 Poster: A snowHead
|
I'm gonna be out at Plan Peisey from mid Jan to Easter, flying from Geneva to UK and back every other weekend for kids (Wed to Mon).
I'll be leaving a car there too so if anyone wants to meet up to ski or needs a transfer on a day I am driving to or from Geneva then PM me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
thanks very much Snowcrazy for starting the thread.
the weather for Arc is now on the front screen of the phone.
So far I fly out on 20th Dec and fly back on the 7th Jan so a decent break. Two sons come out 26th until 7th as well making it a family new year with 3 out of the 5 sons.
other trips will be planned but 2 sons are doing exams so no easter trips for them. Possibly looking at a trip end of January when its nice and cold
The season pass discount is good to have especially as the lifts are open in the summer. One son uses ski a la carte which makes sense with the one euro days and on the days we stay in Arc, he isn't paying for the whole area.
If you are looking at a few trips and have 17's and under, a family ski pass can be good value as you get a good discount. We save money even if the young ones only come out at Christmas.
our new issue this year is the price of transfers from Geneva and back. at Christmas we have 3 out, then 2 out than all 5 back so looking like 850 to 1200 euro depending on who we travel with.
There seems to have been a general hike in prices with Alp Riders being amongst the cheapest we have found so far. We have used Bens bus but the schedule isn't kind some times leading to some very early get ups, 5 am a couple of times, or hanging around at Geneva
for cheap hotels in the Bourg area, we have used Hotel La Petite Auberge which is on the left about 1 1/2 km before Bourg station. there is a simple sign from the main D1090. Its nice and simple and the owners didn't mind us arriving very late. If you are early there is a good restaurant at the hotel but its a separate business.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Has anyone seen an updated piste map for 17/18 season yet? All I can find are the lifts for last season. Linky appreciated if there is one out yet.
AR
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
@Arctic Roll, Interesting, rarely now we have learnt to board do we head down to Villaroger, which is stupid as the lift is outside the front door of the apartment. The snow was be brilliant but more often that not is boiler plate and the lifts back are cold.However sounds like some good work being put in so lets see....
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
I must admit I struggle to understand the benefits of staying at Villaroger, Champagny or Montalbert compared to say Les Coches or Vallandry where you can be in a village, the heart of the ski area and have tree skiing on your doorstep. The best of all worlds surely?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Layne, charming villages as opposed to purpose built ski ‘villages’? They are also often cheaper for holidays. We bought in Arc 2000 but did look closely at buying lower but we wanted snow sure and weren’t bothered by the ugliness of summer. One village often over looked which is utterly charming in Montchavin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Layne, You obviously have never stayed in Montalbert, it has a great village atmosphere and great place to ski out of !!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Finally some snow appearing on the webcams! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have just returned from a weekend in Les Arcs (decorating and skiing) and here are a few of my obeservations. Actually some are of a more gerneral nature than purely Les Arcs orientated.
Passport control at Geneva was a nightmare. It has been getting steadlily worse recently but last Wednesday it was a nightmare. Two flights arrived more or less together and initially only one desk open. It took perhaps 3/4 hour to get through and some in the queue were getting distinctly agitated shouting at the border police to speed up.
The new road on the south side of the Isere just after Moutier is now open. It may save 10 seconds on the drive to Les Arcs but be at less risk of stonefall. There ahs been quite a lot of resurfacing work on the road from Moutier to Les Arcs and it was IMHO a nicer drive.
Cocktail Scandinave and the other stores by the old road have now all closed due to the risk of stone fall. Cocktail Scandinave now have a tiny show room at their depot, but I suspect now are mainly online.
The new Club Med at Deux Tetes is nearing completition. It looks huge but because it is self contained I suspect that apart from clogging up the lifts and pistes we won't see much effect in Arc 1600. I do notice that it does not feature on the club med web site so i am not sure when it will be opening.
The new Pre st Espirit lift is nearing completion. It goes to just above the Plangettes chair so offers an alternative to the perptually crowded Arcabulle lift. I couldn't work out what has happened to the car park at Pre st Espirit car park since a large new building appeared to be blocking the entrance. Where will people staying in Arc 2000 or 1950 now park? BTW what is the prurpose of that builing it seems to have lots of pipework in it?
