Alpe d'Huez Snow Report: 28th January 2010

Today winds of 35km/hour whipped the glacier in gusts, lulling you into a false sense of calm between blasts. This meant that conditions on the highest pistes were pretty unpredictable. The fresh snow was being blown around meaning you could ski from a couple of centimetres of powder straight onto hard-packed base in less than a second. The trick here is to make sure you use your edges and I often cheat by scrutinising the piste, trying to predict where the snow is deepest and thus best for making a turn.

The winds weren't too much of a problem once you'd set off, although I did notice one group hunkering together every time a blast of glacial air hit them. The most exposed parts of the glacier are the lift stations at 3330m and 3060m, but with the wind blowing over the top of Pic Blanc most of the pistes are relatively sheltered. This all changes though, once you're airborn. Riding the Herpie chairlift back to the top of Marmottes III was intensely cold and I was grateful that the glacier's higher and longer charlift, the Glacier chairlift had been closed earlier in the day, otherwise I would probably have given it a go.

Of the glacier pistes, both Cristallière and Hermine were in good condition, save the wind-blown patches of exposed base layer. Despite the strong winds it was easy to avoid these icy areas and spend the majority of the time on fresh snow. Beginners be warned though, the Blue runs on the glacier – Cristallière and Herpie are quite challenging. Herpie is the better option if you're feeling nervous, as Cristallière has some pretty steep sections. You should also be warned that there are no Blues on your way down, between the Marmottes III and Marmottes I at 2300m, so if you're not happy skiing or snowboarding Red runs make sure you take the Pic Blanc lift from the top of the DMC to 2700m.

The ride down from the top of Marmottes II was interesting, not least because the less sheltered slopes between 2800m and 2300m seem to be baring the brunt of the increased winds. The majority of the moguls on Black piste Clocher de Macle have been flattened but its sheer gradient still makes it quite a challenge when bereft of a top layer of snow. The easier Red piste, Promontoire, which circumnavigates the Black isn't so steep but is equally skiddy at the moment. From the top of the Lievre Blanc chairlift I always favour the Lievre Blanc piste, as the more popular Deversoir is usually littered with uneven moguls and people trying to pick their route, often pausing mid-piste for a good look. Not much fun for skiers or snowboarders!

My favourite route from here takes me along the Boulevard des Marmottes and down the smaller – and usually more evenly spaced – moguls of La Course. I generally avoid the Blue Couloir piste as it's busy and can get even more so when its tributaries – Dahut and Poutat – join under the Lievre Blanc chairlift. I've recently discovered the joys of the Fontbelle and Lac Blanc pistes, as a welcome alternative to Vachettes and Agneaux. My new route isn't under a chairlift so isn't insanely popular, providing a quick and easy route back to Bergers, with some lovely rollers on the final descent. Today however there were some brown patches at the top of Lac Blanc and some exposed ice towards the mid section. It's a wide piste so you can avoid these obstacles but forewarned is forearmed.

The current six-day forecast has reduced our expected 15cm of snow tomorrow night to just 6cm. This is probably due to the huge drop in temperatures over the past 48 hours. Predictions suggest the freeze level will fall to 0m on Monday, resulting in a low of -39°C on the glacier and -12°C in resort. I can't promise I'll head up to 3330m to investigate but I will be back with more information and photos for you on Sunday. Have a great weekend and stay warm!

Vickie will be reporting on the snow conditions in Alpe d'Huez on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, throughout the season.

Check out what to do around town once the lifts have closed with our Apres Ski Report - a weekly round up of what's hot and where to party in Alpe d'Huez!