Poster: A snowHead
|
Hi,
I've searched previous posts and I know loads of people have asked similar questions to this in the past, but it's always good to get more views.
We're thinking of St Anton for the week commencing Sat Dec 14th. I know we could wait until last minute and see if there are any deals, but there are some pretty cheap offers at present.
But - how safe are we on the snow front. Impossible to predict, I know, but has anyone else been there in the 3nd or 3rd week of Dec, and what was it like ?
I've read that Zurs is pretty snow sure, and I know that's really close by so I think it's pretty safe.
Any views on this really appreciated.
Thanks
Pete H
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
I've skied that week in France and been to St Anton at Christmas a couple of times. You will have plenty to ski.
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Are you planning to ski on or off-piste?
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
peteh, usually yes. Put differently, if there isn't any snow in the Arlberg there isn't any snow anywhere.
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Piste skiing will probably be OK but don't expect every lift to be open.
Is booking flights and then following the snow an option ? (e.g. then going to a glacier if snow is in short supply).
At that time of year places such as Sölden might be a better bet.
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
peteh, I was there for Opening weekend racing a few years ago the last week of November, very little snow until a week beforehand but plenty all over while we were there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
peteh, I was there for Opening weekend racing a few years ago the last week of November, very little snow until a week beforehand but plenty all over while we were there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
peteh, if you are going to be diappointed if the skiing is non-existent or limited, it's an expensive risk to take for marginal savings...
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Best booked last minute. I was in the Arlberg that week last season and we were plastered with over a metre of fresh, but I didn't book until 4 days before departure once I had seen the conditions and forecasts.
Not every lift was open, but still plenty to do across St Anton Lech and Zurs. Also did a day in a very quiet Sonnenkopf.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have always felt that the week in question is pretty risky almost regardless of where you go. Personally, I would never book anywhere for before New Year, but that's just me being fussy.
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
peteh, most years you should have plenty of snow. Off the top of my head I'd say that's been the case in four out of the last five years. St Anton does not tend to open all the lifts till the week after, so some of the higher lifts (and Rendl) will be closed, but then you do have Lech and Zurs to play in too. The base won't be that deep that early on the season so off piste there will still be obstacles (such as thinly covered rocks) on piste should be fine. There's a Christmas market in town (the one in Lech is nice too) and though relatively speaking it will be a bit quiet it does have that nice feeling of anticipation as the season is only just getting going.
I'd be tempted to give some thought to Ischgl too as the skiing starts at a higher altitude.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Thanks All for your replies, sounds like it might be a bit of a risk. I think we'll wait and see and hopefully find something last minute if the snow is ok, and accept we might pay more a bit more, otherwise switch to Ischgl or Tignes.
cheers
PeteH
|
|
|
|
|
|
nozawaonsen wrote: |
peteh, most years you should have plenty of snow. Off the top of my head I'd say that's been the case in four out of the last five years. St Anton does not tend to open all the lifts till the week after, so some of the higher lifts (and Rendl) will be closed, but then you do have Lech and Zurs to play in too. The base won't be that deep that early on the season so off piste there will still be obstacles (such as thinly covered rocks) on piste should be fine. There's a Christmas market in town (the one in Lech is nice too) and though relatively speaking it will be a bit quiet it does have that nice feeling of anticipation as the season is only just getting going.
I'd be tempted to give some thought to Ischgl too as the skiing starts at a higher altitude. |
This. Ischgl often seems to do a little better for snow right at the start of the season.
|
|
|
|
|
|