 Poster: A snowHead
|
We’re looking for resorts in Europe which have lots of green and blue slopes on tree lined slopes that snake down the mountain.
We find that’s a much more enjoyable skiing experience that vast wide open pistes where you just go from one side to the other until you get to the bottom.
Red slopes are a step too far at the moment and blacks aren’t even in the horizon…I suspect ever !!
We just came back from Trysil which ticked a lot of boxes (especially the bottom have of the mountain). Morzine/Les Gets were closed 2 years when we were there so didn’t get to experience that.
Anywhere else in Europe that people can recommend?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
I think the challenge will always be that trees grow at low altitude so you’re always balancing trees and visibility alongside marginal snow conditions.
Runs like Marvel in Morillon are wonderful if the snow is good but is at about 1100m so can really suffer or be shut.
Somewhere like Serre Chevalier might be good though, from memory (and it’s been a while) they’ve got lots of blues and greens running to the valley floor which are all tree lined.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
Big generalization, Austrian resorts are on average lower than French ones for similar snow cover.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
Crest Voland has a lot of tree lined green and blue runs, mostly easy. But as @bigtuboflard notes, you compromise with altitude. But from Crest Voland you can go higher if the snow down low is not great.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| Orange200 wrote: |
| Big generalization, Austrian resorts are on average lower than French ones for similar snow cover. |
+1
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Gaz_H wrote: |
| Orange200 wrote: |
| Big generalization, Austrian resorts are on average lower than French ones for similar snow cover. |
+1 |
Loads to go at in Austria....easier listing the ones not to go for. Iscghl, Obertauren, Obergurgl, Solden
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Les Arcs 1600, Mont-Blanc chair and blue. Also last time I skied there was 10 year ago, but I remember its been nice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Treeline in Salzburgland is around 1900-2000M so any resort that tops out at that height will have tree-lined pistes. In our area (Ski Amade) all the resorts have tree-lined pistes with the exception of the higher pistes in Bad and Sport Gastein.
Flachauwinkel/Kleinarl has 19km of "Family Runs". which are just what you described and you can link into similar runs in Flachau, Wagrain and Alpendorf.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I did Sestriere at Christmas and despite some slope and lift closures, we had a great time - the resort is a bit of a mix; tree runs near resort at 2000m and down to the neighbouring Borgatta section (which has loads of really nice blue runs) but once you get up to the top of the main lifts then you have the option to do runs that are more exposed. There are also some lovely tree-lined (and wide) runs down to Sansicario and around Sauze D'oulx. However, there are a lot of steep reds in the Via Lattea so it's more about being mindful of where you want to go and how to get there.
I did Les Gets many moons ago and found it to be the best 'beginner' resort I've been to; pastureland so nothing 'dangerous' so to speak and most runs were cruisey and with lots of trees.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
@gavman99, this is Snowheads....... so people are going to mention the importance of having good tuition....... ski instructors are also a good bet to help you identify which runs you are likely to enjoy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Val Cenis fits the bill.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I think, the problem here, is that quite often below teeline pistes are fire roads, so they are not as nice as specially profiled ski pistes, which are wider and more enjoyable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
| Gaz_H wrote: |
| Gaz_H wrote: |
| Orange200 wrote: |
| Big generalization, Austrian resorts are on average lower than French ones for similar snow cover. |
+1 |
Loads to go at in Austria....easier listing the ones not to go for. Iscghl, Obertauren, Obergurgl, Solden |
I agree with loads in Austria though I'd add the Arlberg as a place to avoid, yes there are a few but probably fewer than Ischgl.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
Schladming
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
My first thought was also Schladming. Loved being amongst the trees there.
But there are more reds than blues so probably not the best option.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Two points
Green pistes only exist in France (possibly US but think means something else)
Given that tree lined pistes are inevitably lower down the snow is likely to be less good than above the tree line (yes I know a generalisation but likely to be true in most cases) so are often harder to ski.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| Quote: |
Given that tree lined pistes are inevitably lower down the snow is likely to be less good than above the tree line
|
Good point. Even if we prefer to ski easier runs, feeling incapable of tackling red runs, or runs in poor condition is very hampering. Like never going sailing if the wind might be above Force 3. Tackling slightly more difficult conditions, gradually, with a sympathetic instructor really will greatly increase your scope and enjoyment. You don't have to seek them out, just being aware that you have the tools to tackle them, steadily, will greatly increase your enjoyment because you can be less apprehensive about what's round the next corner.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
My abiding memory of Borovets is easy runs through beautiful scenes of snow-covered trees. As a resort for relative beginners/intermediates it has a lot to commend it (if you go at a time of year when the snow can be assured).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| ste_B wrote: |
My first thought was also Schladming. Loved being amongst the trees there.
But there are more reds than blues so probably not the best option. |
Staying in Rohrmoos-Untertal solves that, Hochwurzen has plenty of flattering blues.
In France, Puy St Vincent ticks the boxes. But not an extensive mountain.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| daveqpr wrote: |
| Val Cenis fits the bill. |
I had the same thought.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MAthert wrote: |
| daveqpr wrote: |
| Val Cenis fits the bill. |
I had the same thought. |
Makes us three  in accord.
Also, and possibly not easily matched, a good blue piste of gentle gradient right from top of piste area.
That's a really interesting route too, with outlook over Italy in quite some panorama and with a dedicated lookout balcony to mark it. Leaving there is skiing initially along through the rock formation that forms the peak. It's a really great set of conditions etc for someone circumspect about travelling there. Not tree line at that height, but unusual in it's interest in comparison to a very exposed alternative.
