 Poster: A snowHead
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Sounds like you were there last year too, how did the 2 seasons compare?
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This is a good question. Honestly, if I zoom out and squint my eyes they were fairly similar, in the patterns of stretches of very warm and dry unseasonal weather interspursed with some nice snow and powder dumps along the way. The early season this year, i.e. Nov and Dec was way better than 2022, and that certainly helped set up the higher altitude base for a much better season up high. The snowline this year was noticeably higher than last however - we live in Mont-Saxonnex, at 1000m across the valley and only had snow at our house a handful of times this season. The mayor here decided to shut down the telesiege at our local ski station, and the sad thing is I don't think it would have been able to open even if the lift was still there. Early on I heard musings that we were heading for a record high year of snowfall above 2000m and a record low below, and while I don't know if that's exactly accurate the general sentiment seems correct.
I got much better at curating my weather forecasts and reading the ensemble charts myself in this second season, which resulted in me being able to really pick and choose my days when the conditions were nice and get some work done on the others haha.
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Samoëns is a lovely village and would happily return
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I totally agree, we've been spending a lot of time in the Giffre valley and have some friends there and Morillon and we really like it. We moved to Mont Sax somewhat on a whim - my wife is French and has roots in the area, but we had never really spent any time there. We always wondered what it would be like to live in a tiny French village, and now we know - it's a bit small for our tastes tbh, although parts of it are lovely. If/when we come back we'd be looking for somewhere with a bit more opportunities for community, better public transportation, and a bit of an ex-pat community as well. Samoens seems to have all of those things and still be tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Cham and Geneva. Plus, if I could walk to the lift, well I would be a very happy man. 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@coldrainsnow, Hope the wife's ACL heals well. Did she do that skinning in Plate?
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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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@BAN, thanks! So far so good. She's got almost full mobility back already so the challenging part will be to keep wearing the brace to protect her graft while it sets, and not do too much.
Yeah, such a silly fall... literally the the last turn before the Refuge de Salles and no idea what happened, she just went down on like a 30 degree pitch. I was behind her and was like "Ca va?" and she immediately said "No...." and I knew it wasn't good. Wish there was a better story, like she botched a 30 foot cliff drop, but that doesn't seem to be how these usually happen.
I'm thankful she got in with this surgeon and the French health care has been top so far. Pretty impressive honestly.
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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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Hi guys. Some of you might recall I posted a bit way back in Jan starting on page 3 of this thread. My son Gregor and I came out for a week and had a really great time. So many happy memories, and many of you seemed to enjoy the updates I gave you.
Sadly, Gregor was tragically killed in dreadful road accident March 25th. I was a single dad, just Gregor and I. I'm posting here now as I have lost my ski buddy and am looking for company for next year. Sadly, I don't have anyone else to ski with. We really enjoyed Flaine and I would like to return. I intend to post a more public request for some ski company (really don't know what else to do tbh but trying to find something to look forward to) although not sure what the right part of the forum is the best place. In the meantime, if there is anyone that might like a plus 1 for next year please get in touch. I like to think I'm pretty easy going although somewhat of an emotional disaster right now.
Anyway, here is a picture of Gregor in Le K restaurant above Les Carroz, at the top of Kedeuze. This was his favourite place, you may recall us doing "chip advisor".
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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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Oh my goodness @Boofont, this is such tragic news. I'm so sorry to hear this. I know we never met in real life, but we all did appreciate your updates and the stories and the general good time you both had in Flaine together. As the dad of two teenage boys I cannot begin to imagine what you're feeling right now. I won't be around here next season or I would most certainly ski with you. I will however eat some chips and think of Gregor the next time I'm on the slopes wherever that may be.
Hang in there man, and please make sure to get the help you need whenever you need it.
Ski in Peace, Gregor. May you always have light fluffy powder and fresh tracks.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Boofont, I hang around in Flaine a few weeks a year - when you know your dates, please let me know. If you buy a season ticket before end of October it is half price, and only costs around two weeks of worth of normal tickets. I hope skiing next winter would help you cherish the memories of Gregor...
