Ski season opening Val Thorens: AlpinStore report and Monnet Gelprotech test

Opening of the season at Val Thorens: we were there

The opening day at Val Thorens had that scent we wait for all year: sunshine, crisp cold, and that light that pops on the snow. AlpinStore was on site to experience and report on this ski season opening at Val Thorens outdoor brand: a first round of sliding, prepared slopes, and a product test in the field, just as we like it.

Since this Saturday, the area is open and, good news, about 70% of the area is already allowing for turns. We found the atmosphere of a first day: excitement, caution, and lots of smiles. The new Moraine gondola facilitates rotations and allows for quick ascents. Ideal for chaining runs without losing a minute in line.

The conditions: beginning of the season, which means compact areas and some hard patches. Not the time to venture off-piste without good landmarks. On the marked slopes, the snow was hard but holding, a sign of good work by the Val Thorens slope teams. They worked early so you could enjoy it from the opening.

We kept a pragmatic approach: take the day to get back in shape, check the equipment, and note the adjustments to be made. It's also the perfect day to test new products. For us, the test of the day focused on Monnet's Gelprotech socks, already known on our site for their ergonomics and targeted comfort at the shin.

We tell you the truth: many know the discomfort caused by the pressure of the shoe on the shin bone. The Gelprotech inserts a gel pad at the shin level. Result after more than seven hours of skiing with a well-used pair: the comfort is real, and you feel the difference when getting back on the chairlift. To be honest, the effect must be even more pronounced with a new or less used pair.

A little practical tip tested in the field: properly put on and position the sock in the shoe. A simple gesture that maximizes the effect of the gel. It's silly, but often neglected. If you've never tried this type of sock, start the day on easy slopes and see how your feeling evolves.

To leave calmly on the big day, we offer you a clear checklist, based on our field experience. It will help you not forget anything and enjoy without stress. Are you ready?

• check your alpine ski equipment: shoes, bindings, skis or boards, and the maintenance of the sole.
• think of the little accessories that save the day: spare gloves, fleece band, and shin guards if needed.
• prepare an emergency kit: mini-tool, mini-chain for bindings, and a light bag for safety.

We also rolled with the idea of filming some sequences: the mountain at the opening, that's something to share. Don't forget to buy memory cards for your camera if you want to film the whole day without cutting out at the crucial moment. Few things are more frustrating than missing the perfect run due to lack of storage.

On the clothing front, in our opinion, you need to play versatility. Temperatures can change quickly: strong sun, cold wind, shaded icy areas. At AlpinStore, we offer a selection of winter and summer clothing designed for transitions and versatility, but in the field, it's mainly the thoughtful layering that makes the difference: technical base layer, breathable insulating mid-layer, and windproof shell.

Another point we are often asked: how to choose your accompanying equipment well? For hiking and trail running, there are balances to respect. Knowing how to choose your trail poles, for example, changes everything: size, rigidity, grip, and attachment system. We advise you to opt for a comfortable grip and an adjustment suited to your stride and type of terrain.

On opening day, we always remain cautious: adapted routes, attention to rocky areas, and regular checking of equipment after each break. We intentionally tested the socks with a well-used pair of shoes. Even so, the sensation of alleviating pressure points was clear.

The French brand Monnet offers with the Gelprotech a true little revolution of comfort for those looking for a simple and effective solution. We respect the tested products: we don't sell promises, we sell solutions that hold up... or the slope.

On the slopes, you encounter different profiles: the contemplatives who take their time, the intrepid who seek speed, and the technical ones who dissect every turn. We love this diversity. It reminds us why we have been equipping enthusiasts since 2016: so that everyone finds their equipment and leaves more serene, more efficient.

The assessment of this opening: Val Thorens shows that it knows how to open early and welcome people without sacrificing the quality of the slopes. It's a great start to a season that looks promising. If you go up this week, adjust your preparation, check your kit, and go light in your head but well prepared in your bag.

In conclusion, a few field tips from AlpinStore, as if we were in a refuge redoing the world among friends: keep a margin in your time, respect the slope teams, take photos but stay focused, and above all, savor these first sensations. The season starts: enjoy, share, and prepare your next outing methodically.

If you want personalized advice for your equipment, come see us at the shop or contact the team: we are a group of seasoned athletes, we test everything and we speak the truth. See you soon on the slopes, and have a good season.