 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi snowfriends, I have visited this great forum several times in past years, but finally created an account.
This Saturday I'll travel with wife&daughter to Val Claret for a great final week of skiing in my favorite Espace Killy! We usually go to this domain end of April/beginning of May, when the lower pistes and Val d'Isere area are already closed.
This year the connection to VdIsere is open and I truly hope that the fantastic recent snowdumps give opportunities to explore pistes/routes we couldn't see before.
One item on my checklist is Vallee Perdu, and I am wondering if this ski route will be accessible by ski next week. Anyone familiar (or has been there this week) and can confirm if we can check this out?
Any other tips/interesting pistes for next week? We are quite experienced piste skiers (including black) and not afraid of some low risk offpiste parts.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Interesting chat on all this..... Yes I had one of my very best powder days skiing of my LIFE in August one year on the Motte about 25 years ago..... the racers didnt come up and for some reason there was no-one about and it was top of the cable car down in waist deep light pow.... and around again! Haha that was one hell of a day..... especially since we started skiing about 0700 and by 1000 I had done hundreds of pow turns, by 1200 thousands.... time for a LONG lunch, snooze and then plenty of time to get sorted before an evening drinking with my mates - ah those were the days!!!!!
Anyway PeakyB its not as easy as it seems... would be easier in Tignes not only because of the glacier but its things like, contracts (getting lifties and workers sorted months in advance to work 'longer'), marketing (selling the idea to people skiing later is NOT easy) and coinciding with school hols better.... Xmas is a money spinner for the resorts! Hotels and tour ops need a LOT of notice to plan ahead for extending the season etc.... I mean a LONG time - a year in some cases! Also you need the right types of people e.g. most of the people who will come after next week will be second home owners who generally won't support (restaurants, ski schools and hotels etc) anything other than EDF for powering their apartments for another week.... people like that won't spend money in the resort so no point in them opening. Also the human mind is such that as soon as you get to Easter (which is already too late for many people) the ski season is long gone... let alone trying to tell people that just as things like tennis and cricket appears on TV that they could still be skiing... nope it just is too hard a sell. On the other hand even if there was NO snow at Xmas people would still expect a white Xmas and thus 'skiing' has started. There is also the mind set that if you pay x for y hundreds of km's of pistes being served by z number of lifts that if you do y/100 and z/100 reflecting what could open in say mid May that you should also do x/100 but you might have to accept x/2 - and that doesnt sit right with the marketing message everyone is sold .... 'big ski areas' etc etc etc!!!!!!!
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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.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Gnoe wrote: |
Hi snowfriends, I have visited this great forum several times in past years, but finally created an account.
This Saturday I'll travel with wife&daughter to Val Claret for a great final week of skiing in my favorite Espace Killy! We usually go to this domain end of April/beginning of May, when the lower pistes and Val d'Isere area are already closed.
This year the connection to VdIsere is open and I truly hope that the fantastic recent snowdumps give opportunities to explore pistes/routes we couldn't see before.
One item on my checklist is Vallee Perdu, and I am wondering if this ski route will be accessible by ski next week. Anyone familiar (or has been there this week) and can confirm if we can check this out?
Any other tips/interesting pistes for next week? We are quite experienced piste skiers (including black) and not afraid of some low risk offpiste parts. |
The Valley Perdu is still skiable at the moment - have seen people skiing it today! Not epic conditions but it is passable for another week or so yes.
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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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| Ricky B wrote: |
| Back in the 80s, Tignes boast was Skiez 365 Jours Par An. I remember ski-ing there on my birthday, one yr, on 25th June. |
Yes. I always wondered which day they closed in a Leap Year.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks for the confirmation @Steve.
And I have read your recent reports with pleasure, thanks for sharing and get me up to speed for next week! 
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@Gnoe,
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Any other tips/interesting pistes for next week? We are quite experienced piste skiers (including black) and not afraid of some low risk offpiste parts.
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Welcome to snowHeads 
If you've not been over to the Val D'Isere side in the past there's a lot of exciting terrain to enjoy.
