 Poster: A snowHead
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Heavy snow in 1800 also!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Considering my two trips this season (half term and end of March) have been extremely sunny, I'm glad my 7 year old talked me into this extra trip for Easter!
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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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They will work super hard to get them open but the forecast is for heavy snow most of the night and into tomorrow morning, so I'd imagine that the runs might open up during the course of the morning.
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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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| wills_h wrote: |
| They will work super hard to get them open but the forecast is for heavy snow most of the night and into tomorrow morning, so I'd imagine that the runs might open up during the course of the morning. |
Hopefully and it would explain the closures high up due to risk - the weekend looks like it could be very nice and sunny in most places which is good news.
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Waking up in 1950 to the sound of the avalanche cannons this morning from about 0630.
We will be leaving tomorrow morning to drive back to the UK. Does anyone know if they usually work on clearing the roads? Just wondering if we will need our snow chains on.
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| X5OT76 wrote: |
Waking up in 1950 to the sound of the avalanche cannons this morning from about 0630.
We will be leaving tomorrow morning to drive back to the UK. Does anyone know if they usually work on clearing the roads? Just wondering if we will need our snow chains on. |
Road clearance is usually absolutely excellent - at least on the main road down to Bourg. I'm almost certain you won't need chains but of course be prepared.
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Update from the BERA regarding the Haute-Tarentaise massif, currently affected by an estimated risk of 5/5, which is VERY STRONG: the maximum risk!
The Mt Blanc Tunnel is closed today due to rainfall in Val d'Aoste and the access roads to Tignes, Val d'Isère, La Plagne, Les Arcs, the valley of Belleville among other things are closed to traffic.
We urge everyone to use extreme caution:
-Avoid any mountain travel outside secure areas.
-Do not engage in off-piste or hiking, including snowshoeing or skiing.
-Follow the instructions of local authorities, emergency services and mountain professionals carefully.
Rate this translation
Bulletin d'estimation du risque d'avalanche
(valable en dehors des pistes balisées et ouvertes)
MASSIF: Haute-Tarentaise
rédigé le jeudi 17 avril 2025 à 09 h.
AMENDEMENT
Pour consulter la vigilance en cours, veuillez vous rendre sur le site https:vigilance meteofrance.th
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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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R'La Plagne, la radiostation
49m
BREAKING NEWS
60cm to 2000m and 95cm to Live 3000
With the ongoing snowfall, you're asked to limit your travel as strictly necessary. The access road to the station is currently impassable due to fallen trees, being cleared. For your information, interstation and valley station shuttles are suspended. The ski area is closed until further notice. The avalanche risk is 5/5 Lots of natural departures. More info with Benjamin Roumier, First Responder, Nivologist at 8:30 at the Société d'Aménagement de La Plagne
Stephane Benier
You certainly need chains or snow tyres at 900m today. I don't think it was forecast for this low snow,/rain limit, but there is about 25cm in Seez and Bourg
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Sporadic snowball fights breaking out and defensive trench system growing in center of arc 2000
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Snowbikers wrote: |
R'La Plagne, la radiostation
60cm to 2000m and 95cm to Live 3000 |
Les Arcs pisteurs have just reported 1m of fresh (and very heavy, 60kg/m3) snow at the Marmottes Meteorological station (which is at 1900m).
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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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25cm of fresh snow in Bourg St Maurice. Some people have skied from Arc 1600 down to Bourg. Quite remarkable!
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You know it makes sense.
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| X5OT76 wrote: |
| Just wondering if we will need our snow chains on. |
You might need chains, and possible a chainsaw as there are reports of a number of trees which have fallen due to weight of snow. The resort will be working hard to open the access road to Les Arcs, but you might want to consider a Plan B just in case you can’t make an early getaway tomorrow. The road will be relatively warm so snow at this time of year can clear very quickly, but this is an exceptional weather event and there will be a huge amount of work to do in terms of clearing snow, clearing fallen trees, avalanche protection (the road to Arc 1950/2000 is always at risk) and I wouldn’t be surprised to see come small land slips due to the volume of snow falling on to wet, unfrozen embankments alongside the roads.
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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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Hopefully the people who were reassured that there was no prospect of needing chains in mid April ignored the advice.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Do we think that things will be open and back to normal by weekend?
I'm meant to fly out to Geneva early on Saturday but not actually booked yet and don't know whether its worth the risk!
I also can't work out if Les Arcs/La Plagne or Tignes and Val Thorens are the safest bet if anyone has experience in this type of snow dump!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@K2Punk, tomorrow shows no wind, no precipitation and rising freezing level - it will be fine.
