 Poster: A snowHead
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This will be our 29th family trip after:
March 2009 - Les Menuire (3V)
December 2009 - Aime La Plagne (Paradiski) - snowmaggedon on the outward journey
April 2010 - Oz-en-Oisan (ADH)
December 2010 - Oz-en-Oisan (ADH)
April 2011 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
December 2011 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
April 2012 - La Norma
December 2012 - Les Contamines
April 2013 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
December 2013 - Oz-en-Oisan (ADH)
April 2014 - MISSED - OMG!!
December 2014 - Tignes Le Lac - snowmaggedon on the return journey
April 2015 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
December 2015 - Montchavin (Paradiski)
April 2016 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
December 2016 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
April 2017 - Oz-en-Oisan (ADH)
December 2017 - La Tania (3V)
March 2018 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
December 2018 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
April 2019 - Les Menuires (3V)
December 2019 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
December 2021 - Les Coches (Paradiski) - COVID ABORT
February 2022 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
April 2022 - Les Menuires (3V)
December 2022 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
April 2023 - Les Menuires (3V)
December 2023 - Les Coches (Paradiski)
April 2024 - Les Menuires (3V)
Thread about before kids ski trips
You may have noticed a pattern developing 
On the trip will be me, the strife, son (19 second year Uni), daughter (17, Upper 6th). All experienced all mountain skiers who love to get away from Christmas at Christmas!
Apartment has been booked through gsi immo for 650 Euros including tourist tax. Last year we paid 673 so a tad cheaper.
Tunnel is booked, Price comparison to last 2 years:
2022 - Out £150, coming back £139 - TOTAL: £289
2023 - Out £159, coming back £125 - TOTAL: £282
2024 - Out £187, coming back £137 - TOTAL: £324
So a bit of an increase - mostly on the outward.
Lift pass also purchased - got in on the discount so 1442,00 €uros as opposed to 1586 Euros last year.
One big change this year is we've got a new motor - a 2023 Manual Diesel Skoda Superb. The Mondeo finally died with 187,000 on the clock, bless her. We now need to get new tyres and new chains. We think the roof bars will still work.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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We also use a Skoda superb estate, though ours is a 4x4 automatic (manuals were hard find) . It is a lovely car to cruise to the alps with tons of room for the non driver to relax in the back. It’s the only car we’ve ever had that’s more comfortable in the back rather than the front. As there are only 3 of us everything goes into the cavernous boot. Including skis.
We’ll be driving down to les arcs around the 18th and leaving on the 28th but may stay a few more days with a friend near Grenoble. Hopefully we can meet up for a drink.
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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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Looking forward, as ever, to hearing about your trip, @Layne. You have it down to a fine art.
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@johnE, manuals are indeed hard to find. One reason for getting a manual is because my daughter is learning to drive.
Some nice touches - seat settings, auto lights. As you say very spacious.
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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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"Skoda superb estate" .... ultimate family vehicle...specially built for driving on French motorways through night...I wish many stress free miles ...
My favourite "challenge" is how far from Calais I can drive without my wife and daughter to wake up...
and If I could pick up your brain about Les Coches.
how convenient it would be to stay christmas week around here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HcQZwjjoDWZJDjia8
in the description it says 700m from the gondola....
or which part of Le Cochets / Montavin you reckon would be QUIET and still reasonable walking (ski boots) distance from convenient lift (never been in the area...) ideally any particular residence (budget/small apartment..) would you be willing to recommend, PLEASE
or which part of Le Cochets / Montavin you reckon would be QUIET and still reasonble walking9ski boots) distance from convinient lift (never been in the area...) ideally any particullar residence (budget/small apprtement..) would you be willing to recomend, PLEASE
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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| MontyMM wrote: |
"Skoda superb estate" .... ultimate family vehicle...specially built for driving on French motorways through night...I wish many stress free miles ...
My favourite "challenge" is how far from Calais I can drive without my wife and daughter to wake up... |
Yeah when Ford killed off the Mondeo we had to do a bit of research and this seemed to be it.
