentially setting off slopes that are above you when you are on a flat – from as far away as 150m.
Even very gentle slopes can be threatened by avalanches coming from above and lower slopes can be threatened by avalanches coming from the slope opposite.
Avalanche risk is also affected by the nature of the terrain surface, profile, aspect and wind.

Fresh snow

New snow affects avalanche risk significantly.
10-20cm of new snow in unfavourable conditions is enough to increase the risk to CONSIDERABLE.

Snow Pack

The structure of the snow pack is a key factor affecting avalanches.
Fragile layers in the snow pack can create layers on which others can slide. Weighting of the snow pack, by a skier for example, can cause a fragile layer to break, triggering a slide.
Wind
The wind transports snow and deposits it on lee slopes forming a ‘slab’’. This is the principle mechanism by which windslab avalanches form which are particularly dangerous for skiers.
A warm wind can also increase the avalanche risk, particularly if it continues for some time.

Temperature

For cold and dry snow. In low temperatures, below 0 degrees, the increased risk of avalanche can persist for several days after a snow fall.
A rise in temperature above 0 degrees increases the avalanche risk in the short term, but also causes the snow to stabilise.
The first time the zero degree isotherm rises above 3000m in the season is one of the three typical avalanche situations.
In spring time slopes which are stable in the morning can become dangerous due to the warm temperatures which can cause wet snow avalanches.

Munter Elementary Reduction Method

The Elementary Reduction Method is a method developed by Werner Munter from avalanche statistics in Switzerland to determine whether it is reasonable to travel on a given slope. It is an easy way for a skier or boarder to make decisions about travel in the back country without having to be an expert.
In the Elementary Reduction Method a skier or boarder simply completely avoids travelling on certain slopes depending on the avalanche forecast:
moderate danger level (2): avoid slopes steeper than 40° – extreme caution on 35-40
considerable danger level (3): avoid slopes steeper than 35° – extreme caution on 30-35
high danger level (4): avoid slopes steeper than 30° – extreme caution on 25-30.
extreme danger level (5): avoid all off-piste.
Using this method does NOT eliminate risk but the large majority of historical avalanche fatalities would have been avoided using this method.
The principal avalanche problem this method addresses is slab avalanches which is the main problem that off-piste skiers and snowboarders have to deal with in the Alps. It is possible for wet snow avalanches to occur on gradients lower than this but these are principally a problem in late winter and spring only, often easier to predict and typically play a smaller role in skier/boarder avalanche fatalities.
The chart below shows the recommendations of the Elementary Reduction Method.

Reduction Method

The FATMAP avalanche zones tool provides information about gradient to contribute to your assessment of a given slope. We highlight areas of terrain in three different bands to correspond to the Elementary Reduction Method.

• 30° to 35°
• 35° to 40°
• Over 40°

These zones do not provide any indication about whether a given area is dangerous or safe. The zones can be useful in making an assessment of terrain where avalanches typically start. This should not be confused with where they can be triggered or where they can reach. It is possible to remote trigger avalanches and often reach terrain that is less steep than 30 degrees – always be aware of terrain above you and terrain traps such as gullies and depressions.

Using our routes

Each line in FATMAP is accompanied by useful information.
Pistes are categorised according to their difficulty by colour (Green through to Black). These are defined by the ski resorts themselves and we have made efforts to try and ensure our map matches the latest piste map.
You should never follow a closed piste it may be dangerous for yourself or others in the ski resort – e.g. avalanche risk threatening another slope or area. You should consult the resort status feature in the app and information provided by the resort themselves to understand what is open in the resort.

Route lines

The route lines in FATMAP have been mapped to a very high degree of accuracy. It is important to note that they show a general line and are there as a guide, not to be followed blindly. Pistes are subject to be changed by the resort at any time and whilst every endeavour has been made to ensure lines are accurate, it is possible that there exist inaccuracies in the drawn pistes.
Freeride lines show the general direction and route taken by a given line. It is not a precise line to be followed. You will need to make your own route choices when in the terrain. Changes in snow conditions and other factors may change the route that a given line takes.
Each route is described to provide an overview of the Piste or line and the route it takes. We have made every effort to ensure they are accurate but you should not follow the lines blindly.
In addition to the description additional information is sometimes provided including:

Difficulty

The difficulty provides an indication of the technical difficulty of the skiing. It does not indicate the skill level of any approach. We provide a general indication of the difficulty in good conditions but that you should appreciate that even a MODERATE route can become quite serious in bad conditions. We have used the same grading scale used in the well-known VAMOS guides for familiarity.

