 Poster: A snowHead
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| thefatcontroller wrote: |
| allanm, Been caught in flat light up that area before, Scared the poo-poo out of me.... |
Not normally too bothered with flat light, but yesterday was awful...
Quite scary today in the Transarc, stopped very abrubtly several times on the way up today, kid in the lift said something to his mum about doing 'loop de loop'.
Not a brilliant day for me, got first lift, out with a group of [7] Irish with SCGB, higher up visibility was fine, but it was cold, skied like a numpty, didn't really enjoy it, and jacked it in about 2PM, went to BSM and did some shopping.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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It snowed gently in cloud at higher altitudes today, and this evening is doing the same at Arc 1800 where we are. Hopefully there will be a little fresh to ski on tomorrow. We found this afternoon that there were places which seemed to still have a decent layer of yesterdays fall in reasonable nick, but it was definitely scoured in the popular areas on piste.
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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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allanm, I looked for your poles when we stopped, but didn't see 'em.
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| Megamum wrote: |
| allanm, I looked for your poles when we stopped, but didn't see 'em. |
No, I was looking for snowheads stickers too, but didn't see any. Hey ho!
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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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allanm, next time you are down the valley give me a buzz so we can meet for a beer or coffe if you like. I stopped even earlier than you. not much fun today. Hope the fresh snow brings something better tomorrow.
Megamum, Hope the kids are enjoying there lessons. If you want a good piste tour try the trip over to Mont albert as jamie did, but on a good vis day. Lots for fun and nice pistes the whole way there and back. Do you ever get out for a drink after skiing. PM me if you fancy meeting up one day after you finish.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Today, Wednesday, were going to be going over to Arc 2000 in the afternoon. Hope the sunny weather lasts the day!
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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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Lovely day today, not much to add, except that I had a 'powder lesson', and realise that most people will only go where thare are already tracks nearby, needless to say there was no shortage of untracked powder for the lesson within 3 lifts of Vallandry. Cracking lesson.
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Those coming out send me a PM with your mobile number if you are interested in getting in touch and meeting for a beer or to ski some of the powder.
Today even after a week of changing weather we were still able to find some uncut powder. Very sweet. Quite amazing, although not that long in distance maybe 500m or so. But a couple of different pitches.
Did a few more back country trips and off piste from the top of AR down to Arc 1950 which was fun, by a very interesting route.
Most areas are really tracked now, but still good snow in sheltered areas. The pistes are firm and a few icy patches are starting to come through, but overall the conditions are great although it would be nice for some new snow which is promised in the next few days. I HOPE!!
If you want any more details or to see my pics for each day, visit my face book site at the link below.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1165107710#/snowcrazy.chris?ref=profile
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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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Has been snowing gently most of the morning - now starting to get enough lying to be useful. Vis is a bit dire higher up, but OK until the tops of most of the mid-station lift exits. If you come out not able to see its not long down the piste before you can. Mild breeze and cold enough for the bars to be doing a roaring trade in Vin Chaud!! Back in for lunch at the moment.
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Megamum, have you and the gang been over to Disneyland, aka 1950 yet?
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You know it makes sense.
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Hello,
Finally here !!!!
Yersteday, sun sun sun and some good some ice pistes.
Today, snow snow snow, poor visibility, cold, and gooooood piste cover w fresh snow
I'm hapy hapy hapy!!!!!!!
A shouer is my first priority right nowW
Cheers
Eduardo
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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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Started as another day of 'couldn't be bothered', after looking out the window before breakfast. Chatted to one of the Vallandry lifties at about 12, he reckoned staying lower today was best. I took his advice. Top of the Derby, or a few metres lower, was pretty much the cloud base all afternoon, even so it did drift 'in and out' all afternoon, it was worth waiting a few minutes before setting off.
One odd thing, I noticed that they had put 'Danger of Avalache' signs at the top of the Derby, on the right hand side as you go up the lift. As the avalache warning was '2' lower down, I went and asked the pisteurs why.. After a long conversation (they are really good guys) the outcome was that there was no danger of avalanche whatsoever, they just didn't want 'inexperianced' people going down in bad light hitting bumps, not seeing drops.. etc etc and mmm.. hurting themselves, not quite the way he put it, though - he was quite 'down to earth' about the whole thing. Upshot.. lovely sking, not untracked powder, but pretty good - filled in with the sprinkling we had today.... you just had to wait for the light.
Stuck with sunnies all afternoon, it wasn't really that bad lower down.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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snowcrazy,
Out on the 6th Feb to 1950, will try to pop into Georges and buy you a vino and get some insider info on the best places/Runs. In Courchevel for the week before taking lessons so hopefully no runs will be off limits this year by the time I reach Les Arcs.
Should I look out for someone with a Telegraph under their right arm holding a carnation or just ask for Chris?
Garry
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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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gazmob, Hi Garry
Just ask for Chris, I am there most evenings from 5 to 6.30pm. See you when you get out.
