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Three Valleys 2017/2018: Méribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, La Tania, St Martin

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Bergmeister wrote:
@cardweg,
Where are you heading? Did you go for a chalet after all? Puzzled

Hope you have a great trip, wherever you end up! Very Happy


Opted for C1650 in the end.
Best all round deal, price, access, village etc.

Just put the Christmas decorations back in the roofspace and retrieved the skis - seems like a fair exchange to me Happy

Cheers
CW Happy
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
offpisteskiing wrote:
cardweg wrote:

Would you care to share directions or are you keeping all the good locations for yourself? 😉


There is a reason I go there quite alot and that is there are very rarely any tracks in there... However for that reason the location will be prised, to paraphrase Mr Heston and the NRA "outta my cold dead hands". (Although occasionally shared with suitable clients who have taken a vow of secrecy as inspark says above...)


Simon,
Fully understand & wouldn't really have expected you to spill the beans if it's as good as lit looks. However, it never hurts to ask Happy
Anyway, really looking forward to next week.
Hopefully we'll all have a blast!
Cheers & bon ski!
CW Happy
ski holidays
 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?
@cardweg, enjoy... Hopefully the 0º isotherm is coming down this week (with a possible blip in a coupe of days) so hopefully there should be some cold fresh for you!
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Fantastic day today. About 3 inches fresh snow in St Martin and then a few more up top. Lapped Jerusalem 3 x first, making fresh tracks in the powder on piste all the way down and off the side for the first 200 m or so. Then over, up Olympic, and down to Le Raffort, more on piste fluff and fun, then sun came out. A good ski from the top of Saulire to Meribel Village (pretty chopped up by then). Over to La Tania, Folyeres in great condition. Back to St Martin and our final decent doing the whole of Jerusalem including the bottom extension. Including lifts, a shade under 50 Miles. Legs knackered.
Started snowing again at around 4pm.
I need a lie down. Very Happy
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Agree with Layne - keep an eye on the weather and think ahead -you can be super-equipped, but if there are numpties breaking down ahead of you you're stuck anyway. But it is unlikely other than on peak Saturdays - just bad luck if a bug dump happens then.Have spare food water toys for the kids (mine got to look forward to delays because we had emergency surprise toys hidden in the luggage -board games etc ) 😀[img][/img]
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The 'Flash Info Tarentaise 73 (savoie)'https://www.facebook.com/groups/1731305403849643/; Mairie Les Belleville https://www.facebook.com/MairieLesBelleville/& ' The Valley Echo' https://www.facebook.com/groups/thevalleyecho/group FB pages are useful for 3V traffic updates. I'm also very impressed with the Thule Easy Fit snow chains http://www.carsnowchains.co.uk/thule-easy-fit-suv-cu-9-240.html . Expensive but can be fitted and removed in seconds. Brighter conditions today with fresh powder on the upper slopes, after some overnight rain. Busy on piste. Snowing heavily now. The SCGB/Meribel Guides off-piste outing on Wednesday has sadly been cancelled for lack of interest.
ski holidays
 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Mike S wrote:
The 'Flash Info Tarentaise 73 (savoie)'https://www.facebook.com/groups/1731305403849643/; Mairie Les Belleville https://www.facebook.com/MairieLesBelleville/& ' The Valley Echo' https://www.facebook.com/groups/thevalleyecho/group FB pages are useful for 3V traffic updates.

I'm loathe to criticise as there are plenty of numpty punters that don't make their life any easier and they generally do a great job of clearing the roads but I've got to say I don't hold a lot of trust in the local authorities to provide the appropriate information and advice - or take action to prevent people sitting in a motorway car park for several hours. Maybe there is an argument to say they can not do much. But for example apparently there was advice given in St Martin in the 3V to leave the resort Friday evening if possible and for those coming in to delay until Sunday if possible. Maybe that message should have been more widely used and made earlier - and done more proactively. But it requires an element of co-operation, acceptance of loss of business, etc. No easy answers I guess.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
Hi All. Not sure if this is the right place to post this but i'll give it a go anyway.

We're in Courchevel 1650 for a week from Feb 18th and I'm trying to get the last few bits organised. Is there any benefit to booking lift passes and having them delivered to home (Ireland) well in advance of the trip? Or are we as well off booking online and collecting them in resort? Some of our group will be in lessons from 9.15 on the first morning so I'm thinking of having them delivered to home in advance.

Also, we have booked our four and a half year old into the whippersnappers lessons with New Generation. Their website says that a Courchevel mini lift pass is needed for this class. I'll email them to double check but I can't see an option to buy this pass online. Anyone know anything about it?