My favourite pistes over there include Arcelle, Face de Bellevarde (both usually best late morning), Coupe de Monde (OK), Germain Mattis and Cugnai. Epaule du Charvet too if snow conditions not too heavy (but quite a bit of poling at the end).
Foret, over in the Fornet sector is a challenging run. Formerly a black piste but looks like an unpisted itinerary now.
Others will be able to advise on off piste better than me.
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@Steve Angus,
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The VERY best piste conditions ever
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There you go...and it's past the middle of April.
I rest my case for later season lift opening. 
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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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| PeakyB wrote: |
Any other tips/interesting pistes for next week? We are quite experienced piste skiers (including black) and not afraid of some low risk offpiste parts.
Welcome to snowHeads
If you've not been over to the Val D'Isere side in the past there's a lot of exciting terrain to enjoy.
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Thanks PeakyB. This is the 6th time I visit Espace Killy in ~25 years, but I have always stayed in Val Claret (and always last week of April). I think 3-4 times I had access to Val dIsere side, at least for a few days, so I have seen most of the pistes there. But never did Vallee Perdu because of a lack of snow. This time is different 
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My favourite pistes over there include Arcelle, Face de Bellevarde (both usually best late morning), Coupe de Monde (OK), Germain Mattis and Cugnai. Epaule du Charvet too if snow conditions not too heavy (but quite a bit of poling at the end).
Foret, over in the Fornet sector is a challenging run. Formerly a black piste but looks like an unpisted itinerary now.
Others will be able to advise on off piste better than me. |
I looked on the map and think I never did Fornet, Germain Mattis and Cugnai. I remember Arcelle pretty well, that was just autistic speedskiing, I think I did that quiet piste at least 5 times without a break (except the lift).
Thanks for the tips. Because my daughter is now a competent skiier (yes I'm the bottleneck now...) and the snow conditions are exceptional, we will grab the opportunity and spend a lot of time in the Val d'Isere Area.
Oh guys I have never been more excited for this final week of the season. For pure and peaceful skiing so much better than ValTho in this time of the year (that is crowded by my fellow Dutchmen..).
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@Gnoe, very jealous, wish I was heading out with those fabulous conditions.
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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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Gosh, those lucky, lucky kids having all that dosh lavished on them for weeks of all-day, one-to-one lessons. Lovely, though, that even such a tiny one is lapping it up, working hard, and not letting it go to waste. She must indeed be vey mature to hoover up a lunch like that!
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@Steve Angus,
Doing the rope through the hole is one of the highlights of the hidden valley! I can't imagine getting that far into it then climbing out.
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You know it makes sense.
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| dunc999 wrote: |
| @Gnoe, very jealous, wish I was heading out with those fabulous conditions. |
Looking at the weather forecasts the snowfall seems infinite; it differs a bit per site but the expected amounts are a significant 30-50cm over some days. I hoped the weather stabilized a bit to have at least good visibility and no wind, but I'm afraid I need to keep my fingers crossed for next week.
@Steve Angus: I will definitely try Vallee Perdu and tick that box!
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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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@Steve Angus,
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PeakyB - totally - just got to change the masses opinions thats the small task now - haha!
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I agree, it's not easy. Most human beings resist change....yet those who embrace it usually come out best. Large institutions resist change even more, so a good challenge awaits.
A good start point would be to standardise Easter holiday dates to, say, the last week of April and the first week in May. A move away from the ludicrous definition currently used...
'Easter is the first Sunday after the full Moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. If the full Moon falls on a Sunday then Easter is the next Sunday.'
I mean, what's that all about? You might as well roll some dice!
I might start a petition
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Poster: A snowHead
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@PeakyB, great idea... can you sort out the nonsense that is "daylight saving time" while you're at it? 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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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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Yes Steve, I agree it's mountain weather that is difficult to predict for later than a few days. So I usually look at the macro patterns and there's still al lot of high&low pressure fields around that make it eventually a turbulent week with a lot of wind. Anyway, we'll see, it will definitely be a good week!
