 Poster: A snowHead
|
| snowymum wrote: |
@needsnowhelp, I have stayed in Manaka and it is ski in ski out and very good.
I suspect you would be better off going earlier than the third week of April if you are wanting to ski over to Les Arcs, have lots of pistes open and lively apres. |
Thanks re: Manaka, that is good to know. Unfortunately there isn't availability the first week of the school hols (which would be our preference).
We don't need it to be too lively as we have teenagers with us, but I am concerned about bars and restaurants closing / not having atmosphere, or even worse, lifts and runs closing early, and not being able to get over to Les Arc.
If this is likely to be more of a problem with La Plagne (lack of apres), I will look again at Tignes and Val Thorens.
Thanks for helping!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| Layne wrote: |
@needsnowhelp, reality is, yes, some runs and lifts will be closed and it will be quiet.
VE will still be open though and there will be plenty to ski. |
Thank you, just seen this, really helpful. Would the first week of the Easter holidays be a lot better (5-12th)? I don't think we have stayed the last week before in a resort, but we have done Easter a few times, so used to it being a bit quieter and less snow.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
@needsnowhelp, I would go in the first week of the school Easter holidays. See if there is availability at White Pearl in La Plagne which we also considered when we booked Manaka.
We also liked Tignes but it is more expensive than La Plagne all round. I am not a fan of the three valleys but I seem to be in a minority on that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| snowymum wrote: |
@needsnowhelp, I would go in the first week of the school Easter holidays. See if there is availability at White Pearl in La Plagne which we also considered when we booked Manaka.
We also liked Tignes but it is more expensive than La Plagne all round. I am not a fan of the three valleys but I seem to be in a minority on that. |
Thank you, I will take a look at White Pearl the first week and also hope something becomes available at Manaka (I have seen a room the first week on a different website, but it was very expensive).
Definitely prefer to go week 1, but not willing to pay a huge premium for this. Also not sure Tignes is worth the extra. I think we could have a good week in La Plagne, just helpful to air my concerns with others who know the resort better!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Hi all, hoping this is an ok place to ask this question rather than start another thread but happy to do that if it’s better. Looking for recommendations for ski instructors for one or two adult private ski lessons. We’ll be based in Plagne Villages towards the end of March. Thanks in advance for any suggestions
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Definite vote for Lime Snow Sports here . I had two lessons with Dani recently and they were incredibly useful .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks @boulevardier - will look them up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Very foggy today up high. Spent the late morning and up until now skiing through clouds with almost no visibility. Champagny was lovely late morning
though. Now snowing a little. Should have another couple of inches over night in time for, by the look of it, wall to wall bluebird days next week.
Very jealous of those arriving tomorrow for the week!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
PrinceJohn, we're one of those "arriving" tomorrow.
Actually returning - just spent the week in Tignes.
No fog here, but no snowfall today either.
Always amazes me how different the weather can be in resorts so close.
Looking forward to those sunny days, but no doubt will include some hefty queues.
Hardly any queues here in Tignes all week.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyone out there at the minute? What are snow conditions like? holding up OK ahead of the holidays weeks? hoping for a dump or two before we arrive on 22nd Feb....
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Haven't been to La Pagan for years but have always hankered to return - it was the place we learned to snowboard and can remember it being super-cruise with loads of variation.
Question: end of season, is it a legit destination choice for a week? We've booked L2A for 12th April this year but have the option to swap, currently undecided whether to stick or twist? Reason is L2A may have the glacier but it's a bit further south, barren AF and likely to not have Valle Blanche sector and possible runs back down into resort open if it's warm. Looking back through La Plagne webcams and it looks like snow cover is very good throughout April.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@Specialman, I've only been to L2A for a day (drove over from ADH). It was a bitterly cold day which didn't help but none of the 4 of us particularly liked it. Although if it was the last ski resort on earth I'd still be going twice a year.
I am a regular late season skier (early April), used to go to Les Coches (La Plagne), Oz-en-Oisan (ADH), more recently Les Menuires (3V).
Many others will throw in Tignes as an option. If you asked me I would say Les Men/Val T, La Plagne, Tignes all no probs whatsoever. Oz/AdH, less so.
