 Poster: A snowHead
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| Charlie333 wrote: |
| Looks like no snow forecast but maybe rain next weekend ? i hope the snows still good from next sunday - getting a little concerned. Do i need to be or is there plenty of snow ? |
Well, it’s only the last few weeks of the season, so it is what it is really.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Seconded - arriving on Saturday, I know it's late but stuff with kids and work meant this was the only option.
Any insight beyond Monday for those of us too penny-pinchy to think about subscribing to the 12 day weather forecasts?
(At least the weather for driving down on Friday / Saturday looks OK!)
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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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Another bluebird day although there is some very thin cloud now high up with the 737s. There was a breeze at times which built up through the day but all in all just great. We set off for Face de Bellvarde which was already soft and mildly mogully by 0945, looked horrendous at 1400! we then had a cruise round Solaise where the snow is still great in general including going up the Cugnai chair, just because we could. Following that we had the Arcelle boiler plate so some power sliding practice on that - they have done a good job in the bottom quarter by sacrificing half of the piste to make one half OK. I suspect it wont last long though. Again because Ski Bud hadn't done it we did Germain Mattis - fine if a little firm. Up Laisinant and down Table D'Orientation which was really good (not often you say that) and then a lap of Middle Earth at Fornet and then up to the Signal Poma and the run of the same name - challenging on frozen badly pisted slush! Lunch at Cascades and then a couple of laps of Pissailas spoilt only by some di**heads throwing icy snowballs at people on the chair from the ridge near the bottom of Cascades run. I think my expletive was heard in Tignes - so I guess I may well be on Instagram later! Sadly the pisteurs were not in their hut. Home down Rhone Alpes - good and through the Gypaete run and down Johan Clarey and home. Yip today was all about altitude and aspect - you don't always get it right.
Looks like we will start with milky cloud in the morning which will then clear for the afternoon. After the lifts shut more cloud will appear and depending on who you believe there may be a couple of cm of snow in the evening - a bit cooler as well. Thursday and Friday - back to spring sunny days and warm temps. The weather then starts going downhill on Saturday with rain to potentially 2500m or thereabouts and the following days look unsettled and warm unfortunately. As for paying for a 12 day forecast in the mountains - I would rather have another beer!
Right, that's it for the season for me. A couple of days sorting and then the long drive north. If I can peel my Marigolds off then I'll do a weather forecast tomorrow.
And they have just closed the track across the Lake so it must be time to go home!
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@chocksaway, A pleasure to ski with you, and share a few beers Chocksaway. Have a safe journey home to GOC.
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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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@chocksaway, thanks for another season's informative entertainment  Wishing you blue skies and tailwinds.
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@chocksaway, thanks for all the reports and useful information, will be watching the thread again next year. Have a safe trip home.
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@chocksaway thanks for all the reports and entertainment, I've had this thread on my open tabs for months! My family and I are arriving on Saturday (only time we could come!) and looking at the weather reports it's clear we'll need to pick our slopes by time of day. I'd appreciate some advice from anyone that knows, which slopes face in which direction so we can do that? Or point me in direction of an online resource? Thanks!
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@fitzlou73, Have you visited Tignes previously? If you were to stand on the "snow front" in Le Lac, (the central square), with your back to the Maison de Tignes and looking towards Grande Motte, you'll be facing South. The sun rises from your left (East), behind Johan Clarey piste.
Tignes is a high resort, so use that altitude to your advantage. We've been home just over a week, and we had some fairly warm days whilst in Tignes. Skiiing to the lower villages was very slushy if mis-timed. But we skiied the higher runs from Grand Motte towards V.C. (via Lanches & Vanoise chairs plus Cable car) and the snow was sublime.
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We are also heading to Tignes on Saturday and getting nervous about the rain. I am wondering whether to buy the lift pass daily in case it's not possible to ski some days, or am I worrying unnecessarily? Also keen to get some wet/poor weather tips or best run advice. We've been before, but when I look back on the webcam it was very different conditions to how it is now.
