@leggyblonde, and the good news is that at altitude like under the Gauthier chair and the Eychauda ridge it's not resembling the Scottish Highlands anymore.
And must have been more snow overnight/early hours as they're currently blasting.
Weather again this morning is nigh on zero viz so trees again possibly as there's no sun in the forecast for today!
Good news is that once the weather clears should open up more slack country options, though going into next week could well be Spring snow!
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Went up quite early from Pointless and in the gondola there was a French American family with an ESF instructor, and whilst I was faffing with my boots I recognised the instructors voice as he spoke in English "he has a very nice face" to which it was my cue to look up and say "why that's very kind Christophe"......as he was my neighbour, who I seem to be forever bumping into in the weirdest places
We nagged about the snow, and I asked him how much new snow he thought was up there, and he replied 30-40cms, so I was very happy to hear that, however I think there was a lost in translation moment happening, as on getting out of the lift it was quite obvious that there was only a cm or two, and the tracks from yesterday were not at all covered. So think he was referring to the amount that had fallen in the last couple of days!
So skied a few lines but not brilliant and Cretes was closed, so bailed and called it a day, and at least the ski back down into the valley on Le Bez was deserted and classic dust-on-crust*.
*might look nice, but was noisy as hell
So snowing continuously down here but very light and that was the case up top, so think what we'l get here today will be the same as up top.
And why is it that it always snows on a Friday and tomorrow Holiski is discounted, so it will be quite busy with rippers who know the stashes
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Fri 10-01-25 12:01; edited 1 time in total
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?
I'm going to be in the area in March and looking at passes. I was hoping to find an option which includes Mont Genevra but not seeing one - am missing anything ?
@AndAnotherThing.., might be just as good to get the Holiski pass and but a day pass at Montgenevre. I don't think the Galaxie pass gives a day there now.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
@AndAnotherThing.., @Hells Bells, hasn't done Montgenevre for over 10 years now, best to get a season pass for Serre Che and just buy a day pass for Montgenevre
Up in the trees above Serre Ratier was 10-15cm of fresh, went over to Frejus sector and as @Weathercam, says, less snow and poor viz......
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Still snowing here now and due to ramp up for the rest of the day
After all it is free
After all it is free
Hells Bells wrote:
@AndAnotherThing.., might be just as good to get the Holiski pass and but a day pass at Montgenevre. I don't think the Galaxie pass gives a day there now.
Is Holiski basically a pay as you go pass ? I tried to check but web link from the SC site is broken.
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.
Pulled the trigger and booked. 26th Jan. We love Serre Che and its weather (both snow & sun). Fingers crossed that you get some more snow, but the area does seem to keep well due to the orientation of the slopes (Briancon less so). In the 5/6 times I have visited, I have only skied right into Briancon unheaded once!
@KenX, @Hells Bells, Many Thanks Ken and Hells for your further info and advice: Ski a la Carte purchased and all the relevant things did indeed become clear during purchase process.
@Wylie66, Your posts on same subject at same time also useful, thanks: if you have a min after you have picked your card up, please do report back on the procedure for that (which I indeed suppose will be as outlined in the relevant posts -but always good to know...).
Looks like plenty of snow has fallen these last few days!
You are welcome.
Slight delay leaving blighty due to mechanical issues with the motorhome. If not fixed we have a plan B so still intend to be in resort by Sunday Morning latest. Will report back on pass collection then.
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.
Currently in downtown Briancon at Bloc 27 chilling while the OH and daughter ponder a bouldering session, and then weekly shop, and it's snowing quite hard!
Numerous mini incidents on the road on the way down. Truck nigh on blocking the road after St Chafrey RAB.
Can't see it getting any better for the return leg.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
And the weekly pass for Serre dies give you a day in Via Lattea / Montgenevte* as I've been promised some by someone who buys lift passes for their clients, who do not have transport and hence don't use them
*No longer with the season pass as KenX says
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Any views on the best season pass option. The basic 850 euro one looks as good as any assuming most days are in the valley ?
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Hello, Im in SC now. Got a six day pass & went to Montgenevre, & les Deux Alpes on the same pass. You get vouchers which you use to get passes for one day each in the other stations - can also go Alp D'Huez and Puy St Vincent too.
Sadly, managed to break my wrist after falling into a hole in bad light yesterday afternoon. Now in a hire car and airport predicament! Everyone here is very friendly and helpful though.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@pavlf, tough shite, sorry to hear that!
