 Poster: A snowHead
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| Steve Angus wrote: |
| The wound is MUCH smaller than in that picture now and painless more or less! |
So glad! Made me feel faint just looking at it!!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Ha ha ha
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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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@Steve Angus, thanks for the updates. We had Lindasy Vonn within 100 yards today;)
Currently staying in an apartment next to the stage in the main street so a side view of everything from 5 pm including the back of the ice sculpture and the eagle this evening.
We are leaving on Sunday morning and have a small artificial Christmas tree with lights and decorations, if anybody wants it from tomorrow night for there apartment over Christmas week let me know and I can arrange drop off/collection. Hate to see it go in the bin.
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I'm enjoying your reports and videos no imminent plans for skiing France but have been to val DIsere
Love watching and especially as we are gearing up to40 c here in Melbourne Australia today 😀❄️🎿
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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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@Steve Angus, unlucky with the attempt to interview The Vonn. lol. Nice try but Olivia was having none of it.
Loving the periscopes and although I don't often get chance to watch it live as I work in an open plan office and I may get a few odd looks, I always watch them when I get home. Will be great when you get back up on the pistes.
Next challenge is to periscope whilst skiing the Face, or even better if you can do it whilst doing some cool off piste. How cool would it be to scope from the top of Pisteurs Couloir (or similar)? Of course, only do this if it is safe and won't get you in trouble. Don't want to damage your reputation in the resort as a respectable instructor.
Anyway, keep them coming. Great work.
Cheers
Smag
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@Steve Angus, met Paul from Mountain Rooms this evening and some of the staff have a home for the tree (as well as the left over beer/chocolate etc) Enjoy your Christmas parcel and break back in the UK, hope Olivia enjoys the holidays with the family.
Back out March/April and probably end of Jan so let us know if you need more Yorkshire tea bags 
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@muppet, great you found a home for it - I was actually in Mountain Rooms today and heard them chatting about a nice customer who had sorted them out a tree! Yea looking forward to my first Xmas back in the UK for about 12 years I think it is with the family! Yorkshire tea bags - THANKS for the offer.... have about a million coming out our ears here to be honest but I do go through a lot of tea so you never know.
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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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@Steve Angus, I've really enjoyed your Periscope videos, just looking forward to when you start doing them on the pistes.
As I said on your last one, have a good trip back to the UK and I'm looking forward to my skiing lesson next month! 
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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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@Steve Angus, and others, thanks for all the tips for my trip to the EK last week. Adding my tuppence worth on top 3 runs having now been there I'd plump for Face (nice long black with added sense of achievement for a relative novice doing it first thing in the morning - Steve, I noted one of your colleagues from TDC trying to gee up a group on the start of the steepest pitch), Cretes/Combe Folle/Trolles (daunting at the start of the week but by the time I'd done Face later in the week I really enjoyed my last run on it, nice and varied with narrow bits and wide steep bits) and Corniche/Bleuets (lovely cruisy blue/red, again with varied terrain to enjoy).
Honourable mentions to Grand Pre (nice cruisy green that I wish I could have got the wife to but the top of Creux was too much) and Edelweiss when it was closed (nice virgin snow but a nightmare when it was open and I was trying to get my 6 year old daughter to ski down it with hundreds of people whizzing by).
It's fair to say I'm gutted more runs weren't open as would have loved to give Arcelle, Sache, Silene, OK, Orange, Rhone Alpes, Germain Mattis and others a go. But it's just an excuse to come back again although I might have to give it a year or two as it wasn't ideal for Mrs Fox especially after she was skied into twice in the first two days, knocking her, already fragile, confidence. I reckon a couple of trips to more beginner friendly resorts and then a couple of days with @Steve Angus will do the job.
Last edited by 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  on Tue 22-12-15 21:14; edited 1 time in total
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You know it makes sense.
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White Fox - thanks for a nice trip report there. Sounds like you achieved lots of what you set out to do but pity about the Mrs.... next time as they say! Thanks for your thoughts on the various runs!
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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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Slippy!
After the rain come humid snow last night in town (a dusting on the hill) there was a heavy freeze and so this morning and much of today it was lethal walking anywhere. In fact I was doing some work again at Bonne Sante and there seemed to be plenty of phone calls asking to be seen from people who had slipped on the ice..... get yourself crampons for shoes people - that should help a little.