And any of those resorts will be fine.
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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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@Layne, I think my big concern now is the travel with shuttle buses on hold and people in Tignes confined to their accommodation!
I was worried about lack of snow a few days ago but now I just want to be able to get to one of the resorts! 
i'm keeping an eye on the news updates about clearing fallen trees off roads but its still hard to guess which would be the safe option.
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| K2Punk wrote: |
@Layne, I think my big concern now is the travel with shuttle buses on hold and people in Tignes confined to their accommodation!
I was worried about lack of snow a few days ago but now I just want to be able to get to one of the resorts!
i'm keeping an eye on the news updates about clearing fallen trees off roads but its still hard to guess which would be the safe option. |
https://www.lesarcs.com/alerte-neige is being kept updated with the latest status. According to this the main roads around the resort are cleared and some buses are now running again. Sounds like a fine achievement by the crews. I suspect that piste/lift opening will take rather longer but that should progressively increase.
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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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| Yukon wrote: |
| K2Punk wrote: |
@Layne, I think my big concern now is the travel with shuttle buses on hold and people in Tignes confined to their accommodation!
I was worried about lack of snow a few days ago but now I just want to be able to get to one of the resorts!
i'm keeping an eye on the news updates about clearing fallen trees off roads but its still hard to guess which would be the safe option. |
https://www.lesarcs.com/alerte-neige is being kept updated with the latest status. According to this the main roads around the resort are cleared and some buses are now running again. Sounds like a fine achievement by the crews. I suspect that piste/lift opening will take rather longer but that should progressively increase. |
Amazing news and great job by the crews as you say!
I'm closely following the news from Killy, 3V and Paradiski and it looks like the workers are all putting in huge efforts to clear roads and get service back to normal.
I'm thinking there could be some planned avalanche control going on tomorrow too?
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| K2Punk wrote: |
| Yukon wrote: |
| K2Punk wrote: |
@Layne, I think my big concern now is the travel with shuttle buses on hold and people in Tignes confined to their accommodation!
I was worried about lack of snow a few days ago but now I just want to be able to get to one of the resorts!
i'm keeping an eye on the news updates about clearing fallen trees off roads but its still hard to guess which would be the safe option. |
https://www.lesarcs.com/alerte-neige is being kept updated with the latest status. According to this the main roads around the resort are cleared and some buses are now running again. Sounds like a fine achievement by the crews. I suspect that piste/lift opening will take rather longer but that should progressively increase. |
Amazing news and great job by the crews as you say!
I'm closely following the news from Killy, 3V and Paradiski and it looks like the workers are all putting in huge efforts to clear roads and get service back to normal.
I'm thinking there could be some planned avalanche control going on tomorrow too? |
Yes - they have announced that will start at 6am. Sounds like there will be loads to do in terms of blasting, profilng/bashing, setting out the markers and inspecting for safety. I guess they will do that in zones.
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| Yukon wrote: |
| K2Punk wrote: |
| Yukon wrote: |
| K2Punk wrote: |
@Layne, I think my big concern now is the travel with shuttle buses on hold and people in Tignes confined to their accommodation!
I was worried about lack of snow a few days ago but now I just want to be able to get to one of the resorts!
i'm keeping an eye on the news updates about clearing fallen trees off roads but its still hard to guess which would be the safe option. |
https://www.lesarcs.com/alerte-neige is being kept updated with the latest status. According to this the main roads around the resort are cleared and some buses are now running again. Sounds like a fine achievement by the crews. I suspect that piste/lift opening will take rather longer but that should progressively increase. |
Amazing news and great job by the crews as you say!
I'm closely following the news from Killy, 3V and Paradiski and it looks like the workers are all putting in huge efforts to clear roads and get service back to normal.
I'm thinking there could be some planned avalanche control going on tomorrow too? |
Yes - they have announced that will start at 6am. Sounds like there will be loads to do in terms of blasting, profilng/bashing, setting out the markers and inspecting for safety. I guess they will do that in zones. |
Its quite the mammoth task when you take into account the factors that you mentioned, even down to things like piste markers and netting!
My finger is hovered over the "book now" in Arc2000 - I'm not sure if its a blessing or curse that i've left it this late!
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Les arcs Lifts closed all day today bar the pedestrian gondalas like Caborlet between 1950 2000. Snow has stopped in 2000 and the piste bashers are out and about doing their thing so I'm expecting lifts and pistes open Friday bit by bit. The roads in 2000 are clear enough that I'd be happy to drive on the main road without my chains.
Tbh I wish Im not leaving on Saturday morning, the pistes look amazing.
