What a difference a day makes! The first cloudy skies for a couple of weeks, warm temperatures (+5C at 1000m) and wind. The pistes were noticeably softer with stones appearing in places. It attempted to snow but there were only a few flakes at 1800m. The light was decidedly flat at times. There is a possibility of cooler temperatures and more snow tomorrow.
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?
@Mike S, that's good to hear as it is most definitely raining down in Bozel... Courchevel super-quiet today, Christmas day is never normally all that busy, but it felt quiter than usual. Will be interesting to see how much numbers pick up from tomorrow.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Great conditions this morning with 5-8 cm of fresh snow at the top over pisted runs. There were even patches of blue sky breaking through the clouds. By midday, it was definitely busier than it has been of late, although less crowded than one would expect for this time of year. There were some queues around Courchevel, which were probably due to Foret, Coqs, Saulire and Chapelet being closed and Chenus not running for a time. The Aigle run down to Mottaret was far less icy than usual, which was a pleasant surprise.
Heavy wet snow all day today in VT. Bad visibility, sticky snow, very busy slopes. Slid down Plain Sud and Cascades a couple of times and called it a day. Better of making snow fortress and messing around with kids.
Similar or worse conditions predicted for tomorrow (rain possible as high as VT). So board games day.
Hoping for sunny spring conditions at the end of the week.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Quite happy to not be on the hill today - pouring down all day in Bozel - even offpisteskiing junior's Freeski Club was cancelled this afternoon, and they are normally out and about rain, hail or shine...
Anyway, for those who a) couldn't come out this week or b) did come out and are now watching the rain fall, here is a little video to cheer you up (I have been dusting off some old videos and uploading to the 'Tube) - how it should be at this time of year in the 3 valleys...
Hopefully normal weather service will be resumed shortly!!
After all it is free
After all it is free
@offpisteskiing,
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.
@offpisteskiing, nice vid, not sure about the tunes
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Pretty grim in Mottaret this morning. Rain; cannons blasting; delayed lift openings; avalanche risk 4/5 and forecast 100 km winds. Not rushing out!
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Wet snow in the morning, afternoon rain in VT. Dreadful conditions for skiing, didn't even bother putting the ski boots on.
Went ice skating and a bit of snow play with kids in the morning. Came back completely wet, even in full goretex/dryvent gear. Water gets into every gap. Still kids were happy
Rain predicted to continue till tomorrow morning, then hopefully some sun. Not sure what condition the pistes will be in by then.
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.
Had a bit of a ski around Mottaret/Val T this morning to see the extent of the 'damage' from the rain - pistes skiing like mid-April - great if you like big slush bumps! (Though the blue from Plan des Mains back to Mottaret also had an ice rink section in the top half...).
The long view is that this warming will be good for the off piste - once temperatures go cooler we will have a rock solid base - but for the next few days it will be pretty grim! There was noticeably more snow up high than there had been previously - there were still plenty of rocks showing in many areas above 2500 before this latest weather system moved through, some monster slides have gone off over the last 48 hours - was interested to see a big spontaneous slab which had released on the West face of the Peclet above Val T and stepped down to a lower slab further down the face.
Snow off piste today varied from actually quite skiable 'sorbet' to some pretty vicious crust, can't see that improving in the next few days until we get some fresh on top.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
It has been a lot busier this week, with many more children on the slopes. The car parks are full and there have been significant queues at times. The sun returned yesterday but also very warm temperatures. It is forecast to be 16C at 1000m and 3C at 3000m today! The pistes are still good in the morning but are pretty chewed up but mid day, with ice and bare patches in places. It is forecast to get colder again and should be quieter next week. Wishing everyone a better New Year!
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
It's a shame conditions are so average on a busy week.
Does the phrase "still better than a day in the office" still work these days.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Cancelled our airbnb for mid january last night as owner got in contact to basically say, please cancel so I can readvertise and possibly make some money. Had a little look online and it's now on for about double the price per night to what we paid!
Train to Moutiers also cancelled and refunded.
We will try and make it to the 3V's another season!
