 Poster: A snowHead
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| MadMountainMan wrote: |
@rjs, MB tunnel is a little more than Frejus, however by Aosta and Turin it's over 300 km whilst by Albertville and Frejus tunnel is just over 250km. |
Ok, Via Michelin was suggesting sticking to the autoroute via Annecy and Chambery if using the Frejus. It still gives a similar time going via Albertville or Aosta and I doubt you will be going all that fast through the Val d'Arly in a campervan.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@MadMountainMan, they really do stick it you with vans. My VW van falls below the sizing for class 2, (I think it was 1 vs 2 or 2 vs 3) I even printed out the dimensions and the dimensions from the tunnel web site. Arrived at the booth and it was a clear "Non" he then pointed to a picture on the wall of a VW van he had, where obviously others had made the point and I was charged Class 2 and not 1 or whatever.
What I was told by the tourist office was that the discounted tickets will only be for cars, which is just as well as I bought a carnet of ten (which you now have to use in 12 months and not the previous 24months).
And know it's a long way off, but to get to LG via Frejus / Briancon you have the little matter of the Lautaret to take into consideration (Col de Montgenevre is not so exposed to the wind), and if you're chasing fresh snow based on a forecast then you have to watch out for the Lautaret being closed.
It's not so much the fresh snow falling but a day after when often the front has tracked through and the wind kicks in. And from experience they don't tend to close it much during the week, but at the weekends, after around 14:30 having let the majority of the transfer traffic try get over, they then they worry about cars getting stuck in the dark.
I had to go back and forth to LG (was on a course) Mon to Fri (like a commute) when conditions were pretty bad, and I was very surprised they had not shut it one day, and then there was last season on the infamous Dec 29th when I dropped my daughter off at the damn (just pass the tunnel) and then made it back over in bonkers conditions.
And re accommodation, Hotel Edelweiss , you don't have to book Sat - Sat etc and they do have a number of apartments as well, and they are prepared for last minute bookings as that is the nature of the beast as it were, and has to be said their bar is one of the finest in the Alps and they do a superb New Year (I think) 
http://www.hotel-edelweiss.com/
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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.
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| Quote: |
I doubt you will be going all that fast through the Val d'Arly in a campervan.
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Always worth checking whether the Gorge d'Arly is open - it's been closed more than open I suspect, in many years.
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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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Good advice thanks. I'm hoping to go to La Grave in Jan, but I have to go to LDA, so might just base myself there and ski over (with a guide) - sound reasonable?
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@iainm, will depend on snow cover as to whether they open the link, that said if you're with a guide you can hike over the last bit at the top of LDA to drop down the Girose glacier.
To get back though from LG you'll have a long hike if the glacier drag is not open, it's around an hour skinning and again, if the lift / link is not open best to be with a guide as they'll be a few holes to avoid!
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^ yip.
if you want to ski in La Grave then best to stay there IMHO.
giroise t-bar to 3500m in La Grave wont be open until end of January.
in which case the connection between L2A and LG is officially closed and lift pass not valid.
even when the link is "open" it is time consuming / slow / and unreliable.
only really allowing 1 or 2 runs in La Grave from those starting in L2A.
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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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Latest news on the road. It is expected to have a capacity of 1500 vehicles per day, that is the same as the old road except for peak periods. It will be open to all car traffic not just locals. There is an avalanche control and clearance plan in place for this winter.
If you are travelling on a peak Saturday in mid winter it may be a poor idea... although it is doubtful that many tourists will be taking it is likely it will not be signposted from the Grenoble end.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@davidof, That's good news. I should be able to get round to La Grave, Serre Chevalier and the other resorts accessible via that road. I'm unlikely to do so on a Saturday I would think. Any news on the opening date?
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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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Been out nigh on a couple of weeks here and I've heard so many different points of view from people in the "know".
So as sort of planned I decided to go and take a look for myself, and cycled over from here last Sunday hoping that no one would be working and that I could gain access to the new route.
Whatever happens to this route, it's pretty damn scenic - pic below shows the "old road" going into the tunnel and you can see where the slides happened in the summer.
I've done a report with loads more images etc here.
@davidof, think trying to approach it from your end might be possible on a Sunday but it might be more difficult to access as that is where the more serious work is being carried out.
As I mention in the article there is still a lot of work to be done, and they're going to have to lay down one feck of a lot of aggregate, at least locally there's plenty of base material close to hand.
It's certainly going to be interesting to see how this all pans out - but at least for the residents of La Grave and Villar D'Arene they will now have a road, as for the rest of us we'll have to wait and see.
Last edited by And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports. on Tue 13-10-15 12:40; edited 2 times in total
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Looking at your photos it is hard to believe they'll have it opened for the end of the month. Good report, thanks for going over and taking a look.
