 Poster: A snowHead
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| Perty wrote: |
We will be there! Arrive tomorrow. We'll head up to VT on Friday-when the weather looks reasonable- and then probably start from St M Saturday and Sunday. The forecast looks a bit mixed and windy up high for the weekend, but with the option of St M open, fingers are crossed that some good skiing can be done. Wind permitting dipping over and beyond to Meribel too could be on the cards.  |
Great enjoy!!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Just arrived. Mixed cloud and sun today. We flew EasyJet into GVA, 8.10 departure and landed at about 10.30am. For the first time for ages we had an air bridge into the terminal, so the walk to passport control was much shorter. HOWEVER we then joined the queue for EES. It took about 45 mins, well managed but a chore. After the data gathering electronic booth, we then had passport control. The officer (who looked about 12) asked where I was going and how long I was staying. I think they are putting on a bit of a show.
We were travelling hand baggage only. I could see a baggage carousel, packed with bags, had stopped as no one had come through yet. If the Swiss are determined to implement EES in its entirety over the ski season, Saturdays could be a nightmare at the airport….
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Just had an email from Ryanair - allow yourselves three hours for departures and, in press, worst inbound has been nearly three hours.
So, 45 minutes at Geneva is comparatively acceptible
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Managed to get on the first cable car up to the saulire peak and although the snow was fab a few inches on top of freshly groomed. Most of the bin went down the Combe and we opted for Creux, the vis was quite bad so only did one run. got nice in the trees so probably should have stuck it out but looks like warmer temps and rain lower down for Meribel opener... snow pack felt nice and firm on piste but couldn't see anything 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Fantastic sunny day today in the 3v. However poor form from Meribel lift operators - very few lifts open - even less than usual. Only Saluire 1 &2. New Rhodos not open yet, more importantly golf not open so god knows what people do from village - I guess drive to Chaudanne or La Tania. Altiport lift not open, neither is Drnt de bourgin.
Tougnete 1 & 2 open. I know the first week is always a bit hit and miss lift wise - but this is the worst offering of open lifts I can remember. Such a shame because the snow conditions are so good.
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Rhodos was renovated so some sympathy for them on that not yet being open and disappointing that Altiport is shut but col du loze, golf or Dent Burgin rarely if ever are open during opening week. Mt Vallon is open and I havent seen that happen for ages during opening week.
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Great conditions today, if you kept high. Pretty icy low down. Busier than I have ever seen it for the first week of the season but still relatively quiet. Varsity week is being held in VT with 2000 students in town. The new Cote Brune telecabine is a great improvement, although it was an hour late starting. The Boulevard Cumin between VT and Les Menuires is still apparently closed
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| skimottaret wrote: |
| Mt Vallon is open and I havent seen that happen for ages during opening week. |
Did you happen to notice any changes to Campagnol since it's reclassification from red to black this season?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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[quote="Skeeezo"] Campagnol hasn't been open yet.
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[quote="Mike S"]
| Skeeezo wrote: |
| Campagnol hasn't been open yet. |
Thanks.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Just keep some of the snow until the second week of Easter please!!!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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A very nice, sunny week with very little wind. Snow conditions on piste are still very good, if you keep high. The snow line has raised dramatically down the valley. More lifts have opened today, although Combes, Olympic, Cherferie and Dent Bergin in the Meribel valley are still closed.
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"Vent fort" - they weren't joking either. Was being blown backwards uphill at one point on Corniche.
With the caveat that any skiing is better than no skiing conditions aren't *that* great out there. Wind is causing slopes to get very scraped, so its intermittent icy bits followed by powdery bits and even some grassy / rocky bits. In need of a top-up for sure.
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You know it makes sense.
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We're just back from a week in Courchevel (Moriond). We were worried about the lack of recent snow but it was probably one of the best weeks we've had in the Three Valleys (albeit from a smaller sample size than many on this site). Some of the pistes were definitely showing the strain towards the end of the week, and they probably shouldn't have bothered opening Chapelets yesterday, but we were able to ski pretty much all day every day in spring-like conditions... and when we saw footage from some other resorts we felt extremely privileged. They definitely need more snow but our group came back talking about what an amazing week of skiing it was.
