 Poster: A snowHead
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Here's hoping! Although it's been very beautiful this last week... Looks like the temperatures are going to plummet mid week. Everything crossed!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@snowcrazy, are you in Bourg or on the mountain?
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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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Hi is there any news on what lifts/runs will be open from this weekend?
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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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Latest news from the mountain. I know some people think I should spice it up a bit, but I prefer to tell it as it is. Better come prepared than get a bad surprise when you arrive.
Good news and not so good. Made it out to resort now and the weather is very sunny with only a few high clouds later in the day. It is cold at night with a frost in the morning, but it soon warmed up today as I got all my jobs done. Very nice sitting in the sun having a drink this afternoon.
The bad news is that this weather seems set to stay for a while which is not so great for the snow lower down. Right now I have been told they plan to open a piste into each Les Arcs station, but not sure about Villaroger or Peisey Vallandry yet. The lifts will be a rolling opening as last year so only a few main links to start, but this should change as the week goes on. There will be free buses running between stations including Piesey Vallandry, but not Villaroger. The Funi will also be running. As it is the film festival week there are also extra buses running till late to get to see the films even down in Bourg.
As always at this time of year, what opens and when will depend on the snow conditions later next week.
I will keep you updated as I hear further details, but best if everyone coming out for the opening week arrive thinking that not much will be open and then anything extra will be a bonus.
Hope I have not disappointed those coming out for the first week. At least the pistes they have prepared are looking OK even if starting to get a bit thin lower down. Time we all started the snow dance!
If you go to the Les Arcs Winter page you can see a picture of the piste map showing what they hope will open on the first day. In fact I think most of these lifts will not open until the Sunday, but still if they do manage all those lifts it will be great!
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Thu 10-12-15 19:57; edited 1 time in total
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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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Thanks for the update snowcrazy. The question is will I be able to get around all the open pistes by piste/lift?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Just a quick update this morning.
In answer to peoples questions about the Vanoise Express and the La Plagne side.
The VE is closed for the first week. This is normal, but a pity!!
The lifts in La Coches and Montchavin, Montalbert area and Champagny area are also closed for the first week.
The lifts in La Plagne's main area are about 25% open and they should be publishing details on their web page.
Look's like we are better off in Les Arcs this year with an estimated 50% + open in our ski area for the first week.
Another blue sky sunny day right now. Cold with a frost but sure to warm up fast. Not really the weather we need, but it is nice whilst doing jobs.
Tomorrow the lifts open !! 
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I'm flying out tomorrow, can't wait!
Do you know whether the Varet lift is due to be open above Arc 2000?
Staying in Arc 1950 and on my own on Sunday (until my mate arrives in the evening) if anyone wants to hook up that morning?
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@SStreet, (assuming that's who I think it is?!) there's a couple of owners groups arriving on Saturday on the TGV early evening, so you'll probably find you can hook up in Georges.
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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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| SStreet wrote: |
I'm flying out tomorrow, can't wait!
Do you know whether the Varet lift is due to be open above Arc 2000?
Staying in Arc 1950 and on my own on Sunday (until my mate arrives in the evening) if anyone wants to hook up that morning? |
Here you go, if you scroll down this page you will see what lifts are opening - Varet looks like it's open but droset is not so my favourite run down to that chair from the top won't be doable I don't think 
http://www.lesarcs.com/domaine-skiable.html
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@snowcrazy, thanks for very useful update. Realism appreciated. Not arriving 'til 19th so wait to see before investing in full Paradiski pass, Discovery pass or just Les Arcs/Plan Peisey. Forecast only light flurries midweek and freezing level remaining over 2000m. Not much help for snow cannons. Tend to spend 80%+ time on Les Arcs side even if snow OK at La Plagne. Still, will beat being stuck in pre-Christmas traffic and hearing Shakin' Stevens every hour or so.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Minion1980, I am not a fan of Droset either. Perhaps because it is closed most of the time I am in Les Arcs and when I attempt it I realise why it is closed! Incidently you cannot get to it from Varet anyway. However, there a number of other excellent pistes from Varet, almost all of which are currently closed.
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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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Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I'm sure there will be some fellow skiers/owners to meet up with in George's Bar! Looking at that map on the Les Arcs website it looks as if more chairs are open this year than last which was pretty poor? Is that because they managed to bash the snow well last month and get the pistes in decent condition?
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Feeling rather silly about booking this last weekend now, flying out very early tomorrow morning and the forecasts look depressing. I would really appreciate an update on how the pistes are feeling - is it best to stick to the 2000 bowl or is it worth trying the 1800/Peisey section?
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You know it makes sense.
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I think I might cancel. I am booked on my own, the conditions look sparse below 2000 and whilst I will lose £400 I won't lose another £400 that I will spend on lift pass and spending money.