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@Boofont, I read your posts about skiing with your son. They made me smile. I also go skiing with my son, and like you, I think of him as my ski buddy. Reading your posts made me realise that there are quite a few of us dads, single (like you and me) and otherwise, who go on trips like that. So to read your post today has been absolutely heart-breaking. As coldrainsnow says, I can't begin to imagine what you're feeling. It must be the absolute worst. It's difficult to know what to say given that I don't know you, but I really did want to say something. I can't think that anyone who read your posts in January will be anything other than upset to read your news today. So, just to say, hang in there, it's going to be difficult, but making some kind of positive plan like going skiing again, or anything that might help take some of the pain away, is good. Hopefully someone on here who is thinking of going to Flaine will get in touch. I'm really so very sorry you have had this terrible experience. My best wishes to you.
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Deepest condolences
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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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@Boofont, I was indeed following your posts earlier in the season and it sounded like you had a great time. So very sorry to hear of your tragic loss and thinking of you, I have a son the same age and can't imagine what you're going through. 
Not sure if our group will be back to the Grand Massif next year but will give you a shout if we are.
Last edited by You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net. on Wed 8-05-24 13:30; edited 1 time in total
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fXXk man. i really do no know what to say. I am really really sorry.
As a father i cannot imagine something worst for parents as this.
Do not know if we will go to Flaine during the next season, but we like also Flaine and it is always in the top list when i am searching where to go.
If yes will let you know.
Last edited by Ski the Net with snowHeads  on Wed 8-05-24 13:37; edited 2 times in total
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Boofont, never met you but I'm in tears for you, that's such a horrible thing. I'm so glad you had a great trip this year though, you will always have the memories of that time you enjoyed together - and please be aware that your lovely posts back then brought a great deal of joy to us when we read them
If Mrs NBT and I make it out to the GM this year, will let you know if you fancy a (sedately paced) jaunt
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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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@Boofont, I am so sorry for the loss of your son Gregor. Heartbreaking news. I can’t begin to imagine how terrible it must be to lose a child.
I have not been to the GM this season so had missed your posts but will certainly look up the thread and read about the good times you had with Gregor on that holiday.
My kids (now young adults) loved going to Les Carroz for several years. Although their favourite lunch stop was Chalet D’Clair in Morillon.
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Hi All. Just wondering if anyone has a recommendation for self catering apartments in Flaine. Not much cropping up on my searches and Airbnb is not retuning a whole lot either.
Thanks!
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You know it makes sense.
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| adriangrogan wrote: |
Hi All. Just wondering if anyone has a recommendation for self catering apartments in Flaine. Not much cropping up on my searches and Airbnb is not retuning a whole lot either.
Thanks! |
Not Flaine, but we had a great time at Résidence Pierre & Vacances in Les Carroz in April. We drove down so it was an easy 20min drive from there to Flaine, although the confident skiers in our party skied over to Flaine each morning which took about 30-40mins. Given it was April the conditions were a lot better in Flaine.
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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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White Horizon estate agents is run by a Brit who lives in Flaine and has some independent rentals, they are really good
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Poster: A snowHead
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Emily at White Horizon has a good selection.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Thanks folks. I've booked with Emily in White Horizon. Looks a nice apartment and very close to Grand Vans in Foret so hopefully it'll be a good first trip to Flaine.
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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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Is it the place with the huge balcony? Views are unreal!
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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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Ya I think that's the one!
Any tips for ski hire?
Probably going to go with ESI for kids lessons
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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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ESI are good and tend to have smaller groups, meeting point is also very convenient for where you are staying, just a few mins away near the Bissac restaurant, at the top of the magic carpet. For ski hire the closest is Skimium Simond Sports 1 min away which has great service but can be a bit pricey. Skiset Snow Service Forêt in the Galerie Marchande tends to be cheaper and Skiset have regular discount codes if you search online, it is however a 5 min walk away.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Quick heads up - season pass promotions are on. Prices have been kept the same as last season. All on the GM website. Breakeven point is about 11 days of skiing, add the 3 free days in places like PdS, Chamonix, La Clusaz or Megeve and it's still a mega deal...
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Quick heads up - season pass promotions are on.
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Not quite yet, available from 5th September
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Enjoy the mountains and the joys of the ski slopes at a discounted price thanks to our web-exclusive offers on the Grand Massif season pass.
