 Poster: A snowHead
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| Chaletbeauroc wrote: |
| snoozeboy wrote: |
There's enough very good skiing on the swiss side, which at all periods is quieter yet suffers from poor snow quality.  |
It really doesn't, you know. It has to be pretty bad everywhere before one or two pinch-points start to get brown later in the season.
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Seriously? I think you're letting your swiss-tinted spectacles get the better of you.
| Chaletbeauroc wrote: |
| snoozeboy wrote: |
I've even considered going to morgins to ski myself, but a little bit of sick came up in my throat and the parking there is another issue entirely. |
G'wan g'wan g'wan... I don't think the parking's all that bad, actually. The one up near my house is free and only five minutes walk or a shuttle bus to the cable car and usually has spaces as long as you don't leave it until late morning. No guarantees, of course. |
You wouldn't think the parking's that bad, in the same way that I don't find the parking in Chatel that bad - neither of us has to use it.
The distance from the centre of the parking near your house to the Foilleuse ski lift is 614m, according to google maps. That's an estate agent's "5 mins" if you're doing that in ski boots, especially uphill on the way back. Re the shuttle bus, it doesn't make sense to me to drive to Morgins and then get a bus. It passes the "can't be arsed threshold".
All this considered, I haven't yet completely disregarded the idea.  It depends how things pan out in Chatel the latter part of this 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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@snoozeboy, TBF I do think the parking will be at its worse right now since Covid, when the whole of Chatel and half of the rest of France was trying to come over here to ski every day.
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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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Brother in-law was in Mont Chery today, said it was brilliant. Fresh, safe lines everywhere. Its ine of myvgo-tos when the rest of the resort is a bit avalanche, as no crowds, so plenty of fresh snow to side of pistes.
Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Wed 18-02-26 16:33; edited 1 time in total
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We’ve been skiing SuperChatel all week and it’s calmed down a lot. The pinch point of Conche chair which is easily mitigated after 11:30 by taking the Super Châtel gondola to get back up as there are no queues and the home run is not coved with fallen beginners. Morclan has no queues and great skiing aroud Onnaz. Avoid the Terrase for food as it’s overcrowded with beginners and pedestrians and head down to the PDS restaurant just below Coqs as tables turnover quickly.
This is the best conditions I’ve ever experienced at Super Châtel and we are happy not to be leaving the sector and enjoying family skiing.
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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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| Chaletbeauroc wrote: |
| @snoozeboy, TBF I do think the parking will be at its worse right now since Covid, when the whole of Chatel and half of the rest of France was trying to come over here to ski every day. |
Busier than the entire season when the conmune of Morgins forgot to replace the cable before its expiry date?
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We had a great time in Avoriaz two years ago. Absolutely brutal week in Chatel last week - worst week I've had in 40 years of skiing. Not really sure what to make of it, whether I just got lucky in 2024 or what. Someone is going to get some great snow at some point, I suppose.
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| snoozeboy wrote: |
| Chaletbeauroc wrote: |
| @snoozeboy, TBF I do think the parking will be at its worse right now since Covid, when the whole of Chatel and half of the rest of France was trying to come over here to ski every day. |
Busier than the entire season when the conmune of Morgins forgot to replace the cable before its expiry date? |
That was before my time here, so I couldn't really comment. I know the lift company couldn't afford the new cable and this lead to the formation of the RDDM company to manage the whl Swiss side ski and related operation, but not much more. Was there actually a period when the lift was completely out of operation?
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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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You're confusing two different things. 2023 was when they'd torn down the old lift and were building the new télécabine, which opened in December of that year.
The cable thing was before the 2017-18 season - we moved here in January and it was fully operational then. At a guess I'd say it would have been around 2016.
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| Chaletbeauroc wrote: |
You're confusing two different things. 2023 was when they'd torn down the old lift and were building the new télécabine, which opened in December of that year.
The cable thing was before the 2017-18 season - we moved here in January and it was fully operational then. At a guess I'd say it would have been around 2016. |
All of the above is entirely possible. 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Harry Flashman wrote: |
| Brother in-law was in Mont Chery today, said it was brilliant. Fresh, safe lines everywhere. Its ine of myvgo-tos when the rest of the resort is a bit avalanche, as no crowds, so plenty of fresh snow to side of pistes. |
I have spent the whole week in mont cherry since my son is there for Slalom training, and i walk back and bring my daughter also after the school is over.
