 Poster: A snowHead
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| Arctic Roll wrote: |
| .................so I will miss the "craning your neck up at the sky and looking at specks in the distance" competition |
Thats the reality, unless you want to go off piste into 'that bowl' then all you end up doing is seeing tiny specs in the distance. However we did get not to bad a view last year by accidentally being on the 'Pre Saint Esprit', the slowest chair in the world, even slower that chairs in La Plagne (yep hard to believe that  ), when some were doing the runs and from that chair the specs were slightly more visible. Yes and no joke, the ffing chair is so slow we saw several runs while on it.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Is the Comborciere super slow too? I can't recall. Last time I visited Les Arcs in winter I stayed in 2000, which meant we generally used the PSE but we are in Courbaton this year, so could do a cheeky run down vallée de l'arc just before we head home for the night.
Anyway, back on topic - is it snowing yet? Am I right in thinking there is a big dump on the way this afternoon?
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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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There always seems to be rumors that these two lifts will be replaced "next season" but nothing happens. I suppose that the two lifts only serve 2 runs - the blue cascades coming down from 2000 and the black comborciere (+muguet) from the top so they are not really a high priority in the new vision of Les Arcs. Comborciere can have huge queues later in the day as people try to get back to 1600, sometimes over 30 minutes. Walking over the road and getting a bus either round to 1600, or I suppose if really desperate upto 2000, is always an option.
Before they put in the now apparently ancient comborciere there used to be a single drag up that valley. I bet that was interesting. I may be wrong but the Malgovert really did have bears in it until quite recently.
thefatcontroller, I am curious how you found yourself
| Quote: |
| accidentally being on the 'Pre Saint Esprit' |
was it a super fast descent down the offpiste to the South of Droset with a touch too much air
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thefatcontroller, I was convinced I had frostbite of the face from that chair last January.
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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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Jenniper, both Pres St Esprit and Combourciere are 15 mins (almost to the second) chair rides
So yes, Comb is a slow old haul. I'm sure in its day it was high speed express, but times and expectations have moved on.
Certainly on PstE if there is almost any Q (or almost worse, ski school loading and lifties slowing it down for beginners) then statistically you are better off using the bus (Buses every 30 mins, take ~ 5 mins to 1950, therefore any lift line wait >7 min means it is likely to take you longer to get back on your skis).
As per johnE , we've been waiting for ever for the upgrades (" next year... next year..." ) However, am happy if they leave Combourciere alone, as it means Malgovert remains undiscovered, and that is no bad thing.
I do believe tho that St Jacques, the beginners lift in the 2000 bowl (d'ya see what I did there?  ) is slower. Muuuch slower. In fact, walking could be quicker.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I still like to use the Pres du St Esprit, as long as it's not -10 or lower! St Jacques is slow, but it's so much shorter and if Simon Beck has been about underneath then there's often something good to see (and some lively antics often on the Marais from beginners ) 
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It started to snow yesterday, gently at first, but more heavily as the afternoon progressed. After a good lunch at Blanche Muree, I explored , as it was my first day of the season. At first, low down was damp and warm. I read the official weather forecast at the top of Le Derby chair, and it forecast damp and humid conditions all day, but it turned out a lot better than expected. It was very quiet after New Year, as a lot of people had gone home yesterday - back to work or school on Monday.
The best snow was from the top of Transarc bubble down to Arc 2000, very enjoyable skiing.
I returned to 1800 via Comborciere chair which was deserted, and after reaching the top, went down Belvedere piste to begin with, then branched off down the old black run under the new Mont Blanc chair, off piste in places. The piste was deserted, and very enjoyable.
After lunch, it was now snowing much more heavily, but I couldn't resist one more trip back up the Trans Arc, and I had another great return trip towards the forests in Peisey/Vallandry.
I took L'Eureuil black piste back home. The last few metres was a little scraped and bare, but no rocks so no chunks out of skis! By this time, it was now snowing much lower down, and the actual conditions much better, definitely much better than forecast.
On my travels, by the way, I discovered 2 new restaurants built this summer. The first one, very large, was near the bottom of 1600, underneath the Mont Blanc chair, near to the UCPA chalet, called Le Sanglier, very convenient for the main pistes. I am sure it will do well in spring weather.
The second resto is below the Trans Arc main bubble up from 1800. It is called Le Grillade, and is convenient to the middle station.