Usually what happens is the wife drives to the tunnel and then I take over on the other side. Not too soon after everyone nods off until we get to Reims and we fill the tank and switch drivers.
My son should be able to drive this year, which will make things interesting/better.
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| MontyMM wrote: |
and If I could pick up your brain about Les Coches.
how convenient it would be to stay christmas week around here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HcQZwjjoDWZJDjia8
in the description it says 700m from the gondola.... |
That link is to Champagny, not Les Coches. I have stayed in Champagny though. Downloadable station map here https://en.la-plagne.com/brochures/champagny-winter. Looks a long way from the lift to me.
| MontyMM wrote: |
or which part of Le Cochets / Montavin you reckon would be QUIET and still reasonable walking (ski boots) distance from convenient lift (never been in the area...) ideally any particular residence (budget/small apartment..) would you be willing to recommend, PLEASE
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This is the station plan for Montchaving and Les Coches - better using that than google maps.
Montchavin is an old town. Really nice but a bit darker than Les Coches because of it's location and tightness of the buildings. And because it's a bit lower sometimes you can't ski down but need to download from Les Coches. We stayed there once close to the little cable car that takes you to Les Coches. There would generally be a bit of a walk - a few hundred metres to the chair lift that takes you higher. Personally I think Les Coches is more convenient.
In Les Coches the apartments such Traverse, Pentes, Zig Zag are close to the shops and lifts out. That is where we normally stay. We have stayed in De 3 iirc (there are 4 blocks) - they are all a short walk to shops/lift. Can ski to the back door if you know what you are doing. Places up the hill a bit like Domino or in the Observatory sector are still OK. Les Coches is generally pretty quiet, even in the centre.
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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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@johnE, I didn't persuade her - it was purely her choice! Personally I struggle to make 3 hours. Once it gets to 2 I am start looking at aires!
A lot depends though. Our last Mondeo had a great range so will be similar fuel stops.
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@Layne, Yes, when we used to do the drive overnight 2 hours was the maximum. Nowadays we do the drive during the day, starting about 4:30 and getting to Les Arcs about 21:00. The timings are purely to try and get around London as early as possible and get to Arc1600 before the Pizzeria shuts at 22:00
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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After an initial leg when I try to get south of Reims I try to stick to two hours, or not much more but these days I'm generally driving solo. Much more than that and climbing out of the car becomes a challenge! Haven't driven myself since 2023 when I drove to Genoa, picked up grandson, took him up to Les Saisies and did the drive in reverse at the end of the week. Helped by bright sunny weather.
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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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Love to be able to do this in the car. Though it’s probably best part of 7 hours to tunnel with stops for me 
Like this December /April thing.
Question.. from your data set - how many times has your ski trip been disappointing in December due to the conditions? We are going at Xmas and I’m a bit worried about limited terrain!
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@v1cky24, for the last 20+ years we have been spending Christmas in the Alps (with the exception of Covid) and certainly in Les Arcs never been restricted with snow conditions. Some years we have had boiler plate and some times a bit thin but always had a great time. Last year we had rain one day over Christmas.
It has never been diappointing (even St Anton). I have had a couple poorer trips at the end of April but always had a good time and never regretted going.
Where are you going at Christmas?
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You know it makes sense.
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Thanks John!
We are going to Les Menuires 21st December.
I’ve never been this early before. I get there will be some skiing but wondering if it will mean using buses as the low down runs are likely not to be covered (we are lower down end of village ski in ski out) etc
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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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@v1cky24, without offering any guarentees I think Les Menuires will be fine. As you say the snow may be a bit thin down to st Martin but that and Meribel will be covered by snow making. I'll be suprised if you need to use busses to get anywhere.
Just to put this in context Les Menuires is at 1800m, last Christmas we were skiing down to Villaroger at 1200m. Everyone recalls a few years ago when at the New Year change over the Tarrentaise was cut off by blizzards.