The cascades piste is remodelled and now has snow making.
It snowed on Sunday, but melted immediately in 1600 I am glad to say.
I met my new neighbour on Friday. He is completely gutting his apartment which apparently had not been modified or possibly redecorated since it was first built in the 1970's
Coming back to Geneva airport the filling station as you enter Ferney Voltaire was not accepting any credit cards so we drove around looking for one that was open on a Sunday night and found one a couple km away. If you take the D road signposted Bourg en Bresse from the roundabout at the entrance to the airport you come to a second roundabout a couple minutes later. Turn left there and you find a Lidl filling station near a MacDonalds and a few other large stores. Fuel there was 10 cents a litre cheeper than the usual filling station. I reccomnend the diversion.
At Luton the passport control queue was 20 minutes. What is happening to the world does everone want to make travelling as unpleasant as possible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Thanks @johnE for the Geneva updates - we're flying in and renting on Sat 23rd Dec. so guess I'll have to have my 'calm' mojo on...
| Quote: |
| BTW what is the purpose of that building it seems to have lots of pipework in it? |
I was told it is to be a "snow store" - so having made stacks of it when conditions are right, the bashers can push it around to where needed, when needed. Possibly the pipework is water for snowmaking, or fridge stuff to keep it chilled? ( Where's snowcrazy when you need him? )
As an aside: new webcam down there: http://m.webcam-hd.com/lesarcs/chantier-pre-st-esprit Be nice if they kept it running through the season, but it may just be for construction.
As for parking - it looks as if the cheapskates that try to avoid paying for the underground car-parks up the top are going to have to bite the bullet! Actually, it is mooted that they'll put a new carpark in, towards the current base station of Combourciere, after they re-configure that next year - and charge for it (naturellement). With two new lifts PsE will make for a good entry point into the domain for day-trippers, or if the links are closed over the top, for Club Med coach hordes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
My life is complete a new web cam. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| thunderer wrote: |
| @Layne, You obviously have never stayed in Montalbert, it has a great village atmosphere and great place to ski out of !! |
Correct, I haven't. And I am sure it's a lovely place. My question would be "why is it a lovely place to ski out of"?
I have stayed in Champagny. It certainly is a lovely place. But for me it's not a convenient or great place to ski in and out of - in comparison to some others.
Not trying to get anybodys back up. Perhaps some people don't split their time over the two areas as much as me. I would have less of an issue if I was just skiing one or the other.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
Sad news for boarders, TipTop in Bourg has closed down. On a happier note Labo in Bourg has now moved into it's new bigger premises. Fantastic shop Labo with very knowledgable staff.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
Just a quick reminder. The discounted Lift passes for less than a season in length end on the last day of October. Hurry if you still need some. Conditions this weekend were nice and sunny off and on. But not that much fresh snow. Time to cross our fingers that the predicted small does arrive in November.
https://en.lesarcs.com/ski/skipasses.html
For anyone that likes looking at the webcams. Here is an easy link to use.
http://m.webcam-hd.com/lesarcs/mont-blanc
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
I'll be staying at Plan Peisey from 23rd Dec to mid April, coming back to UK every other Wed and back out the following Mon (Kids contact weekends).
I'll be doing the Bristol Geneva flights and will have a car so if anyone's times coincide there's a lift available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
|
|
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?
|
FRESH SNOW in LES ARCs. Lift Pass discount deadline, Links for Private Ski Lessons, Race Training and Freeride Coaching. Read all the post!!!
Remember, Season Lift pass discounts finish at the end of November.
https://en.lesarcs.com/ski/skipasses.html
Plus like @Arctic Roll, says!! It's snowing again in Les Arcs at last. Let us hope it now stays cold and starts to form a base. Take a look at the webcams if you like to follow the snowfall levels.
https://en.lesarcs.com/webcams.html
I have also updated all the links on the first post of this seasons thread to be sure they are all working. Thanks to all those that have posted links so far this season. Please add any other links to places that you think might be of help to visitors of this thread. I will then add them to the list on the first page. Thanks
Here is the Info I have put together for those interested in getting ski lessons, race training or freeride coaching. The list is very diverse so should cover all abilities old and young.