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Oleski wrote:
Went ice skating and a bit of snow play with kids in the morning. Came back completely wet, even in full goretex/dryvent gear. Water gets into every gap. Still kids were happy
I would be delighted with that rather than being stuck in the UK
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Happy Easter everyone! (Yes I know it is actually New Year but skiing today had much more in common with April than Dec/Jan...).
Nice and quiet this morning as usual for New Year's day, and some really good skiing to be had on piste if you found the pistes that had little traffic (but had been pisted overnight), and pretty grim elsewhere with some properly slick hard ice if you don't keep your eyes open. Overall good skiing to be had, but we could do with dropping 20º really!
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?
The ‘plunge’ arrives Wednesday morning along with some new snow and wind. Thursday morning may require some sharp edges
The conditions were very mixed last week. Spring skiing for the first couple of days, with unseasonally warm weather. The groomed pistes were good in the morning, if you got high, but got rapidly cut up and then became icy in high traffic areas. It snowed on Wednesday and temperatures plummeted on Thursday (-13C at Aiguille du Fruit). There was some nice powder around off piste but generally not quite enough to avoid hitting icy lumps underneath. It snowed another 10-20 cm on Saturday and stayed cold giving some excellent powder in some areas, while in others it was very heavy and wind blown. Yesterday, it snowed again giving fabulous off-piste conditions today with enough new powder to cover the ice underneath. The crowds have gone and the weather forecast looks good for the next week, although no snow forecast. Word on the streets is that UK travel restrictions will be lifted on 15 Jan. However, the number of people being tested positive for Covid is high.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Mike S wrote:
The conditions were very mixed last week. Spring skiing for the first couple of days, with unseasonally warm weather. The groomed pistes were good in the morning, if you got high, but got rapidly cut up and then became icy in high traffic areas. It snowed on Wednesday and temperatures plummeted on Thursday (-13C at Aiguille du Fruit). There was some nice powder around off piste but generally not quite enough to avoid hitting icy lumps underneath. It snowed another 10-20 cm on Saturday and stayed cold giving some excellent powder in some areas, while in others it was very heavy and wind blown. Yesterday, it snowed again giving fabulous off-piste conditions today with enough new powder to cover the ice underneath. The crowds have gone and the weather forecast looks good for the next week, although no snow forecast. Word on the streets is that UK travel restrictions will be lifted on 15 Jan. However, the number of people being tested positive for Covid is high.
Where do the rumours of the lifting of travel restrictions come from? I should have been in St Martin this week but there is still a possibility of coming out next week - please don't raise my hopes in vain.
@Bassman I was talking to a chalet company owner, yesterday. I'll try to find out their source today.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Bassman wrote:
Mike S wrote:
The conditions were very mixed last week. Spring skiing for the first couple of days, with unseasonally warm weather. The groomed pistes were good in the morning, if you got high, but got rapidly cut up and then became icy in high traffic areas. It snowed on Wednesday and temperatures plummeted on Thursday (-13C at Aiguille du Fruit). There was some nice powder around off piste but generally not quite enough to avoid hitting icy lumps underneath. It snowed another 10-20 cm on Saturday and stayed cold giving some excellent powder in some areas, while in others it was very heavy and wind blown. Yesterday, it snowed again giving fabulous off-piste conditions today with enough new powder to cover the ice underneath. The crowds have gone and the weather forecast looks good for the next week, although no snow forecast. Word on the streets is that UK travel restrictions will be lifted on 15 Jan. However, the number of people being tested positive for Covid is high.
Where do the rumours of the lifting of travel restrictions come from? I should have been in St Martin this week but there is still a possibility of coming out next week - please don't raise my hopes in vain.
There is a meeting of the defence council covid on 12th and the expectations are high that the ban will be lifted
After all it is free
After all it is free
Many thanks for the update
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.
Been waiting in anticipation for the announcement.
Now we can get excited again for our trip in 2 weeks. Driving out on the 28th for a week in Les Men.