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| itsbeenawhile wrote: |
| We are also heading to Tignes on Saturday and getting nervous about the rain. I am wondering whether to buy the lift pass daily in case it's not possible to ski some days, or am I worrying unnecessarily? Also keen to get some wet/poor weather tips or best run advice. We've been before, but when I look back on the webcam it was very different conditions to how it is now. |
There’s no real ‘one advice fits all’ and weather can change rapidly here, and the forecast can be completely wrong even on the day. Really, you’e just got to play it as you see it on the day.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Thanks for the weather updates @chocksaway and safe journey home.
Also out on Saturday, weather is what it is there will plenty to ski regardless and never actually skied in the rain!
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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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Thanks all - well I am fed up with cleaning so here's the weather.
Firstly, for those who are naturally a bit worried about next week's weather then there is hope. There will still be gaps in the showers and Meteo France are looking at a snowline at about 2200m from Monday onwards (at the moment) so on high there will be new snow. But it will be damp in the villages. We have got used to lots of late season snow in the last few years but it's not that long ago that in the first week of April there was a band of snow 3m wide from the bottom of Lanches to Tichot - we are far from that and snow can absorb a lot of rain.
Finally, if you are still not convinced have a look at the Meribel Chaudannes webcam here: https://app.webcam-hd.com/meribel/meribel_chaudanne and smile because you booked Tignes! Schadenfreude is .......... a difficult word to spell 
Today was sunny and warm which helped drying the washing but it has clouded over this afternoon and there may be some light showers this evening, but nothing to change the price of fish. Tomorrow will be sunny and warm with barely a cloud in the sky and Friday will be the same. Saturday will be a mixed bag with sunny spells and increasing cloud but the precipitation is likely to only begin as it gets dark - only light so nothing to bother the transfer drivers. Sunday will be pretty miserable in the villages with a rain snow line of 2400/2500m and showery stuff all day. But if the forecast comes off Monday will be cooler and MF are already showing snow for Val Thorens Village at 2300m so once out of the villages it should be snow (fingers crossed). Beyond that unsettled.
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| Grizwald wrote: |
Thanks for the weather updates @chocksaway and safe journey home.
Also out on Saturday, weather is what it is there will plenty to ski regardless and never actually skied in the rain! |
The trick is to get above it. Up the funicular & ski down to find the snow/rain boundary altitude so you know how high to stay. Avoid open (chairs, drags) lifts below the boundary.
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You know it makes sense.
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Thanks all for the weather advice and reassurances! We are definitely guilty of taking the weather for granted based on our other April trips. We have been very lucky in the past with decent snow top ups and plenty of sun  We will make the most of it whatever happens but good to know we could still ski high and avoid some of the rain.
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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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| Quote: |
| The trick is to get above it. Up the funicular & ski down to find the snow/rain boundary altitude so you know how high to stay. Avoid open (chairs, drags) lifts below the boundary. |
And failing that, just get a bit wet and enjoy it as best you can. We've had two or three wet days at Tignes - once right up to glacier level. OK until the point where we got wet through - no matter what gear you have on the rain eventually ends up down your neck, up your cuffs etc...Uncovered chairlifts are best avoided if possible.
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Poster: A snowHead
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A decent hood that goes over your helmet and non cotton layers will make things more comfortable.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Not sure how our April snow gear will hold up to rain...hopefully okay! As we may be spending a bit more time inside than originally planned, can anyone recommend any cosy bars where we could stay for a couple of hours if conditions are bad. Either in resort (staying in Val C) or on the mountain. Thinking card games and a pint to keep all members of the family happy and entertained!
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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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@needsnowhelp, I’m not sure Tignes does do ‘cosy bars’ there are a few Salle Hors Sac places where folk sometimes ride bad weather out and play cards. Bottom of the Toviere lift for example. We are starting to get into the period when bars, restaurants and shops start packing in for the season and things start getting a bit hit and miss. Looking at the Dutch ‘Family Jam’ website (Dutch TO that bring out a few hundred folk at the end of the season) it implies that they have persuaded the authorities to keep more open this year, but we will see. We plan to stay until the last day of the season, but have just put our walking boots in the car as a guarantee that we won’t actually need them.
