 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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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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thefatcontroller, Yes - me too 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Been very busy for the last few days having fun in the powder, staying out late and leaving early in the morning to find more good snow so know time for updates until now.
I have just posted the last photos for this weeks in the Feb 2013 Album on my Les Arcs Winter facebook page. If you want to see what we have been doing over the past week take a look.
http://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos
The conditions over the past few days have been great. Fresh powder most of the time and a mix of good light with blue skies and cloudy poor visibility days.
The fresh snow has kept the pistes in great conditions in most areas of the paradiski, even where it is busy. The off piste although well tracked is still soft and light in the more sheltered places. As we approach the busy period the sun is promising to come out and with good snow depths right down into the stations anyone coming on holiday should have a great time.
The roads on Saturday are likely to be very busy in both directions coming into Bourg St Maurice and first thing in the morning it could be icy. Take care all those driving out. See some of you on the hill on Sunday.
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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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Just back from best week ever - amazing conditions and a little bit of sunshine for our last runs of the week yesterday. Enjoy anyone going out this week, conditions are fantastic. Powder everywhere so light and forgiving even our motley crew looked reasonably proficient 
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Can confirm that snowcrazy's prediction of very busy roads today was accurate.
Arrived in Peisey at 8pm tonight after 11 hour schlep from Calais. Currently unwinding avec vin rouge, looking forward to getting out there tomorrow.
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| genepi wrote: |
http://grangedalice.blogspot.fr/
More interesting stuff from araird
I love this blog |
Excellent blog, not sure how I have missed this one!
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Boredsurfing, You can subscribe by e-mail.
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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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thefatcontroller, Yes indeed I have, now reading back through, as you said great for learning about the area and the subtle politics!
The war time history references I find fascinating, particularly as so little appears in English and yet there is the RAF memorial at Plagne Centre that is always well maintained and the central point for a memorial event every August.
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It was pretty busy going down the mountain on sat morning. We were running late and didnt leave 1950 till 8.30 and it was pretty solid from a couple of k before Aime to the tunnels. Other than that, slow in a couple of places but nothing major. Both ways though, we got stuck at the toll on the new road north of lyon airport. Having a tag is great but you still get hung up by people trying to push up the outside of the other lanes (I might have noticed the odd Belgian plate but I'm mostly likely mistaken in that).
We had a great week and loved the place so much we're already looking at next year, but with maybe a couple of changes ? We met several families who travelled down on the direct train from St Pancras, so this might be an option, and we're all back on the same 1/2 term week next year, so I dont know what the snow is usually like at Easter ?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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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thefatcontroller, thats an interesting thread. I think Mrs mikeh will probably prefer the direct St Pancras - BSM service but its better to explore all of the options before deciding. We're only a 50 min train ride from Kings Cross which helps
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You know it makes sense.
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Hi folks, been really busy just having fun in all this powder and staying out far to late so just not made it home in time to keep up with the posts.
A quick update of the last few days.
The snow came again at the end of last week and topped up the pistes and off piste areas very nicely. For the last few days, despite there being more people about than a week ago, we have not had to many queues so far, although it did seem more crowded this afternoon as the holiday makers started exploring further afield.
With the blue sky each day since Saturday and little wind, it really has been quite nice even on the pistes, in the snow park, border cross courses and of course in the trees and off piste areas.
The Pistes, despite being busy, are still in very good condition in most places, even coming into the stations or lifts. The warmer afternoon temperatures make it quite pleasant to get around the whole paradiski area. So far I have not seen many bare patches and few very icy pistes except on the north facing well used slopes. If the top up that is predicted for later in the week arrives then these good conditions should continue into next week.
As for the off piste, take a look at the photos I will be posting shortly of the conditions in the last few days. Even today we were still finding untracked powder off the beaten track. Right now it is well worth taking a guide if you want to have some real fun in the back country. Send me a PM if you want some contacts for guides or fancy meeting up.
