La Clusaz - Unreliable snow?

Thanks for your very informative answers Karibuni_Paul! You have been very helpful.

I have been looking at the piste map for La Clusaz. My Mum likes to ski on slopes that aren't very steep. Is it possible to use the Crete du Merle ski lift and then to ski on the green run through the trees towards the Balme area and then to ski back to the village again on the Le Var green run? Looks like a nice long distance!

Hi Lisa, we ski in and around La Clusaz most seasons; you can rest assured last January was pretty unusual. This season has started well and the highest section (La Balme) will be open this weekend (a week early). Barring a heatwave, January should be good.

Reckon your mum will love the place. As for the pistes... the runs back down to the town from the Cret du Merle lift are not that steep; they're big, wide and (often) sunny and can be taken at a leisurely pace if she wishes.

The green down to La Balme, and the return, are snow-covered roads so not particularly wide - but they're not steep either. If the snow is slow or sticky there can be some walking and polling involved; so be aware - but they make for pleasant diversions through the forest!

Best place for gentler runs is on the Beauregard - your mum can ride the gondola up and down to return to the town.

Another area your Mum might like to explore is the Etale which can be reached via blue pistes from Beauregard taking the new mixed (telecabine and chair) lift, stopping for lunch at the lovely Telemark restaurant and a leisurely return to the village via the resculpted wide blue pistes and the Envers green piste. This should also be a snowsure route back to the village with the installation of snow cannons along its length, but again it can be slow if the snow is wet and sticky (not advisable on a snowboard!)

I think you'll find there is something for skiers of all abilities. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time! IMHO January is one of the best times to come. :wink: