 Poster: A snowHead
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I'm hoping to visit many areas on the Swiss Magic Pass this season, so thought I'd start the snow conditions thread for them! Please do post if you're visiting the areas on the pass.
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Magic Pass website here.
The Magic Pass is a season pass covering dozens of small and medium-sized ski areas across western Switzerland, plus a handful in each of France and Italy. Early-bird pricing started at 399CHF last spring, then ramped up towards the current 899 CHF. Saas Fee, Villars and Grimentz-Zinal are among the bigger ski areas on the Magic Pass, but there are are many, many more. Here's the full map of resorts covered:
As of 11 December, Saas Fee, Glacier 3000, Grimentz-Zinal and Leysin appear to be open daily for the season already, plus there have been a handful of weekend and one-off openings following recent snowfalls. There's no deep base yet, but there is snow lying into the valleys and cold weather has allowed snow cannons to be fired up!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Watching and will report when we get there…(2.5 weeks to go…!)
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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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I snowboarded at Leysin and Villars last weekend. Not much open but decent snow with 20cm of fresh. Cannons were running hard as we left so I expect there will be more open this weekend
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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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Doesn't look like there's an awful lot more open in the Alpes Vaudoises yet:
Villars-Gryon / Les Diableretes / Glacier 3000
Leysin / Les Mosses
And it might get a little bit warmer this week before it gets colder again apparently. I'm not massively surprised and can't say I wasn't warned or prepared for this, so as long as I make it to Aigle tomorrow, I'll be happy and ready to slide on what little there is available this week 
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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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@jebroni3_16, Villars-Les Diablerets link is open which is a big improvement on last weekend
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@denfinella, have you purchased an early bird Magic Pass season ticket for season 2024/2025? It seems totally amazing value at 399 Swiss Francs.
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| jebroni3_16 wrote: |
Doesn't look like there's an awful lot more open in the Alpes Vaudoises yet:
Villars-Gryon / Les Diableretes / Glacier 3000
Leysin / Les Mosses
And it might get a little bit warmer this week before it gets colder again apparently. I'm not massively surprised and can't say I wasn't warned or prepared for this, so as long as I make it to Aigle tomorrow, I'll be happy and ready to slide on what little there is available this week |
If you’re skiing next week and have flexibility with accommodation may be worth going to Saas Fee as you’ll want some altitude with warm weather and sunshine forecast
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@Markscotski, I have indeed!
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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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@denfinella, That's brilliant. Does that give you completely unlimited use at all ski areas covered by the Magic Pass or are some ski areas limited to a certain number of days use in the season.
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Absolutely love the Magic Pass, we have had them since they were first introduced, and the early bird price has remained unchanged. It also includes a free ski tune-up, I think it’s up to 30 CHF(not a major service, although you can discount the 30 off of that).
We used this year’s passes extensively all summer and probably already had a couple of hundred CHF benefit. Will be out for 5 days from Wednesday next week and then again for New Year, January and March/April until the end of the season. If you know that you will be skiing in one of their resorts it is incredible value. Really interested to hear about snow conditions across the map, as would like to visit more diverse resorts than we have done up until now.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| BobinCH wrote: |
| jebroni3_16 wrote: |
Doesn't look like there's an awful lot more open in the Alpes Vaudoises yet:
Villars-Gryon / Les Diableretes / Glacier 3000
Leysin / Les Mosses
And it might get a little bit warmer this week before it gets colder again apparently. I'm not massively surprised and can't say I wasn't warned or prepared for this, so as long as I make it to Aigle tomorrow, I'll be happy and ready to slide on what little there is available this week |
If you’re skiing next week and have flexibility with accommodation may be worth going to Saas Fee as you’ll want some altitude with warm weather and sunshine forecast |
No, I don't have any flexibility unfortunately and arrival time in Geneva tomorrow was always going to be too late to get to Saas Fee too. I've got my trip there sorted for next month now (I think). First world problems and not entirely unexpected!
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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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@Markscotski, it's unlimited.
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You know it makes sense.
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I’ve bought the Magic pass many times, but I’m really not sure how it makes financial sense for the resorts, unless there are significant government / canton subsidies.
The early bird 399CHF, gives a seasons skiing across Switzerland for less than a 7 days pass in Saas-Fee (439CHF).
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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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Two two-week trips!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Gosh that's good you'll easily get good value out of the Magic Pass if you're skiing 24-28 days in Switzerland (or may be the French and Italian areas covered by the pass). I managed 4 weeks last season in Europe. One in VT and 3V's in early Dec, a week in Gressoney and Monterosa area in Jan and a week in Val d'Isere in March and also a week in Val in April.