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Thanks for the reply. Hopefully there will be enough places open to avoid the closing down feel. I don't think we will ski this late again, too many variables. We thought we would be okay in Tignes with the later closing date, but in hindsight, we should have gone either the first week or even in February. I did hope that the atmosphere in resort could outweigh any bad weather, and that we would find lively places to hang out. There is no availability where we are staying, so there must be plenty of people in resort.
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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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@needsnowhelp,
Ask on the Tignes Seasonnaires 2025 group page on Facebook as to what will be open/happening.
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@needsnowhelp, If half of the bars & restaurants in Tignes closed this weekend, you would hardly be short of places to go. Be careful what you wish for. I've seen a couple of social posts from people staying in Val C. this week complaining about late night noise.
There's a good selection of bars and eateries in the centre of VC. Similarly, if you skiied down to the central square in Le lac, you would find plenty of choice around there and up Rue de la poste. I genuinely hope the weather forecast improves for you. We've got family there now that are locked into school holidays. Never simple and hugely expensive.
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| GeorgeVII wrote: |
@needsnowhelp, If half of the bars & restaurants in Tignes closed this weekend, you would hardly be short of places to go. Be careful what you wish for. I've seen a couple of social posts from people staying in Val C. this week complaining about late night noise.
There's a good selection of bars and eateries in the centre of VC. Similarly, if you skiied down to the central square in Le lac, you would find plenty of choice around there and up Rue de la poste. I genuinely hope the weather forecast improves for you. We've got family there now that are locked into school holidays. Never simple and hugely expensive. |
Thank you, that's reassuring to know. I always thought of Tignes as the place to go late season so I was getting a bit worried that I had got it wrong and the resort would be quiet and everywhere closing down. Ultimately we are looking for quality family time, and we'll get that whatever. But, it is an expensive holiday, and ideally you want to get the full mountain experience in terms of restaurants, bars as well as the skiing.
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@needsnowhelp,
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Ultimately we are looking for quality family time, and we'll get that whatever
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Nothing is more important than that.
Just had a quick google on closing dates. Ranga's Bar and Coco Rico ( VC apres spots) are closing on Easter Monday evening (21st). The Loop bar, which is one of the busiest in Le Lac, is scheduled to close on the 30th.
And if you fancy a change of scenery from Val C. Hop onto the free bus round to Lavachet. There are 2 bars/restos near the bus stop. Brassero, happy hr from 4pm IIRC. Some sofa style seating, food (good pizzas), occasional sport on tv.
Just across the road is the Queue de Cochon (QDC). A snowheads favourite. Some comfier seating at the back end, plus tucked away behind the bar. Excellent food served in the restaurant from 7pm, plus meat/cheese platters available. Happy hr 4.30 'til 7pm. (edit. Closed Mondays)
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Quick question re breakfast! We’re likely to arrive 7-8am on Saturday, staying in Val C, is there somewhere anyone would recommend for breakfast at that time? Happy to stop on the way up the hill if there’s somewhere else on the way in (so long as we can park!)
TIA
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@ScarlettInSpace, Maison Bouvier boulangarie in the upper part of VC opens at 7 and has a sit down cafe and take away with a wide range of sweet and savoury.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Ski lots wrote: |
| @ScarlettInSpace, Maison Bouvier boulangarie in the upper part of VC opens at 7 and has a sit down cafe and take away with a wide range of sweet and savoury. |
Awesome sounds perfect, thank you!
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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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| GeorgeVII wrote: |
@needsnowhelp, Be careful what you wish for. I've seen a couple of social posts from people staying in Val C. this week complaining about late night noise.