But then again the sun spot cycle may change everthing again this year.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Hope you’re right! I’m totally burnt after a trip to l2A in Feb last year. It was 16 degrees in the valley and a chunk of terrain was not open - also because it is high up whilst I was grateful we chose there to actually get some skiing done. Every man and his dog must have booked there as well because other places had no skiing so it was BUSY BUSY!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| MontyMM wrote: |
…
or which part of Les Coches / Montavin you reckon would be QUIET and still reasonable walking (ski boots) distance from convenient lift (never been in the area...) ideally any particular residence (budget/small apartment..) would you be willing to recommend, PLEASE
or which part of Les Coches / Montavin you reckon would be QUIET and still reasonble walking9ski boots) distance from convinient lift (never been in the area...) ideally any particullar residence (budget/small apprtement..) would you be willing to recomend, PLEASE |
We’ve done annual trips to Montchavin and really love it. We stay here: http://www.notrereve-apartment.com/, in the Notre Reve rather than Bijou as there are 6 of us. It’s about 200m? walk from the gondola (Les Coches on the piste map). Comfortable and warm! Quiet location on the edge of the village but nothing is far away. Great value and super friendly (British) owner.
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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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| v1cky24 wrote: |
| Question.. from your data set - how many times has your ski trip been disappointing in December due to the conditions? We are going at Xmas and I’m a bit worried about limited terrain! |
2009 - dumped on the weekend arrival
2010 - great conditions
2011 - great condition, dumped at end of the week
2012 - great conditions
2013 - great conditions, rained on Wed, snowed on Thu
2014 - poor conditions, storm arrived the day we left
2015 - poor conditions
2016 - poor conditions
2017 - great conditions, dumps
2018 - mixed bag - no real fresh
2019 - great conditions, lots of fresh
2022 - not great, rain midweek
2023 - great conditions
So 13 years, 7 good, a couple middling, 3 or 4 not so good.
In a bad year, you will encounter piste closures were not snow cannoned at lower elevations (1500m, maybe even to 2000m) and will encounter rocks on those that are open. But whilst it does impose limitations and crowd people into the higher elevations and runs that are open in terms of piste skiing in these big domains there is still plenty to go at. Part of it is mindset of accepting it's not a classic week but still enjoying the time out of work/home and being in the mountains.
We've had some outstanding weeks and I certainly don't fret about going then - you can have dry spells at any time. Christmas can be cold and obviously the days are short.
Les Men sits higher than Les Coches. However, Les Coches is well cannoned as it provides the Vanoise Express connection. It also has the trees which have been useful.
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Just had a read through your last couple of Christmas trips to Les Coches, we're heading there for the first time for the opening week. Good to read of your experiences and exploits, thank you, and especially your annual tally above. I was interested / surprised to see that 2nd week of December actually averages out as highest snowfall, from the resort data. Just depends how much of it sticks around for the following weeks!
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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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@BigSouthernJesse, glad you found it useful
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So thread has been quiet because life was busy and then about 10 days ago things went a bit awry on the health front. Short story: I had cracked tooth, which had become infected, painful enough, but this then became tonsilitis. Then over the weekend man flu flared up. And just as that was abating I got terrible mouth ulcers, which are only now calming down a bit. Going back to the start when I went to the dentist originally he prescribed antibiotics while I awaited the root canal treatment (which was a pain to organise) but after a couple of days I was still in great pain and couldn't get a good nights sleep so went back - he did a partial root canal and the injected "some medicine". It helped a little but as above other ailments kicked in. Had the full root canal yesterday afternoon which seemed to go well. Worst ulcer was right near the tooth and catching all the time. I have been sticking bonjela on, drinking tea, salt washing with the odd ibuprofen thrown in for good measure. As we are leaving Friday afternoon it's not been great.
Wife also had some issues with an infected and swollen foot. Antibiotics and bathing seems to have solved that one!
I had to get a new passport as mine was running out in January. Ordered 26th Nov and only took about a week start to finish, so that was smooth.
New Pirelli Cinturato All Season tyres were ordered for the new car from mytyres and fitted by our local mechanic.