I'm hoping to get several weeks in again this season although nothing booked so far after the PSB in Tignes a week or so ago.
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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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| PowderAdict wrote: |
I’ve bought the Magic pass many times, but I’m really not sure how it makes financial sense for the resorts, unless there are significant government / canton subsidies.
The early bird 399CHF, gives a seasons skiing across Switzerland for less than a 7 days pass in Saas-Fee (439CHF). |
Iain M interviewed the CEO on his Ski podcast recently who explained it was net positive for the resorts
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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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Looks like Glacier 3000 has opened up the Combe d'Audon run giving a decent amount of vertical with some great off-piste options (might be some sharks lower down...)
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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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Didn't quite make it over there today, but I'm glad I didn't believe the signs at the top of Chaux Ronde in Villars which said the 'liaison' to Les Diablerets was closed. Because it most certainly wasn't when I got to it.
Thought it might just have not been updated but when I came back through there this afternoon, it still said it was closed (although the big screens were showing it as open). So those were possibly electronic signs that are supposed to be manually updated by the liftie 
Conditions-wise, snow was soft and light in the sun this morning, getting a little slushy this afternoon.
A lot of the ski area was in the shade all day though, with the sun being so low. Definitely felt a bit more hard-packed with less on top in those sections.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Very similar conditions at Leysin today to Villars yesterday. If anything, slightly better as there were so few people there, so the pistes were taking less of a battering.
Aiming to go to Glacier 3000 tomorrow via Villars to Les Diablerets en piste and then shuttle bus.
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| leggyblonde wrote: |
| Looks like Glacier 3000 has opened up the Combe d'Audon run giving a decent amount of vertical with some great off-piste options (might be some sharks lower down...) |
They certainly had... although the short, steep button lift up to it wasn't open and most people arriving there yesterday were blissfully unaware of this until they got there.
There was a warning about stones on the way and there were a few in the first sector, but only tiddlers.
I usually avoid blacks unless I know it's going to be soft enough to turn on with my board. Took a chance and that was exactly what it was.
Visibility was good whilst I was on the run but I think they closed the glacier around 2:30 whilst I was on my way down due to poor visibility or wind.
Woken up this morning to rain in Aigle. Heading back up to Villars this morning, in the hope of it falling as snow up there.
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So, I got to the top of the télécabine at Villars around 9:30 this morning and it was raining. Went higher and it was still raining. And it stayed like that for much of the morning. The rain did eventually turn to snow, but reasonably wet stuff on top of already sodden pistes. Probably not what they needed ahead of the holiday hordes arriving.
However, the temperature has been dropping since 3pm and it's been chucking it down with rain in Aigle since around 4pm, so hopefully that does mean they'll have had a load of fresh stuff up the mountains overnight.
As far as the other resorts in Alpes Vaudoises are concerned, Glacier 3000 was closed completely today, but it looks like it didn't get above freezing and that it was snowing up there, so bodes reasonably well for anyone heading that way over the weekend.
Gryon was completely closed too as they were presumably trying to preserve what little they already had lower down.
And the télécabine at Leysin was closed because of wind with only the chair available to get up.
I'm heading home tomorrow and will be back out in Switzerland after New Year for 3 days in Saas Fee. Will be keeping my fingers crossed for my fellow Magic Pass holders in the meantime 
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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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Huge snow today across the Magic Pass region (on top of some yesterday and more due tomorrow). Everywhere on the pass should have excellent conditions in time for Christmas! 
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@denfinella, Are you away in Switzerland for a wee slide at the moment ?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Markscotski, no, I'm not there until January, but taking a keen interest. Magic Pass areas also seem to be right in the sweet spot for this storm so thought it needed a mention on this thread!
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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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Just left Grimentz today, it has snowed heavily for 24 hours with another day’s worth to come. The road looked quite tricky, especially for those unfamiliar with driving in the snow. The CarPostal had no such problems and got us to the train on time.
Skiing on Friday and Saturday was very good, snow in very good condition although a little icy down at the village. Although there had already been a lot of snow, strong winds up high had stripped it from a number of the pistes that run over scree and boulder fields and they were closed. Of course all of that will be history after this two-day storm. Weather for the rest of the Christmas week looks amazing, cold and sunny. The village was getting pretty busy today, much more so than we’ve seen before Christmas over the last 15 years! I will be back for New Year.
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You know it makes sense.
