Poster: A snowHead
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Am looking to take the family away for a few days skiing, Mon - Wed.
Considering how good the snow has been this year, are we relatively safe that time of year re decent ski conditions?
Not looking for ideal conditions obviously, just enough for a few good days
I would like to go back to Morzine as piste wise thought it was great, and there's always the option of Avoriaz if need be.
As its just a quick trip, don't want to have to drive too far, will be flying into Geneva
Chamonix an option, but not sure it's as ideal for my daughter who has lost her confidence, so am trying to coax her gently.
I know higher is a better bet, but just wanted to get the general consensus of that time of year, is it still fine / decent?
Thanks
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@cisco43,
I've had plenty of good skiing at that time of year in average snow years. Should still be plenty of snow although actual conditions obviously dependant on weather at the time.
Personally I would go somewhere with higher skiing though Morzine could still be good.
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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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Its a month away and no one knows what the snow will be like in the lower resorts. For instance the minimum temperature in Morzine overnight tonight will be +8degs. I would book your flights and reserve judgement on the resort until later. Its after Easter so you will be able to pick and choose.
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Thanks both for the input.
It's still in School Hols though, so prices not the keenest.
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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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I would steer clear of the Portes du Soleil at that time of year - could be good but too much of a gamble. Even skiing at Avoriaz is quite low altitude by French standards (max 2275m). Flaine could be a better option - there's skiing up to 2480m.
Obviously not the cheapest - but Verbier should be pretty reliable and less than 2 hours from Geneva. Could stay down in the valley at a cheaper hotel if needed.
Otherwise I'd suggest heading down to one of the big Tarentaise resorts (e.g. 3 valleys, Paradiski).
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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but I really really want to go to PDS, waaaaaa
Would certainly love to go to Verbier, but accom still a bit pricey
Did seriously consider 3 valleys / Paradiski but thought that might be a bit far to drive, as we're only Mon - Wed
Is Courchavel approx 2:15, would that be right, that could be doable.
Did Flaine, was ok, but not in a rush to go back.
I will certainly look at Samoens & Morillon though
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For Verbier - try looking for accommodation down in the valley in Le Châble. Cheaper - and there's a gondola up from there.
Not much difference in the drive from Geneva to Paradiski (La Plagne) or Courchevel.
I suspect the resort runs into Samoens & Morillon will be pretty mushy - but obviously they link into the Flaine area which will have the better snow.
You don't need to go super high - wherever you go I suspect the skiing in the 2000-2700m range is going to be good.
Will be down that way the previous week if you want to wait for snow reports
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Val d'Isere.
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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 agree - Val d'Isere would be great - there aren't too many places which have a good selection of green and blue runs at a decent altitude like the ones behind Rocher De Bellevarde. Never skied those in April but I assume they should be in good shape.
But I suspect it's just a bit too far from Geneva for @cisco43.
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@cisco43
Early April was cracking in the PDS 2 years ago. There's been way more snow this year. In March 2016, the snow depth was less than 2m. It's currently at 4m! The forecast for the next two weeks is also for it to stay cold and snowy. In a normal year, I would agree with the advice of others to head high but this year I'd say go to the PDS but make sure you have a car to travel to the best areas. Hope that helps.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Combe de Saulire, 14 April 2008:
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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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Will look into Le Châble, Verbier has been on my list for some time, so great if I can make it happen
Yes, Val too far
Adding La Plagne to the mix
Good to know about PDS 2 years ago, all helps, and that was my thought.
If I was going on my own, I'd leave it till the last minute, but with family, need to get something booked really.
Annoyingly, the best prices are uncancellable, darn it.
Well, thanks for all the advice & tips, much appreciated
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You know it makes sense.
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cisco43, the snow on the ground will be fine, but as T Bar mentions, you can't guarantee the weather.
My son was out Jan 19-22 and had murky days with heavy snow ending up with rain on the Monday. Tuesday, the day after he left, was glorious sunshine and wonderful skiing.
A short trip is always a gamble.
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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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This year, the PdS should be fine, but you are taking a bit of an unnecessary gamble. The skiing isn't that high and Morzine is extremely low. If you must go to the PdS, then do at least stay higher than Morzine.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@cisco43, Mon - Weds you should be able to negotiate a good Airbnb deal in Verbier/Le Chable. It’s the 2nd week of Swiss Easter holidays but won’t be busy. People stop skiing in April
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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If I can get high without it being to far or costly, then I will
Weather always a risk, but yes, agree a short trip does put you more in the hands of the Gods.
Have been relatively lucky so far, so will continue the finger crossing.
Am hoping to book later today, or at least the flights anyway
Haven’t checked out Le Chable yet, but did find quite a bit of choice in La Plagne
Can anyone tell me how long the drive is approx.
Google says 2.5 HRs, but have seen it on some official website over 3Hrs from Geneva Airport
I can stretch to 2.5 but 3Hrs is just too far
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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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Val Thorens is two and a quarter hours drive from Geneva Airport.
What time do your flights get in/depart?
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I always thought that was further away
We arrive Geneva @ 0920
Leave Geneva @ 2120
So, there's potentially time
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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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Val Thorens, Courchevel and La Plagne should all be reachable in about 2:30 at this time of year in good weather.
Traffic shouldn't be too bad. But I'd recommend going round the long way on the autoroute (A41 through Chambery) rather than trying to cut through Annecy to Albertville.
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Tignes Val Claret is regularly do-able in 2.5hrs in a hire car. Tignes Les Brevieres is 10-15 mins less.
Epic snow guaranteed .
OR you can get to Bourg St Maurice (with direct funicular access to Les Arcs and cheap accommodation) in just under 2hrs. Ditto re good snow.
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In the five years we've done it, we have always managed to get to VT by hire car from Geneva over the Easter school holiday (not Easter week though) in three hours, and that is with a supermarket shop in Alberville and no speeding tickets. Does depend on whether you end up behind a bus on the road up from Moutiers though....
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