Whether it's worth switching from L2A hard do say. Why did you choose it in the first place?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We'd planned on Tignes but it got too pricey and we ended up planning with our friends, so wanted a chalet (rather than 2x shoeboxes) and L2A delivered that. I've been before, enjoyed it but noted that it's maybe not the most interesting ski area. The short(ish) drive is a bonus.
We did look at Les Menuires but wasn't entirely sure about whether places like CGH Les Chalets du Soleil being a bit of a schlep from the lift/or not3 being skiable down to the nearest lift.
I just remember liking the fact La Plagne has a lot of areas to ski, felt much bigger than maybe it actually is. Plus, it's high so I guess snowsure as much as it can be.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| Specialman wrote: |
| I just remember liking the fact La Plagne has a lot of areas to ski, felt much bigger than maybe it actually is. Plus, it's high so I guess snowsure as much as it can be. |
For sure - you have the Les Coches/Montchavin. Montalbert and Champagny, Glacier areas aswell as the different parts of the core. And yes a fair amount of high altitude skiing. However, I would say that by w/c 12th April things could be getting ropey in a lot of areas.
So much depends though...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
We've got a couple of weeks to decide - Sunweb's 6wk flexibility is a welcome feature when booking with them
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Quick question, just noticed on the interactive piste map that Les Bois down to Champagny is now a black, when did it change from a red?
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Moan time... and this is personal experience obv.
Been back a couple of weeks now from a week in La Plagne, our 3rd visit in the last 10 years. I have to say as a group of snowboarders we were disappointed. The area is very sanitised now, no side hits anywhere to be seen, and the previously very good snowpark and boardercross up from Belle Plagne has been removed in favour of a dedicated area for slalom (which we were physically stopped from entering, which was frankly not on considering we paid for the list pass to the whole mountain).
The snow was in general very good, but we suffered from a fresh dump onto hard pack which inevitably leads all the skiers to create moguls absolutely everywhere  . Basically good but a bit dull, a bit over pisted if that makes any sense?
Was good to see most of the new infrastructure for the new gondola route to Roche de Mio in place already, bodes well for a smooth transition next year.
Its still a lovely place to be, but I fear the incoming winter olympics is forcing it down the ski resort route at the expense of the boarders.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| ukoldschool wrote: |
| ... a dedicated area for slalom (which we were physically stopped from entering, which was frankly not on considering we paid for the list pass to the whole mountain).... |
Slalom areas are for Ski Clubs and Competition Training. This is normal you are stopped to enter if you don't belong to those groups for your security and the security of people training there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@ukoldschool, I am not a boarder (not quite sure what "side hits" are  ) but just on the snowpark thing... did you go down the new rider nation area from the top of Bijolin? Maybe that was meant to be a replacement for the Belle Plagne area - which I sort of recall (again, I'm no park rat but my kids used to be a bit).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Does anybody have recent experience of trying to get a cab from Bourg to La Plagne (Bellecote) on a Sunday morning? We're trying to figure out if we need to pre-book (and, if so, with whom - any recommended drivers or perhaps transfer firms?) - or if there's typically a good supply of cabs eg at the station?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| thierryd wrote: |
| ukoldschool wrote: |
| ... a dedicated area for slalom (which we were physically stopped from entering, which was frankly not on considering we paid for the list pass to the whole mountain).... |
Slalom areas are for Ski Clubs and Competition Training. This is normal you are stopped to enter if you don't belong to those groups for your security and the security of people training there. |
Where does it state this on either the lift pass or on the ski area map?
Quite apart from that, why does the area taken up have to be so large? it is at least 3 times the width of the pistes which sandwich it.