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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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@Million1980, Next week might actually end up better than Christmas week. Currently snow not great but quiet, cheaper pass, sunny rather than rain, one less week of hot weather for the existing snow??! Anyone who could get all/most of their costs back by cancelling would be sensible to do so but if you've paid £400 that you aren't going to get back then surely you go??!
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Poster: A snowHead
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Yeah I see that but I also thinking I should cut my losses as I will spend at least another £400 on the trip on pass and spending money and I just know that on my own I will be bored after a couple of days with the current conditions. I snowboard and hardpacked snow/no powder just make it not particularly fun. For a few days it would be ok but for a week on my own I don't think I would enjoy it. It's all my fault for being overly optimistic on the forecasts which have now changed for the worse. I am going away at the end of Jan anyway, the way I am seeing it is I lose £400 instead of £800. Also I've had some bad news about a family member and whilst I can't do anything about that it is also weighing on my mind, I am not sure how I can go and try and enjoy myself in the circumstances.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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What a nice way to enjoy my birthday. Blue sky most of the day, good company, a picnic in the sun and even a little untracked snow finishing with another hot chocolate at the Altiport. Then a good dinner! Almost time for bed!
Today started with a little play on the unpisted easy red under the Arpette chair!! Then a cruise around the Arc 2000 bowl before heading over to Peisey Vallandry where the pistes to the bottom were very nice for carving the whole way down.
After a picnic with a little wine! we headed back towards Arc 2000 bowl. Found some more untracked snow on the way to the Marmotte Chair. Then back over towards Arc 1600 for another hot chocolate at the Altiport before heading for home! Thanks for a good day everyone!
Monday we meet at the top of the new Carreley Chair at 10.30am for anyone that would like to join us. Hope to see you!
Remember if you are passing through Bourg by the Funicular, Polaire Star Ski Shop is open and waiting with it's great selection of skis and snowbaords to rent.
http://www.polairestar.com/
Photos from yesterday and today are now posted in the new Dec 2015 album.
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Mon 14-12-15 1:12; edited 1 time in total
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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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Happy birthday Chris!!!
Bought a pair of Rocker2's today... Might be able to keep up now!
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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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| Quote: |
Today started with a little play on the unpisted easy red under the Arpette chair!!
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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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Had a good couple of days out Sun, Mon and today although, as i'm still recovering the knee from a bad accident last year and am being hesitant, we only had half days - rather to ease in slowly and enjoy a full season over time than muller it in the first week because I was too excited.
Even so, conditions (I've found) are very variable. On the Peisey/vallandry side, the pistes are so far holding up ok - but you should be careful as there really are some nasty rocks poking through the snow and we've already bumped the new skis (nothing the diamond file won't sort out, but annoying none-the-less) Coverage is quite thin in places. A mate has already had to P-Tex up some gauges
On the Arcs side things are better, the north facing pistes help as they're not getting direct sun for large portions of the day. And yesterday they still had the cannons running at around 10.30 - 11am ish. But, there are still a few stones poping out to say a not very nice hello.
Personally, I won't be going out until it snows again. With the weather set to warm over the coming days and although I don't really like forward forecasts, they are all in agreement that the warm/dry trend will continue for at least the next 7 - 10 days, maybe a little further, what with xmas week set to be busy then going in to New year (!!), things are probably going to get a fair bit thinner.
Not trying to be melodramatic, just a personal statement and update.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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An update of the last few days!
In between having fun at parties and visiting all the new areas and restaurants around the resort I have spent the last couple of days trying to find some off piste worth riding. Managed to discover some good snow in sheltered places without many rocks.
It has been quite fun looking at places we seldom ride. For those interested I have posted the photos of the routes we have done over in the December 2015 Album on the Les Arcs Winter page.
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/
For those coming out for Christmas the piste conditions have started to change. The places with snow cannons have held up well. They have been working hard to keep as many pistes as possible open. For the coming Christmas week piste conditions are likely to be OK where there are cannons, but without more snow soon it is likely to become challenging over the New Year holidays.
The new Cachette Race piste is already getting a lot of use, but I have been told that public users will still have access unless full length FIS races take place which will not be very often.
The new piste from the mid station of the transarc linking to Arc 1600 is unlikely to be open until we have more snow.
The pistes off the Arpette Ridge in both directions are much wider now and the improved route down the Arc 2000 side is good.
They hope to have the new Dahu gondola linking Arc 1800 and Edenarc open by this coming weekend.
Peisey Vallandry is open in most places if you keep to the pistes with snow cannons, but Villaroger remains closed with no news yet of when it will open for skiing. The Vanoise Express is planned to open next weekend.
Overall the next week without fresh snow should be ok or at least better than last year, but longer term we do need more snow soon! I will post another update before the end of the week.