Many thanks!
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adriangrogan wrote:
We're in Courchevel 1650 for a week from Feb 18th and I'm trying to get the last few bits organised. Is there any benefit to booking lift passes and having them delivered to home (Ireland) well in advance of the trip? Or are we as well off booking online and collecting them in resort? Some of our group will be in lessons from 9.15 on the first morning so I'm thinking of having them delivered to home in advance.

As long as you can trust yourself to look after them and not leave them in the draw when you head off to the Alps it's always better IMO to have as much stuff "in your hands" as early as possible. I wouldn't sweat it either way though. TBH until recently, I'd walk down the the lift pass office and buy them on arrival. But quite a lot of the cards are reusable now and/or you get discount through the apartment booking agent so it makes sense to order beforehand.

adriangrogan wrote:
Also, we have booked our four and a half year old into the whippersnappers lessons with New Generation. Their website says that a Courchevel mini lift pass is needed for this class. I'll email them to double check but I can't see an option to buy this pass online. Anyone know anything about it?

Nope never heard of it. We just got back from the 3V's. We paid child price for all of us (2 adult 2 children - full 3V). I am guessing they mean you just need a Courcheval pass, not a full 3V one.
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Thanks!! Hope you had a great time in 3V.

I am of a similar mindset. I like to have as much in hand as possible as well. And I like to minimise the faffing about on the first morning.

I've emailed the ski school to clarify the mini pass so I'll let you know what they say.

One other question. Where is the best place to stop for a quick grocery shop en route from Geneva? Moutiers?? We are self catering.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
@adriangrogan, Unless there is a good reason* to buy in advance I would just purchase when you get there. Then you don't waste any money if you lose a day through travel delays or if the weather on arrival is so bad that you don't want to go out. And if you are going with a TO then their rep may give you the Duo/Tribu discounts that you may not be able to get if booking direct, depending on how many in your party. There are no discounts in Courchevel for pre-booking.

*A good reason might be arriving late, plus accommodation a long way from the lift pass office, plus no TO-rep to buy & deliver passes.

There certainly used to be a Courchevel mini-pass - not bookable in advance, but available at the ticket office. It covered just a small number of beginner lifts in the 1550/1850 area - which might be where the whippersnapper lessons are. Probably fine unless you want to take your child further afield at other times. Not sure if you can get a 6-day pass or if you have to buy it each day,which is a bit of a pain in a busy week.
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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.
Seen on a Meribel Facebook group....

Public announcement from val Thorens

Official announcement tourist office Val Thorens: notice of tempéte announced for Tuesday 02, Wednesday 03 and Thursday 04 January 2017
Safety Information
Notice of storm
Announced for Tuesday 02, Wednesday 03 and Thursday 04 January 2017
The latest weather forecast announces a storm notice for 02, 03 and 04 January. These disturbances, classified as a storm, will begin around 21 pm tonight.
This meteorological event will be implemented in particular by:
- wind from 100 km / h to 200 km / h in West / North West.
- heavy rainfall that can give 2,40 m of snow in 48 hours.

The measures taken are therefore:
- the road between Val Thorens and the menuires will be closed on the night of 02 and 03 January.
- Prevention of avalanches, both in the ski area and on the road
- Val Thorens ski area will be reduced already on 03 and 04 January. The 3 valleys and orelle routes will be closed. We will keep you informed as we advance our teams.
- we recommend avoiding pedestrian travel in the station by 22 pm tonight (02 January) and for the duration of the alert.
- the exits from public car parks but also private will be closed from 02 January to 22 h00 in order not to send vehicles on the road.
- free shuttles will be suspended from Wednesday 03 January morning.

In these exceptional measures, the limitation of travel involves:
- getting away from the roof over snow falls
- do not move alone
- avoid the edges of the slopes including in the station
- don't walk behind the buildings.
Priority should be given to the main axes and to be vigilant in relation to vehicles.
Snow removal services will have to work continuously to evacuate the snow in abundance.
The safest measures are to remain confined to your accommodation.

This storm notice implies that now, and well after this episode, the risks of avalanches are high (4/5 to 5/5 to be predicted).

As with each situation of this type, we will keep you informed as soon as possible of changing conditions and conditions. Stay connected to your e-mail and social networks.
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
There is a limited area Mini Pass available in Meribel for 28.50 Euros/day (5 - 75). I presume that it will be the same price in Courcheval. However, under 5s are eligible for a free (3V) lift pass on proof of age.