IMO The best schools are AIM or New Gen. If you can get one of their guys for small groups or Private lessons the kids should have fun. They will run a programme to suit the needs of your kids and are normally flexible about times etc. But not as cheap as ESF or the other French schools. They are both English run so NO language problems.
For Race Training you only really have the ESF training programme. There is now a strong ESF club group in Arc 1600 on the new Cachette Race piste as well as the Arc 1800 ESF club group during the French school holidays. Outside these periods we might have to run something ourselves for those interested as none of the schools are very keen to do so unless we have at least 6 in a group. Otherwise it get's very expensive. If you have youngsters interested in Race training then it might be worth you sending me a PM here or over on the Les Arcs Winter facebook page and we can try and put a group together as we have done in the past with our own Private English speaking Race Trainer.
For Freeriding any of the Mountain Guides are OK, but for the best coaching for the youngsters, maybe UPCA or one of the Teen groups with a Ski school might be better. Although again you MUST check that they have an English speaking Instructor for the youngsters. Likewise for this activity. If you get in touch by PM here or on the Les Arcs winter facebook page we can try and put a group together as we have done in the past with our own Private English speaking Freeride Coach.
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/
Whatever you decide, for private lessons and free ride coaching you need to act fast. Any of the following Instructors or Ski Schools should provide the youngsters with a good experience, but hurry as the best people get booked up fast.
What I suggest you do now is use the web links I have given you and look at what they offer. Decide what suits your kids and pocket best then either Phone them direct (most speak good English) or email them to ask if they can do what you want for the kids. Otherwise just do the booking online using the forms most sites provide. Do be careful with the ESF and other French Ski Schools too make sure they know you want an ENGLISH speaking Instructor.
If you want any advice on what to book before you go ahead, please do send me a PM. I am always happy to help out.
Chris
Private Ski and Snowboard Instructors.
1) Rob Hutchison Private Instructor Independent (Scottish)
Tel: 00 33 6 22744983
Email. rob.hutchison@sfr.fr
2) Vincent Bammaz. Works for ESF Arc 2000 as Ski Instructor and Mid level Mountain guide. Speaks good English and will give private lessons.
Vincent is very good with those recovering from injury and those needing to improve their level.
Email: VBAMMS@aol.com
Tel: 00 33 6 66 14 15 76
3) Xavier Troubat, Independent, Freerider (not qualified) Founder of Freeski Academy, Les Arcs. (Speaks some English.)
Free Ride Coaching.
https://www.xaviertroubat.com/
Email: xavier.troubat@orange.fr
Tel: 00 33 6 82 65 98 18
3) Christian Bougnaud Works for ESF as Instructor and also as High Mountain Guide. Speaks good English.
Tel: 00 33 6 15 93 03 17
Email: christianbougnaud@hotmail.com
4) Gilles Broche. Works for ESF as Instructror and also High Mountain Guide. Speaks good English.
Tel: 00 33 6 23 80 54 36
Email. gilles.broche.guide@gmail.com
5) Pascal Arpin. High Mountain Guide. Speaks English.
http://www.pascal-arpin.fr/
Tel: 00 33 6 10 48 44 95
(I will add Instructors to this list once I know who is around this season so if you are not sorted get back in touch with me for more contacts in December. Also if anyone else finds a good Instructor they would like to recommend. Please do let me have the contact or add the details themselves to the thread.)
Snowsports Schools in and around Les Arcs.
1) AIM snowsports school
Director. John McCarthy (English speaking school, works all over Les Arcs areas)
http://www.ski-aim.com/
Email. info@ski-aim.com
Tel: 00 44 131 618 7210
2) New Generation Snowsports School Peisey Vallandry/ Arc 2000
Managers. John Thomas Peisey Vallandry / Davide La Porta Arc 2000 (English Speaking School, works all over Les Arcs areas).
www.skinewgen.com
Email: For more info and bookings by email complete online request form and click send.
Tel: 00 33 4 79 01 03 18
Tel: 00 44 1462 674 000
3) ESF Les Arcs 1600 (You need to ask for English speaking Instructor.)
Good for Race Training using the new Cachette Race piste in Arc 1600. If you want them to do this, be warned groups are mostly in French unless you take a private coach. Also has private lessons and group lessons.
https://www.esfarcs1600.com/teens
Email: info@esfarcs1600.com
Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 43 09
4) ESF Les Arcs 1800 (You need to ask for English speaking Instructor.)