The piste nature areas and most 'in-bound' off piste areas are well skied, but the snow is still soft and light in many places although it is also becoming hard packed and even crusty where the sun has been directly shinning onto the surface, ' breakable crust' YUK!!
Overall I think the conditions are great, even better than last year. For anyone coming out, you are going to have a good time and if you like the off piste, get some fat skis and join in all the fun!!
If you want to see the photos of the last few days, take a look at my 'Les Arcs Winter' facebook page. Enjoy!!
http://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos
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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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| mikeh wrote: |
| thefatcontroller, thats an interesting thread. I think Mrs mikeh will probably prefer the direct St Pancras - BSM service but its better to explore all of the options before deciding. We're only a 50 min train ride from Kings Cross which helps |
Thanks, where we live the overnight works best. However I suppose my general point is that taking the train to Les Arcs is a very under estimated option.
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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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More fuzzy pics, it would be soooooo cool to see something sharp.. dynamic. You have so much opportunity to get cracking images...
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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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3 weeks till we are out again and nice to see tonight on the Champagny web cam that is is snowing again and low 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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thefatcontroller, It is even snowing looking out of our window, pretty cold today and snow forecast for tomorrow as well.
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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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Here is a copy of todays update that I have just posted over on the Les Arcs Winter page. For those just arriving or interested in keeping updated whilst at home, you can be sent this direct each morning if you wish or read a summary on here most days. Hope it helps with your planning.
DAILY UPDATE: Sunday 24 Feb 2013 (Published around 8.30am each day.) All photos for this winter are posted on my 'Les Arcs Winter' facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos .
Send me a PM if you would like the contact details of local English speaking 'Guides/Ski Instructors' so you can also discover some of these great places.
WHAT IT IS LIKE OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW!
It look's like being a bad visibility day. It is misty outside right now with about 4cm of fresh snow on the path. The mountains are blocked from view and there is snow on the trees nearby. It is cold again, but little wind down here. The roads are covered with a thin layer of snow and icy. If you are driving out you may need chains to get up the mountain and the roads are likely to be busy again.
1) REMONTEES MECANIQUES (Ski Lifts closed today from Service ADS)
SECTEUR PEISEY-VALLANDRY : OUVERT
SECTEUR 1600 : OUVERT
SECTEUR 1800 : OUVERT
SECTEUR 2000 : OUVERT
SECTEUR VILLAROGER : OUVERT
VANOISE EXPRESS : OUVERT (Connect with MONTCHAVIN-LA PLAGNE )
2) BEST PISTES TO SKI: (Recommended by Security de piste):
SECTEUR 1600 : MONT BLANC
SECTEUR 1800 : GRANDS MELEZES
SECTEUR 2000 : VALLEE DE L’ARC
SECTEUR PEISEY-VALLANDRY : RENARD
3) CONDITIONS ON THE MOUNTAIN: (provided by Security de Piste)
Altitude: 1620/1800 m 2040 m 2400 m 3000 m
Snow depth: 120 cm, 193cm, 208cm, 268 cm,
Temperatures: -11, -14, -16, -21.
Avalanche Risk: (Risque d’avalanche (1 à 5) : 1 risque FAIBLE (low)
Last snowfall: (Dernière chute de neige) : 7 cm – Dim. 24 fév. 2013
4) WEATHER FORECAST: (Provided by Meteo France BSM)
Bad weather! Overcast, mountains often covered with clouds. There might be some clearer periods above 2500 m at times. The atmosphere is very cold and it is likely to snow lightly during the day.
TREND FOR TOMORROW: Better weather! Clouds and some light snow showers are expected at times, but the weather may improve slightly. It is still very cold, but may begin to become warmer in the coming days. The wind blows in gusts.