Except a 10 Max 15 min Wartung for the Mini Gondel around 09.00 didnt see queues at all...for half term couldnt be better
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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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| mc79hockey wrote: |
| Absolutely brutal week in Chatel last week - worst week I've had in 40 years of skiing. |
Omg, what happened?
Did you go skiing with my wife?
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Off piste ban in Chatel. Never heard of anything like this before.
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You know it makes sense.
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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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In other news, skiing off-piste yesterday mostly ranged from pretty shît to impossible. Deep snow, but so heavy you needed to be on 20 degrees or more to even be able to move through it, and then even my mega-fat skis would want to stay underneath a almost solid slab around 40cm deep.
Started from Corbeau chair out of Morgins, skied aroud Chalet Neuf, then back down - the blue run down to Morgins is open for the first time this season - over and up Foilleuse into the Swiss side after lunch. Couple of later runs in the Chaux/Bochasses area with better visibility at the end of the day were a little better, cracked a grin once or twice, but still hard work.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| shep wrote: |
| It's a one-way circuit, clockwise |
We did the roc d'enfer circuit this afternoon. It was still possible to do loops but a few parts were closed due to avalanche risk.
It was really mushy under 1400m (typically the road down to StJean or Chevrerie) but still fun - if quite short.
With the flat bits I don't actually think it's worth doing multiple loops. As for us we instead enjoyed going a few times around down Graydon, and then the same on les Alpages at the end.
Bonus: by not going to Les Gets we avoided the Mieussy roadblock (kids and wife got impacted by it yesterday, I have no idea how long it's gonna take to clear).
The week ahead looks amazing, enjoy!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| turms2 wrote: |
| Harry Flashman wrote: |
| Brother in-law was in Mont Chery today, said it was brilliant. Fresh, safe lines everywhere. Its ine of myvgo-tos when the rest of the resort is a bit avalanche, as no crowds, so plenty of fresh snow to side of pistes. |
I have spent the whole week in mont cherry since my son is there for Slalom training, and i walk back and bring my daughter also after the school is over.
Except a 10 Max 15 min Wartung for the Mini Gondel around 09.00 didnt see queues at all...for half term couldnt be better |
My kids tell me they started their training by going down Gazelle Thursday (or Friday). The red was open (or at least accessible downhill - and uphill) for a bit 1-2 weeks ago but it's the first time in ages I hear of the black being open.
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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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A (long) message from the Mayor of Châtel detailing the situation on the Pre la Joux road.
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Pré-la-Joux Road: All the information on the closure and safety measures
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Many of you have sent us messages of dissatisfaction following the closure of the Pré-la-Joux Road and its associated consequences. We feel it is essential to explain precisely the factors that led to the decisions made, which were always dictated by imperatives of safety and responsibility.
The landslide that occurred on the afternoon of Monday, February 9, 2026, at the location known as "Très-les-Pierres," was of considerable magnitude, requiring the rapid mobilization and intervention of numerous stakeholders.
Indeed, residual blocks of rock, amounting to several tens of cubic meters, fell in the immediate vicinity of surrounding homes (approximately 50 meters).
The results of the initial on-site technical assessment carried out that same day by rope access technicians from the Chablais region led me to activate the municipal emergency plan due to the significant risk of collapse of a remaining overhanging rock face (several hundred cubic meters).
Consequently, during the night from Monday to Tuesday, the gendarmerie, assisted by the municipal police, evacuated the homes in the at-risk area. Thirteen people were thus rehoused in shelters and municipal facilities.
The following day, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Géolithe, a geotechnical engineering firm commissioned by the Department of Haute-Savoie and the Municipality of Châtel, confirmed the risk to property and people, including the RD228A departmental road. A safety commission has approved the following recommendations:
Confirmation and extension of the evacuation zone to include the "L'Hostel 1861" building, located on the other side of the departmental road but in the path of a potential new rockfall. An additional 37 people have been relocated to a shelter within the municipality.
Complete closure of the RD228A departmental road (Route de Pré-la-Joux) in both directions, with the Route de la Dranse being used for downhill traffic to facilitate and streamline traffic flow and avoid congestion in the Linga area.