It will provide competition for L'Arpette, which gets crazily crammed at peak periods, as most people know.
When I awoke this morning, I am pleased to tell you that the snow has continued overnight, and we must have at least 10cm. more of the white stuff. It is also much colder than of late - -3C at 10 am. , and the sun is out - perfect conditions I think. That's all for now!
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Jamie, Those 2 new restaurants are very good for a long lunch (there can be a wait for a table) or a vin chaud before heading home. They appear to be owned by the same company. My knowledge of French culture is not good, but is there some significance in the wild boar smoking above 1600 (Le Sanglier qui fume)?
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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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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Anyone around for some skiing this week ?
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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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Had a great day today spent most of the day in la plagne probably a good job to as the plan peisey chair was out of action most of the day, only restarted just as we came back just in time for three really good runs. Everywhere really quite and the light cloud didn't effect the ski quality
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Here is a copy of the weekly update from my facebook page. I will be posting the photos from last week in the Jan 2014 Album for those looking for their pics over the next few days. Enjoy!
2013 - 2014 SEASON Weekly UPDATE : 05 - 12 January 2014.
Sorry to those waiting for your photos. I will try and catch up over the next few days, but have been really busy and just did not have time to get online till today.
Here is the weekly update. The first for 2014. I will try and post this every Sunday. Hope this helps with your planning.
WEATHER CONDITIONS : WHAT IT IS LIKE OUTSIDE : ( Meteo France, Bourg at 8am on Sunday.)
This week should see mainly sunny periods for the first few days, temperatures remaining just above freezing and light winds slowly increasing from the SW to SSE. There is expected to be a light snowfall mainly on Thursday night with sunny spells returning over next weekend. The freezing level is likely to be around 2000m until the end of the week. Temperatures expected, Min - 4 to Max + 2 during the week. The wind chill is likely to make it feel colder during the middle of the week,
SLOPE CONDITIONS: (Info ADS slope analysis at 8am on Sunday.)
Altitude 1620/1800 m 2040 m 2400 m 3000 m
Depth of snow: 56 cm 88 cm 117 cm 140 cm
Temperature -2.4 , -1.1 , -1.1, -2.5 ,
Avalanche Risk: (1 to 5): 3 Risk Considerable.
Last Snowfall : 15 cm – Sunday 05 Jan. 2014
The pistes are in a reasonable condition. The fresh snow has helped to cover the thinner patches and a good base has formed on the higher runs. If it does not get to warm the fresh snow should consolidate and bond well. More snow is forecast for later in the week. The off piste is still very mixed with fresh soft snow mixed in with heavier wet snow lower down and hard refrozen crud in many places. There is still wind slab around and great care should be taken on any steeper areas. Be very aware of pockets of unstable snow off piste which are difficult to anticipate.
RECOMMENDED Pistes: (Info Security de Piste at 8am on Sunday. This changes daily, check notices by lifts.)
SECTEUR 1600 : MONT BLANC
SECTEUR 1800 : GRANDS MELEZES
SECTEUR 2000 : VALLEE DE L'ARC
SECTEUR PEISEY-VALLANDRY : RENARD
LIFT OPENINGS this week: (Info ADS Lift Company at 8am on Sunday.This changes daily, check with lifts depending on conditions.)
SECTEUR PEISEY-VALLANDRY : All Open except TK COMBE
SECTEUR 1600 : All Open except TK SNOWPARK / VEZAILLE / MILLERETTE / TOMMELET /
SECTEUR 1800 : All Open.
SECTEUR 2000 : All Open except FLAMME OLYMPIQUE
SECTEUR VILLAROGER : All Open.
LINKS this week: (Info ADS lift Company at 8am on Sunday. This changes daily, check with lifts depending on conditions.)
AIGUILLE ROUGE : Open
TRANSARC 1 : Open TRANSARC 2 : Open
LIAISON ARCS 1800 VERS ARCS 2000 : Open
LIAISON ARCS 2000/VILLAROGER : Open
VANOISE EXPRESS : Ipen
LIAISON MONTCHAVIN-LA PLAGNE : Open
NEWS for the week : (Info by ADS lift company at 8am on Sunday. )
The SNOWPARC in Les ARCS 1600 is OPEN!
The Sledge track in ARC 2000 " RODEO PARK" is open.