5) TIPS of the DAY: (provided by Security de epistle)
Excellent skiing conditions with 7 cm of fresh light fluffy snow. Skiers of all levels do not hesitate to climb to altitude, you'll always find a blue piste down except from the Grand Col chair lift and the Aiguille Rouge.
Discover and Enjoy the fun areas of Les Arcs:
ARC 1600: Snow Park and big air bag (the giant airbag giant cushions your most spectacular tricks).
ARC 2000: Toboggan "the Rodeo Park" (3000 m track), the boardercross pistes.
Peisey-Vallandry: Test your speed and braking distance on the piste reserved for this
"the Chrono Speed".
Do not forget to cover yourself, take breaks regularly to avoid the risk of frostbite and remember to hydrate with hot drinks.
CAUTION: Control your speed in all circumstances. Take notice of the fluorescent banners planted on the slopes, they are there to mark degraded areas (plate of hardened snow etc, ...) and where intersections are located to make you slow down.
COUNCIL sécuritée: Stay on marked open pistes and be safe.
RESPECT THE NATURE! ! !
HAVE A GOOD DAY!
For all your Ski and Snowboard rental needs, visit Polaire Star Ski Shop next to the bottom of the funicular station in Bourg St Maurice.
http://www.polairestar.com/
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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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Take a look at the photos on my facebook page, there is a special one there just for you!!
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snowcrazy, great to see you having so much fun!
Catch you soon mon ami!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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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thefatcontroller, read your excellent train to BStM post - one small correction. There is a free bus that shuttles backwards and forwards from the furnicualr to the station. If you go out of the side gate on the right of the station building as you are heading towards it from the platform to the bus park at the back of the station, it usually stops in about the second or thid slot down i.e. quite near the paltforms - no need to go through the station itself. If you don't have much luggage it's prob not worth waiting for, it can take a while.
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RattytheSnowRat, Thanks, I did hear there was one but we find find no timetable. To be honest even with luggage we manage. Coming home in January as we got off the funni we saw some heading up the stairs heading to the station. We went down the road and up by the side under the barrier to the platforms near the station and got there before them.
I did also read somewhere that they are re-doing the bridge this year as the whole, funni, train access is a joke.
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You know it makes sense.
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thefatcontroller, twas araird's blog
There's a nice pizza restaurant on that road (the parade down from the roundabout, one nearest the funicular end) if you arrive down the last funi and are waiting for your evening train home. They make you leave bags outside on the veranda, so you need to get a window table, but pleasant service, good food, not unreasonable prices. I've encountered the local management from 1950 who live in BSM getting takeaways from there.
Only seen the shuttle bus once or twice in many years of commuting that stretch.
One of the great pi$$ers of the world is being on the back of the Eurostar, without an exit at that end (they put a gendarme on the platform where the fence finishes)
So you walk the length of the train (17 carriages - I counted them) dragging your bags through the uncleared snow, through the exit for no good reason, as there's not even a welcoming smile to be had, turn around, and walk the whole length back again the other side of the fence. Then over that bloody bridge, and then to the funicular. I'm certain I hear sniggering with a French accent.
When we're with the kids, we get the taxi up the hill. It's worth it. Or [lightbulb moment] maybe that's the point...
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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Very informative posts and great pics from all contributors, thanks. We're thinking of spending 1 week in late March in one of the Esprit chalets in Plan Peisey. Never been to Les Arcs so would like to find out if PP is a decent location for mileage hungry strong intermediates (we are taking our 5 year old with us that's why the Esprit option is appealing). Can you normally ski down to that level in late March (I would have thought the current snow depth should be sufficient to allow that)? Thank you.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| Arctic Roll wrote: |
One of the great pi$$ers of the world is being on the back of the Eurostar, without an exit at that end (they put a gendarme on the platform where the fence finishes)
So you walk the length of the train (17 carriages - I counted them) dragging your bags through the uncleared snow, through the exit for no good reason, as there's not even a welcoming smile to be had, turn around, and walk the whole length back again the other side of the fence. Then over that bloody bridge, and then to the funicular. I'm certain I hear sniggering with a French accent. |
Trying to work this out. I thought at the end of every platform were steps up to the bridge to the funni? What fence?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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There is a high wire fence down the middle the whole length of the platform that the Eurostar uses and I think the steps up from the Eurostar side have a locked barrier.