There is a Carrefour Market in the centre of Moutiers (open 8.15 - 20.00 Mon - Sat; 8.15 - 12.30 Sun) and a Super U at Salin-les-Thermes, just after Moutiers on the road to Courcheval/Meribel (open 8.00 - 20.00 Mon - Sat; 8.30 - 12.30 Sun). Otherwise, there is a large Geant Casino supermarket and an Aldi in Albertville. The latter has less stock but is considerably cheaper than elsewhere.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
There are some resorts in the USA (maybe all of them, but most dont say it) that say they can add lift passes to any rfid card you have. In particular, I think A-basin says that they can load into any card you already have. Since they usually charge $5 for a card, its not big deal, but savings are savings. Anyone know if the 3V card is that way?, bring the cards i already have and they can just load them and save me a few euros?

I was also thinking about pre-paying, but @ecureuil, may be right. Never knows what happens, and the minimal savings are gone if you arrive one day late.
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Further to above from latania.co.uk:

STORM WARNING:
Massive Storm Arriving from 9pm TONIGHT - This is the Val Thorens warning of up to 200km/h winds and overnight road closures on 2 and 3 Jan. Skiing valley links will be closed on 3 and 4 January and ski area reduced plus no ski bus shuttle tomorrow morning.

In addition Courchevel have warned of winds up to 140km/h and again all links will be closed with the ski area reduced to lower areas - no 3 Valley passes/upgrades will be on sale. Avalanche Risk likely to be at the highest level of 5 out of 5 and also be aware of the danger of snow coming off roofs.

Almost unprecedented a warning like this - so please take care, THINK and ski near to your home location as many lifts are bound to be suspended for certain periods. Will be interesting to see if the La Tania gondola keeps running - once it was the only non-surface (drag) lift to operate in The 3 Valleys during high winds...

Be careful out there Madeye-Smiley
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Wow on the storm info!
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
This from Val Tho Facebook page... looks like a marathon Monopoly Deal session over two days...

Announced for Tuesday 2, Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 January 2018

The latest weather forecasts announce a warning for 02, 03 and 04 January.
These disturbances, classified as a storm, will begin around 9 pm tonight.
This meteorological event will materialize in particular by:
- Wind from 100km/h to 200km/h in West / North West.
- Heavy rainfall that can give 2.40m of snow in 48h.

The measures taken are therefore the following:
- The road between Val Thorens and Les Menuires will be closed on the night of 2 and 3 January.
- Releases of avalanches, on the ski area and on the road can be decided
- The Val Thorens ski area will be reduced from 3 to 4 January. The 3 Vallées and Orelle links will be closed. We will keep you informed.
- We recommend to avoid pedestrian circulation in the station from 10pm tonight (02 January) and for the duration of the alert.
- The public and private car park exits will be closed on 2 January at 10pm in order not to send vehicles on the road.
- Free shuttles will be suspended from Wednesday 3 January morning.

In these exceptional measures, the restriction of movement involves:
- Move away from roofs to avoid to snowfall
- Do not move alone
- Avoid staying near embankments including in the resort
- Do not walk behind buildings.

Use the main axes, and be vigilant to vehicles.
The snow removal services will have to work continuously to evacuate the snow fallen in abundance.

The safest measures are to stay confined to your accommodations.

This storm warning implies that right now, and well after this episode, the risk of avalanches are high (4/5 to 5/5).
As with every situation of this type, we will keep you informed as soon as possible of the changing conditions and the situation. Stay connected on our social networks.
snow conditions
 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?
Wow indeed! Thought I had seen everything in the 3V over many years but this is a new one!
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Last time i saw anything like this was around four years ago when they closed the road from val thorens to les menuires for several days. in the end they convoyed people out in groups.

I headed back on monday night before the weather turned.

feel sorry for the new years week people. many had a hell of a job to get there and probably only had a day and a half of skiing where they could see anything during the week and then the village going into lockdown.

not sure i'd want to be staying in the kohinor.
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
It has been raining overnight in Meribel and is starting to get windy. Very few lifts operating. Heavy snow falls forecast for later today.
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adriangrogan,
Val Thorens also has a half price beginners pass, which is valid on 3 or 4 "proper" lifts (ie in addition to the 3 free covered conveyor belts). It's likely that other valleys will have a similar deal, I think.

However, that storm sounds like something else Shocked

We are flying out on Friday & spending the night in Moutiers, then heading to Les Menuires on Saturday. Looks like decent timing on our part, though it's a shame for those there this week - although safety has to be the priority of course.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@emwmarine,
Quote:

not sure i'd want to be staying in the kohinor.

Why?
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
andy1234 wrote:
@emwmarine,
Quote:

not sure i'd want to be staying in the kohinor.

Why?


