POWDER IN THE PYRENEES

13th January 2017 | Christian Ferree, Andorra

Last modified on September 26th, 2021

The Pyrenees, like the Alps, got off to a poor start this winter.

Snow was a rare commodity.

Not any more.

“The lifts were finally opened today at 10.00am and the queue was fine and whisked us up to the mid-station. Another 70cm had fallen since yesterday,” said PlanetSKI reporter, Christian Ferree, on Monday from Andorra.

“Only a few runs were open but they certainly didn’t disappoint with fresh thigh deep powder all over the hill. I spoke later with a pisteur who told me they are expecting another 70 cm again tonight, for tomorrow and possibly again on Wednesday.”

“Everyone here is buzzing with the excitement that only fresh snow can bring.

This snowfall has really help boost moral here as they too, like so many areas were struggling without any snow to speak of for the start of the winter,” added Christian

And the video below is from Christian as he arrived on Sunday.

He also shot this short clip of conditions in Soldeu on Monday … and it was still snowing.

Sunday evening and snowing in Soldeu, Andorra (15 January 2017). Image © PlanetSKI

Sunday evening Soldeu, Andorra (15 January 2017)

Like the Alps the snow has been in short supply this winter and is now very welcome.

“Before this snowfall, thanks to the snow cannon we had 150kms of open pistes, and now we have the full 210kms in perfect condition. It has really brightened and freshened everything up, it puts smiles on everyone’s face. We are now running at full capacity, with perfect conditions on the mountain, we couldn’t be happier,” said Ray Coogen, the area Manager for Crystal Ski in Andorra.

See here for more details of the holidays offered by Crystal Ski in Andorra.

The avalanche risk was high in Soldeu on Monday.

Most of the mountain was shut but there were enough runs open to ski on.

The inclement weather meant that the slopes were empty.

Most of the mountain shut – but plenty open. Soldeu, Andorra. Image © PlanetSKI

Empty snowy slopes. Soldeu, Andorra. Image © PlanetSKI

On the road in Andorra on Sunday … clear up of the roads not yet started:

Amunt!! #maipor #siberiana2017 #andorra pic.twitter.com/1YS82wX55U

— Ricard Riba (@RicardRiba) January 15, 2017

Arcalis on Saturday:

On podiem anar en ple temporal de nord? A @Vallnord #vallnording! Mola! pic.twitter.com/gJmyDh7y5v

— Marcos Amores (@marcosamores) January 14, 2017

Pal, Andorra on Sunday:

Nieva intensamente en el todo el Pirineo!!! ❄️❄️❄️ Así cae en @Vallnord Pal 🙂 #infonieve pic.twitter.com/LNTe0E8F4O

— infonieve.es (@infonieve) January 15, 2017

…..

In the French Pyrenees it has also been chucking it down.

It is currently snowing and this follows 40cm to 80cm last week in the area of Le  Grand Tourmalet that has the resorts of La Monjie and Barages.

The area has 70km of ski runs currently open.

And it has been snowing heavily in the Spanish Pyrenees too.

Here on PlanetSKI we will be bringing you further news from both Andorra and the resorts of the French and Spanish Pyrenees so do check back.

See here for the main PlanetSKI news page with all the latest stories from the world of snowsports.

PlanetSKI: No1 for ski news