On Saturday we adjusted/checked the roofbar fitment to the new cars roof rails and we also checked that the new chains (Goodyear £30) fit OK.
I've just checked the weather forecast and it looks a bit tasty at the moment with snow forecast tomorrow and then Sunday.
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Snowchain!
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Got some steroid tablets to put on my ulcer from the docs this morning. Tiny bullets of fire they are.
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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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@Layne, I always enjoy your reports. I hope you have a great time.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Layne, good luck with your health issues and outbound journey. Only light snow forecast for Tarentaise on Friday and Saturday now. Heavier on Sunday and then more flurries early next week. You seem well prepared for all eventualities.
Pistes should be in good condition, enjoy.
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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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Been told we can access the apartment from 11am tomorrow (not unexpected given this week most will be empty) but nice to know nonetheless. Means we can get changed in the apartment before skiing in the afternoon.
Nobody is working or at school today so relatively calm and looking to leave a little after 2pm. Roofbars and box already on with skis and poles loaded. Just about to do the rest.
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Left at 3. Teenagers! 2 was a stretch goal mind.
Scheduled tunnel crossing is at 19:49, not that it means much.
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You know it makes sense.
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@Layne, snowing lightly and very cold -3c, (but feels colder in the wind) looking good for you for tomorrow although yesterdays rain has left some icy patches on pistes. Roads all ok at the moment.
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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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@boredsurfin, thanks for the hopeful update. Fingers crossed.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Through tunnel, my turn to drive!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Lots of rain in the north of France.
Few nice features on the car which makes driving fairly effortless.
Filled up at J23 Leclerc just off the motorway near Reims for 158 as opposed to 177/181 at services.
Time for a nap while the wife does a stint.
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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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Arrived Albertville around 6:30. Dry and cold -1.5. Had a kip, filled up car and no waiting for supermarket to open at 8.30.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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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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Checked in.
All stuff carried up to the apartment but not unpacked.
Drinking tea.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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On the lift at 1:30 and skied to 4:30, 4000m vert. Mixture of on and off piste. Sunny but nicely cold.
Had tea (again), unpacked, showered and heating up first day meal while enjoying a small beer.
All anticipating the "disturbance".
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Been some fresh snow but relatively calm at the minute. Lots of heavy cloud though.
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Snowed all day, with varying degrees of gusto. Upper lifts closed because of wind.
We spent most of the day the other side of the Vanoise, skiing the pistes above Peisey and Vallandry.
The newish Vallandry bubble car had a blip a little after 11 and took quite a while to get running again. When it did we decided to take an early lunch at the picnic room at the top.
Stayed on that side until 3ish, then came back over and didn't a couple more ribs to the end the day.
An all round great days skiing in proper winter conditions.
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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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Still hooching down just doing the bread run!
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Another great day (with a bit of a hiccup in the middle) in proper winter conditions.
Daughter said she was too tired to get up so we left her in pit and got out around 9:15. We headed up Plan Bois/Pierre Blanche and then down PB/Esselet to the VE. On our second run in Vallandry - almost within sight of the lift - my son hit an ice block of the side of the piste and hit his wrist hard. Initially he carried on, getting the lift up and starting to ski but then said he thought he might have broken it and a trio to the medical centre was called for. Fortunately there is one not far from the VE in Peisey.
He was seen immediately, had the wrist x-rayed and was told it wasn't broken. Lots of pain killers and a plastic cast were given as remedy. He was told for insurance purposes he should do no sport for 3 weeks but that he would be fine to ski.
Meanwhile our daughter had stirred and got herself out. We had lunch at the top of Vallandry again and continued to ski in the trees either side quite happily until the lifts closed.
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FAQ
(congratulations persuading your wife to do that part every time 
). Then swap shortly after Rheims, basically doing 3 hour stints. The next stop is somehwere between Dijoin and Bourg en Bresse depending on when fuel is required. Then the final stint to Les Arcs. If the traffic is heavy then a swap somewhere bewteen Lyon and Chambery may also be required. Our son refuses to take his driving test because that may mean he is required to do a stint and that may interfere with his sleep.