Good for Race coaching using mainly the Arc 1800 race stade, but also Arc 1600 race piste when Arc 1800 piste not ready.
https://www.ski-school-arc1800.co.uk/teens
Email: contact@esfarc1800.com
Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 40 31
There are also ESF Ski Schools in Arc 2000 Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 47 52, Arcs 1950 Tel: 00 33 4 79 08 24 19 , Villaroger, Peisey Vallandry.
5) ESF UK OFFICE. For info on all ESF schools in all French ski resorts in English.
UK Business Manager: Mark Neville
https://www.esf-uk.co.uk/
enquiries@everyonesawinner.net
Tel UK: 01992 444209
6) Evolution 2 1600/1800 and Spirit 1950 ( you need to ask for English speaking Instructor.)
www.evolution2-lesarcs.com
Email. contact@evolution2-arc1800.com
Tel: 00 33 4 57 15 94 96
Spirit Arc 1950
http://www.spirit1950.com/welcome
E-mail : contact@spirit1950.com
Tel: 00 33 4 79 04 25 72
7) Arc Adventure (Arc 1800, you need to ask for English speaking Instructor.)
www.arc-aventures.com
Email. esi@arc-aventures.com
Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 60 02
8. Ecole de Ski PRIVILEGE, Arc 1800. Independent School. They speak some English.
http://www.ecole-de-ski-les-arcs.com/en_index
Email: Email: For more info and bookings by email complete online request form and click send.
Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 23 38
9) UPCA Les Arcs
https://www.ucpa-vacances.com/centre/france/les-arcs/ or https://www.ucpa.co.uk/ (All in English)
UCPA - Arc 1600 - 73700 Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Tél. : 04 79 07 07 50 - Fax : 04 79 07 79 89
Courriel : arcs@ucpa.asso.fr
10) Also use this link for other ski schools in the Les Arcs areas.
https://en.lesarcs.com/ski-school-instructor.html
High Five Snowboarding School (in all Les Arcs areas).
Tel: 00 33 6 09 05 87 21
Email: hello@highfivesnowboarding.com
https://www.highfivesnowboarding.com/
Bureau des Guides des Arcs (High Mountain Guides Office for Les Arcs Area and the Paradiski domain.)
http://www.guidesdesarcs.com/en
Email: info@guidesdesarcs.com
Tel: 00 33 6 58 16 07 94 between 18.00 and 19.00hrs
Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Sun 12-11-17 17:51; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| wills_h wrote: |
| On a happier note Labo in Bourg has now moved into it's new bigger premises. Fantastic shop Labo with very knowledgable staff. |
That's good to hear - I was sad to see Labo had closed when I was in Bourg in the summer. Where is the new shop?
Just a thought for some new Les Arcs visitors who are baulking at the cost of the transfers from GVA - in the summer I got the train from GVA to Bourg. It was a very straightforward journey and took about 4 hours (so not dreadful) but the main benefit was that it was under 40 euro!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Does anyone know why Les Arcs is opening later this year (the 16th December)? As an owner in Arc 1950 I always go out at the opening weekend which is normally around the 9/10th December for a quick ski before I start letting the apartment over the Christmas period. Very annoyed to see that we are opening a full week after Meribel opens which is lower and has a worse snow record than us in Les Arcs! I feel a little cheated that an opportunity of skiing time is being denied to us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
We had the same problem back in the summer, but I can't remember the reasons (possibly something to do with later school holidays).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 years with poor snow - on the plus side lifts close a week later - so nothing lost yet!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The snow wasn't so bad at the start of last season in Les Arcs although it was by Christmas itself as it hadn't snowed in December. The runs were actually in pretty good shape. I just feel that if Meribel can open on the 9th then at least the upper stations of Les Arcs should be able to too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
@SStreet, I think Les Arcs has opened a week later than Meribel for a few years. The Trois Vallees and Paradiski all seemed to move their opening weekend one week closer to Christmas, about four years ago (?).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Jenniper, I believe it's moved up to near the Intermarche
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
Cool, ta
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Desn't the opening usually coincide with the annual film festival?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LABO now up next to Mc Do's
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
please better than the last 2 years!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
Also I see on the Vagere live cam in 1800, there is another building going up, just below the frontage. Oh good, more people.