Not much of a day today. very poor light, not much fresh snow and cold. Gave it up and had an easy day back at home. Going out tomorrow for a blast even if it is on the piste.
Hope it improves quickly as we hope to do some of the best runs again soon.
See anyone coming out at george's or send me a PM if you want to meet up.
beised, come to george's wine bar in 1950 tomorrow between 5 - 6.30 for a chat and a drink, be good to finally meet you.
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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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Thanks to all who have been contributing to this thread - I have been reading daily any updates!
I'm heading out to Les Arcs in a weeks time, and was wondering what the temperatures are likely to range between.
I saw one of the forcasts indicate that with windchill it will be around -40C on Sunday night!
Time to buy a balaclava....?
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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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gdc, 1:00pm Friday. Inside for lunch and its snowing at 1800. Been rather cold so far today and lots of flat light. definately balaclava weather!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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gdc, yes the forecast (for next week) is looking cold - but that tells you very little really about the week following when you are there unfortunately. Be a good Boy Scout and Be Prepared 
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Freddie Paellahead, Still snowing, looking good for your arrival in 1800 on Saturday. 
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Today I was on a bit of a tour and yes, it was frezzzzzzzing, went all the way to mont albert on great pistes with loads of good cover and firm snow, really good for carving. Makes a change for me to spend a morning on the pistes, but we all need to tune up those skills from time to time. Short and long turns all the way to the bottom of that long run from the link chair below Plagne 2000. A great long run to the bottom of Mont Albert (i prefer to write it this way). A few little icy patches just to keep you sharp but really fun. The best on the Les Arcs side for me has to be the grizzly run to the cut off for the van express. Light in the morning was not to bad most of the way.
Had lunch near golf lift and then back to Les Arcs the long way home, could not resist the powder anymore and did a couple of nice routes. For details of off piste you need to go to my facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/snowcrazy.chris?ref=profile
Pics and other info about the off piste there.
It was snowing lightly most of the day across the whole area but as I got to Arc 1950 around 4.30 pm it started to get heavy and is still snowing quite well all the way to the valley.
The flashing signs are on for anyone driving up and they say the snow will continue into tomorrow so be warned they might make you put on chains or stop you going up. Anyone coming out, PM me if you fancy meeting up. Remember to say which bit of Les Arcs you are in or it is quite difficult to plan something.
Enjoy
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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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It was snowing a lot yesterday and last night - but the sun has now come out - conditions should be good for anyone arriving today. We have just arrived at La Vache for our last lunch on the slopes
Howard
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Powder day!! And loads of it, marred a little by flat light, but, all in all you couldn't wish for much more. Got first lift from Vallandry with Tuxpoo ... got fresh tracks 'everywhere'... magic - can't really say much more.
Later on went higher, 'M' was closed, asked pisteurs at top of Comborciere who said in no uncertain terms that it was closed because of avalanch risk and NOT just to keep numpties off. Didn't stay high long, it was bitterly cold. We decided to make our way back to Vallandry. It was on the way back, that Tuxpoo decided to attempt to fell a tree by wrapping his board round it at full tilt. Apologies for the quality of the pic, but this does prove....well.. something.
As an aside, took four hours to get back from Lyon airport wth Tux+ last night. Worst driving conditions I've ever encountered. Saw aftermath of several crashes (probably not too serious), not to mention the minor incidents where cars were skidding every which way and ending up facing the wrong direction. Not ALL cars in France have snow tyres!!
Our journey, apart from taking some time was completely uneventful, I was quite apprehensive about driving up the hill to Valandry without chains, but 4x4 and snow tyres was good fun in the end, no problem at all. Just walked up to the Mont Blanc to post this, it's like dodgems out there!!
Tuxpoo wrapping his board round a tree!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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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allanm, sounds like you had a fun day. Did you get the email I sent you, you never called me. Please do email me.
I was up quite early as well today. Great snow last night, but when I got to cachette, the lifts over the ridge were not working so played in the 1600 forest and down the middle off piste area as the vis was not great in the open areas.
The link lifts opened about 10.30ish so went up and skied the off piste near bois du l'ours, great snow and still plenty of untracked snow to put lines down. Then down to comborciere and up the lift then into the big off piste valley to the side, few tracks and great snow. But was it cold at the top. 
Then over to Villaroger the slow way and found more untracked snow in the forest and high to the left to play on before lunch at the solliett. The new owners are learning, fast service and nice food. Much better than last time. Now I would recommend them again.
Then up the lifts to the top above Arc 2000. My god it was cold. The worst yet this season. Down droset area, great powder and not all tracked out yet. Up Comborciere again, one more run down the back valley and through the trees at the bottom. Time to split and some of us headed back to the valley. Over the ridge at the top of comborciere the other way to cross malgovert which might have been open by then, loads of tracks anyway. Down through the forest, (do not try this if you do not know the route, there are cliffs.) to get to the funi at les grange. You can now ski to bourg but watch out for the fences, stumps and the tight trees, they move to get in your way.
