 Poster: A snowHead
|
under a new name, To true, on my first trip to Avoriaz we had 6 powder days back to back. Incredible.
But I totally agree that it's what you make of it and I for one will be having a hell of a time come Monday. No work and the PDS in the palm of my hand. 3 more sleeps...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
We also had a good day out today - have been away for about 15 days so interesting to see what has happened in our absence! Considering the amount of rain that pounded down during the whole drive through France yesterday and then in Les Gets yesterday evening it was not bad at all where we skied in Chatel and then over to Les Crosets. Sure, bits of snow missing in places but what was there was fine - and as JimG2009, says rather spring like. The difference is in the number of people all over the place.
And we were able to go to the new wine bar in Les Gets for a swift glass late afternoon - L'Outa - I think it is strictly wine only. Beautifully done out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Caught the bus to Montriond yesterday and was rather worried to note the bus full of hikers.
Don't think I've ever seen anything like that before in January!
Currently sat on the couch looking up at the Pleney side which is looking pretty devastated and asking the question, 'to ski or not to ski'. The fact the Orange TVs video en demande has been watched several times over is pushing me to break out the water skis and get up there!
It's worth it for the mogul practise if nothing else 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
We thought we had better try out Les Gets and Morzine today as friends arriving tonight so we need to know where to take them. Les Gets not very good but we were pleasantly surprised by the Morzine side - and we were able to lunch at the bottom of the Atray lift in the sunshine. OH ventured onto Mt Chery later this afternoon - you have to want to go there apparently and big issues with the lack of snowmaking when it was possible. The pistes in Morzine look well managed - shame the Chamossiere was closed.
Highly officious local police directing car parking at the Perrieres lift earlier this morning. Made us park so close to the car next door that I could hardly get my door open - I showed him but he made a face and walked off and then parked someone else really tightly next to the driver's side. When we got back around 2.30 this afternoon you could hardly call the carpark full so someone enjoying exerting his authority and uniform.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
A report from a friend of mine, who's spending the season in Les Gets, says
| Quote: |
| "i thinking possibly the worst season for a decade... didnt snow until december, normally october, hasnt snowed properly in 3 weeks only 20 cm max. and its forecast to stay warm. was 20 degrees today. Major climate issues me thinks." |
He says this about the piste quality....!
| Quote: |
| "snow is nearly all gone... not looking good at all. puddles and grass are appearing all over the shot.." |
Which is a major pity... as I'm supposed to join him on Friday!  Grrr...
Better get my snow dance started.... :/
GS
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Quote: |
didnt snow until december, normally october
|
Hmm. Not too sure about that. It did snow in October (I was caught out and had to lash up some snowchains - this picture was taken not many miles from Les Gets, in October) and though snow in October is not uncommon it invariably melts. It's not that usual to have snow which sticks around at Les Gets' altitude before early December.
He's right that so far it's a poor season but it's a "weather issue" not a "climate issue".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the snow may be poor below 2000m but it hasn't been and is still not poor above 2000m with another 20 cm forecast tomorrow night. Hire a car and go to Chamonix, Verbier or somewhere else high up. There's plenty of great skiing about.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grayspectre, PdeS resorts are always touch and go early in the season as they're very exposed to mild storms coming in off the atlantic. Rain is an occupational hazard
As for the climate - you're having a super ski season up there in Bangor this year right?
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Yesterday was our last day on skis and we were over in Les Gets in the morning but skied back to the bottom of Pleney at lunchtime. The Morzine side was holding up better than Les Gets. We then ventured up to the Fornet bowl above Avoriaz in the afternoon and that was better but everything was very soft and quite schmooey in places.