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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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30/53 lifts open. Amazing effort to get so much open so early and more lifts scheduled to open in next hour or two. Going to be an incredible day but please stay safe everybody.
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Do we know if the Varet 40 lift will re-open to access some of the higher runs around Arc2000/1950 this weekend?
Also Aguille Rouge summit and runs?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Just heading home from a great week.
It is possible to apply for a refund on your lift ticket for Thursday. Details on les arcs website.
Ive done it and got a reply saying it was being delt with and would hear back within 2 months.
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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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@K2Punk, Did you book up for Les Arcs or La Plagne then for this weekend?
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Great week had in Les Arcs, impressed how easy they’ve made it to claim back a day on the lift pass for Thursday aswell- we had a fantastic day just playing in that snow!
Much more pleasant day today as crowds much diminished…varet was open, according to sign by the cable car aiguille rouge is closed for the season. Perfect last day with the sun shining.
Grand col chair open, but black Refuges closed with ski patrol guy at the top due to avalanche risk- although some people still cutting across to access it. The red down was still fun though. Obviously very heavy snow with rising temps, but fantastic for this time of year!
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You know it makes sense.
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| Quote: |
Grand col chair open, but black Refuges closed with ski patrol guy at the top due to avalanche risk-
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At the end of the season Refuges is often closed due to some rare flower starting to push through the snow. But it is prone to avalanches as well
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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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| jas915 wrote: |
Just heading home from a great week.
It is possible to apply for a refund on your lift ticket for Thursday. Details on les arcs website.
Ive done it and got a reply saying it was being delt with and would hear back within 2 months. |
Aye, we did the same and the three of us are receiving 40 euro refund each. Tbh i was happy for the rest day and fresh pow on the friday!
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Poster: A snowHead
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Aiguille Rouge cable car is Ko at the moment due to melting permafrost.
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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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I am off to Les Arcs next Monday and am very pleased to see that they are opening the Funicular and the Cachette lift on the weekend 21/22 of June  While I'm there I think I'll have a stroll up to Plan Violets to see what progress they are making with the new telecabine up from Villaroger. It does look an ambitious plan to me installing a complete new telecabine in under 8 months.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@johnE, do keep us posted.
We're not out until 20th July, so they will be further along (I'd hope!) and we will similarly post updates / photos as we come across them.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I'm betting great weather for hiking/biking and paragliding atm.
Annecy/ Doussard is fab this week, I just wish there was a tad stronger wind to gain height whilst paragliding.
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We are in Les Arcs now until Monday to enjoy some climbing, walking and apartment decorating. And since it looks like it will be very hot, a trip down the Isere on a raft.
This time of year there is a lot of work going on in the resort with builders renovating apartments, shops being modified etc. It is that lovely air of preparation for the summer season, with trapezes being errected crazy golf being dusted down, strimming of footpaths etc. as well as the usual renovations to road surfaces, footpaths, lifts etc. The Cairn restraurant is open, but only for lunch (3 course set menu €19) but everything else is closed. Other visiters also stop just for a chat. It is a really friendly atmosphere and I like it a lot. IMHO it is to be prefered other August with the hords of singing marching children, mountainbikers everywhere and busy footpaths
It is hot up here in 1600. It must be boiling in the valley.
All this renovation work made getting here a little difficult last night. The autoroute from Chambery to Albertville was closed, though the diversion was a beautiful D road beside the Isere. The main problem was the road from Aime to Bourg st Maurice which was also closed as they cut back the vegetation along side the road. It was also closed through Bourg st Maurice itself. I thought I knew these back roads but in the dark it was a different matter. The journey took over half an hour more than usual.
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Just been down to the Super U for some shopping in Bourg st Maurice and noticed that Decathalon now have a shop in Bourg. It's just next to the Intermarche in the building originally used by Weldom. Useful if you are in the habit of turning up in the resort having forgotten some kit and don't fancy the big Intersport next to the SuperU
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@johnE, that’s good some competition for Intersport
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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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Oooh. I LOVE a Decathlon. Whenever we drive over in the summer, our first stop after the Chunnel is the Decathalon in Calais.
That is good competition.
I replaced my helmet and goggles in resort this year after a tumble that resulted in me whacking my head hard on the ground. Prices weren't as bad as I anticipated when I shopped around a bit. I got a new helmet for €90 and new photochromic goggles for €80, from different shops in 1800. Googled the goggles later and they're a French brand. Can't help but think the really pricey ones are the product of good marketing.
Also, I was initially quite cross about binning my helmet/visor. Until I put the new goggles on, and my word, what a difference in vision.
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FAQ