Implementation of site safety measures through the construction of a protective berm made of interlocking concrete blocks and the deployment of an automated radar system to monitor the rock face.
The effective implementation of these measures allowed for a new safety commission meeting on Saturday, February 14, 2026. At that meeting, a municipal decree was issued authorizing a partial opening of the road from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., under human and radar surveillance, exclusively reserved for ski shuttles, ski lift employees, and mountain restaurants, in order to allow the ski area to operate in its entirety.
Within a particularly tight timeframe, SAEM Sports et Tourisme, the company responsible for managing the ski area on behalf of the municipality, organized a new traffic plan with its service provider, Borini Chablais. Additional shuttles and drivers were thus mobilized to increase the frequency of service, although we are aware that this will be insufficient at certain times of the day.
The difficulties were particularly acute at the end of the day on Monday, February 16, due to the closure of the "L'Écho Alpin" ski lift because of adverse snow conditions, making it impossible to ski back to Linga. Since then, the situation has almost returned to normal for a week of high visitor numbers.
The modified traffic management system, monitored by both personnel and automated systems, will therefore remain in place for several weeks to limit congestion below the risk zone and prevent, in the event of another rockfall on the departmental road, the potential blockage of 1,300 vehicles at Pré-la-Joux.
The only exceptions planned to date concern residents upstream of the risk zone; their access is subject to permits issued by the municipality, as well as certain duly registered professionals.
We thank the many residents and vacationers for their understanding in the face of this unprecedented and exceptional situation. Further studies will be undertaken to identify the most suitable long-term technical solution to restore normal access to the Pré-la-Joux site.
In the meantime, the entire ski area remains open for skiing. Please be assured that all stakeholders and professionals in our community remain fully committed to minimizing the impact of this unfortunate situation.
Nicolas Rubin,
Mayor of Châtel |
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With the road to Pre La Joux still closed can anyone tell me how busy the car parks in Linga are at the moment?
Heading out next week for a fortnight. Staying in La Chappelle D'Abondance. We would normally drive to Pre La Joux and ski from there but that's not looking like it'll be possible so trying to figure out options.
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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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@swiftoid, Linga will be busy as it is the only car park available to locals and mountain workers, ESF and restaurant staff. You will to park at the Pantiaz lift as you exit La Chapelle and get the bus using the “park-and-ride” that’s been implemented.
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@Ozboy, thanks.
Yeah, I realise it'll be busy. Was just wondering if anybody on the ground knew if it'd be possible if we arrived in Linga around 0800.
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First time visitors to Chatel arriving on Saturday staying next to Super Chatel. My first time skiing after breaking my pelvis during a lesson last year and I can feel my anxiety levels rising! Best place to head to for maybe some quieter gentle slopes on day one to remind myself I can ski I don't mind a red as long as it's not too icy but maybe not the first runs of the week, generally a blues cruiser, have a PDS pass. Hope the amazing condition are holding up with the higher temperatures.
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@Lizzie68, Super Chatel and Chalet Neuf will be good for you, or head 10 mins down the valley to Cret Beni in La Chapelle d'Abondance which has lovely quiet blues.
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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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| Lizzie68 wrote: |
| First time visitors to Chatel arriving on Saturday staying next to Super Chatel. My first time skiing after breaking my pelvis during a lesson last year and I can feel my anxiety levels rising! Best place to head to for maybe some quieter gentle slopes on day one to remind myself I can ski I don't mind a red as long as it's not too icy but maybe not the first runs of the week, generally a blues cruiser, have a PDS pass. Hope the amazing condition are holding up with the higher temperatures. |
Super Châtel is perfect for you and it does not get icey as its South West facing and gets lots of sun. The easy slopes are at the top of the Super Châtel gondola and are all served by button lifts. There is also a wide blue cat track that winds its way down the mountain to the bottom of the Conche lift bypassing the steeper red parts of the man slope. As per Matt you can also drop down to the other side to Chalet Neuf area from the plateau at the top of the Conche lift. Do not ski to the village as the home gets very crowded and moguled at the end of the day - download by the Super Châtel gondola instead. Also do not go up the Monclan chair. We were there last week and spend the whole week at Super Châtel despite being strong skiers as we like the charm and lack of crowds.