• EASY (Wide gentle slopes)
• MODERATE (slopes a little steeper of up to 25/25 degrees)
• DIFFICULT (Serious gradient of 30/35 where a real risk of slipping exists)
• V.DIFFICULT (steep skiing – 40/45 requiring extremely good technique – the risk of falling has serious consequences)
• EXTREME (extreme skiing terrain above 45 degrees – reserved for experts and professionals)

Seriousness

Each FREERIDE line has an indication of the seriousness. This should NOT be confused with an indication of the difficulty. The seriousness provides an indication of the proximity to the resort. We have used the same grading scale used in the well-known VAMOS guides for familiarity.

• NOT SERIOUS (close to the pistes)
• QUITE SERIOUS (away from the pistes but visible from them and finishing on the piste)
• SERIOUS (little chance of being seen in case of an accident)
• VERY SERIOUS (isolated in the high mountains, skiers must be completely autonomous in every situation)

Ski Grade – Toponeige technical skiing grade

Some routes include a Toponeige technical ski grade to help provide an indication of the difficulty of the route. The grade is given for the overall route, considering the length and configuration of the difficulties, rather than the hardest section only.
The grade includes 5 levels. The first four have three subdivisions (for example x.1, x.2, x.3) and the fifth level is open-ended.

• Ski 1. Initiation. Slopes do not exceed 30° with no narrow sections. Vertical descent is less than 800m.
• Ski 2. Few technical difficulties. Slopes do no exceed 35°.
• Ski 3. Some technical sections. Long slopes at 35° with very short sections at 40-45°.
• Ski 4. Couloir or steep skiing : slopes between 40 and 45° over more than 200m vertical.
• Ski 5. Starts with slopes of 45°-50° during more than 300m vertical or above 50° for more than 100m vertical.

Ski Grade Labande

Some routes include an indication of their difficulty using the Labande grading scale. This grade gives additional information to that provided by the Toponeige or general grade. It evaluates the difficulty of the most difficult section of downhill skiing on the route. It is essentially related to the slope but also takes into account exposure. It is split into the following grades:

• S1: Easy descent which does not require any particular technical abilities such as forest tracks for example.
• S2: Wide slopes which are easy to manoeuvre, maybe fairly steep (25°).
• S3: Slopes up to 35° (equivalent to the steepest runs in ski resorts, on hard snow). Requires good skiing abilities in all snow conditions.
• S4: Slopes up to 45°, if exposure is low (between 30 and 40° if it is high or the passage is narrow). Very good skiing abilities are required.
• S5: Slopes between 45 and 50° or more if exposure remains low. From 40° upwards if exposure is high. As well as a perfect downhill skiing technique, control of nerves becomes very important at this level of difficulty.
• S6: Above 50° if exposure is high (which is often the case) or short stretches above 55° with little exposure.
• S7: Stretches at 60° or more, high rock bands to jump or more generally very steep or exposed terrain.

Ski Exposure Grade

Some of the routes shown include an exposure grade. It is intended as a general guide but should not be relied upon.
The exposure grade does not take into account objective hazards (stone fall, seracs…) but only the consequences of a skier falling.

• Exposure 1 (E1): Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.
• Exposure 2 (E2): As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.
• Exposure 3 (E3): In case of a fall, death is highly likely.
• Exposure 4 (E4): In case of a fall, the skier faces certain death.

Download the FATMAP App here

The post Off-Piste skiing before and after FATMAP appeared first on 4vallees4saisons.com.

After the early snowfalls that swept across the Alps during November, we were delighted to share that the Verbier ski area officially opened on 11th November 2016:

Weekends in November

During December’s pre-season weekends, La Tzoumaz is connected to Verbier by high-speed telecabin (see here to read about how the connections were improved for 2014/15) but for any skiers who are super-impatient for the season to fully start it is only a 50 minute drive down the valley and back up the other side.  There is plenty of free parking at the telecabin lift in La Châble, and a quick scan of the car park reveals the cars of plenty of local tradesmen (plumbers, electricians, gardening companies…) and mountain companies (such as 4vallees4saisons.com), as well as Swiss cars registered all over the Valais, Vaud, Geneva and even Fribourg cantons.  In comparison to mid-week pre-season skiing in Zermatt, where the slopes are dominated by ski instructors and local business owners trying to network, the weekend clientele in Verbier is much more family-focused.  It seems that any hard-core skiing family with a child between 3 and 7 years old who lives within two hours drive gets out on the hill.  The one thing they all have in common?  The kids are incredibly good skiers for their age, compared to the groups you normally see in ski-school throughout the season.  This seems to make sense, as it’s a great way to spend a Sunday out in the fresh air, enjoying sport in the sunshine and they probably spend half of their weekends on the snow each year!