Didn't bother going out today and left Morzine this afternoon. Small mishap though as I've managed to lose little geetee's pink flowery backpack along the way. I think it was when we stopped in a layby on the way to Thonon when she announced that she felt sick and we made a sharpish stop. I remember thinking I should move the backpack so she wasn't sick on it!! I think I put it on the car roof and then drove off but I really don't remember!! Argh! The next stop was actually in Thonon for a little look about and I might have done something similar there in moving it out of the way of her feet. It didn't have anything of lots of value but had DVDs, a few Wii games, a large notepad and pens/pencils and a Barbie. I think I'm more upset than she is - I hate losing stuff. If anyone has any bright ideas about who to call that would be great.
Anyway, off home tomorrow and currently in the Etap at Poulet de Bresse and taking advantage of the free wifi. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hmm.... We arrive tomorrow evening for the first trip this season - took the changeover week from Sun-Sun to Sat-Sat as we thought it would be quiet. Our apartment's been quiet already this season - empty for both Xmas and New Year.
So no rental Euros, not much snow and an unsettled week coming. Looks like it's Chatel on Monday and then Cham, Verbier and all points high for the rest of the week. Feels more like April than January. Think I'll leave the new merino base layers I got for Christmas at home.
Still it makes those in the office envious and I dont need to let on how thin the snow cover was!
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| Quote: |
the snow may be poor below 2000m but it hasn't been and is still not poor above 2000m
|
I agree with this, the Swiss Wall yesterday was the best I've skied it in 5 visits to PdeS over 20 years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Mountain Haddock, never plucked up the courage to ski it. Hate moguls and off piste but always wanted to ski it!!! Maybe next time!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Just got back from a slightly short week in Avoriaz from the 3rd to the 8th. The air temp increased gently through the week and it rained Wednesday, only falling as snow on the upper slopes. We were with our two kids (6 and  so while they were in ski-school we went up from Avoriaz and the snow was perfectly good, in the afternoons we stayed on the lower blues and the snow was getting very slushy and big patches of grass were showing through in places, especially on the run down towards Morzine.
Until there is a big dump of snow in the area, I would advise staying high. There are plenty on blues, reds and blacks above the village which should be OK to ski on.
The village itself is a bit of a nightmare, the snow on the "streets" has been cut up really badly by the snow cats that do the deliveries and move luggage, it is very, very slushy and there are big puddles.
Having said all that we had a great time and the skiing itself was good.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
I'm currently looking out the window in morzine to see rain falling fast. Have seen various forecasts for snow tonight and Monday but at the moment I can't see it happening as it seems so warm.
On the plus side I've seen the bad conditions as a good excuse to try snowboarding, the soft wet snow is much less painful when using my face to stop.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
Just come back from a ski in Avoriaz - some great bits (top of Arare down to Combe chair) - more good bits (Chavanette bowl) and some bad bits (thourgh Avoriaz and back over Super Morzine)! It was proper snowing from bottom of Proclou chair but sleet below that and rain in Morzine town.
We as does much of the French Alps need cold and snow and soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
must admit I am getting a bit anxious now. My only trip this year is the 8th Feb to chatel which will be my third year running to the same place. Last two years were fantastic.
Normally I do a lads 5 day trip in jan/feb and then a familiy week in March, thsisyear due to kids ages and various other reasons we are doing disney in march so only the one ski trip.
The only time I have ever had un-boardable conditions was in bareges la mongie 4 years ago on 25th jan when it was shorts and t-shirt weather. The only snow was man made and was basically some sheet ice slicing through green fields. We did some skiing but it was the most depressing weekend of my life. That year I had a week in les arcs to look forward to in March which was powder central and awesome, this year I haven't.
Very concerned it could be a washout.
Are there any higher resorts near the PdS within driving distance in case of emergency?
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Give me some good news guys! (Doesn't seem likely). Just arrived at GVA and it is absolutely bucketing down and 8C. I fear the feesh snow will be only on the very tops. Any idea how Chatel (Plain Dranse)
and above is fareing?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| Quote: |
must admit I am getting a bit anxious now. My only trip this year is the 8th Feb
|
sorry, but whatever is happening now is pretty irrelevant for the 8 February - there's time for things to get better, worse and better again before then. It's far, far, too soon to be bothering.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Just been told that it's snowing in Les Crosets!! Has been since I came down about midday. it needs to keep doing it or else we have been notified (Ski school) that the area will shut on Tuesday!!! Fingers, toes and skis crossed!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Ricklovesthepowder, you don't like off piste with a name like that???? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowandtrek,
We as does much of the French Alps need cold and snow and soon.