For the entire week that I was there, they had one set of poles off to the right of the area, and an entire section to the left completely unused. I tried to explain to the (frankly ar$ehole) instructor when there was absolutely nobody using the slalom area that I just wanted to hit the fresh snow which was to the right and nowhere near the poles and was told to go away (paraphrased) back to england.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 for the confirmation. I'm off over there in 3 weeks and will check it out if it's still open and see what's on the poles. Done it before a few times and it's never struck me as particularly difficult.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ukoldschool wrote: |
| thierryd wrote: |
| ukoldschool wrote: |
| ... a dedicated area for slalom (which we were physically stopped from entering, which was frankly not on considering we paid for the list pass to the whole mountain).... |
Slalom areas are for Ski Clubs and Competition Training. This is normal you are stopped to enter if you don't belong to those groups for your security and the security of people training there. |
Where does it state this on either the lift pass or on the ski area map? . |
Ski Pass are for transportation only a.k.a. Lift, Gondala, Chairlift,... (name it). This is not and will never be (in France at least) a right to ski.
For right to use an area you need to refer to signs on pists. If the signs says you are not allowed to enter, this means........you are not allowed to enter. This is always the case on Stadiums and even in english !
For your knowledge, in France, Ski Stadiums are under the control of ESF and local Ski Clubs not under the control of Resort. This is a delegation from the Council. So if an instructor ask you to leave because you are not part of Competition Teams, please respect in order: The Signs then the Instructor.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| stevew wrote: |
| Quick question, just noticed on the interactive piste map that Les Bois down to Champagny is now a black, when did it change from a red? |
I was wondering the same thing! It seems it's not officially been open this season and I can't recall it being open in Feb last season either sadly.
The la Plagne piste map for 2025 still shows it as a red, interestingly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
It’s definitely a black now. There was a video of someone from La Plagne pisteurs explaining why (in French) doing the rounds on various Facebook groups last week
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| chopkins13 wrote: |
| It’s definitely a black now. There was a video of someone from La Plagne pisteurs explaining why (in French) doing the rounds on various Facebook groups last week |
So has it changed during this season do you think?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| thierryd wrote: |
Ski Pass are for transportation only a.k.a. Lift, Gondala, Chairlift,... (name it). This is not and will never be (in France at least) a right to ski.
For right to use an area you need to refer to signs on pists. If the signs says you are not allowed to enter, this means........you are not allowed to enter. This is always the case on Stadiums and even in english !
For your knowledge, in France, Ski Stadiums are under the control of ESF and local Ski Clubs not under the control of Resort. This is a delegation from the Council. So if an instructor ask you to leave because you are not part of Competition Teams, please respect in order: The Signs then the Instructor. |
Appreciate you have the knowledge, but as questioned previously- where is this stated? Surely it must be documented somewhere?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| ukoldschool wrote: |
| thierryd wrote: |
Ski Pass are for transportation only a.k.a. Lift, Gondala, Chairlift,... (name it). This is not and will never be (in France at least) a right to ski.
For right to use an area you need to refer to signs on pists. If the signs says you are not allowed to enter, this means........you are not allowed to enter. This is always the case on Stadiums and even in english !
For your knowledge, in France, Ski Stadiums are under the control of ESF and local Ski Clubs not under the control of Resort. This is a delegation from the Council. So if an instructor ask you to leave because you are not part of Competition Teams, please respect in order: The Signs then the Instructor. |
Appreciate you have the knowledge, but as questioned previously- where is this stated? Surely it must be documented somewhere? |
Have you ever look at signs at the entrance of the Stadium ? It's also written in English, the Stadium is dedicated to Competition.
You can also refer to FIS Code of Conduct for Skiers and Snowboarders, rule 8: https://assets.fis-ski.com/f/252177/49280306c8/fis-code-of-conduct-for-skiers-and-snowboarders-en.pdf
And please use Google Translate to read Article 1 (page 2) of the Official Document: https://www.aime-la-plagne.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Arrete-2023-SG-002-PRESCRIPTIONS-SECURITE-PISTES.pdf
"Des parcours de neige peuvent être réservés à la pratique d'activités spécifiques autorisées et réglementées en tant que besoin par voie d'arrêté (stade de compétition et d'entrainement, ..... )"
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Sorry, stadium? do you mean the little hut at the gate?
Appreciate the links, but why do I need to go searching for information when I purchase a pas from La Plagne? Why do they not give this information?
