Les Cretes is the high-altitude beginners' area at 2100m. The magic carpet here gives access to a very easy nursery slope and the Petite Cretes, an easy green. The snow here has warmed up a little in the springlike conditions we have had. This means that it can be firm in the mornings and softer as the day goes on. Today, Tuesday 26th March, looks to be a colder day so the pistes might take a little longer to soften in the sun. The blue Crete has been very well groomed and is perfect around 11:00 when it has just started to soften – hero snow and fab to practice your turns on!
To get down from Les Cretes, you have the choice of blue, red or black runs at the moment. The green Demoiselle has shut for the season, or until we get new snow (which is always a possibility even in April!). The black runs have been opening later in the day when the snow has softened. This is for your safety so, please, don’t duck under the ropes. The blue is firm but in good condition during the day. Just watch out at 16:00 when everyone is trying to ski down. Don’t forget that you can ski till 17:00 up the mountain and take a lift down rather than tackle this busy piste. The lifts you can download on are Belle Etoile, Village, Diable, White Eggs and Jandri Express from Les Cretes at 2100m, Les Cretes at 2400m and also from the mid-station at 2600m and the glacier at 3200m.
The button lifts at the bas de piste are all still open and being looked after. The sun and warmth have taken their toll here but the snow coverage is still good and the machines are working hard to keep these in good condition. They can be icy in the mornings and slushy in the afternoons though.