Convenient access

In the centre  of the free car park in Le Châble is the telecabin station that was upgraded for 2013/14 to also include a telecabin heading up the Bruson side that is only open for race training in the pre-season.  The Le Châble-Verbier gondola is open from 8.40 to 16.45.  You can buy a Verbier lift pass at the bottom for 49 CHF for the day, which is a reduction on the normal skipass rate.  You get a good view of some pretty chalets and some luxury chalets and then some forested areas as you are carried up to the heart of Verbier’s ski access, the Medran lift station.  Stepping out of one cabin at the Medran mid-station and into the next stage is easy, and then you are off again, up to Les Ruinettes.  From here there is one more lift, in one of the large Funispace cabins, and you are able to click into your bindings and ski the soft snowy bowl of the Lac des Vaux area.

Weekends in December

During the season, La Tzoumaz is connected to Verbier by high-speed telecabin (see here to read about how the connections were improved for 2014/15).  Anyone impatient for the season to start will be pleased to know that the Savoleyres Telecabin in La Tzoumaz is open daily from December 10th.  Even when there is not enough snow to ski back down, it is only an 8 minute ride up to the Savoleyres ridge, then an 11 minute ride down into Verbier.  From here the free ski-bus takes you directly to the heart of Verbier’s ski access, the Medran lift station.  At the half-way station stepping out of one cabin and into the next stage is easy, and then you are off again, up to Les Ruinettes.  From here there is one more lift, in one of the large Funispace cabins, and you are able to click into your bindings.  Keep an eye on the time while you are skiing as it can be an expensive taxi-ride home if you miss the last lift – starting for home at 15h45 from the top of the Medran lift can mean you barely make it over and have jump into the last telecabin home to LaTzoumaz at 16h30 as they close it behind you…

See below for opening dates for individual lifts and pistes

Progressive opening of the pistes

Opening of the pistes is progressive and varies every year depending on the snow fall and the conditions for snowmaking.  (See here for live information on lift and piste status)  Here’s the data from this year and how it compares to previous years:

 What to do for lunch and refreshments

If munching a picnic on the piste or in the free access picnic room is not your style, there are some mountain restaurants open for the pre-season.  We tried the Restaurant Olympique at the top of the Funispace lift (2,730m)  and its self-service section with lunch for two (soup and an omelette or sausage & chips with a drink) for around 40 Swiss Francs.  There is a full-service restaurant upstairs with even more stunning views across the Mont-Blanc Massif.  From November 22nd, there is also refreshment available at the traditional Mayentzet restaurant and the famous Chalet Carlsberg, halfway down the piste from Attelas to Ruinettes with its new enclosed apres-ski terrace.

The post Weekend pre-season skiing in Verbier 2016 appeared first on 4vallees4saisons.com.

After the huge snowfalls that swept across the Alps from the 21st November 2015, we were hungry for some on-piste carving and a spot of mogul-hopping so we spent the weekends pre-season skiing in Verbier.

Weekends from the end of November

During the season, La Tzoumaz is connected to Verbier by high-speed telecabin (see here to read about how the connections were improved for 2014/15).  Anyone impatient for the season to start will be pleased to know that the Savoleyres Telecabin in La Tzoumaz is open for weekends all through December and daily from mid-December.  Even when there is not enough snow to ski back down, it is only an 8 minute ride up to the Savoleyres ridge, then an 11 minute ride down into Verbier.  From here the free ski-bus takes you directly to the heart of Verbier’s ski access, the Medran lift station.  At the half-way station stepping out of one cabin and into the next stage is easy, and then you are off again, up to Les Ruinettes.  From here there is one more lift, in one of the large Funispace cabins, and you are able to click into your bindings.  Keep an eye on the time while you are skiing as it can be an expensive taxi-ride home if you miss the last lift – starting for home at 15h45 from the top of the Medran lift can mean you barely make it over and have jump into the last telecabin home to LaTzoumaz at 16h30 as they close it behind you…