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You know it makes sense.
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I clicked the here button and got a coming soon website.
I missed the big slide over the summer. Is there a good video of it somewhere?
I take it Grenoble wasn't wiped out by a Tsunami, as some had predicted.......
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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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@cameronphillips2000, ok that link should work now - if it fails then go to the link in my sig and you'll see the article links in the right hand side bar
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Weathercam, Really helpful report, thanks. Looks like Turin airport for the SOPiB then
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Chamcham, just seen this link now, thanks to @Weathercam, .
So do 'we' think Turin is looking definite for the off piste bash then?
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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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@dvb, even if the road is indeed open to cars / traffic I for one would not chance it.
There is hardly any difference in time, actually Frejus is slightly faster if driving down from the UK and if flying Turin is so much easier than Grenoble.
Even before all this I always advised people to fly to Turin as coming from Grenoble you still had the Lautaret to get over.
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@Weathercam, all good points, thanks, great to have some people on the ground for advise.
So Turin it is then.
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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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Yep, I'm up for Turin.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Weathercam, useful report thanks!
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@dsoutar, latest ?
Did you read my report and see how much work is still to be done ?
Sorry but that type of report is exactly the reason why I went down to see for myself.
They are going to do well if they get it ready for end of November and that will be a staggering achievement!
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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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Those construction guys must have large cojones............
Doesn't really look like it's going to be all that suitable for large vehicles though 
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@KenX, sure your jeep will be ok 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Weathercam, It may be, but I'll be thinking about what's above and below me..........
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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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I did visit the Tourist Office and they confirmed that there will be an online facility to buy Frejus tickets, but as to when and the exact detail they were none too clear - proof of residing in Serre is needed etc etc
There was indeed a lot of media hype last Thursday as they finished the final part of opening the route, now all they have to do is build the road to take the traffic 
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You know it makes sense.
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I've referred Naufragés du Chambon (Shipwrecked community of Chambon), a FaceBook group a couple of times - and the guys that writes is does so in a satirical way, always having a "pop" at the political chiefs in charge.
This is his latest, which I've run through a translator tool, (I've put the French underneath it) but you'll get the gist, and I do like the last line.
So I presume that indeed only the locals will be able to use the route this winter - although have read elsewhere that mid week should be ok, and that only at weekends and holidays will "tourists" be invited to take the Frejus
Ladies and gentlemen, the company cd38 is pleased to welcome you on his flight rd1091 Grenoble / Briançon, the take-off will be held on 15 November on the track burn 001.
For the reopening of the temporary, only the local users low cost fitted with a boarding pass validated in high romansh will be empowered to make the journey very air on a part of the route. The flight will take place on aircraft small capacity adapted to the narrowness of the air corridor conceded by the department of transportation in high altitude and sudden weather.
The Commander Jean Pierre Barber, the co-Pilot Bernard Perazio and the hostess mp flechon, apologize for not being able to accompany you on this first flight, they follow training on aircraft for long haul routes Grenoble Paris first class.
This maiden flight takes off with only 7 months late, the company cd38 hope this slight against time will not have you caused discomfort and will do everything possible to ensure that this first flight you is a pleasant one, snacks will be served in the case of Further delay and our lovely hostesses cci remain at your disposal to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Soon the reopening of the main path will allow for a less air traffic but more dense, our crew of shock will then be able to take in hand the orders of a tool to the extent of his skills and deregulate the transport in this sector difficult.
The Control Tower in Paris recalls that everything related to air travel is subject to the approval of the prime minister and that passengers do not have to worry even if the flight time grenoble briançon is past since 10 April of 2 hours to 4800 hours.
Hoping to see you again as soon as possible on our lines, all the crew would like to thank you for choosing cd38 roads lines for your trip.
To mitigate the inconvenience due to the work, the company will reimburse your tickets and grants you the tax refunds and financial facilities on alcohol, cigarettes, the luxury products but not on the commercial activities during the robbery of substitution.
The question remains, is there a pilot with a license of theft in this plane? Or at least a minimum number of hours of driving in an emergency situation?
J 196
PS: the most dangerous thing in the world is a policy with a study, a budget and schedule.
Mesdames et messieurs, la Compagnie CD38 est heureuse de vous accueillir sur son vol RD1091 Grenoble / Briançon, le décollage aura lieu le 15 novembre sur la piste PROUTE 001.
Pour la réouverture de la liaison temporaire, seuls les usagers locaux Low Cost munis d'une carte d'embarquement validée en Haute Romanche seront habilités à effectuer le trajet très aérien sur une partie de l'itinéraire. Le vol se déroulera à bord d'aéronefs de petite capacité adaptés à l'étroitesse du couloir aérien concédé par le Département des transports en altitude élevée et intempéries subites.