Further down, through blue piste network and into tree line with one of the longest routes of green piste generally "Escasrgo" to village level. Plenty of gentle slope around down at village too.
Worthwhile in consideration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risoul would also be worth a gander
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Megeve may fit your requirements: due to lower elevation most runs are in the treeline and I felt the runs were graded quite 'flatteringly'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@gavman99, If you want France I'd recommend Les arcs too. Loads of tree lined runs from memory. I'd also recommend going to the ucpa there to improve your technique and have a blast. Arc 1600 was deadsville but being at the ucpa centre there was lots going on if you wanted it. Check out action outdoors for the lowdown on ucpa.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| bigtuboflard wrote: |
I think the challenge will always be that trees grow at low altitude so you’re always balancing trees and visibility alongside marginal snow conditions.
Somewhere like Serre Chevalier might be good though, from memory (and it’s been a while) they’ve got lots of blues and greens running to the valley floor which are all tree lined. |
Agreed, Serre Che is a decent option. Plenty of blues and some greens to get the legs/confidence going. A lot of tree-lined pistes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Courchevel valley, with options from very pricey (1850), bit cheaper and lively (1650), cheaper satellite of 1850 (1550) and La Tania (cheaper, quieter). Le Praz not really suitable as no blues and greens back to base.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The tree runs into Linderets in Portes Du Soleil hold good snow to the end of season and offer blues and reds. This makes Avoriaz a good option as you can also go higher if you wish. Convenient transfer from Geneva.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Greens in the USA are cat tracks. Think a piste about as wide as normal A road in the UK and are a way for skiers of different ability to meet up at the top and then go down different runs and gradients before coming together. So Mum might take the black run, Dad the red, daughter the blue and son the green cat track as he’s just learning. They’re not very wide but are gentle.
The only bad thing is you always get some idiots trying to use them as a shortcut at Mach 2 and terrorising the learners.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| Agent Orange wrote: |
Greens in the USA are cat tracks. Think a piste about as wide as normal A road in the UK and are a way for skiers of different ability to meet up at the top and then go down different runs and gradients before coming together. So Mum might take the black run, Dad the red, daughter the blue and son the green cat track as he’s just learning. They’re not very wide but are gentle.
The only bad thing is you always get some idiots trying to use them as a shortcut at Mach 2 and terrorising the learners. |
Do they have red runs in USA? I thought they were green, blue, black and double black?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
From memory green, blue, black and double black
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| gendal wrote: |
| My abiding memory of Borovets is easy runs through beautiful scenes of snow-covered trees. As a resort for relative beginners/intermediates it has a lot to commend it (if you go at a time of year when the snow can be assured). |
+1
Just come back. Wonderful.
Also look at other Eastern European resorts like Jahorina, Bosnia; Kolasin, Montenegro.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 came back from the Haute Maurienne valley (Val-Cenis, La Norma, Aussois and Bonneval-sur-arc) The first three have nice green and blue slopes surrounded by forest. I learnt skiing in Valmorel, which also has some nice green and blue slopes with and without trees.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| ed48 wrote: |
| Les Arcs 1600, Mont-Blanc chair and blue. Also last time I skied there was 10 year ago, but I remember its been nice. |
Yes Mont Blanc run is nice, as they've replaced the old chair the top is a little steeper now but a lovely run still. I would also say go over to Vallandry as there are many runs over there between the trees, including Foret, which although a blue is very gentle and snakes down the hill for miles and miles
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Saint Gervais, Megeve, majority of the skiing can be done in the trees with some above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Ozboy wrote: |
| The tree runs into Linderets in Portes Du Soleil hold good snow to the end of season and offer blues and reds. This makes Avoriaz a good option as you can also go higher if you wish. Convenient transfer from Geneva. |
The area linked between Morzine and Les Gets is also quite suitable too i'd say.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Just got back from Peisey-Vallandry - fits the bill perfectly.
Those who have followed my last few years will know I've gone from competent red-skier in the 90s to pathetically going down blues either side slipping or on my back bottom.
Well, don't know if it was my wonderful "overcome your fear of skiing" hypnotherapy or the resort, but there are loads of blue runs through trees that are basically roads, and there are "short cuts" between the bends that are red/blue - then once you get your confidence up head over to Les Arcs 1950/1800/2000 for wide blue pistes. The blue down to 1600 was more of a red/blue I'd say but I still got down (not pretty, but no tantrums)
I don't remember there being any green "roads" and that for me was a good thing - no pole punting!
I was so confident by the end of the week that I could get down any blue in Les Arcs that we are thinking of going back in a couple of weeks to test the theory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
+2 for Peisey-Vallandry. As noted above, Foret really does go on for miles, but regularly you'll pass a short cut that drops you down to the next section if you feel like doing something a bit more technical than literally sliding along. The blue short cuts are still chilled but offer the opportunity to get some turns in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| Quote: |
Green pistes only exist in France (possibly US but think means something else)
|
Only in some French resorts. For example there is a tiny amount in Les Arcs in what were the mauve sectors. However, they are used in Japan where there seems to be a green, blue, red, black, double diamond, unpisted classification, but I'm not sure what order they come in or even if they are all used in every resort. The only real thing to notice was that you went through a gate for the harder runs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sella Ronda.... theres is a lot above the tree line but even most of those slopes are tracks between features rather than randomly marked out runs to a giant bowl. And the reds are mostly very flattering, the point is to look beautiful after all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