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Everything closed in Saas Fee today with lots of snowfall. High avalanche risks even closing a lot of the walks that aren’t lift served. Was out on the pistes on Saturday but a lot not yet prepared. Only the one red run down from the Morenia chair past the restaurant and they weren’t running the long tow on the Spielboden/Langfluh side either so not a lot of choice for less experienced skiers, so hopefully they can get that sorted with the last few days snowfall plus the heavy snow blowing going on ahead of opening up for this week and next. New funicular this year moves a bit quicker and has you queueing on the ‘platform’ behind some new sliding doors. Furthest door saves you about 6 steps on the climb at the top #iykyk
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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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I've reposted this from the general weather thread because it largely concerns Magic Pass areas.
Here are some of the biggest 3-day new snow totals from Switzerland (so still just this current storm really), using the Swiss avalanche forecasting website reports:
Glacier 3000 - 197cm at 2600m
Muotathal, Schwyz - 196cm at 2100m
Ovronnaz - 185cm at 2600m
Laucheren, Wassen - 151cm at 2200m
Schwanden - 130cm at 1600m
Villars - 116cm at 1800m
These higher figures are all from locations in the northern Swiss Alps, i.e. north of the Valais gorge and Andermatt northwards. 1m+ of snow pretty widely above mid mountain heights, sometimes closer to 2m!  Several stations in the Jura, Vaud etc. are reporting 50-70cm of new snow at valley level on social media.
Further south and east amounts drop off; typically 50-100cm in southern Valais, much less further east of here.
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Poster: A snowHead
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I was in jura sur leman today ( la dole/les rousses), dole side not yet open but awesome conditions on the French side, cold snow, fantastic piste prep... believe most of the resort fully open on the 26th... great start to the season
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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We arrived this morning - skied half day at Leysin. Fab views. Snow holding up well - needs a refresh but not too polished, and some nice sun softened stuff higher up on south aspects (and good chalky bits on high north facing slopes). Even back into village mostly ok, tho a few thin patches on lower sections Top up forecast tomorrow afternoon-evening, let’s see how much actually arrives.
Staying in Aigle until Saturday then moving to Saint Leonard next week. Hoping to get some lift-assisted touring done especially around Grimentz/ Nax/ Arolla/ Unterbach. Heading to Villars tomorrow.
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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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Les Marécottes today with bluebird sky and 20cm fresh cold snow was special. Amazing spot.
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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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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Currently snowing steadily to resort level in Saas-Fee and they're out dropping bombs again this morning too.
Great visibility everywhere on Tuesday with decent conditions, but was rather windy up on the glacier.
Decent amount of snow overnight into Wednesday, but visibility was poor first thing and I was lazy to get it so missed the best of the powder on the piste. Still plenty to be found after 11am though.
Conditions were great on the glacier yesterday as very few people had gone up there on Wednesday. Was above the cloud that was affecting further down until about 1ish, when l headed down to go on the Wham! Walk 
Looking good for the weekend visitors!
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Been in the Val d'Anniviers for the last 4 days. Started with a couple of easy days in Vercorin, Grimentz - Zinal yesterday and St Luc - Chandolin.
Pistes are holding up well everywhere generally, although have ended up on my back bottom on a couple of blues at the end of a couple of days immediately after having had no problems on a couple of blacks. Maybe it's a reflection of me not fully committing / paying attention, but I think it also reflects how few people appear to be on the really steep stuff.
St Luc - Chandolin is my favourite so far. Was surprisingly quiet for a sunny Sunday and would be my suggestion, @denfinella, if you decide to head slightly further afield in your search for somewhere quiet next weekend.
Grimentz - Zinal still wasn't crazy busy yesterday though. And the itineraries there did at least look like what they're supposed to be. The two I rode at St Luc today however were practically corduroy!
All three resorts would benefit from a little fresh blast of snow though. And having left the Alpes Vaudoises and Saas-Fee just as the snow started falling again already this season, I'll be heading back to the UK on Friday, so might be a good time for others to visit.
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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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Just catching up on all the Magic Pass action via this thread The early bird price is just mad!
I'm trying to get my head round the logistics and possibilities. Do you regular pass holders generally stay in one of the resorts - or are there any good valley towns that can be used as a decent base for visiting a few areas?
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@GuyrillaMonsoon, thanks for the suggestions! Agree with your assessment re. snow conditions generally - it's basically fine but new snow would be welcome.
@mountainaddict, somewhere around Martigny or Sion is pretty central for the most interesting areas. I'm currently in Saint-Maurice a bit further west, but then near Sion in March (more info in my TR).
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FAQ