Le commandant de bord Jean Pierre Barbier, le co-pilote Bernard Perazio et l'hôtesse MP Flechon, s'excusent de ne pouvoir vous accompagner sur ce premier vol, ils suivent une formation sur avion gros porteur long courrier pour des liaisons Grenoble Paris First Class.
Ce vol inaugural décollera avec seulement 7 mois de retard, la Compagnie CD38 espère que ce léger contre temps ne vous aura pas causé de désagréments et fera tout son possible pour que ce premier vol vous soit agréable, des collations seront servies en cas de nouveau retard et nos charmantes hôtesses CCI restent à votre disposition pour rendre votre trajet aussi doux que faire se peut.
Bientôt la réouverture de la piste principale permettra un trafic moins aérien mais plus dense, notre équipage de choc pourra alors prendre en main les commandes d'un outil à la mesure de ses compétences et déréglementer les transports dans ce secteur difficile.
La tour de contrôle parisienne rappelle que tout ce qui touche au transport aérien est soumis à l'approbation directe du Premier Ministre et que les passagers n'ont pas à s'inquiéter même si le temps de vol Grenoble Briançon est passé depuis le 10 avril de 2 heures à 4800 heures.
En espérant vous revoir au plus vite sur nos lignes, tout l'équipage vous remercie d'avoir choisi CD38 Routes Lines pour votre voyage.
Pour atténuer les désagréments dus aux travaux, la Compagnie remboursera vos billets et vous accorde des détaxes et facilités financières sur l'alcool, les cigarettes, les produits de luxe mais pas sur les activités commerciales durant ce vol qualifié de substitution.
La question reste posée, y a-t-il un pilote ayant une licence de vol dans cet avion ? Ou pour le moins un minimum d'heures de pilotage en situation d'urgence ?
J 196
PS : La chose la plus dangereuse au monde est un politique avec une étude, un budget et un planning.
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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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Poster: A snowHead
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Had the following email from my tour operator yesterday...
I saw the Serre Che tourist office this week and the Frejus tunnel tickets should be available to book online from 20th November for 13€ each way for anyone with a holiday booked to serre chevalier. You should just need your booking reference from us for this.here is the link to the website
http://www.serre-chevalier.com/hiver/la-vallee-au-coeur-des-alpes/acces/par-la-route/
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@backhojo, I'm still waiting to see how this will work for people staying in privately rented accommodation. I have been told that you can only have one return ticket per vehicle for the whole season, which makes it difficult for those of us visiting more often, and that you also have to give your car reg number in advance which is a bit difficult for those people hiring cars from Grenoble airport.
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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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Last I saw, quite recently, the road was due to open this Saturday. Doesn't look likely from these photos.
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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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The farce continues with loads of acrimonious finger pointing re up coming elections and PR stunts.
See http://www.lemedia05.com/tag/tunnel-du-chambon/ and run it through Google translate
Basically they hope to have road open with a surface of asphalt around Nov 20th but it still seems unclear as to who will be able to use 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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@Hells Bells, the "abonnement" multi-ticket arrangement is a lot cheaper and doesn't need car registration numbers. I am not likely to be using the Frejus tunnel so often in the next year or so but will certainly need some tickets. There's a "smart card" you show at the ticket booth - shouldn't be impossible to share one? I will probably be needing two returns (ie 4 trips) at Easter and even if you don't use them all, it's still a worthwhile saving over the "buy on the day" price.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| pam w wrote: |
| @Hells Bells, the "abonnement" multi-ticket arrangement is a lot cheaper and doesn't need car registration numbers. I am not likely to be using the Frejus tunnel so often in the next year or so but will certainly need some tickets. There's a "smart card" you show at the ticket booth - shouldn't be impossible to share one? I will probably be needing two returns (ie 4 trips) at Easter and even if you don't use them all, it's still a worthwhile saving over the "buy on the day" price. |
We need to do one return trip in February to pick up son from 6th form ski trip in Serre Chevalier to whisk him to the family holiday in Valloire - already been advised that Frejus tunnel is the way to go, would be interested in a combined purchase. I've had a look at the website and pretty sure it's ok to share, just can't have two different vehicles going through at the same time on the same ticket.
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Hmm. I wonder how they'll prevent "tourists" using the new route de secours....
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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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@pam w, I suspect that they just won't advertise that the route exists. Those of us savvy enough to investigate will know, and the numpties who haven't even realised there is a problem with the road will find out. The signs on the approach roads on the autoroute will redirect.
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FAQ
you want to check how much I pay when they classify me as a class 3. For Frejus:
