 Poster: A snowHead
|
| pam w wrote: |
| @t44tomo, I'm grateful for the effort you've made to ensure I'm informed, and for your enthusiasm, but also for @Hurtle's warning. We have skied together since my heart-failure diagnosis and she does know what I'm capable of. There are people who would definitely tell me I shouldn't be going skiing, and I do have to keep the amount of cardio-vascular effort to a minimum. 200 - 300 yards uphill walking with skis is definitely something I'd prefer to avoid. We'll be in Aosta for the week and will probably drive around a bit, and ski a bit, and the Monterosa area certainly sounds beautiful. I think we'll both find plenty to enjoy in Pila too - we are not easily bored; I spent 15 seasons skiing in the Espace Diamant without ever getting bored!! |
I hope you enjoy the trip.
Defo drive from Aosta town to the gondola up to Pila, car park is huge and certainly was free in 2020. Whilst its compact in terms of a bit of bowl layout, there is a good variety of high open stuff and "down through the trees" runs.
If you decide on going to Monterosa, Frachey (car park right by gondola) is better access than Champoluc (where the carpark is a fair walk from the gondola) and the walk at Staffal can be completely avoided with a download on the Staffal-gabiet gondola, the lower half / 40% of that valley descent (one of our group did that, not to avoid the walk but wasn't sure of doing a black run which we hadn't scoped out in advance, better safe than sorry).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
I've just come back from Champoluc, I love the place. Millionaire Skiing during the week, busier at Weekends.
There wasn't masses of snow when we went over last week but it was very cold and we had a few inches over night on Tuesday so i'd say Off Pisteing is very limited at the moment.
Theres 3 valleys it's very high , subject to winds, some great piste tree skiing. You could do all the runs in 3 days if you wanted to. The Piste skiing is excellent though some of the runs are over classified, Most of the Blacks bar one on the way down to Gressoney would be French reds.
The food is great, cheap too, People lovely and even better its not France ! The Monterosa area is lovely skiing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
Just to add the download on the gondola from Gabiet to Stafal would indeed avoid the walk at Stafal. And would be quite a good option as tbh the “black” run is not that exciting so you would not really be missing much! It’s not steep and at least half of it is a cat track. The other option is to ski to Gressoney and take the ski bus to Stafal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
We're thinking of booking a trip for next season to Gressonay so many thanks for all the information provided above.
Does anyone have any views/opinions about the Antagnod and Brusson/Estoul areas as they look like fairly shortish pistes so are they worth the effort to visit which I presume is by bus ?
Piste only for us guys unless we visited on a snowheads bash and then we might be tempted to try something new and different conditions permitting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
We went to Gressoney 5/6 years ago now.
* Village is very small. We were towards the start of the valley so had to get the bus to the main area or wait for the lift near our hotel to open (the bus was problematic because when the lift was not running which happened a good few times, the bus was the only way for all the kids to get to lessons so we ended up waiting longer so all the kids could get on and not miss out.
* Runs were very very quiet for a March trip
* Our conditions were not great, off-piste wasn't really an option although it did snow at the end of the week but the resort took so long to open didn't get a chance to try it.
* Restraunts were all really nice and really cheap compared with France
* Personally felt the number of runs was a bit small - by the 2nd day we had done everything and ended up doing the same runs too often (some like this others don't)
* Transfer nice and short from the airport which was nice
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adding to what isn now quite an old thread:
1. There is no longer any need to walk between lifts at Stafal. There is now a small chairlift that takes you across the valley. It's till worth considering downloading from Gabiet anyway, have a breather and the run you skip is mostly a road anyway.
2. I don't at all get why people are complaining about the walk in Alagna, as I don't really understand why you would want to ski the final section from Pianlaunga unless you were skiing home to Alagna. By far the best of that sector is above Pianalunga, the piste from there down to Alagna is not worth the bother (unless you have lunch booked there maybe!).
3. It is definitely not the right area for anyone obsessed with huge numbers of pistes so they can avoid doing the same runs, the options are fairly limited in that regard. But you can rack up very high milage if you are competent, as most of the lifts are quick and the runs from them are very long.