I was joking really. It does look a little exposed though.
ski holidays
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thanks everyone for the useful information. Much appreciated snowHead
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 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Just saw alert from j2ski that 97 cm predicted in Marinella in he next two days ????
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
@emwmarine,
Quote:


andy1234 wrote:
@emwmarine,
Quote:

not sure i'd want to be staying in the kohinor.

Why?


I was joking really. It does look a little exposed though.

ha ha, i wondered if it might be the resulting wallet attack!
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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.
Time now:1020 in Les Menuires. Rain. No sign of that wind yet...
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
All the chairlifts and gondolas in the Meribel valley are now closed. Blowing a gale and rain now turning to sleet.
ski holidays
 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Similar in Les Menuires
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Now snowing in meribel. All lifts except drags have been closed all day. ESF lessons went ahead this morning but it was an exercise in not cancelling as far as we could tell, poor kids doing laps on tiny drag lift in pouring rain and hail, presumably so ESF don't have to refund anyone.
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
@adriangrogan, Sorry - missed that your child is only four and a half. As @Mike S says, all passes should be free for under 5s. But I think only available at the lift office, because (as for the 65+,75+ passes) you have to provide evidence of age - take their passport with you to "purchase".
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
susieq78 wrote:
Now snowing in meribel. All lifts except drags have been closed all day. ESF lessons went ahead this morning but it was an exercise in not cancelling as far as we could tell, poor kids doing laps on tiny drag lift in pouring rain and hail, presumably so ESF don't have to refund anyone.


Either that or to stop people moaning that lesson got cancelled !
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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?
Raining first thing at 1400m in 3V, so went shopping in Moutiers. Left at 8.30am- no wind. By 10am on the way back up the Belleville valley, the wind had already got up, bits of twigs in the road, losts of gusts. Temp was 3 deg in Moutiers and 5/6 up here. Roads awash. St Martin 1 lift open. Up the road in Les Menuires, the limited lifts that had opened were reducing in number. Had the power go off and on and off again a few times around noon. Thankfully as I type it hasn’t been repeated (apartment 100% electric)...but went out and bought candles just in case! We drove up to Menuires at 1pm, by which time all lifts shut, and had a slap up lunch at Chez Pepe Nicholas. By then the rain was slowly turning to snow. Got shot blasted by stinging snow pellets on way back to the car after lunch. Could see some crazy people taking a hike, looking like they were heading up the path to the Lac De Lou. I can’t imagine they stuck it out. Now snowing in St M, a couple of inches so far. Shame it’s supposed to warm up overnight again. Grrr! I can’t see us skiing tomorrow either. First world problem, but a shame for anyone who is here just for the week.
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Does now look like snowing every day till Saturday so at least the changeover should be calm, but disappointing for those who have to leave that day Sad
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
CourchGal wrote:
disappointing for those who have to leave that day Sad


...perhaps... But I reckon all those out there now will look back in years to come and remember this as an epic week, albeit for different reasons than they'd anticipated
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alti - dude wrote:
susieq78 wrote:
Now snowing in meribel. All lifts except drags have been closed all day. ESF lessons went ahead this morning but it was an exercise in not cancelling as far as we could tell, poor kids doing laps on tiny drag lift in pouring rain and hail, presumably so ESF don't have to refund anyone.


Either that or to stop people moaning that lesson got cancelled !


Ha ha, not convinced! Loads of kids/families didn’t show up this morning, it was really dire. I needed somebody official to tell my darlings it was a bad idea to go out but alas it was not to be. Still, that’ll learn ‘em. Now they know a morning doing tiny drag lift in pissing rain really isn’t much fun.

Anyway.....much disappointment here, it’s snowed all afternoon but chalet manager has relayed message that whole area expected to be closed tomorrow, as others have reported.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

The latest press release from Le Prefet de Savoie:
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
red 27 wrote:
CourchGal wrote:
disappointing for those who have to leave that day Sad


...perhaps... But I reckon all those out there now will look back in years to come and remember this as an epic week, albeit for different reasons than they'd anticipated


Climate change perhaps ?
We see much more energy into uk weather systems these days because of warmer air able to carry much higher volumes of water. Volatile conditions, fluctuating snow lines in January, unusually strong winds. Perhaps this is the equivalent to storm Desmond in the French alps?

It is noticeable that some resorts Have picked up on the windier conditions by building more snow fencing, unless that is just coincidental. Perhaps this volitility between droughts and inundation is the new norm ?
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A good 30 cm of snow fell in Meribel overnight but it is raining steadily this morning. 0 C isotherm is at 2200 m. Avalanche risk is 5/5. A lot of lifts have delayed openings and the 3V links will remain closed today. Looking better for the weekend with brighter, cooler conditions forecast.
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Les Menuires sit rep: rain. Usual offering of Doron lift and not a lot else.
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