Was only telling the OH that there are still some big holes next to the pistes along the Meadows up from Frejus Cafe where many people dabble in the fresh.
Hope there's not too much hassle involved for you.
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?
Was just off Eychauda, last run of the day, poor light, thought 'I'll just nip over here', sailing along merrily, someone shouted 'Il y a un trou la' BANG. Very costly mistake, both here and in terms of work Ill lose as a consequence. Hey ho!
Any views on the best season pass option. The basic 850 euro one looks as good as any assuming most days are in the valley ?
Best option for a month if you're mostly skiing here
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
@Wylie66, Thanks Wylie. Having looked into the Ski a la Carte pass collection further, post-purchase, am now even "surer" it'll be an easy process of "pick up at lift pass office on presentation of relevant confirmation email/payment receipt" and that the lift pass person will "make" your pass for you, there and then. But, as previously, do plse confirm if that's right, when you have a min when you're "on site"...
Btw, and in case you haven't seen already, one can access/print/download one's payment receipt from one's Ski a la Carte acc/, if need be.
Hope you're able to sort your travel and that travel is, indeed, in the course of going smoothly as I type this.
Lovely sunny morning once the mist cleared. Pistes in excellent condition, even if my legs weren't. . Just stayed over in Monetier today, will probably head over into the rest of the area tomorrow.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Sun made an earlier appearance than forecast, and @KenX, and I gorged on the untracked to be had, and then being a Saturday, so the locals and Freeride Clubs showed up but there was enough for everyone, and then when it was all getting a little bit too stressful it was out with the skins to get away from the hordes and ski the best line of the season* so far
And today's video production featuring @KenX and that line (end of vid).
So big question what to do tomorrow, might be able to get away with cold snow off the back and some slack-country ?
After all it is free
After all it is free
Good day by Monetier yesterday, made my way back to Briançon in the afternoon to find icy slopes for the way home. Hopefully the cold temps over the next few days hold the snow but seriously mild weather forecast midweek, spring will be in the air.
Heard today there was an avalanche near Bachas lift yesterday? Nobody buried.
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.
Spent last evening nagging to some Swedes about options for today, and I said I didn't like the idea of the size of the group that was evolving for my plan which was to drop off the back of the Mea. Their option was Bousardes, so we agreed to go our separate ways and think I dropped a clanger.
I was worried about possible crust and was prepared to wait for it to soften up, plus I did think I might be able to ski what I did yesterday with a little climb again, that's if it wasn't tracked out after people spotting my line.
How wrong I was, the whole area was pretty well fecked by overnight winds, for sure some aspects still looked ok but with the avy risk I wasn't going to chance them on my own, and the snow-pack off the back would not have been good, so I bailed, even though I was still with my OH and daughter who were skiing the piste, with my daughter trying to get used to her new touring set-up.
And as it was a Sunday, it was getting progressively busier and I just didn't fancy the pistes on my touring set-up along with the frozen corduroy ( temps were -8 ).
So back down, and later back at Mat's on the lake, Pierre Vaulter was there overseeing the construction of his new spectacle and he did a couple of ramps, though after speaking to one of his team there's still a long way to go to build the whole run across the lake, if ever?
Think the Swedes made the best call.
Now out with the Suffer Skis for the next couple of days along with the British Army
And if out next week piste skiing, conditions should be excellent, though keep an eye on the overnight temps if possible, and only go out when they're warming up to around -3 upwards as otherwise the corduroy will be icy n'hard.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
All I can say is that it is nice and sunny on my terrace, as we are looking after our sick dog. Lola had a seizure yesterday afternoon, fortunately we were there, and popped her off to the emergency vets asap. Great service, wish our UK vet was as responsive and as reasonably priced.
She's still a bit wobbly on her legs, and now on some medication for fits as well as a possible urine infection. J is out walking with Odin.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
@Hells Bells, sorry to read that and you know that hardly anyone bothers with insuring their pets here as costs are not like the UK. Ullr's Achilles op along with carbon inserts a la Noel Fitzpatrick etc would have been circa £8k in the UK, here £1.5k!
And talking of which, had a sort of lightbulb moment last evening realising it was not all doom and gloom with regard to the off-piste etc and this morning we all went around to Nevache and ski-toured in an area I call the "secret garden" and as ever it delivered
One very happy dog along with one happy OH
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.
@Hells Bells, hope Lola picks up.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
adithorp wrote:
@Hells Bells, hope Lola picks up.