So we're increasing the number of beds, and the speed of the lifts so they can get to the snow more quickly: wonder if/when they are going to increase the number of square metres of piste to accommodate all these extra visitors? [/selfish off]
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Rarely see the stations at full capacity these days, although I do avoid coming out in February, makes me wonder why there is still appetite to build new places if they simply sit empty for a majority of the season.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| Arctic Roll wrote: |
| Also I see on the Vagere live cam in 1800, there is another building going up, just below the frontage. Oh good, more people. |
I just had a quick look and couldn't spot anything new. What does it look like?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@Arctic Roll, Good question. What is it 1000 new beds at the club med. yet no new pistes
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| rob@rar wrote: |
| Arctic Roll wrote: |
| Also I see on the Vagere live cam in 1800, there is another building going up, just below the frontage. Oh good, more people. |
I just had a quick look and couldn't spot anything new. What does it look like? |
Doh, it looks like a new building being constructed! Spotted it now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| wills_h wrote: |
| Rarely see the stations at full capacity these days, although I do avoid coming out in February, makes me wonder why there is still appetite to build new places if they simply sit empty for a majority of the season. |
1800 is buzzing in the summer though. Gets busier every year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| wills_h wrote: |
| Rarely see the stations at full capacity these days, although I do avoid coming out in February, makes me wonder why there is still appetite to build new places if they simply sit empty for a majority of the season. |
How busy the slopes are depends on snow coverage. We were there in January this year and conditions were horrendous, grass up around 2,000m, so many runs were closed that even though it was quietest week of the season the open runs were rammed. Back in March, much busier numbers wise but because snow was amazing (5ft fell on 1st day) the slopes weren't too bad.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We were out for Christmas/New Year which seemed very quiet in comparison to previous years, conditions were just about ok although thin then again at the very end of January the conditions were much improved but as a whole the piestes seemed busier despite more being open. But my poit was really around why keep building more when the appartments already there sit empty even during peak weeks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| Quote: |
But my poit was really around why keep building more when the appartments already there sit empty even during peak weeks.
|
From what I can see our apartment building has a maximum of 20% occupancy. It could be busier in Febuary but I am never there then. It appears to be at its busiest, suprise, suprise, over weekends and least occupied in the middle of the week. Many, if not most, owners do not rent them out and do not spend the whole season there.
The resort owners keep having campaigns on "cold beds"
However, the statistics show that New Year is the busiest week where I have seen the resort reported as over 100% capacity. Yet I know there are empty apartments in our block. I wonder how the statistics are compiled, probably on lift pass sales.
Sorry I cannot lay my hands on the reports at the moment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@wills_h, @johnE, If you were out during Feb or even when holidays overlap into March you could be standing in a lift queue for 20 minutes if you use one of the main ones where ski schools line up. I have posted photos last season of the crazy queues at New Year week and Feb holiday periods which are totally mad!! Building more places like Club Med in Arc 1600, the new developments in Arc 1800 and Peisey Vallandry as well as down in Bourg are just going to make the high season weeks even more busy. They do not solve the problem as this is also when many owners if they have family or their friends come out as well. I shall post photos of this year. And then maybe some from past years to show how much busier it has become.
On another note. The lift work in the Arc 2000 bowl is progressing, but not fionished. We all want snow for the 16 December, but I really hope this does not delay the finishing of the lift.
Over on the La Plagne side there is gossip that the new Crozat lift and moving floor thing connecting back to the Les Coches side will not be ready in time for the start of the season. It might not even be finished in time for New Year crazy week.! I really hope this is not true. I shall do some asking about and report back when I have more info.
One good thing to report is the snow is still falling. Last weekend brought more snow as we already know and this weekend it is forecast for more again. Pity it keeps happening at the weekend, it would be nice to put some track down. But guess I cannot have everything and going out in a whiteout is not my idea of fun these days!
Finally for anyone around this weekend it is the Winter Film Festival. Different from the one during the first week of the season. This one is for Winter sports stuff. Maybe they could have some of these films at the later festival. That would be nice for all us winter sports junkies!
More news to follow after the weekend.
Just to keep you all in the mood!! Look's nice. I do love webcams when sitting in the office!
https://en.lesarcs.com/webcams.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