My Periscope (last one of them until next Monday) talks about it and the reasons why they do not clear the pavements and roads (which incidentally is almost universally frowned upon!)
https://t.co/tPmLcykcnk
It was another lovely sunny day in town and I was up working in Bonne Sante as I said in the morning. I had a meeting at lunchtime and then did a few jobs at home like pack bags this afternoon and evening.
The freezing level is set to drop overnight so they should be able to make some artificial snow to freshen things up which will be nice.
For the next few days (as I am back in the UK - leave early tomorrow to drive to Geneva Airport) I will attempt to do update on here but they will be skeleton updates as obviously I won't be here to take pics etc. So I will be relying purely on friends and Radio Val pics etc. So if anyone is in town and wants to contribute then you'd be most welcome. I will be back on it on Monday (get back late Sunday night). Needless to say the roads this Saturday will be EXTREMELY busy so plan your journey carefully if you have to travel on Saturday.
All in all folks enjoy the next few days, Christmas and all the celebrations. This will be my first time home for Xmas in 12 years and the first time I have not been in resort at this special time of year. It will be a hectic few days but well worth it.
TTFN
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Poster: A snowHead
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Good to see you've had a dusting. Water was streaming off the mountains (south-facing at least) in Tignes when I left on Sunday.
I forgot to add my most disappointing run - Plan/Piste M although more to do with me than the piste. It was the first run after lunch at Ouilette (excellent and good value) and I don't know if I was not warmed up or if it was the pint of Stella but I felt nervy all the way down when it should have been a nice run. I was back on it for Trolles into Tignes le Lac but still a shame.
Have a great trip back to the UK, Steve.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Ouilette, I like that place. Nice food.
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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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Home
Well we made it back. Super tired now so most mega quick update ever. I'm also on my phone so can't seem to work out a way of posting a picture here and now.
Anyway it seems like it was wall to wall sunshine across the Espace Killy today. Temperatures were a fair bit colder too so the snow cannons were on in key places across the resort such as the 'home' runs but they are obviously going to be in conservation made as with more mild temperatures forecast and the reservoirs only of finite resource they don't want to go for broke.
Local news is rather flat with everyone still focused on Xmas day and all that.
That's your lot for today folks... Told ya they'd be quick updates whilst I'm back in Blighty.
Ankle feels good btw.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Skiing above Val D'Isere generally good today. The snow managers and groomers are doing a brilliant job. A few much loved runs are closed, eg Arcelle, Epaule de Charvet, Laisinant home run and Santons(!). Face de Bellevarde open, Solaise in good condition, Toviere OK but watch out for rocks. Full sun and temperatures between +2 and -6 made for a very enjoyable day. Looking forward to Tignes tomorrow. 
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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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Hi Angus, can I ask a question? My wife needs/wants new skis. We were thinking that we may hire some this year with a view to buying. So is there anywhere you know of that lets you swap out and has a large enough selection to let us try a variety?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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| henzerani wrote: |
| Hi Angus, can I ask a question? My wife needs/wants new skis. We were thinking that we may hire some this year with a view to buying. So is there anywhere you know of that lets you swap out and has a large enough selection to let us try a variety? |
It's Steve Angus, but I'm sure you're not the first to get that mixed up
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@ henzerani
my guess is that Steve is busy with his family having a well deserved rest from the blog. He recommended Snowberry to us. We have reserved skis from them via the web and they have provided excellent customer service so far. Haven't arrived in EK yet but we anticipate great skis which are this years models. Check out their website and I'm sure if you e-mailed your questions about swapping skis I'm sure they will respond. In my experience ski rental shops are more than happy to swap skis for you. Snowberry is, I believe, very convenient to the slopes in Val D'Isere so it would be easy to swap at the beginning or end of the day. Hope this helps.
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| intermediate wrote: |
| Skiing above Val D'Isere generally good today. The snow managers and groomers are doing a brilliant job. A few much loved runs are closed, eg Arcelle, Epaule de Charvet, Laisinant home run and Santons(!). Face de Bellevarde open, Solaise in good condition, Toviere OK but watch out for rocks. Full sun and temperatures between +2 and -6 made for a very enjoyable day. Looking forward to Tignes tomorrow. |
I thought Solaise had some nasty icy bits.... and pebbles rolling about amoungst the snow made from the snow cannons...