My only complaint was how many of the lifts kept breaking down - we were stuck on Chanrossa and the Funitel in VT for ages, and one of our fellow chalet guests was stuck on Roc Mugnier for 30 minutes...
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Does anyone know how frequently they use the snow cannons in Courchevel, and how effective they are?
We arrive on Saturday and I'm looking for straws to grasp, given the little to no snow forecast between now and then!
Also, does anyone know how I can get the embarrassing spelling mistake in my user name corrected - which has so, until now, prevented me from posting?!!
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Quote: |
And I think you need to own the username - coming from an idiot who still goes by an embarrassing nickname from my school days!!
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Ha ha, maybe so 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| BornAgainBegginer wrote: |
Does anyone know how frequently they use the snow cannons in Courchevel, and how effective they are?
We arrive on Saturday and I'm looking for straws to grasp, given the little to no snow forecast between now and then!
Also, does anyone know how I can get the embarrassing spelling mistake in my user name corrected - which has so, until now, prevented me from posting?!! |
Snowdepths in Courchevel today are around -20% below-average.
But they have 85% of all their lifts open.
It's a mixed start to the season.
But you'll be fine.
Ask the mods or Admin to change your username, here.
https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewforum.php?f=12
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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If there is a resort that’s good at dealing with less than ideal snow it’s Courchevel. I’ve been going there for years and have a place in Bozel. Even during terrible seasons I’ve had a good time and had some pretty good skiing.
To get colder at nights soon so they will undoubtedly have the canons firing.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Rocks breaking through pretty much everywhere at all altitudes we’ve skied the last few days in Meribel and Courchevel. You need to keep your wits about you if you’re on your own skis. Worse after about two in the afternoon when it’s been scraped. If you’re on rentals then whatever I suppose. Snow that is here is nice enough, just a lot more needed and soon.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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When we were in the 3V in a very bright and sunny, but not very snowy, January some years ago Courchevel 1650 had the best snow in the whole of the 3V.
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Some reassuring words there, thank you! We probably just need to dial down our expectations a bit and we'll be happy!
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When we were in the 3V in a very bright and sunny, but not very snowy, January some years ago Courchevel 1650 had the best snow in the whole of the 3V.
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We're staying in 1650, so that's promising
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@BornAgainBeginner, I don't mind swapping with you if you like? You can have Christmas dinner with my mother in law and I'll hit the icy slopes
We have been at the end of Jan when it hasn't snowed since December. Always had a great time.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Just to re-emphasise what I wrote a few days ago.... we were in the Three Valleys last week and it was amazing. Yes - some runs closed and some pistes looking a bit sorry for themselves... but the vast majority of the resort was open and the snow was surprisingly good... across the resort. Combe de la Saulire in Courchevel, Pointe de la Masse in Les Menuires, Combe du Vallon in Meribel, the red from Peclet in VT... even Creux was fun in the mornings. We barely scratched the surface and were skiing all over the place.
Yes - Jerusalem was closed I think and Chapelets was disappointing... but on the plus side Aigle into Mottaret was also closed... I *hate* that run, so its closure removed any self-imposed pressure to ski it... so also a win!
I guess it's possible things deteriorate massively in the next few days but, even if it does, I'm pretty sure you're going to be positively surprised.
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It’s not amazing anymore. It’s rocky, stony, and lots of runs are closed at altitudes you wouldn’t expect. And it’s visibly deteriorated in three days. If anyone is coming next week I would strongly suggest you do not bring your own skis.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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oh wow... I'm sorry to hear that.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| gendal wrote: |
Just to re-emphasise what I wrote a few days ago.... we were in the Three Valleys last week and it was amazing. Yes - some runs closed and some pistes looking a bit sorry for themselves... but the vast majority of the resort was open and the snow was surprisingly good... across the resort. Combe de la Saulire in Courchevel, Pointe de la Masse in Les Menuires, Combe du Vallon in Meribel, the red from Peclet in VT... even Creux was fun in the mornings. We barely scratched the surface and were skiing all over the place.