Whatever your level of skiing do not hesitate to climb in altitude and discover the sectors other than where you live . You will always find a blue piste down (except Grand col and L'Aiguille Rouge ) which will allow you to discover the diversity of the ski area.
COUNCIL SAFETY / SECURITY ADVICE : (Info Security de Piste.)
Observe all signs posted by the Security de Piste. A helmet is Strongly Recommended . Caution in all Circumstances, remain able to control your speed and stopping distance. Stay on the open pistes. FOLLOW THE SIGNS , RESPECT NATURE .
Have a good holiday!
http://www.polairestar.com/
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You know it makes sense.
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New here, have been to Les Arcs for the last 9 years, heading out in April and so excited, the snowfall is Amazing and the skiing conditions during the day look great! 
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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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TomSkis123, Welcome to snowHeads!
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Poster: A snowHead
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Got a friend coming to stay with us in Arc2000 Sunday. Our parking is full, is the nearest free parking down by Pre-Saint/Comborciere?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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8 more sleeps!
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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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thefatcontroller, yes.
As an aside, Arc1950 is circa €95 for the week, what is it at Arc 2000?
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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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Arctic Roll, About same I think. The underground parking spot was 15k euro to buy 5 years ago.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Far better day today than we expected as it started dull and uninspiring, by mid morning it was bright and sunny andthe pistes in Arc 2000 nicely freshened up with a little new sno, we were told there had been 2inches in Arc 2000,the cable car didn't open until lunchtime ish and when we went up at 1pm it was deserted and fabulous up there but damn windy, skiied down to villaroger but not the last chair, very icey down there, messed around arc 1800 and derby area on way back and generally higher up pistes in good shape. Going home tomorrow 
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Checked the 1600 webcam today and it looked really quiet - lovely!
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It's been an incredibly quiet week, allows you to miss the odd brown bits but been a great week
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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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If I were to ski across to the funicular to go shopping in BstM is there somewhere I could safely leave skis poles and boots and helmet at the top of the funi?
I have read about lockers at Polaire star (?) but ifirc that's a bit of a long walk uphill with all the gear.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Jenniper, Where can I find a link to the 1600 webcam?
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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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Hi all! I'm off out to les arcs 1950 on the 2nd feb and am praying for some more snow!! should i be worried at all about the lack of new snow and high temperatures?? 
Also i've never been to les arcs before and am looking for some fairly flat (but obviously not too flat) areas to learn to do some tricks whilst snowboarding. any suggestions from people in the know??
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You know it makes sense.
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^^
1. Keep Praying.
2. The Park.
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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 my bed in Les Arc 1800 now wondering if it is too early to get up and get ready for my first days skiing yet. I can't wait!
Looks like it could do with a good dump of snow but I will report back later.
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Poster: A snowHead
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It will be colder this week and there is more snow on the way from Monday.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Beautiful sunny day but very icy in places and some dangerous rock hard moguls in places. Snow forecast for tomorrow so hopefully things will improve.
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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 this morning on an overnight couchette with a fecking snorer. Grrr
Lazy day today. Conditions overall ok, more March like. Some snow forecast for Tuesday, we shall 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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thefatcontroller, Earplugs next time perhaps? Choose your partners more carefully too. Bad time to find out.
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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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allanm, Had plugs in, the barsteward work everyone. Got out at Moutiers, obvious the type of riff raff those places accept.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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OH! Not your traveling companion then! Pas problemme.
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been around vallandry this morning and then 2000 and grand col this afternoon. still found powder off piste from last weeks snow and it was still in good condition high up..down lower around valandry it was not as good..mostly man made snow on the surface.. not found any ice but there are some patch of hardpack appearing on the steeper areas with the odd patch of grass showing in small places....forecast is for abit of snow on monday and then much more tue/wed although amount has changed from 18cm to 10cm just. temp forecast for wed is still -17C so it its wet it will snow....just hope for more rather than less..using a pair of Movement source at 94 waist and surprised how good they are on piste but not really nimble enough to flick edge to edge, they are great in the powder we have found.. i have no doubt they will be good in the new snow that is forecast. as an aside the line catcher skiers are in the same hotel and they are all small guys but have massive planks with them which make my 94 waist skis look like slalom skis..
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For those interested, snowing heavy in Arc 2000. More later....
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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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Very heavy in 1800 now too
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FAQ