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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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Return to the norm
It seems as if it was a return to the norm in Val today with the unusually high temps. No real changes to the openings on the slopes etc. However being Xmas eve the French were celebrating to the max this eve... Lots of huge family meals that is for sure. Like last night no photo today I'll be back with the full updates with pics etc from Monday.
Yes in deed I have been confused with being called Angus rather than Steve on many an occasion so no problems on that front.
To answer your query I would always recommend Snowberry as they have a good selection of THIS years skis etc and you can swap around etc loads. Good location too. So for giving you the opportunity to try a few different models then this would be a good option for sure.
Anyway folks hope ur having a great Xmas eve and enjoy the celebrations tomorrow wherever and whatever you're doing.
From a wet and windy (not as bad as most in the UK I know) Bournemouth MERRY CHRISTMAS.
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More than enough good skiing in Tignes today to keep our discerning party happy. Even better than Val D yesterday. 'Fear not said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled minds'. Merry Christmas to all snowHeads.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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East facing Tignes slopes all very good. Double M so good we had to do it thrice. Grande Motte - red good, black icy. Combe Folles looked forbidding so missed. Trolles polished but not bad. Blue to Les Brev awful, should have health warning. Surprisingly quiet and no queues. Sunny, 0 to -6, breeze picking up. Memorable Christmas Eve!
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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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@HeidiAmsterdam, I agree, especially middle section of Solaise run into Val D is skiddy with a few small loose rocks. Not too intimidating I thought. Snow on top of Solaise was excellent. New covered magic carpets very comfortable but slow. Wish draglift alternative had been retained.
For a real icy rocky thrill, Les Arcs and La Plagne is a short drive away. That makes the Solaise and Espace Killy generally look like snow heaven!
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Dejavu
Well firstly a massive MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone. I trust that everyone has had an enjoyable one whatever you have been up to.
It was our second Xmas day in a row here... Up, some pressie opening then drive up to Hungerford where I am now. Massive 16 person including 6 kids under 6 Xmas extravaganza. Lots of eating and drinking and kids (especially) pressie opening. A nice day.
Totally STUFFED now though!
Back in Val it sounds like it was business as normal. Lots of skiing done. Obviously with the poor start to the season we have had the strain on the snow that exists is massive... In fact some resorts (NOT Espace Killy) are stopping locals and seasonaires from using the slopes by temporarily blocking lift passes... Instead keeping the snow for the holidaymakers. Val and Tignes are fairing well snow wise so luckily no restrictions but desperate times in some resorts.
Those that are travelling tomorrow.... Expect major travel headaches.... 35000 vehicles are expected into the tarentaise valley.... That's lots so as usual arrive early or very late and you'll be thanking yourself. Of course if you have the choice that is.
And that is about all for today folks. 24 hours more here and then we too shall be planning our departure again on Sunday.
Enjoy the rest of the festivities.
TTFN
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You know it makes sense.
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Doesn't look too bad in Val d'Isere at the mo
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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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Indeed the snow is still great out there if u r happy to hike for it!! Plenty of pistes too in not too bad nick as the groomers work double time to keep it nice!
Back to reality
Well folks that is another Xmas totally over. Not much to say apart from I trust that those who travelled to resort today made it ok. Those still in the country.... I hope you haven't been affected by the rain too much!
Back in Val the tourist office are confirming that season to date they are running at 90% of last year which considering the snow being far from ideal is not too bad.
And finally for those interested in seeing a snippet of how Val celebrates Xmas then please check out the following video.
https://www.facebook.com/1130303713650017/videos/1448035805210138/
Probably no update tomorrow as will arrive too late and have too much to sort before work on Monday am. HOWEVER MONDAY the Periscopes start again and more detailed updates here.
Cheers one and all.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Steve Angus, Happy Christmas to you all. Looking forward to our lesson with Clare in January.
Meanwhile thanks for the blog.
Go steady guys
thecramps and mrsthecramps
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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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Hi Steve,
Glad you had a lovely Christmas back with family, as an ex-pat myself I know how precious family time is.
