SØ•SKI: 3 valleys OPENING SEASON 24-25

SøEdited Team:
SøCreative Director: Chris Saint Sims 
​SøSki Editor: Demir Sayiner
​SøFashion Director: Savannah Barthorpe
​Photography: Christopher Sims ​​​


​Ski season in the 3 valleys began to excellence. With a massive dump of snow during the proceeding days to opening. Saturdays arrivals on the mountains were being secured with police commanding chains on vehicles. Always a good sign to the start of the season, with all 3 valleys open for adventure after heavy snow conditions. 

​​For those arriving week one, joy was now guaranteed. Empty runs, great snow and blue skies. While some areas were only partially opened, a few pistes and lifts still lulling and awaiting the busy Christmas period, but ample skiing and runs were in full operation from Courchevel Moriond (1650) all the way to Orelle. In fact having some of the lifts and runs closed was a benefit to old timers on these slops, as we then had to make fresh tracks and plan new routs. This for me was exciting, as I got to venture away from my usual habitual schedule.

​One of the many plus point (and there are loads) in the 3 valleys, is the infrastructure is second to none on this ski planet. So every destination has a variety of lifts, and runs to enter, and other runs and lifts to exit. During the opening week we were able to cross the entire 3 valleys, if not with some re-planning and re routing which added to the excitement. 

Some areas reminded closed until week 2, with St Martin and La Tania awaiting the arrival of more bodies and ski junkies. Both area were missed with these 2 destination having unique runs and links between pistes. 
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So with anticipation to their opening, by week 2 both La Tania and St Marin were geared up with ample snow and heavenly descents.

Across all the 3 valleys the conditions were sound, we just witnessed an icy belt around 2000metrs around Les Menuires down to the croisette. This being due to an early morning rain briefly drifting to a small area between the snow arriving, and leaving an icy patch for around 200mtrs. 

For any skier, ice is a great practice and hopefully keeps us vertical and straightens our ability across differing conditions. In fact during this early season I found the ice strips quite enjoyable, with my balance, knowledge and intuition improving.
​Lets see if I’m reporting this in a few months… ​

After an evening of snow this ice belt disappeared, although across the 3 valleys conditions were still prone to icy patches awaiting further snow to take the edges off.

The ability of any skier only comes from the changing conditions and environment, with the experience, knowledge and technique the skier wants to study. The alterations of natures environment are the boot camp and university of any advanced skier. This all being part of the training, intensity and education in mastering this art form. 

The beginning of the season started on a high, with amazing conditions across the 3 Valleys. Blessed to be back in the Alps!