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The PdS Southern entry point is currently closed - no access via Taninges. You need to go North via Morzine towards Thonon. Add a good 40mn to the route via Geneva. If not solved on Saturday it's probably going to be way more due to Feb hols - plan ahead!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@patrick!, Is it due to a landslide?
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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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Yes that's what Mairie des Gets says. If like last week they'll purge it all in 1 day-ish, obviously this is an important route.
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You know it makes sense.
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It's completely off the ski domain, so in a way unrelated to PdS.
Quite a sad news, and they were experienced ski routers.
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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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I'm really interested in skiing the Roc D'Enfer circuit in Saint Jean D'Aulps when we're staying in Avoriaz in March.
We're going to be on public transport so can anyone give me some pointers on getting there and back and even how to check if the circuit is open?
TIA
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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They're useful links, thanks for posting.
We've skied in Avoriaz loads, but never in SJD so want to explore while we can.
Just need to see if the bus timetables align.
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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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| Misterusty wrote: |
I'm really interested in skiing the Roc D'Enfer circuit in Saint Jean D'Aulps when we're staying in Avoriaz in March.
We're going to be on public transport so can anyone give me some pointers on getting there and back and even how to check if the circuit is open?
TIA |
I have just come back from a short trip to Morzine; I got a free bus from Super M roundabout (it also stopped at Prodains) directly to the roc d’enfer circuit start point (the gondola). It was about 9:30am depart, 3:00pm pick up. I’ll be honest, even with the whole circuit open, and taking lifts multiple times to ski all of the runs, there wasn’t really enough to go at in that time. Whilst it was nice and quiet, and nicely nostalgic in terms of old chairs that smash you in the calves, and unavoidable drag lifts (think going back 25 years), the lack of bars and restaurants other than at the main station meant just sort of skiing the circuit and then twiddling my thumbs a bit. Maybe it depends on the pace you ski at/level, I just found it a bit underwhelming. It was nice to support the area, and to have ‘completed’ it, but I wouldn’t be in a hurry to go back.
I did manage to hoof it up Super M when I got back and have another hour or so cruising round Avoriaz, before getting the Prodains home, but then I’d sacrificed the best snow of the morning to travel time, and standing in a large initial lift queue!
Take a hip flask and some snacks to enjoy as picnics on your route round if you do go, and break up the day a bit would be my advice 
I think from 6th March there’s a daily minibus shuttle that you just need to pre book if you want to go. The Avoriaz tourist office will be able to give you the info to get it sorted. It likely won’t be busy - the 70 seat bus I was on contained exactly five of us (one being the driver!) but you do need to book outside of peak French holiday times.
(Sounds a negative review, but it’s not, it was nice, I just wouldn’t hurry back now I’ve completed 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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@rachyrah, was there nowhere to stop about halfway round the circuit, I can’t remember the name now (something like Torchons) but after the chairlift from the Chevreverie bit, before taking the longish drag up. Used to be a decent place up on the left. Then there was another a bit further on the Tavaillion (sp) but that was closed the last time we were there. Very rustic.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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There are options on the Chevrerie to StJA part (bottom, mis and top of Torchons, something we missed in Follys), but then apart from the Terche plateau there's absolutely nothing. Part of the charm, maybe bring sandwiches!
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They're all good tips about food and buses, thanks. I thought there was more skiing there than that, but still keen to do it at least once. It'll make a change for the industrial skiing elsewhere in the PDS.
The description of the buses on the website confused me, so your direct experience is good to hear. I'll check with the tourist office in Avoriaz to finalise a plan.
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Claude, Bruce, Shep - now that the madness is nearly over I'm coming back from 2 weeks in warmer climes (though have to come back via Korea as some idiot started a war in the middle east while I was away), any of you around in the coming weeks ?
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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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@OuatteDePhoque, Sure, I'll be around until mid April. Not every day, but most, and I have a friend coming over the last weekend in March, but he's a decent boarder so it would not preclude a meet-up. Are you on the PDS SH whatsapp group?
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Morning all. We are of to lesget today for 4 days skiing. Can anyone recommend the best fondue in town? Thanks in advance.
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FAQ