See below for opening dates for individual lifts and pistes

Weekday skiing from early December

During the pre-season weekends, La Tzoumaz is connected to Verbier by high-speed telecabin (see here to read about how the connections were improved for 2014/15) but for any weekday skiers who are super-impatient for the season to fully start it is only a 50 minute drive down the valley and back up the other side.  There is plenty of free parking at the telecabin lift in La Châble, and a quick browse reveals the cars of plenty of local tradesmen (plumbers, electricians, gardening companies…) and mountain companies (such as 4vallees4saisons.com), as well as Swiss cars registered all over the Valais, Vaud, Geneva and even Fribourg cantons.  In comparison to mid-week pre-season skiing in Zermatt, where the slopes are dominated by ski instructors and local business owners trying to network, the weekend clientele in Verbier is much more family-focused.  It seems that any hard-core skiing family with a child between 3 and 7 years old who lives within two hours drive gets out on the hill.  The one thing they all have in common?  The kids are incredibly good skiers for their age, compared to the groups you normally see in ski-school throughout the season.  This seems to make sense, as it’s a great way to spend a Sunday out in the fresh air, enjoying sport in the sunshine and they probably spend half of their weekends on the snow each year!

Convenient access

In the centre  of the free car park in Le Châble is the telecabin station that was upgraded for 2013/14 to also include a telecabin heading up the Bruson side that will open during the season.  The Le Châble-Verbier gondola is open from 8.40 to 16.45.  You can buy a Verbier lift pass at the bottom for 53 CHF for the day, which is a 20% reduction on the normal skipass rate.  You get a good view of some pretty chalets and some luxury chalets and then some forested areas as you are carried up to the heart of Verbier’s ski access, the Medran lift station.  Stepping out of one cabin at the Medran mid-station and into the next stage is easy, and then you are off again, up to Les Ruinettes.  From here there is one more lift, in one of the large Funispace cabins, and you are able to click into your bindings.

Progressive opening of the pistes

Opening of the pistes is progressive and varies every year depending on the snow fall and the conditions for snowmaking.  (See here for live information on lift and piste status)  Here’s the data from this year and the previous year:

 What to do for lunch and refreshments

If munching a picnic on the piste or in the free access picnic room is not your style, there are some mountain restaurants open for the pre-season.  We tried the Restaurant Olympique at the top of the Funispace lift (2,730m)  and its self-service section with lunch for two (soup and an omelette or sausage & chips with a drink) for around 40 Swiss Francs.  There is a full-service restaurant upstairs with even more stunning views across the Mont-Blanc Massif.  From November 22nd, there is also refreshment available at the traditional Mayentzet restaurant and the famous Chalet Carlsberg, halfway down the piste from Attelas to Ruinettes with its new enclosed apres-ski terrace.  From December 13th, the Restaurant des Gentianes opened under new management.

Video teaser

The post Weekend pre-season skiing in Verbier 2015 appeared first on 4vallees4saisons.com.

After ski-touring on the autumn snow above La Tzoumaz, we were hungry for some on-piste carving and a spot of mogul-hopping so we spent the weekends pre-season skiing in Verbier.

Early in December

During the season, La Tzoumaz is connected to Verbier by high-speed telecabin (see here to read about how the connections have been improved for 2014/15).  Anyone impatient for the season to start will be pleased to know that the Savoleyres Telecabin in La Tzoumaz is open for weekends all through December and daily from mid-December.  Even when there is not enough snow to ski back down, it is only an 8 minute ride up to the Savoleyres ridge, then an 11 minute ride down into Verbier.  From here the free ski-bus takes you directly to the heart of Verbier’s ski access, the Medran lift station.  At the half-way station stepping out of one cabin and into the next stage is easy, and then you are off again, up to Les Ruinettes.  From here there is one more lift, in one of the large Funispace cabins, and you are able to click into your bindings.  Keep an eye on the time while you are skiing as it can be an expensive taxi-ride home if you miss the last lift!  On one long Sunday, we started for home at 15h45 from the top of the Medran lift and we were the last people down the La Tzoumaz telecabin at 16h30 and they closed it behind us.

Early in November

During the season, La Tzoumaz is connected to Verbier by high-speed telecabin (see here to read about how the connections have been improved for 2014/15) but for anyone super-impatient for the season to start it is only a 50 minute drive down the valley and back up the other side.  There is plenty of free parking at the telecabin lift in La Châble, and a quick browse reveals the cars of plenty of local tradesmen (plumbers, electricians, gardening companies…) and mountain companies (such as 4vallees4saisons.com), as well as Swiss cars registered all over the Valais, Vaud, Geneva and even Fribourg cantons.  In comparison to mid-week pre-season skiing in Zermatt, where the slopes are dominated by ski instructors and local business owners trying to network, the weekend clientele in Verbier is much more family-focused.  It seems that any hard-core skiing family with a child between 3 and 7 years old who lives within two hours drive gets out on the hill.  The one thing they all have in common?  The kids are incredibly good skiers for their age, compared to the groups you normally see in ski-school throughout the season.  This seems to make sense, as it’s a great way to spend a Sunday out in the fresh air, enjoying sport in the sunshine and they probably spend half of their weekends on the snow each year!