+1
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Thanks all, she's very quiet, but much improved, I think part of the problem was too high a dose of medication given by the vet, I've reduced it down to manufacturers recommended dose and she's much more alert. We weren't skiing this morning anyway, as we're waiting for a new mattress being delivered .
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@Hells Bells, think I might have seen J walking Odin this morning whilst I was out on the suffer skis
In fact, (sorry for more dog pics), whilst out cross country I bumped into Ullr's dad, Snook, and as you can see there's a wee bit of a resemblance, though a la Husky, he has different coloured eyes.
OH and daughter walking the pack up to Monetier whilst I go to physio then I'll drive up and get them from Sno.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
@Weathercam, yes, very likely was them. we're waiting for a new mattress to be delivered, but off for some food now, as they've phoned to say lorry has broken down. .
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
CB4 wrote:
@Wylie66, Thanks Wylie. Having looked into the Ski a la Carte pass collection further, post-purchase, am now even "surer" it'll be an easy process of "pick up at lift pass office on presentation of relevant confirmation email/payment receipt" and that the lift pass person will "make" your pass for you, there and then. But, as previously, do plse confirm if that's right, when you have a min when you're "on site"...
Btw, and in case you haven't seen already, one can access/print/download one's payment receipt from one's Ski a la Carte acc/, if need be.
Hope you're able to sort your travel and that travel is, indeed, in the course of going smoothly as I type this.
Sorry for delay responding, some IT issues.
No issue collecting pass, we just went into the Pass office located in the old Frejus lift building, showed the confirmation email and logged in webpage showing tribe. pass duly issued.
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?
So my thoughts from a not local hard core skier.
Pistes are lovely though later in day the shady areas get very icy.
Some of the greens, certainly Chantemerle side, need a top up of snow and are icy.
Went to Monetier today and with a couple of exceptions made for very enjoyable skiing.
The snow cannons are working well and the maintenance crews are doing a fabulous job moving snow about and keeping the pistes in great condition.
So big question what to do tomorrow, might be able to get away with cold snow off the back and some slack-country ?
Hi,
I took the liberty to cross-post the wonderful video, on our Dutch ski forum.
You get thumbs-up but also 2 questions:
- What actioncam and settings did you use
- What extension or gimbal did you use
Keep up the good work!
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@Onnem, thanks for the comments.
In fact your post prompted me to update the feature I wrote a while back about the set-up I use as I've changed it a little and now use a special ski-pole clamp.
This is a video from a couple of days ago when we ski toured in the Granon sector, it's slightly longer than my usual "productions" as there was quite a lot going on, just towards the end Ullr turns the after-burners on and I couldn't catch him, you can just about hear me saying "he's going like a bat out of hell"; this was after he was floundering in the powder
Having a nice n'easy morning after physio yesterday where I had more "cupping", OH and daughter have gone up the hill for a piste blast, and I'll pick them up later, then I might ride up the Granon with the e-mtb & Ullr to see what the snow is like up there and if it's transformed to Spring snow, and or is it wind affected before touring up there to find out it's meeeh.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Will be heading to SC in Mid-March for 6 days on the mountain with a base at Monetier. Hoping for a few nice rounds of snow before we arrive.
A couple of quick questions as our last visit to SC we were actually based in Montgenevre and only visited for a day...
> Our hotel is essentially in the "old town" and walking distance down to the baths and the slopes. I see car parks in town but any suggestions on locations assuming we have a car and may want to occasionally move it to go to Montgenevre, Sestriere or into Briancon without taking the bus?
> Lift passes... better to buy online beforehand or is it just as easy at the local office?
> This is an odd question... anyone know a ski hire location in Monetier that has Black Crows for rental. I ski BCs... love them... usually take them on trips with me (flying from US) but wondering if I want to do so or just rent locally.
Either way, can't wait. Will hire a guide 1-2 days and may include La Grave into my plans. TBD.
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.
@ItaloSkier, which hotel are you staying in? It is only a small village rather than a town, so nowhere is very far away. There is parking at the end of the village as you arrive from the Col du Lauteret, and down by the lift station and opposite the thermal baths. It's a 5 minute downhill walk to the lifts, but there is a regular ski bus. Can't help with the Black Crows though.
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
and you know that hardly anyone bothers with insuring their pets here as costs are not like the UK. Ullr's Achilles op along with carbon inserts a la Noel Fitzpatrick etc would have been circa £8k in the UK, here £1.5k!
.
Doglet being poorly doesn't, glad she is on the mend though.