For anyone passing through Bourg using the funicular do not forget to check out Polaire Star Skis Shop for all those things you might have forgotten. You can also arrange rentals online.
http://www.polairestar.com/
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@snowcrazy, @rob@rar, thanks again for great updates and quite encouraging pictures of the white stuff! Looking forward to getting there on Saturday.
On less important matters, anyone know any bars in 1600 or 1800 where English Premier live football can be viewed please? Won't be watching during daylight hours, I hasten to add.
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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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I think the Mountain Bar in the Charvet part of Arc 1800 has Sky Sports. Nice place, offering some TexMex menu items for those who want a change from a cheese-based diet, and the owner, Oliver, is a very nice chap.
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Thanks @rob@rar, we're based in 1600 but the Mountain Bar will do nicely for Saturday evening and Monday night next week.
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Nice place, offering some TexMex menu items for those who want a change from a cheese-based diet
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...I'd never noticed Les Arcs was any cheesier than other French mountain places. 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Quote: |
.I'd never noticed Les Arcs was any cheesier than other French mountain places.
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but they're all cheesy! Savoyarde sodding specialties wherever you look. 
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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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@pam w,
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but they're all cheesy! Savoyarde sodding specialties wherever you look
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Well as long as it's not too runny, I'm quite partial to the fromage de la Belle France. If it's good enough for Wallace & Gromit, it's good enough for me!
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| pam w wrote: |
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.I'd never noticed Les Arcs was any cheesier than other French mountain places.
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but they're all cheesy! Savoyarde sodding specialties wherever you look. |
This.
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You know it makes sense.
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@intermediate, Both the Abrevoir and the Arvi have TV showing football and rugby union matches at various times, but I couldn't tell what compettions or nationalities are playing
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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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Wednesday 16 December. A little bit of fresh snow made a difference today!
Started off not seeing much fresh snow, but as you got higher you could see the snow/rain line was at around 2200m. After a wet start the sun came out between the clouds and it turned into a very nice day.
Headed to top of Transarc for a little play on the meadows and then up the Aiguille Rouge. Found some more good snow on the glacier and then headed for Villaroger. It is still closed so were not sure how far we would get, but it was worth the effort. Fresh untracked snow at the start. Lower down you needed to head back towards Arc 2000 or risk walking out.
They plan to open this area next weekend. I hope they can,
One more run down the middle of the Arc 2000 bowl then over to check out the snowpark (no work has started yet) then home.
Another fun day with OK snow considering the conditions. The pistes are holding up well in the higher areas and those pistes with snow cannons lower down are still OK. But a bit more fresh snow would help!
Photos from today are posted in the December 2015 album on the Les Arcs Winter page. Take a look at what conditions are like. Enjoy!
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/
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Poster: A snowHead
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The new piste from the mid station of the transarc linking to Arc 1600
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For the life of me I can't visualise that in my head Isn't there a hill in the way??
Ahh a quick check of Piste Map that makes sense now - that's good as can now get over there from top of Derby without having to go down to 1800 first
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Thu 17-12-15 15:40; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Boris wrote: |
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The new piste from the mid station of the transarc linking to Arc 1600
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For the life of me I can't visualise that in my head Isn't there a hill in the way?? |
No, the piste (actually, path would be a better description), sort of follows the contour of the hill around so you don't lose too much height. It's a good way to travel from the Vallandry side of the domain to the 1600 side of the domain without having to drop down in to Arc 1800 and then catch a lift back up.
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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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@rob@rar, just went and looked at new Piste Map - yes that looks good as like the area around 1600 but is a pain to have to go via 1800. Can now go from top of Derby which would be a nice long cruise, although sure the boarders may need a tow!
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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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@Boris, I think it's smart thinking by the resort. That path, plus the new Carrelley chairlift, will reduce the queues at the Vagere and TransArc lifts as fewer people will need use 1800 as a transit point.
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Thu 17-12-15 16:35; edited 1 time in total
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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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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Yeh, stones coming through on the piste.
Your just trying to scam us with your bigging up of the conditions.
I've got your number sunshine!
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Oh dear God. Just realised I've got four more weeks of fret and worry behind I can engage warp speed in Les Arcs.
I'm worried the webcams can't handle the workload!!!
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| Piemonster wrote: |
Yeh, stones coming through on the piste.
Your just trying to scam us with your bigging up of the conditions.
I've got your number sunshine! |
Actually, I'm dumbing down conditions so the acres of untracked powder are all mine, mine I tell you [FX: evil laugh]
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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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That's actually double evil.
Like a Marmite covered brussel sprout!
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Interested to see they've opened Grand Col - I thought they usually tried to save that for the Christmas / New Year crowds. You lucky, lucky boy.
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FAQ