I was worried to hear of the pain in your ankle with getting your boot on again. I wonder if that is why you had a problem in the first place. Do you have a pressure point on the ankle bone from your boot? The fact that you had pain even though everything has healed suggests this may have all stemmed from the fit of your boot. (I am a surgeon so have a little background to speak from!) Was this a new boot this season? Glad you didn't soldier on all day in your original boot - you could have ended up back at square one!!
I am anxious to see you fit so you may enjoy the season and also (somewhat selfishly) as I have lessons booked with you for the second week in January!
Once again - thanks for your great blogs and periscopes - so useful and a fantastic service for all of us coming to EK to ski.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Yesterday was the busiest I've ever seen - and I've skied at Hemel on a winter Saturday! It was pretty unpleasant and we gave up on skiing to have a nice lunch instead. It didn't feel safe on the slopes, and the lift queues were awful. I noticed several uniforms of ski instructors bringing groups over from other resorts, and I'm guessing a lot of people have bussed in from elsewhere. Not sure if we're going to bother putting our skis on today 
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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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Vasta - thanks for this.... it was a very precious time at home indeed! Boots - well yes I was wondering if the boots had created the problem in the first place.... HOWEVER the boots have not changed at all since last season - same liners - everything is the same. I wore them on and off in the UK in the Summer when I was teaching... so not quite sure why suddenly they would be problematic! The boots are a very snug fit and the liners are foamed by one of the top experts in the UK - Colin Martin in Bicester and he really knows his stuff so dont think it can be that. Weird. The boots as I said are snug but thats the way it goes - most ski instructors will be in something similar (set up) to me! Yea there was no way I could soldier on all day and I was worried mid morning that I was damaging it but alas all seems to be well! I should be absolutely fine for when your lessons start fear not!
Maireadoconnor - sorry to hear your experiences but I hear what you are saying that is for sure. There are some instructors coming in from elsewhere with their clients yes but also some ski schools draft in instructors from other resorts as there is such demand on their services here.... they often dont get a 'local' uniform. So its a bit of both really. On a week like this there are dozens of instructors I dont recognise all about town it has to be said. Whatever the morals of it etc it is leading to some pretty long queues but more chat on that in a moment!
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| Maireadoconnor wrote: |
| Yesterday was the busiest I've ever seen - and I've skied at Hemel on a winter Saturday! It was pretty unpleasant and we gave up on skiing to have a nice lunch instead. It didn't feel safe on the slopes, and the lift queues were awful. I noticed several uniforms of ski instructors bringing groups over from other resorts, and I'm guessing a lot of people have bussed in from elsewhere. Not sure if we're going to bother putting our skis on today |
I had a feeling it was going to be like that this week.... I was booked in Italy, but no snow there, so spent the first 2 of the 3 week skiing in Tignes. I thought it was pretty busy Christmas week, and NY week was going to be busier.... driving down the mountain last Saturday afternoon, it was car after car coming up the mountain. I thought, mmmm good time to leave.
In Norway, after a torturing 18 hour drive, and 3,5 hour bumpy ferry ride, recovering from it all at the moment, but intend to start chasing snow tomorrow... and hopefully snow on a mountain with a chair lift!
Want to come back to Tignes after the snow has come, and the crowds have gone.
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Hi Steve,
Loved your periscope today - really gave a feel for the descent and the festive atmosphere in town - Bravo! It must have been hard.
Please know I was not casting aspersions on the quality or fitment of your ski boots. I can only imagine the time, effort and cost a snowsports professional must have to invest in their equipment. But it is a puzzle to me what could have caused the problem with your ankle? I guess I knew it would have been too easy a solution to blame it on a new boot! I wonder if it would be possible to modify the boot slightly to give your ankle bone a bit of extra room and avoid the pressure? Anyway it sounds like you are back in the groove and enjoying the teaching and the skiing. I am thankful to see snow is on it's way to improve the conditions.
Please keep up your excellent bulletins - they are so useful and adding to our excitement for our upcoming trip.
Cheers, Vicky
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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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We went hiking yesterday instead, and had a fabulous day. Went from Les Brevs and up the opposite face to an abandoned village called Nazonde. Beautiful weather, spectacular scenery and not a soul to be seen. There's more to do in the Alps than ski 
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@Steve Angus, scary that the coach can get up so close to the col 
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FAQ
