As I have only two weeks left here in Verbier before my season sadly comes to an end I am making the most of all the resort has to offer. Since we have entered March the weather has been incredibly warm and sunny. This, combined with the heavy snowfall of the early last week, makes for beautiful skiing conditions. And now I mean skiing. After 3 months on a snowboard I have decided to return to my old ways on two planks instead of one and I am loving it.

Winter sports travel insurance including repatriation cover for snowboarders and skiers

I went to talk to the salesmen at Hardcore, just outside Place Centrale, about this season’s skis for rent or purchase and which ones he believed were best for me, an experienced skier. They were very helpful. I decided that instead of spending 700 Swiss francs on renting top variety ski’s for three weeks, it would be more worth my while to purchase especially as I am returning here next season. As it is the end of season, however, their stocks were low and the particular brand I was looking for, the Mantra, had sold out in my desired length. Instead, however, the salesman found me a pair of only rented twice, perfect sized Mantras. For these, plus bindings and poles he charged me only 500 Swiss francs, an absolute bargain. If I had purchased these skis new they would have cost 1,200 Swiss francs, I was unsurprisingly more than pleased. I would advise Hardcore to anyone looking to rent or buy ski’s or boots as they are always willing to haggle a little and give you a great sale price.

Since I have been back on skis I have been hunting for powder. Conditions at the moment, however, are dangerous. The new layers of snow combined with the dramatic temperature changes from cold last week to very warm this week makes the threat of avalanches a considerable risk. As a result I did what I should have done at the beginning of season and went on a avalanche course. The course was run by Altitude ski school and was very helpful in informing me about snow conditions and what to be most aware of when venturing off piste. For example, south facing slopes which are most exposed to the sun and different snow layers and types.

In just two days there have been at least four large scale slides on one of the most popular off-piste slopes right here in Verbier valley. Because of our knowledge of the conditions, most seasonnaires have not been near this slope in a week but many tourists are unaware of the risks. If you plan to venture off-piste I strongly advice taking such a course or always riding with local guides who have full knowledge of conditions. It is always fun to come out on a skiing holiday, but one must always remain aware of the potential risks and insure oneself appropriately.