Can’t blooming wait. Hoping for some fresh stuff before we head out.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Guys I’m coming out next Saturday 22nd. Mont vallon seems to have been closed last few days. Anyone know the reason for this and whether it’s out of action for a while?
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
29th booked. keeping an eye in here
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.
Be there on the 26th! Looking forward to it. Aside from the website. How do you go about purchasing lift passes?
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
FrediKanoute wrote:
Be there on the 26th! Looking forward to it. Aside from the website. How do you go about purchasing lift passes?
I suggest you wait until you arrive and can then judge weather and snow conditions. No point getting a 3V pass if the links are closed due to high winds.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
FrediKanoute wrote:
Be there on the 26th! Looking forward to it. Aside from the website. How do you go about purchasing lift passes?
Only three options I know of: online direct with the lift company/ski area; using your agent through which you booked your accommodation/holiday or in person at the lift pass office in resort.
Price wise usually doesn't make much odds IME, usually comes down to what is convenient. I've done all 3 but these days usually the first or second options. Used to get deals booking through the tourist office of La Plagne (online) a bit like Sunweb or Snowtrex (I think those names are correct) whereby you get discounted booking accom+lift pass.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Bassman wrote:
FrediKanoute wrote:
Be there on the 26th! Looking forward to it. Aside from the website. How do you go about purchasing lift passes?
I suggest you wait until you arrive and can then judge weather and snow conditions. No point getting a 3V pass if the links are closed due to high winds.
Links aren't closed that often IME and certainly you wouldn't always know at the beginning of the week what's going to happen weather wise. And cost wise it's not a biggy. Good idea to look at the forecast each day to figure out if it's a good day to 'travel' or stay local.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Anyone know anything about mont vallon? As per my post above
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@riman8, they has some mechanical problems over Xmas / New Year but they thought it was minor. Perhaps not
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?
@alti - dude, thanks shut since NY? Jesus. Hopefully up and running soon….? Any other info welcome….
I’m on my way!!! Whoop a week of sunshine and skiing is expected. I can’t wait
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
They claim technical problems with Vallon but mostly I think the problem is lack of staff due to covid. Dent du Bergin, Cheferie and Chatelet have been closed some days due to staff testing positive.
Coming out on 5th Feb. What are the French COVID testing requirements for entry to France?
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Fabulous sunny day on the slopes today, but surprisingly busy. Lift passes have been discounted by 20% on Saturdays and the Les Men/St Martin pass is €29 on Sats rather than €54. The St M car park was rammed. I’m hoping they’ve now all gone home! We headed to 1650 and had a great lunch at Copina. Not sure what the deal is with lifts over there-The Coqs chair is closed, and I think the Forêt chair up from Le Praz is also not running, which put paid to a speedy diversion down Saulire all the way to Le Praz and then to La T. Piste conditions are almost all excellent. I think there is some decent off piste to be found, but as this was my first full day on skis for 22 months (save a handful of runs on the Tignes glacier in July), I decided not to test my thighs too much! This was the first proper test of my Salomon Stance 88 skis and I’m pretty pleased with them too .
After all it is free
After all it is free
@riman8 Mt Vallon has only been closed for the past three or four days. I would agree with @snowrider that they say that it is a technical issue but it is probably due a lack of staff as a result of Covid. With Foret and Coqs closed; Suisse not running for part of the day and long queues at Plantrey, it was impossible to avoid getting in bubbles in Courchevel today. Not ideal when a lot of people weren't wearing masks and Covid rates are running high.
Otherwise, this week has provided excellent off-piste skiing with soft powder, cold temperatures and sun
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.
We had a trip over to the three valleys yesterday and were surprised to find Mont Vallon open after reading this thread.
We went up it around 11am and it seemed to be working normally
An excellent days skiing with good piste conditions and lots of fluffy off piste snow.
We used to park in the large free car park in Le Praz but that now has a barrier across it and you need a passs to enter so had to pay at the new car park below the main lift in Le Praz.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@skichampcouk Sorry, to have misled you. I thought that I checked on the 3V app on Saturday morning and Mt Vallon was still showing as closed. Glad you had a good day.
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
Many thanks for the update