Could we have that in English please? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Quote: |
sorry, but whatever is happening now is pretty irrelevant for the 8 February - there's time for things to get better, worse and better again before then. It's far, far, too soon to be bothering.
|
I still need to get my plan B ready. We can drive anywhere and even rent another property if necessary. trying to get the geography sorted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Snowing in Les Gets - 6.50 p.m. - roof looks quite white again now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
That sounds a bit better. If it's snowing in Les Gets and Les Crosets it must be getting white in Chatel. I'm still at GVA waiting to meet a friend whose Luton flight was cancelled and was bussed to Gatwick. Don't say I'm going to be delayed on snowy roads as well.....on second thoughts let's hope I have an absolute nightmare!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunshine81, there are two restaurants very close together. I think one is called Brochaux and the other Abricotine. We use them lots with a preference for the one with a big sun terrace and a window serving Vin Chaud. Omelette Paysan not to be missed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
DJL, Cheers for the response. Now that you mention it I think I know the place that you mean which is not where I was thinking of?? Oh lord now I am confused, i think it might be just off the blue run that comes down from Mossette before you get to Les Brochaux? Either way though we will be sure to pop into the one you mention (it could be the place I am thinking about) even if it's just for a Vin Chaud. Sorry for the confusion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
Just arrived ion Chatel. Rain turned to sleet around Abondance (c900m) and roads got steadily more covered. Only 0C at 1300m and abot 5cm of very wet snow on the car park. Hopefully better higher up. I'll report back tomorrow
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
...and look at the absence of people too !!! Im heading out for the weekend on Friday and feel a lot better now !
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
White roofs again in Chatel. Great.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
What do you like?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
dave_lob, welcome to the mad house
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Quote: |
We can drive anywhere and even rent another property if necessary. trying to get the geography sorted.
|
Other than the Grand Montets at Chamonix there's nothing very close to the PdS that's any higher and snowsure, really.
If you wanted to be more snow-sure (high altitude) then you'd probably need to look at somewhere like Val Thorens - and another property.
| Quote: |
My mate reckons there is 35cm's on the way (mostly Tue night)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I'm up for anything really, reds/blacks. Just something interesting! I'm up for any suggestions. Also, is there any good bars that have a happy hour that you could suggest? Cheers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tordi, that webcam is amazing! I have not seen that view before. It has made my day!
Skied on Friday in poor conditions and managed to pull my shoulder out its socket in the process. Popped straight back in! Must have been my lucky day. Looking forward to some better skiing this weekend! It looks promising.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Late start after 12.45 arrival. On the lift at Pre La Joux at 11.15 0C and cloud. By 12.00 we were skiing in the sun above Plain Dranse. Conditions pretty good. 30cm of fresh snow at the top and no slush above 1500m. If we get another 35cm on Tuesday (and it atays cold enough) it will be greatly improved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you to all posters for this addictive thread......driving down to Chatel Friday 21st, and looks like we will be ok....keeping everything crossed.
We will be spending most of our time at the top of the Bubble in Super Chatel on the beginners area ( First time for my good lady and the 2 boys 11 & 3 ! ! )
Any reports about Super Chatel and the runs down to Morgins gratefully received.......
Also the Sat Nav is taking me up to Chatel through Switzerland via Morgins.......I have always been on the bus from Gva up to Chatel on the road that skirts Lake Geneva and that road is very easy with no bad hills, so if anybody can let me know if the Swiss route via Morgins is ok...or to be avoided...that would be great.
Thanks !
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
I made sure I had the car key in my pocket, just in case. I've got a long way to go with moguls before I could comtemplate it.