4. We prefer to stay in Champoluc as it is more lively and more choice of decent restaurants.
5. We often drive to Frachey as you can get parked right next to the lift, it avoids the morning rush in Champoluc, and makes for a quick entry into the main system. But the Champoluc sector itself is worth spending some time in, the run to the village is excellent and there are a couple of very good eating options there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Main thing is the toilets
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Thanks to everyone who’s added additional information as it’s much appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 8611 wrote: |
| Main thing is the toilets |
No it is not. And besides there are plenty of proper toilets scattered around the domain. I actually posted a list and directions a couple of years ago. I don't get why you would post the above, there are a few "hole in the floor" type facilities but they are easily avoided by making even a minimal effort to explore the area properly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
In fairness I was a bit of a crank in the thread. Two mates went the week after me and loved it so much they've booked it again for next year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
Just about to book some cheap flights to Milan Malpensa and apparently on a Saturday there is a bus transfer to Gressoney so don't suppose anyone knows the departure time as booking system for next season is not active yet ?
Think we would arrive at 12-20 so don't want to miss the lunchtime transfer if possible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
Also we have the option of the Hotel Dufour (as used by the Gnarly bash) or The Nordend up in Staffal if anyone has any comments or insight please ?
Both would be on a HB basis with dinner taken in the restaurant next to the Nordend. However it is quite a bit cheaper than the Dufour so I'm guessing you get what you pay for ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
@Jammy 07, two different things to take into consideration:
Location as related to the ski map (GLT vs Staffal) and catering level.
I have only been to Dufour (at the Gnarly), breakfast was very good.
Dinners were decent but the flavour, portions size and service were less than what we enjoyed all the years in Arabba at the BB.
Regarding the different locations, please read my rather detailed response towards the end of last page.
https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=164778&start=400
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
@drporat, Many thanks for responding again as it's much appreciated.
The food is a big thing to us, as well as the surroundings and service that comes with it. We can save 300 euros pp by staying at the Nordend up in Staffal but they don't have a bar or their own restaurant. Don't mind paying the extra if it's going to be worth it at the Dufour but it seems as though that might not be the case.
We'd also welcome a nice bar to go for a few pre dinner drinks so the fact you've mentioned a place near the Dufour is definitely a plus.
Decisions decisions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
We have stayed in Staffal once before but only for a long weekend (at the Hotel de Gletcher - can't say enough good things about the hotel and the family that run it).
Would you say that Champoluc is a decent option for a 7-night stay if we were to also drive to Cervinia / Pila during the week? We normally ski in the 3Vs, Val d'Isere and St Anton but the time has come to try something different. I don't want our teenagers to get bored as they're mileage-hungry!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
@franga, I don't, personally, hold with this whole "I need a different piste every time" malarkey.
So, no, Monterosa is not like 3Vs (not that I've been there, nor St A.) or Espace Killy ... but the runs are long and the main lifts are fast.
You can easily ski the whole of the main system, if you are reasonably fast, in a day.
But I must have skied at least 45 week-equivalents there and it's still a huge pleasure. Great piste skiing, occasionally excellent off piste, often good off piste and extremely good food, on and off the mountain, if you like Italian foods.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| under a new name wrote: |
@franga, I don't, personally, hold with this whole "I need a different piste every time" malarkey.
So, no, Monterosa is not like 3Vs (not that I've been there, nor St A.) or Espace Killy ... but the runs are long and the main lifts are fast.
You can easily ski the whole of the main system, if you are reasonably fast, in a day.
But I must have skied at least 45 week-equivalents there and it's still a huge pleasure. Great piste skiing, occasionally excellent off piste, often good off piste and extremely good food, on and off the mountain, if you like Italian foods. |
There are so many different ways to ski the same piste that I wholeheartedly agree with you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To be honest my main concern about visiting Monterosa ski area is the possibility of high winds and poor visibility given it seems you have to go high and over most of the time.
If you were restricted to skiing the lower runs in Staffal and Gressoney La Trinite for example would that still be enough to be enjoyable, plus what's the tree cover like on those lower runs ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@franga, I had a week in Champoluc with our kids who happily ski anything, it's so much different to the 3V, you can have some good days out over to Alagna and back then various options in/around the area, I don't think you'll need to driving elsewhere!! Add in some off piste and I don't think your teenagers will get bored!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
@Jammy 07, I’m not a great witness to wind stopping play as I’m usually very happy to just go for an excelkent lunch, but I truly can’t say that I’ve found Monterosa to be that bad in the 24 years I’ve been visiting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@under a new name, Many thanks for that point of view.