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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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Have a great last day Steve, and thanks for the the best thread on Snowheads.....again
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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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Thanks Steve, been another great season of updates - always great to read.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Awww..! I remember getting my Flechette, down in the Pyrenees, back in the 70s, having first done my 1st, 3nd and 3rd star  Also the Cabri... think the Flechette was for giant slalom and the Cabri special slalom... Great memories!
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Echo the comments above, it's part of my daily routine to read this thread. Best part of my morning!
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@Steve Angus, thanks for another season of excellent updates, discussions, information and photos. Enjoy and learn so much from them each year.
Good luck with your building planning meeting. Have a fantastic close season!
I'll let you know how my meetings with the Archbishop of Canterbury and then the Pope go, about making Easter a fixed date. 'You shifted Whitsun in 1972, Justin, so whaddya waiting for?' is my opening gambit, so wish me luck. Wonder if he skis?
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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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Thanks Steve for all your updates this season. I haven't managed to go skiing this year but your daily updates keep the flame alive. All the best for the "off" season. All the best to you and yours.
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@Steve Angus, all the best for the coming months and thanks for your updates. For me - I don't really know Val d'Isère - the best bits are watching your children growing up and developing their talents.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Steve,
Thoroughly enjoyed your posts over the season, thank you. We are regulars at Val so its great to hear what's going on in the resort and get first hand snow reports.
Enjoy your summer break:)
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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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Steve, I echo everything that has been said above. Your daily diary is required reading for me and I will be looking out for your summer updates as well. It’s good to see Olivia’s progress backed up by both her competence and ambition. With Ben coming on strongly as well, you and Clare can look forward to wonderful times ahead. Wishing you all the very best summer, and I hope there will be plenty of opportunity to rest and recover.
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@Steve Angus, I do want to come out there - however we are off to Tenerife next week (never go to the sun this early normally) as my wife has been working really hard since October so needs a break, and I don't think a last minute change of plans would go down too well! We're planning a long, long weekend next March though so will be looking for that elusive lesson for sure this time!!
Echo the above, thanks for the thread again, like others have said, it's my daily read! Knowing Val so well helps keep it alive throughout the season - even if we have to endure your pictures like the corduroy from Grand Pre the other week. Good luck with the AGM, hope you can get the permission through.
Looks like you've had a special week with your client this week, and good you got to kick back a bit at the Folie to finish!!
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You know it makes sense.
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Gnoe - yes thats how to do it weather wise!
Frosty the Snowman - thats very kind of you indeed!
orange - thanks so much. Glad you enjoy!
Ricky B - your memory serves you well! My (non ESF as it happens) badges from when 'I were a lad' are still very important to me!
russ_e - such high praises thanks so much!
PeakyB - again such high praises. Its my daily 'outing' and reflecting on the day! Ill update on 'the meeting' in a moment but thanks! I reckon your opening remarks should be "Hey Justin, us skiers dont get enough of a fix each year as it is, and with your religio n s messing about sometimes were sold even shorter so whatd'ya say about spreading the big mans love on us snow lovers a bit more eh?"
Subseaeng - thanks so much.... you can look forward to next season eh and the snow will be there to have fun in!
Hurtle - ah thats really kind thank you. Thats what its all about eh - the next generation really!
lower - thanks so much. I love it when lurkers come out on here and say things like that! Haha!
motyl - glad you enjoy it daily and its a staple. I will indeed rest up for sure! Yes the kids are going from strength to strength thats for sure! Onwards and upwards!
dunc999 - Tenerife - well lets hope its not snowing there otherwise you'll be even more desperate to ski... haha doubt it there eh! Its good to keep you connected to the resort when you are away - sorry to make you green with envy! Yes it was nice to let my (lack of) hair down at the Folie yesterday for a little while... thankfully it was mainly 'watching' the antics - haha!
Thanks everyone so much for all the kind words and for taking the time to write them. It actually makes it all worthwhile it really does... it keeps me going all these nice things folks! Sometimes when you write this its a one way thing - it can feel like it so knowing people read it is important sometimes. Whats that 12 years of this 'blog' now? I go to great lengths trying to explain to people that know nothing about it that it is technically NOT a blog but in reality is!