The piste map shows the area marked in yellow as slalom(just like it shows the freestyle areas, yet no additional cost to enter those), there is nothing to show that you will be denied entry if you are on a snowboard, and nothing to show that you have to pay extra to be allowed admittance
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| ukoldschool wrote: |
Sorry, stadium? do you mean the little hut at the gate?
Appreciate the links, but why do I need to go searching for information when I purchase a pas from La Plagne? Why do they not give this information?
The piste map shows the area marked in yellow as slalom(just like it shows the freestyle areas, yet no additional cost to enter those), there is nothing to show that you will be denied entry if you are on a snowboard, and nothing to show that you have to pay extra to be allowed admittance |
First, a ski pass is not a pass for ski but a pass for ski lift !
Second, there is very clear signs at the entrance of the Stadium, even in english and you just need to read them
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| thierryd wrote: |
| ukoldschool wrote: |
Sorry, stadium? do you mean the little hut at the gate?
Appreciate the links, but why do I need to go searching for information when I purchase a pas from La Plagne? Why do they not give this information?
The piste map shows the area marked in yellow as slalom(just like it shows the freestyle areas, yet no additional cost to enter those), there is nothing to show that you will be denied entry if you are on a snowboard, and nothing to show that you have to pay extra to be allowed admittance |
First, a ski pass is not a pass for ski but a pass for ski lift !
Second, there is very clear signs at the entrance of the Stadium, even in english and you just need to read them |
I don't get how difficult this is, most - if not all - resorts I have been to have closed off areas for competition and slalom purposes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| stevew wrote: |
| thierryd wrote: |
| ukoldschool wrote: |
Sorry, stadium? do you mean the little hut at the gate?
Appreciate the links, but why do I need to go searching for information when I purchase a pas from La Plagne? Why do they not give this information?
The piste map shows the area marked in yellow as slalom(just like it shows the freestyle areas, yet no additional cost to enter those), there is nothing to show that you will be denied entry if you are on a snowboard, and nothing to show that you have to pay extra to be allowed admittance |
First, a ski pass is not a pass for ski but a pass for ski lift !
Second, there is very clear signs at the entrance of the Stadium, even in english and you just need to read them |
I don't get how difficult this is, most - if not all - resorts I have been to have closed off areas for competition and slalom purposes. |
Because for some people it seems to be difficult to respect signs and follow rules and then after complain when someone explain them their are not allowed to act this way !
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@thierryd, 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@ukoldschool, most areas I have skied have had some sort of competition slope that is closed off most of the time (even when not in use). I've never even considered it an issue tbh.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| thierryd wrote: |
First, a ski pass is not a pass for ski but a pass for ski lift !
Second, there is very clear signs at the entrance of the Stadium, even in English and you just need to read them |
I'm not sure exactly why you are getting stroppy with me, I am asking a fairly simple question and you are not answering it - where is this information shown by the people that sell the lift pass? If it isn't, then just say that.
There is no stadium, or at least not in the way I understand the word (ie a seating for people to watch). There's basically a hut, and there was no signage in English that I could see, the only signs said ski school.
Not sure if you are aware or just uninterested, but slalom is not exclusive to skiers. Indeed snowboard slalom is I believe an Olympic sport.
I completely get that you are a mountain expert, with in-depth knowledge because you live there, but for the average paying 'punter' such as myself that doesn't know the ins and outs of the French council or ski federation systems please try to imagine you are in my shoes and being excluded from an area, seemingly because you are on a snowboard and are English? I went through that sort of situation 30 years ago, being pushed over by french skiers, ranted at in lift queues etc just for being a snowboarder. we were even refused entry to a particular lift in ValD one time for no other reason that riding a single plank.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@ukoldschool, pistes reserved for race training and competitions in France are called Stades, English translation is Stadium. It’s not dependent on having great banks of tiered seating.
These areas are reserved for competition-linked activities, and the general public are not allowed on those pistes.i can’t think of a resort I’ve skied which doesn’t have an area like this, which typically is roped-off to make clear it’s not for public use. All members of the public, regardless of whether they are skiers or boarders are excluded.
I know a ski coach who had a career-ending leg fracture when a member of the public skied across a race Stade in to a GS course causing a horrible collision.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