Yes - Jerusalem was closed I think and Chapelets was disappointing... but on the plus side Aigle into Mottaret was also closed... I *hate* that run, so its closure removed any self-imposed pressure to ski it... so also a win!
I guess it's possible things deteriorate massively in the next few days but, even if it does, I'm pretty sure you're going to be positively surprised. |
Aigle - the worst, most horrible, confidence-sapping b*stard of a run ...
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I haven't needed Aigle much (primarily stayed in Meribel Center), but this year I went to VT in early March with colleagues. At 2 PM the bottom half of Aigle was slushy moguls. It's not great at the best of times, but MAN is it not improved with slushy moguls
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You know it makes sense.
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Some cracking runs down off Pointe de la Masse in gorgeous sunshine this morning - best pistes we've found so far. Pretty much either ice or rocks everywhere else, although the 5m stretch of grass on a piste into Les M was certainly unexpected 
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Courchevel as usual has by far the best snow conditions and the fewest rocks.
Yesterday they started running the cannons as the temperature has dropped enough, but the Foehn might be running a bit strong today. I’d say stay above 1850m as much as possible.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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It’s been too warm. There has been 18 days in a row in the Tarentaise where the temperature hasn’t gone below 0 degrees at 1500m. At least it hasn’t rained, so thank the snow gods for small mercies. At least they’re running them now in Meribel and Courchevel. Don’t know about Les Menuires.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Any other views on conditions from people skiing today? I know from experience that I’ve been in many resorts skiing and read negative things about ice and rocks but had a great time and felt the snow was decent myself.
Might be perspective or experience or maybe because I’m going to La Tania tomorrow I’m just clutching at straws?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| shannyla wrote: |
Courchevel as usual has by far the best snow conditions and the fewest rocks.
Yesterday they started running the cannons as the temperature has dropped enough, but the Foehn might be running a bit strong today. I’d say stay above 1850m as much as possible. |
why does Courchevel typically have the best conditions? I’m there for 2 weeks jan 24 (along Belvedere piste in 1650) and curious where I should head for the best snow. Happy on blues.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Astontech wrote: |
| shannyla wrote: |
Courchevel as usual has by far the best snow conditions and the fewest rocks.
Yesterday they started running the cannons as the temperature has dropped enough, but the Foehn might be running a bit strong today. I’d say stay above 1850m as much as possible. |
why does Courchevel typically have the best conditions? I’m there for 2 weeks jan 24 (along Belvedere piste in 1650) and curious where I should head for the best snow. Happy on blues. |
The majority of the slopes in Courchevel face north, so the snow stays in better condition. The same in La Tania and parts of Val Thorens. By contrast In the Meribel valley and St Martin / Les Menuires most slopes face east or west so get more sun.
1650 is pretty much a perfect location for blue runs. You can easily get to 1850/1550 and La Tania as well. Meribel and further afield via piste can involve some steep blues if the Boulevard de la Loze is shut.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| levart wrote: |
Any other views on conditions from people skiing today? I know from experience that I’ve been in many resorts skiing and read negative things about ice and rocks but had a great time and felt the snow was decent myself.
Might be perspective or experience or maybe because I’m going to La Tania tomorrow I’m just clutching at straws? |
One person's ice is another's hardpack!
also some ski where the snow has been pushed away, other pick their lines through the softer stuff.
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A lot of stones on pistes and bare patches are increasing at a noticeable rate.
Not a lot more snow around to be borrowed to repair pistes.
I've got plenty of piste skiing done this week (390km/85.5km vert) carefully avoiding stones as best as possible, and only had minor scratches on bases until today, when I ripped a chunk of base out down to metal 
Plenty is still open but leave good skis at home this coming week.
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We planned Orelle today but it and links across to VT seemed to be shut according to the (quite difficult to follow!) websites for both. Anyone confirm it was all indeed shut? Thanks
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Think the winds were bad today @Doccam,
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Links were shut definitely am but might have opened afternoon. Winds have been very high (links closed band day) but now dropping. When winds are high and only one or two runs on-open then not worth the effort. This is unusual
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FAQ
With the high temperatures ahead around Sunday, I cant get my head around it... 
