Moonlight Descent
More and more resorts are offering moonlight descents this season, among them; Val d'Isère, Tignes, Chamonix, Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d'Huez. A typical package includes dinner at a high altitude restaurant, as well as a guided descent bathed in the light of the moon and stars.
The latest resort to launch this kind of night skiing is Alpe d'Huez, where you dine at the GVC refuge at an altitude of 3000m before heading down the full 16km of the famous black run La Sarenne. The descent to Huez Village, from where a bus transports you back to the main resort, takes a little under an hour. The whole deal costs a mere 40euro and places must be reserved in advance at the lift pass office.
Les Deux Alpes, a forerunner of the moonlight descent, offers a similar package for the same price. Ever the innovator, the resort will be the first to offer the same sensation on two wheels, mountain bikers will have their moment in the moonlight on 3rd March.
In Chamonix, it is on the world renowned off-piste itinerary the Valley Blanche, under the watchful eye of a high mountain guide, that you can really put your night skiing skills to the test. Your guide and your dinner will set you back around 100euros per person, but this tariff varies according to the size of the group.
In Val d'Isère, you are greeted by a DJ and jugglers upon arrival at the summit of the Solaise telecabine. After the initial festivities you ski the “L” Blue run, which takes you down to heart of the resort 900m below. What's more, you get all this for free. The same can be said of the torch lit descent in neighbouring resort Tignes which takes place between Les Boisses at 1850m and Les Brévières at 1550m.
The full moon dates for your diary are 2nd February, 3rd March. 2nd April and 2nd May.