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Lot of uni students in Val C this week and they've definitely been enjoying themselves! Don't really begrudge them, I was doing the same thing 25 years ago
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Had a good week in tignes mainly piloting my daughter in a sit ski but skiing without the sitski in the afternoons when snow got too heavy. Slushy bumps is challenging with a sitski Amazing difference from last 2 years in April when the snow was far better at end of season. On the plus side love being in the sun.
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You know it makes sense.
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Wow, some people are in for a treat with next weeks weather report 
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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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| Quote: |
| Wow, some people are in for a treat with next weeks weather report |
Here's the forecast at 3,456m from Snow-forecast.com, showing predicted snowfalls and freezing level. Dates aren't shown on the cropped pic but it covers Sunday to Friday (morning, afternoon and night for each day):
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Sun 13-04-25 14:59; edited 1 time in total
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Poster: A snowHead
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Just the regular apple weather app is showing 6-7cm tues, 24-29cm weds, 34-41cm thurs. It'll probably update to zero soon enough but it's a nice thought! Can't find the post now but in one of the groups on facebook there was a weather report showing over a metre total next week 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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The weather so far hasn't done anything that the forecasts suggested. Dry Sunday, now woken up to almost a bluebird Monday.
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Same, it is my favourite place to ski in April (and all winter round) without a doubt, absolutely love it.
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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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@NoMapNoCompass, I really love it too, I have been to absolutely loads of resorts but it ticks all of my boxes. I have spent over 30 weeks there - so far.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Just got off the hill in Tignes today (14th April), and honestly—what a weird mix of conditions. Started off the morning with solid, grippy snow up high, especially on the Glacier and down towards Double M. It was actually pretty nice up there, a bit windblown in places, but nothing unmanageable. Visibility was decent too, with some cloud hanging about but breaks of sun coming through.
By mid-morning though, things started changing fast. Above 2000m runs softened up way quicker than expected—even Val Claret was getting pretty slushy before noon. Some patches felt like spring snow heaven, others were just heavy porridge. One minute you're cruising, next minute it's like hitting the brakes. We skiied all the way back down to Les Brévières at the end of today but was proabbly one run too many. It must be on the cusp of closure fine in places but rocks, branches and assorted other goodies to avoid on the way down.
Definitely a day where picking your lines and timing lifts made a big difference. Still, can't complain—sunshine, snow, and a beer at the bottom to finish it off. Classic spring in Tignes.
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@Grizwald, nice, enjoy your week. I wish we were still out there 
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Yeah it was softening up pretty early last week. Reds were generally fine especially up at the glacier but even the double m was holding up ok later in the day. Blues back to resort were tough though with all the slush and beginners really struggling
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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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Another enjoyable day of skiing. Today had a lesson, I've had a ten year gap in skiing and whilst I'd never claim to be good prior to the break I'd describe myself of being able to ski anywhere but not necessarily with much finese! It was good to get some pointers and some light bulb moments. It's failed tough going out there, a friend who I'm out with is much more used to skiing in the winter and it's been a bit of any eye opener!
Weather wise it started out cloudy with a chill in the air first thing, but the sun made a few welcome appearances and was sunny by late morning. Visibility was decent overall, though it dipped a bit during the greyer patches.
Snow conditions are definitely spring-like now. Lower runs are getting pretty slushy by before midday, the runs into Le Lac and Val Claret and pretty chopped up early doors too. Higher up it's holding up well – still some fun turns to be had if you chase the firmer stuff early. Glacier’s in good shape and less busy than you'd expect for Easter hols.
Still plenty to enjoy if you time it right and don’t mind a bit of soft stuff. Worth getting out early to make the most of it. The rain forecast hasn't materialised so will see if the snow forecast comes.....
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Indigo Parking question (couldnt find answer elsewhere): Had reservation start last Saturday at 1pm and end at 1pm this Saturday. But we've actually made it through its gate (activated/check in?) around 5pm. Would we get any grace period for leaving the car park this Saturday or if after 1pm will need to pay the extra daily charge?
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FAQ
