 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi All,
I've recently been diagnosed with a rare condition that I know will get worse. Due to hospital appointments etc I've not been able to go away skiing so far this year. However, in 2 weeks time I should be good to go.
So my question is, where at this time of year, in Europe would you go if this was the final time you'd ever ski? On paper I'm an advanced skiier but I've only ever been away to Andorra last year, learnt at Manchester. Really due to health I need to ski like an intermediate/advanced.
Where would you recommend?
Any suggestions would be great 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Zermatt, and sympathies.
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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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Wherever will still be open when you want to go. Zermatt/ Cervinia is a good shout, alternatively Stubai etc.
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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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Hintertux also... but I haven't checked what is open... it is normal for many glacial resorts to poo-poo down post spring for a couple of weeks to do lift checks etc. before the summer season.
I'd go cross hemisphere if health and wealth allow!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Sorry for your situation  . I think just let snow conditions and which resort is open dictate, then come on here with a final list and book a last minute break (there should be good and cheap availability). Hope you have a great time.
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Wherever you go ,enjoy! Your post brings some of the petty issues brought up on here in to reality!
Theres still loads of snow up high but its whether or not the resorts are still open!
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I'll give the same answer I always do, but with a bit more detail: Riksgransen
It's oop north on the Sweden Norway Border. I think it's in or near the Arctic circle. I don't think it opens til about February, which gives you some idea of how good it must get later in the year.
I went about 10 years ago at the end of May/beginning of June on some freeride camp run by Geili and Whotsisname from St Anton. They were there for some skiGnarl competition so there were loads of people about. 1 hotel only I think. I think they do midnight skiing in June.
We had a few days of lovely freshies, and a few days of sun. The rest of the group did heli skiing in the evening. I think they started at around 9pm. I didn't go cos I wasn't good enough.
We did a couple of evening sessions on the frozen snowy lake skiing towed behind skiddos over little jumps.
It was pretty good place and very nice skiing. Very like Glen Coe on steroids really. Not big wide flattering pistes
But what made it the best was the time of year. I had time in June and that was the only place that was open. In the end it fully rocked
PS. Sorry to hear about the issue.
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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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Zermatt only has the Furggsattel glacier open (the top Glacier is closed for maintenance) by then and Cervinia is only open (up the top) for weekends. I think the suggestion about heading further north in Europe is a good one.
Great idea in the circumstances. I hope you have a deserved fantastic time.
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Don't know what to say.... I'm guessing that you have been diagnosed with something really nasty.
Anyway where to ski?
Its a bit late in the season but ...
I've skied in Chamonix on 18th May
Hintertux .... perhaps, but its not a resort.
Zermatt would be better.
I hope you have some good mates who can go with you, that would be the best.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Why Europe. If you could make it to Denver both Loveland and Arapahoe Basin are still skiing well.
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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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| TQA wrote: |
| Why Europe. If you could make it to Denver both Loveland and Arapahoe Basin are still skiing well. |
One reason given the OP’s initial posting maybe difficulty getting travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, with EHIC they’ll be able to get emergency treatment but costs for US could be considerable.
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Also, Loveland/A-basin doesn't come close to the scenery of Zermatt!
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You know it makes sense.
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Val Thorens, The best resort in the world twice in a row.
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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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@alexb123a, ...I am very sorry to hear of you having to cope with this. I have gone through this with someone close to me and it’s tough. You will need to do a bit of emailing. While the snow has been incredibly good this year, and has lead to some resorts closing later than normal, even where there is excellent snow, the contracts and economics means that places are closing daily, right now. Zermatt is pretty much down to glacier skiiing, Tignes plans to shut on 01 May. The snow may be good but there aren’t enough people around - the longer they stay open the more money they lose. If you can afford it, I would go somewhere where you can get an amazing guide, and then they will take you to places that you wouldn’t normally go. That could be Norway, or it could be Switzerland or France. I have had the best days ever, being taken off somewhere by a good guide. Magical and unique. Try phoning Yves on 0041274804466 - he has UIAGM guides who will know where to go and what to do in the Rhone valley.
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Thu 26-04-18 8:47; edited 1 time in total
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Poster: A snowHead
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Another vote for Zermatt, though not sure how extensive the skiing will be beyond the glacier (not because there isn't snow, but because they do have to call time on the season at some point!). However as a base to visit it takes some beating-hotel with view of Matterhorn from your bed has to be done!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Can you afford to spend more time in the mountains? If so, perhaps 2-4 weeks based in a valley town, skiing every other day on day passes, visiting different resorts within an hour's radius? On the other days, enjoying the Spring pavement cafe ambience of a European town?
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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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@Chamcham, ..I think that feels right...it’s what I would do in the circumstances if I had the resources and time
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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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@valais2, Yes, and it could be combined with a few days with a good guide, as you suggest.
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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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Sorry to hear that
Heliskiing in Iceland?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Sorry to read this.
Another vote for Riksgransen - I've been there three times - though as an add on as part of a trip to Lyngen.
It's very simple - they have a couple of good hotels there.
You fly to either Narvik (a lot closer) or Tromoso (a lot further) and rent a car and then it's a very scenic drive.
Narvik should also still be open as well, but best to check.
Also Heliskiing is quite reasonable in Riksgransen so well worth pushing the boat out, not massive vertical but great fun.
Enjoy whatever you decide
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| TheGeneralist wrote: |
I'll give the same answer I always do, but with a bit more detail: Riksgransen
It's oop north on the Sweden Norway Border. I think it's in or near the Arctic circle. I don't think it opens til about February, which gives you some idea of how good it must get later in the year.
