There seems no let up in the mild conditions as we approach the Christmas holiday period. Hardly the perfect start to the latest weather update but that is the reality. The temperatures remain way too high for the time of year.

We have temperature inversion occurring, readers of previous blogs will be all to aware of the effects of this, and we have also had humidity on the high side. Both these in their own right can render the snow cannons useless but the Alps at the moment are having to cope with both simultaneously.

The cannons have been operating as and when they are able to and work continues on slopes that are currently closed in the hope that more runs can open next week. Currently we are still skiing on Red 11 and beginners still have their area up in Sportinia. I won’t have any information on future planned openings probably until the day before so at the moment I can’t say for sure what will be open next week.

So how are other resorts fairing compared to Sauze d’Oulx and what alternatives might you have if you’re coming out next week? Of the other resorts in the ViaLattea, only Sestriere and Montgenevre have any skiing. Sestriere currently has 3 blues and 1 back run open whilst Montgenevre can ‘boast’ of having 5 green runs, 4 blues and 2 reds open.

I was over in Montgenevre today and I have to say that despite the limited skiing I did have a good time and the bacon cheese burger at lunch was something else! It was evident from the activity taking place on the mountain that they are getting ready to open more runs and chairlifts hopefully in time for Christmas.

Montgenevre is about a 30 minute drive from Sauze. so if you are over here and have access to a car than it might be worthwhile heading over there for a day. A day ticket at the moment is €25 for an adult and €15 for a junior.

Sestriere does have 2 chairlifts running but offers only slightly more than Sauze in terms of skiable kilometres. A day ticket in Sestriere is €18. Again this is only accessible by road.

The only other alternative would be to go to Orelle and then over to Val Thorens. Orelle is 40 minutes by car from Sauze and then a 20 minute lift ride gets you to the top of Val Thorens. Beware though, you have to go through the Frejus tunnel which is around €50 for a return ticket. Lift tickets are due to be €49 for 1 day next week. Also, another word of caution, I did hear that they may well be limiting sales of tickets from Orelle if conditions do not improve else where.

I am acutely aware that this is a fairly depressing read.I don’t want to sound negative but I have to tell it as it is otherwise those out next week will be hunting me down! The situation we find ourselves in is nobody’s fault and we are certainly not alone.

The lift company are doing all they can with what they have. We are all praying and hoping that we get a break in fortune soon. Also keep in mind that whilst you may not be frolicking in the powder next week, you will be in the mountains surrounded by some stunning scenery and currently there are far worse places to be in the world!