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…