Convenient access

In the centre  of the free car park in Le Châble is the telecabin station that was upgraded for 2013/14 to also include a telecabin heading up the Bruson side that will open during the season.  The Le Châble-Verbier gondola is open from 8.40 to 16.45.  You can buy a Verbier lift pass at the bottom for 53 CHF for the day, which is a 20% reduction on the normal skipass rate.  You get a good view of some pretty chalets and some luxury chalets and then some forested areas as you are carried up to the heart of Verbier’s ski access, the Medran lift station.  Stepping out of one cabin at the Medran mid-station and into the next stage is easy, and then you are off again, up to Les Ruinettes.  From here there is one more lift, in one of the large Funispace cabins, and you are able to click into your bindings.

Progressive opening of the pistes

Opening of the pistes is progressive and varies every year depending on the snow fall and the conditions for snowmaking.  (See here for live information on lift and piste status)  This year the progressive opening went as follows:

November 8th/9th 2014 (ACTUAL)

• Lac des Vaux 1 chairlift: from 9.05 to 16.15 – ski runs open from top of lift
• Lac des Vaux 2 chairlift: from 9.15 to 16.15 – ski runs open from top of lift

November 15th/16th 2014 (ACTUAL)

• Funispace: from 8.55 to 16.30 – ski runs closed but many people skiing down, despite some rocks and grass patches
• Lac des Vaux 1 chairlift: from 9.05 to 16.15 – ski runs open from top of lift
• Lac des Vaux 2 chairlift: from 9.15 to 16.15 – ski runs open from top of lift

November 22nd/23rd 2014 (ACTUAL)

• Funispace: from 8.55 to 16.30 – ski runs open from top of lift
• Lac des Vaux 1 chairlift: from 9.05 to 16.15 – ski runs open from top of lift
• Lac des Vaux 2 chairlift: from 9.15 to 16.15 – ski runs open from top of lift
• Attelas chairlift: from 9.00 to 16.15 – ski runs open from top of lift
• Combimix « la Chaux Express »: from 9.00 to 16.15 – ski runs open from top of lift

From November 29th/30th 2014 (ACTUAL)

• La Tzoumaz and Savoleyres Telecabins open for weekends, allowing skiers to travel by ski-lift and ski-bus to Verbier’s Medran lift  – La Tzoumaz & Savoleyres ski runs closed from top of lift
• Verbier ski area open daily (as above) from Saturday November 29th 2014

From December 6th 2014 (ACTUAL)

• La Tzoumaz and Savoleyres Telecabins open for weekends, allowing skiers to travel by ski-lift and ski-bus to Verbier’s Medran lift  – La Tzoumaz & Savoleyres ski runs closed from top of lift
• The Verbier ski area open daily as above, with a FREE SKIPASS for anyone dressed as St Nicholas on the day of the Opening Session!

December 13th/14th 2014 (ACTUAL)

• The La Tzoumaz and Savoleyres Telecabins open daily from December 13th 2014, allowing skiers to travel by ski-lift and ski-bus to Verbier’s Medran lift  – La Tzoumaz & Savoleyres ski runs closed from top of lift
• The Verbier ski area open daily as above, plus the piste from Gentianes and La Chaux is open, plus the following lifts:
  • Mont-Fort cable car
  • Jumbo cable car
  • Gentianes T-bar
  • Chaux 2 chairlift
  • Col des Gentianes cable car (for liaison only)

From December 20th 2014 (PLANNED)

• The entire 4-Vallees ski area is scheduled to be operational, with the exception of some un-pisted itinerary runs.  See here for live information on lift and piste status throughout the season.

 What to do for lunch and refreshments

If munching a picnic on the piste or in the free access picnic room is not your style, there are some mountain restaurants open for the pre-season.  We tried the Restaurant Olympique at the top of the Funispace lift (2,730m)  and its self-service section with lunch for two (soup and an omelette or sausage & chips with a drink) for around 40 Swiss Francs.  There is a full-service restaurant upstairs with even more stunning views across the Mont-Blanc Massif.  From November 22nd, there is also refreshment available at the traditional Mayentzet restaurant and the famous Chalet Carlsberg, halfway down the piste from Attelas to Ruinettes with its new enclosed apres-ski terrace.  From December 13th, the Restaurant des Gentianes opened under new management.

Video teaser

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