 Poster: A snowHead
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| pam w wrote: |
| Chamonix might well be mostly closed in early December |
As ever the optimist. 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Neither optimism nor pessimism are very useful when planning ski holidays, @blahblahblah. A quick glance at the opening dates of the various resorts is helpful, though. 
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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 could also take a look at staying in Chatel, which plans weekend opening on the first weekends of Dec, if the snow has arrived. However, I wouldn't book any accommodation until the snow falls and the openings are confirmed. Anyway, there'll be accommodation available at last minute at that time.
Chatel is 90-100 mins by car from GVA, 10 mins longer than Morzine, but with fewer jams as you also get the option of going the Swiss side and taking the motorway. As Driz hinted, the skiing is only 123m lower at the highest point of Chatel, when compared with Avoriaz.
Between Chatel, Morzine and Avoriaz, it really depends which type of village takes your fancy. Chatel is prettier and more traditional. Morzine more lively. Avoriaz is high, purpose-built and a fairly unique design and atmosphere (I like it there).
Flaine is also a good choice for early snow close to Geneva. Again, I wouldn't book ahead.
I would leave it until a few days before, then see what your options are wrt where the snow has arrived.
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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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@Gaza, Ardent or Prodains both better than Super Morzine that early in the season (probably). Prodains is the main non-road access to Avoriaz so I am guessing it's more likely to be open.
Hotels easier to find in Morzine (there are only a handful in Avoriaz).
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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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Avoriaz looks like one of the only resorts planning to be open on 11 December when the OP hopes to start skiing. St Gervais and many others not till 19th. Big early snow could change things, as could poor conditions but Tignes provides a pretty reliable back up without a huge amount more driving.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| pam w wrote: |
| Avoriaz looks like one of the only resorts planning to be open on 11 December when the OP hopes to start skiing. St Gervais and many others not till 19th. Big early snow could change things, as could poor conditions but Tignes provides a pretty reliable back up without a huge amount more driving. |
3V are planning on opening 5th December so that is also on my radar. If all else fails then Tignes will be the fallback although I'm trying to avoid the schlep from GVA.
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@Gaza, 3Vs surely not significantly closer/quicker?
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@under a new name, La Tania showing as 182km and 2h 20m. Tignes is 221km and 2h 56m. @chocksaway said it could be done quicker but using he same parameters then 3V could also be quicker. The other factor is we are going to EK in March and thought that I could use this trip to try somewhere else.
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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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@Gaza, yeah, fair enough.
Just don't book accom until you know where's snow...
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La Tania is two hours if you use the motorways.
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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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@Gaza, If Avoriaz, staying at Les Prodains has ski-wise logistical advantages but you'll be restricted bar and restaurant wise.
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I've found out that the WC Races are on in Val d'Isere the weekend we are heading out and wondering if it would mean the resort will be busy and carry a good atmosphere. I'm sure Oscar would enjoy seeing some of the racing. What are the thoughts about being in a resort when WC races are on? Too busy? Too disruptive? Or good overall experience?
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You know it makes sense.
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Check what date/time they start and finish. The traffic out post-race can be horrendous (not been to VDI but les Houches was bad after the Kandahar).
For me, like motor racing, a sport that works much better on the telly!
Edited to add, at least it looks like you'll be ok on the snow front wherever you go.
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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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| Gaza wrote: |
| I had been more inclined towards going somewhere closer to GVA but I do like the EK and when I was discussing it over dinner on Friday night with Oscar and he said "Well daddy, it is better to drive a bit further for the best skiing". An old head on a 8 year old shoulders. |
Excellent 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Gaza, just ski over for the day. Great atmosphere
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