A great day, but oh so cold, even worse than yesterday. The roads are now clear up the mountain, everything is very white and pretty just like a postcard all the way to the valley, but tomorrow it may be down to -26 with a wind chill of -43 at the top. Now that is cold, I shall post what it is really like tomorrow as they got in wrong this afternoon, it was good vis most of the time after lunch and even some blue sky, at least where we were skiing.
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You know it makes sense.
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Hi there, been a lurker and first post, but just arrived in Les Arcs 1950 today...having kept an eye on this thread, one thing's for certain - everyone was right when saying its cold!! Absolutely freezing, coldest we've certainly experienced. Rep on bus said there was a 20cm dump last night too, and judging by all the fresh snow around, and the reports from those skiing today, the pistes will be fab. Picked up skis tonight, bed soon ready for an early start. Will try to keep you posted throughout the week on conditions and how we get on!
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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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nortsuk, welcome to  , and welcome to 1950 Which building are you in?
re: my reference to disneyland above for megamum - its what everyone else here has been calling it since inception - it is the stylilised and idealised alpine village beloved of film makers. Of course, it was the first of its kind over in Europe - hwoever I think it has been caught up in design since those early days, and the size and quality of the apartments is now more readily available across a range of resorts, and it no longer appears as twee and ott as it oroginally did.
Make sure you visit George's Wine bar - best value for booze in the village - top tip: buy a bottle which he will keep behind the bar for you rather than paying by the glass.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| JimW wrote: |
| re: my reference to disneyland above for megamum - its what everyone else here has been calling it since inception - it is the stylilised and idealised alpine village beloved of film makers. Of course, it was the first of its kind over in Europe - hwoever I think it has been caught up in design since those early days, and the size and quality of the apartments is now more readily available across a range of resorts, and it no longer appears as twee and ott as it oroginally did. |
Agreed, I think it's a great addition to the resort. Anyway, I really like Disneyland
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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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JimW, Think the Disneyland thing is very old by now, anyway which would you prefer the look of 1950 or the look of Aime 2000 
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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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Aime 2000 - Its French and in France, of course one has to visit in the Summer to appreciate its true value 
Is the route from Les Arcs down to Bourg skiable yet?
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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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thefatcontroller, well quite - why do you think we bought there?! 
But very glad to see the perceived wisdom that it's just NA in EU is now 'over'.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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nortsuk, Welcome to Snowheads!
Sunday was.... cold. Went up lunchtime for a few hours, played around the steeper off-piste drops off Renard and Derby, practicing jump turns. Didn't last long - tooooo cold. Locals don't think it will warm up much before Wedndesday 
Snowcrazy - have mailed you.
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Hi all, thanks for the welcome! We've had a great first day, albeit very, very cold! Glad we came prepared with thermal base layers etc, even then some of the lifts up got far too chilly for comfort at times. Soon forgot about the cold on the pistes though, great conditions. Ventured over to Vallandry early on, got our ski legs on while cruising down some gentle blues like Foret and the Charmattoger, before venturing onto some reds and then heading higher up the mountain. Had some fun venturing into the powder at the side of the pistes too, and braved the temperatures until the lifts closed. Great first day, start of a brilliant week hopefully, and even a few more bits of snow forecast according to some websites.
JimW, thanks for the tip, we're in the Manoir Savoie building, and we love the place. Was in Alpe D'Huez last year at a Crystal Ski 4* apartments, and we thought they were great, but this knocks spots off it. And, bizarrely for a French ski resort apartment, we've got loads of room! 
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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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Pretty much blue skies today, went out around lunchtime, played off the sides under the Vager lift. Magic. Later on went out with Tuxpoo, made our way to 'M', but Combourcier was closed. We were too cold to hike up (;>) so back up the top and home, albeit with cold feet.
Out on a seasonaires off-piste day tomorrow with Rob Hutchinson, a well known local english instructor with a superb reputation. He gave my Mum a lesson today, whch she thoroughly enjoyed and has booked another for Thursday. My Mother's lift pass cost €6 for the season (;>) BTW...
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Another great few days in the snow. Been to busy since Saturday to post. Just got home.
nortsuk, come round to George's for a drink and a chat. It is only 20m from where you are staying. I am there most evenings from 5 - 6pm.
allanm, got your email have sent you a reply. Still waiting to meet tuxpoo, enjoy tomorrow, hope it is not costing to much!!
thefatcontroller, it is still disneyarc to me, I remember when it was the best jump area in the arc 2000 bowl before they started building. Those were the days.
Freddie Paellahead, what about meeting up for a drink and chat, even a ski if you fancy.
Boredsurfing, yes but the bottom third is not very good, snow heavy and roots etc to catch you out. No piste either so you need to find the route. But fun
rob@rar, when are you back out, the snow is amazing
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FAQ
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, but yes we have dodged in and out of 1950 