We’re planning on going early January which hopefully explains my concerns more so than if we were going in March for example.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
Thanks for the replies all - it sounds like a good option for us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@zikomo,
As you've used the Frachey lift would you happen to know if there's a ski hire shop and lockers there ?
There's a hotel we're thinking of booking not far from there but it's a bit of a walk so would be preferable to leave skis & boots at the lift station if possible.
Many thanks in advance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Jammy 07, there is not a rental shop and I don’t think there are lockers …
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
@under a new name, Many thanks.
Don’t suppose you know if there’s a lift pass office ?
Cheers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
@Jammy 07, there is a lift pass office - although it's usually cheaper to buy online.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| Jammy 07 wrote: |
@zikomo,
As you've used the Frachey lift would you happen to know if there's a ski hire shop and lockers there ?
There's a hotel we're thinking of booking not far from there but it's a bit of a walk so would be preferable to leave skis & boots at the lift station if possible.
Many thanks in advance. |
There is a big lift pass office. No ski hire at the Frachey lift though. The tourist office is normally very helpful and responsive so suggest you ask them the question about lockers. The lift company certainly has some at Champoluc, although not sure if they are rented to the general public (as opposed to race clubs etc.).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
@Jammy 07, if it was me, I'd want to be an easy walk from the main gondola and also not be tied to half board hotel ... just because there are some very good restaurants. That said, we had an excellent and extremely cheap lunch in the Hotel de Champoluc last September (only place open for lunch in the village).
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| under a new name wrote: |
| @Jammy 07, if it was me, I'd want to be an easy walk from the main gondola and also not be tied to half board hotel ... just because there are some very good restaurants. That said, we had an excellent and extremely cheap lunch in the Hotel de Champoluc last September (only place open for lunch in the village). |
No reply as yet for Hotel Champuloc unfortunately.
So have booked online (can cancel) at Hotel Monte Cervino which is pretty much isolated and approx 500m from the ski lift at Frachey (bus stops outside every 20 mins). Now the reason for booking here is mainly that we're 3 guys who all want our own rooms and they had 3 available at very reasonable cost of euro 559pp HB for the week. The evening meal works out at 29 euro pp per night and we could change to B&B if we wanted to.
Being honest this decision feels a little iffy mainly due to the location and so the option to change to staying in Staffal or Gressoney La Trinite is still very much under consideration. Basically it would be double the cost though.
Thanks for your help and advice so far and would appreciate any further observations.
Oh and we're thinking of hiring a car from Milan Malpensa but not sure on that either yet. Monterrosa tourist board replied to my email regarding shuttle transfers that it's too early yet and to get back in touch around October time. Taxi driver has quoted euro 340 one way to Gressoney for a minivan.
Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Fri 24-05-24 17:45; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@Jammy 07, have you checked out Ski-Champoluc? In one guise or another they've been in Champoluc for many years and appear to run a tight ship. The Monte Cervino is a bit in the middle of nowhere. A 20 minute walk to the village is ok in fine sunshine but maybe not so much when it's snowing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
@under a new name,
Thanks will check that out now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
@Jammy 07, when I say many years, they were sort of previously "Ski2" but they stopped trading. The resort manager in Champoluc restarted with much the same formula. They seem busy, get on well with the locals and the clients always look happy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Been last two years. If you go get your lift pass online well in advance. Big savings to be had.
Consider Gressoney st jean - it’s a bus ride up to Staffal but I think it’s a nicer village.
Unless you are unlucky with conditions the off piste is wonderful. So many lines off the Indren cable car. But also lots elsewhere especially with skins.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@under a new name,
Contact made with Ski-champoluc and they do seem very good.
The following is included in their quotes,
Accommodation 2*3*4* 5* HB (you choose to suit your budget).
Transfers from the 3 Milan Airports + Turin
Lift pass for the duration of your trip.
Ski hire + storage depot available at the lift station, so no walking back in boots after skiing.
Minibus for picking up and dropping off (inc Frachey) 8am to 6pm as and when required.
Daily Luncheon vouchers for use on the mountain included in the price.
24hr help and support if needed.
Looking at the various hotels available now and probably should add that their bespoke quotes mean you can arrive and depart any day of the week subject to availability.
Many thanks for pointing me in their direction 
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@Jammy 07, no worries 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@brownie,
Apologies as forgot to reply to your good advice to take a look at Gressoney St Jean (which I'm doing) and also the early lift pass discounts.
Many thanks and much appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