They have to stop direct access on the trains going out because they do all the passport & customs checks in the little room near the station building. I think the point being made is that no reason to do this for the trains coming in.
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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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Today, Tuesday 26 Feb, we headed over to the Bellecote as planned and were pleased to find both the Gondola and Traverse Chair running. The wind was blowing strongly on the shoulder of the North Face as we approached and when we looked over the edge all we could see was breakable crust or cruddy snow most of the way down. Time to change our plan.
We made a lap of the bowl area instead, finding some fresh snow not effected by the wind and sun. Then back up to the top. After another inspection we headed for the Friolin Bowl in the hope of finding better snow. Good choice!
From the corner of the ridge into the bowl to the valley floor far below we found untracked powder most of the time with a bit of crud and one spot of breakable crust (sorry about that Mr. P!). Then more powder in the trees right to the piste and chair lift.
Up the lifts and down the ridge from the top of the Dos Rond all the way to the Vanoise Express off piste again. More good snow in the sheltered areas and finally home with a hot chocolate stop on the way. The pistes on the way over to the Bellecote in the morning and back to Les Arcs in the afternoon were hard packed with a thin layer of chalky snow on top. Fun to ski as long as you could hold your edge. However the lifts and pistes were very busy again today and you had to hold your edge or risk a slide as the pistes becaame very well used in places. The off piste despite being well tracked in places was still ok to ski and we did find more fresh powder which was an excellent reward for the days effort.
The photos of today have just been posted in the Feb 2013 Album Two of my 'Les Arcs Winter' facebook page. Enjoy.
http://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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AndrewsPeppers, yup.
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AndrewsPeppers, Arctic Roll, Aha, thanks. I shall look for the fence in 2 weeks.
Arctic Roll, Bet if they improve the bridge they will still make you walk. By the way we timed it and when you get to the end of the platform and go right and out by the barrier to the road (before going into the terminal building) it takes the same amount of time to get to the funni along the road as going down the platform and climbing the steps but saves climbing the steps.
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Missed the flash sale for passes for the week I'm in Les Arcs (23-03 - 30-03) as I was in Thailand, any of the locals/regulars care to speculate on the likelihood of another flash sale? Or is it all very much sales/weather forecast dependent?
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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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thefatcontroller, 
Agree on side route - that's the way I went in Jan with the "boys week". The ony downside is the snow / ice covered paths, not as well cleared as the platform, and no trolley (to abandon at the foot of the stairs). But you're absoutely right, it does save the flippin' bridge, so Even Stevens I reckon.
As per Araird's blog, if only they'd thought to put the funi terminus at the other end...
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bobalexander1983, unlikely - never seen them do it like that before but maybe it's the start off a trend.
snowcrazy, m8 - need a prediction. I have two weeks lined up from 30 March BUT I will only make the trip if it's worth it and my job is cutting up - again - about my 'irrational' (their words) addiction to the white powder so I have not booked any transport yet (could resign - again - but would rather avoid it if poss.).
No liability on you but what's the prognosis? To ski or not to ski? Tell me, oh wise one - will there be snow at that time???? What's the word?
Get it right and there's a bottle with your name on it behind the bar at George's (prob. is anyway but you know what I mean).
Jeez guys, just get the bus/shuttle if you can't be bothered to walk or book it so you are 3/4 towards the back of the train when it stops in BSM. The passerelle stairs aren't that much of an effort, ffs. You are supposed to be fit to ski.
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FAQ
That lift photo looks like your arrival coincided with the VE & kick out time for 
Enjoy it