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A fabulous day exploring Val Thorens and the fourth valley of Orelle…

Posted: Monday 28th March 2011 by leonardo

With all the recent spring sunshine of late, we’ve put the thermals away until next season and have been enjoying the opportunity to top up our tans over a leisurely lunch at the top of the Saulire.

Despite the warm weather (up to 12°C) on Friday at the Chaudanne, the snow is still in fantastic condition. Long gone is the ice that we had earlier in the season, instead replaced by beautifully soft snow on the higher slopes.

With clear blue skies, it was the perfect day for skiing in Val Thorens and the fourth valley of Orelle. Once we left behind the queues (all 10 people in front of you at some lifts), it was time to enjoy the wide open slopes of Moraine and Portette before stopping for a relaxing mid-morning coffee in a deckchair to catch some rays.

The pistes of Orelle did not disappoint and with some bumps on the way down there was definitely some thigh burning going on, but the cooler temperatures at altitude helped to reduce the chance of overheating. With the compulsory photos taken, it was time to head back over towards Val Thorens where we found some of the best snow all week!

As evening descends and temperatures outside start to drop, guests at the Chalet Leonardo discuss their day over a glass of bubbly in front of the fire. Information is exchanged about the best mid-morning beers and long lunches at mountain restaurants, and we are hearing lots of positive reports about the snow conditions in Courchevel 1850 and 1650 from those who headed in that direction. As always, a sushi stop at Le Cap Horn restaurant in Courchevel is proving a popular choice!

At the end of last week, marquees were erected on the Chaudanne in preparation for the British Ski Championships which started yesterday. There will be a real buzz around resort for the next couple of weeks as the population of Meribel swells with competitors who can be seen strolling around town in their shiny race suits by day and enjoying toffee vodkas in the bars by night.