I went about 10 years ago at the end of May/beginning of June on some freeride camp run by Geili and Whotsisname from St Anton. They were there for some skiGnarl competition so there were loads of people about. 1 hotel only I think. I think they do midnight skiing in June.
We had a few days of lovely freshies, and a few days of sun. The rest of the group did heli skiing in the evening. I think they started at around 9pm. I didn't go cos I wasn't good enough.
We did a couple of evening sessions on the frozen snowy lake skiing towed behind skiddos over little jumps.
It was pretty good place and very nice skiing. Very like Glen Coe on steroids really. Not big wide flattering pistes
But what made it the best was the time of year. I had time in June and that was the only place that was open. In the end it fully rocked
PS. Sorry to hear about the issue. |
That sounds very interesting. Always thought about a trip up there.
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| jimmjimm wrote: |
| Val Thorens, The best resort in the world twice in a row. |
I didn't think that much of it. Typical mass Euro skiing and about the last thing I'd want to spend my last ski holiday on!
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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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| TheGeneralist wrote: |
I'll give the same answer I always do, but with a bit more detail: Riksgransen
It's oop north on the Sweden Norway Border. I think it's in or near the Arctic circle. I don't think it opens til about February, which gives you some idea of how good it must get later in the year.
I went about 10 years ago at the end of May/beginning of June on some freeride camp run by Geili and Whotsisname from St Anton. They were there for some skiGnarl competition so there were loads of people about. 1 hotel only I think. I think they do midnight skiing in June.
We had a few days of lovely freshies, and a few days of sun. The rest of the group did heli skiing in the evening. I think they started at around 9pm. I didn't go cos I wasn't good enough.
We did a couple of evening sessions on the frozen snowy lake skiing towed behind skiddos over little jumps.
It was pretty good place and very nice skiing. Very like Glen Coe on steroids really. Not big wide flattering pistes
But what made it the best was the time of year. I had time in June and that was the only place that was open. In the end it fully rocked
PS. Sorry to hear about the issue. |
That looks like a great option, just been looking at the site http://riksgransen.se/en/ that's on my to do list!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Wouldn't surprise me if some more of Stefan's fanbois are SHs and may add some more detail 
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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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Riksgransen is great. Fly into Narvik and get a window seat on the left side of the plane. Incredible views. The skiing is good. With done nice of piste without to much hiking. However if you are looking at piste skiing it will be a little limited. Great spot and amazing experience to see the sun at 3 in yet morning
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It does look like a great late season option. Our “local” BC resort shuts in early April despite having a 3m+ base. Just lack of skiers! This could be a great way of getting in another trip.
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You know it makes sense.
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| alexb123a wrote: |
| Where would you recommend? |
Oh poo-poo, really sorry to hear. Hope you are being too pessimistic and have a few more seasons.
However, two thoughts arise ...
1. Zermatt/Cervinia
It's beautiful, iconic and the snow is fantastic. BUT not all the lifts are open so it's a bit limited this late in the season.
2. Why Europe ?
I'd seriously look at Chile - some amazing skiing there and stunning scenery.
If you're interested in 1 then PM me ... I have a very good friend who runs a chalet rental business in Zermatt and I could ask him to help out.
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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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Hi All thanks so much for all the ideas. However, I've gotten worse since posting so I'm thinking the trip isn't a good idea. The condition is related to pressure in the brain, so high altitude was always going to be a risk. But I'm not giving up just yet and will keep reviewing. Maybe I will make it
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Poster: A snowHead
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@alexb123a,  so sorry, do hope you will feel better.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@alexb123a, really sorry to read that - where we went in Sweden (Salen) was not very high altitude at all highest point 887m if memory serves (resort not open now) so maybe heading further north may help?
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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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| alexb123a wrote: |
| Hi All thanks so much for all the ideas. However, I've gotten worse since posting so I'm thinking the trip isn't a good idea. The condition is related to pressure in the brain, so high altitude was always going to be a risk. But I'm not giving up just yet and will keep reviewing. Maybe I will make it |
A very good friend of mine is a doctor whose specialism is High Altitude Medicine. PM me if you'd like an introduction as he might be able to help.
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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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| Blackblade wrote: |
| alexb123a wrote: |
| Hi All thanks so much for all the ideas. However, I've gotten worse since posting so I'm thinking the trip isn't a good idea. The condition is related to pressure in the brain, so high altitude was always going to be a risk. But I'm not giving up just yet and will keep reviewing. Maybe I will make it |
A very good friend of mine is a doctor whose specialism is High Altitude Medicine. PM me if you'd like an introduction as he might be able to help. |
I was going to suggest the exact same thing. Doctors into mountain medicine are a different breed, with vastly different approaches to conventional medics. There are always options, and with the right medical backup a seemingly impossible trip can be made to happen. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
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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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| Blackblade wrote: |
| alexb123a wrote: |
| Hi All thanks so much for all the ideas. However, I've gotten worse since posting so I'm thinking the trip isn't a good idea. The condition is related to pressure in the brain, so high altitude was always going to be a risk. But I'm not giving up just yet and will keep reviewing. Maybe I will make it |
A very good friend of mine is a doctor whose specialism is High Altitude Medicine. PM me if you'd like an introduction as he might be able to help. |
I'd say this is seriously worth investigating. I have a good friend who has a cranial shunt and, while I appreciate his condition may be wildly different to your own, he went to Everest base camp two years ago.
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FAQ
ENJOY