– PREM’S offer (-50%) from 5th September until 30th September inclusive:
Standard tariff (ages 26-74): Winter – €621 / Winter + Summer – €711
Reduced tariff (ages 8-25): Winter – €414 / Winter + Summer – €504
Mini tariff (for those aged under 8 and 75+): €59
– PROMO offer (-45%) from 1st October until 15th November inclusive:
Standard tariff (ages 26-74): Winter – €690 / Winter + Summer – €780
Reduced tariff (ages 8-25): Winter – €460 / Winter + Summer – €550
Mini tariff (for those aged under 8 and 75+): €59
– Public tariff from 16th November onwards:
Standard tariff (ages 26-74): Winter – €1242 / Winter + Summer – €1422
Reduced tariff (ages 8-25): Winter – €828 / Winter + Summer – €1008
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https://www.grand-massif.com/en/grand-massif-season-pass/
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| nbt wrote: |
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Quick heads up - season pass promotions are on.
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Not quite yet, available from 5th September
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Enjoy the mountains and the joys of the ski slopes at a discounted price thanks to our web-exclusive offers on the Grand Massif season pass.
– PREM’S offer (-50%) from 5th September until 30th September inclusive:
Standard tariff (ages 26-74): Winter – €621 / Winter + Summer – €711
Reduced tariff (ages 8-25): Winter – €414 / Winter + Summer – €504
Mini tariff (for those aged under 8 and 75+): €59
– PROMO offer (-45%) from 1st October until 15th November inclusive:
Standard tariff (ages 26-74): Winter – €690 / Winter + Summer – €780
Reduced tariff (ages 8-25): Winter – €460 / Winter + Summer – €550
Mini tariff (for those aged under 8 and 75+): €59
– Public tariff from 16th November onwards:
Standard tariff (ages 26-74): Winter – €1242 / Winter + Summer – €1422
Reduced tariff (ages 8-25): Winter – €828 / Winter + Summer – €1008
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https://www.grand-massif.com/en/grand-massif-season-pass/ |
annual passes for the whole family booked
roll on the snow and the start of the season
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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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season passes booke. Missed out on the free "floating aperitif" pass for the first 50 season passes booked, but hey, that's from Vercland and we've booked Flaine. At least, they haven't TOLD me I've got a free Floating Aperitif pass
oh looks like I misread anyway - PREMs (purchases made in September) include:
- 3 days skiing FOR FREE in other Haut Savoie ski areas.
- 1 Grand Massif day pass (outside of French school holidays) so that a friend or family member can discover the ski area.
- 1 Marvel toboggan pass
- The first 50 orders will be eligible for a 30% discount for a Floating Aperitif (outside French school holidays)
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@andy from embsay, nice, we had seasons passes a couple of years ago but illness and the poor state of the snow cover in early 2022 meant we didn;t bother - but this year we'll see. We're in Flaine which is a half hour trek down to the valley, but if we go back we might stay in Morillon then we can try Praz de Lys Sommand and maybe get over to the Portes de Soleil for the first time
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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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@nbt, we’re in Morzine, PdS and we have a day out to Flaine most years - Morillon isn’t much more than half an hour and the parking’s free and plentiful. Will be giving Praz de Lys a go in Jan if the weather’s ok too.
PdS passes give you 5 free days in Verbier too but have never managed to get the motivation to drive 2.5hrs each way! We do have an offer of accommodation there so maybe one day!
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Season pass give access to all of Chamonix - in April that's a great day out as the Grands Montets is usually still lovely - well, it has been for the last two years. Great snow cover due to the higher altitude combined with sunshine, a nice meal in Chamonix after, a mooch in Sanglard Sports and Snell and only 1hr from Samoens/Flaine etc...
La Clusaz is also worth a visit - super cool bars and the Balme area off-piste is mega on a good day. Not as good as Gers but still fun...
This year I think we will chance the Chamonix day and will try and do the Vallee Blanche on the freebie lift ticket. Of course we will get a guide. The skiing is easy, but I don't fancy a horrible death down a crevasse...
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You know it makes sense.
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I see that lift passes are now available online.
Seems like there is 20% off Grand Massif passes if you book before November 15th.
We're a family of 4. I havent been before - there doesnt seem to be any family passes?
So is it just book 2 x adults and 2 x children and the 20% discount is applied?
Just want to make sure i'm not missing a trick.
We're not travelling till March but will book now to avail of the disount.
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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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Also can't find a Family Pass option on website. Children under 8 as at 14/12/2024 - can get a Season Pass at 59 Euros for Grand Massif if it helps.
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FAQ