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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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Quite an interesting end
I intentionally didnt set my alarm this morning and expected that I might (just might) get a 'lie in' until say 0730 but I was surprised when it was actually 0800 and I opened one eye to see the time... I jumped out of bed panicking that I might not have enough time to do what I needed to do this morning. Anyway the kids had found the tv controls so were perched watching some rubbish so it wasnt as if we had all had a lie in - haha!
I got everything done that I needed to do including prepping for the meeting this am, eating breakfast etc and then headed off into town. I stopped en route to get my lunch from chevallot (I have discovered that cold Fougasse provencalles are NO good (too much bread) cold!) and collected my board where it has recently been stored at Snowberry.
The meeting is the co-owners AGM for this building (so called Co-props meeting). In true French style it was supposed to start at 1000 but at 1040 we were still paper pushing... anyway ultimately the meeting went well and by 1230 I was getting into my board boots at the back of the room as the agenda was only about 1/2 thru - yea I know! However it does look like the permission was granted for what we wanted / needed to do which is great news - yay!!!!!
So I stuffed my sandwich down me and then met my seasonnaires for their last session on the board and my last lesson of the season too. The weather was closing in big time after being cloudy all morning and we tried our luck on the magic carpet but not only was the vis totally zero (like a PROPER white out) but also with the lack of sun all morning the ground was hard.... so after one run we changed tactics and headed back down to use the Village lift. Anyway all in all the girls did so very well and by the end we were doing linked turns top to bottom of the Village lift. The snow was soft and soggy which helps when you are learning to board! Anyway the weather closed in more and more and by the time we finished it was the biggest fattest flakes you have ever seen! There will be quite an accumulation up top by the morning!
So I headed home and have had a chilled evening with the kids. We have started turning our thoughts to our first trip of the 'Summer' - Paris for a long weekend next month - yay!
Tomorrow I am boarding with the kids all day and Clare is taking down the Adventure Film Festival for the last of her community hours!
But this is the last update.... ill be back for monthlies though until November now!
Cheers one and all.
TTFN
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Poster: A snowHead
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Thanks for the insight and entertainment through the season @Steve Angus, I haven't commented this year since we have been able to get our own skiing fix but it has been fun on the sidelines.
I fear co-prop meetings are universally like that. We have enough problems trying to make sense of the agenda papers (in a special form of French a long way from my ancient O level, and often challenging Google's translation function) and trying to send off our proxy votes! Good luck with your project.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Thank you for the feedback and local reports Steve. Enjoy your time away from the snow!
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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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Thanks for the reports Steve, amazing conditions this late in the season. We may be back to EK next year. family meeting needed!
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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 Steve - very much enjoyed reading these. Great to keep on top of what is going on in resort when we're stuck at home.
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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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Looking forward to the new season already and especially hearing about Olivia’s progress!
Have a lovely break!
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Fri 21-04-23 13:01; edited 1 time in total
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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echo everyone elses comments, its great to read this and one i check on every day to dream of a life in the mountains..........great work Steve
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@Steve Angus,
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"Hey Justin, us skiers dont get enough of a fix each year as it is, and with your religio n s messing about sometimes were sold even shorter so whatd'ya say about spreading the big mans love on us snow lovers a bit more eh?"
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 Yes, I'll try that with the ArchofCant (good snowHead name?) on the fixed date Easter debate. These moveable feasts mean we're missing valuable good snow time.
With the Pope I'm thinking of playing the Vatican and Dolomiti tourism boost card. Perhaps 'Every Turn and Euro is Sacred' as a campaign slogan?
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@Steve Angus as ever your updates kept me going till I got to Val in March . Have a great summer .look forward to your updates next 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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Well the church has only been arguing about the date of Easter for about 1400yrs so it should be a quick fix!
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Thanks Steve. Look forward to next season. Enjoy your summer.
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FAQ
