 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi Guys. Meant to be coming out to Courchevel tomorrow with family for skiing Sunday to Friday. Looking at the forecast it talks of pretty horrendous weather Sunday Monday Tuesday and with the ongoing carnage from the latest storm I am thinking of abandoning the trip. Don't really want to be stuck inside with 2 energetic kids. What are peoples opinions on whether should still come out or not? We are relatively new to skiing this is only our third time. I see it talks of 15cm Sunday 30cm Monday and another 17cm Tuesday. Will we be able to ski in this with everything they have already had? Sorry if it sounds naive as I say we are new to this game don't want to abandon the trip unnecessarily as the kids are very excited but also don't want to be stuck inside all week.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Bad day in the mountains is better than a great day in the office. Weather forecasts and quantities of estimated snowfall can change on a sixpence. Your choice but no way I’d be cancelling. No snow and skiing brown strips of mud I might consider it but not the other way round.
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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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Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Fri 13-02-26 14:44; edited 1 time in total
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Thanks thats what I was after. Just like to have the views of people who have a lot more experience than me. The wife is reading horror stories on facebook of everything being closed and that it is carnage. I am definitely leaning towards still going. As long as we can get out to do a bit of skiing here and there I am sure the kids will enjoy it
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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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@Snowgoblin, Definitely go for it. Even if you don't fancy skiing kids tend to love playing in the snow, sledging, building snowmen etc. There's also the Aquamotion aquatic centre which has easy access from most of the Courchevel villages, that should tire them out.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Snowgoblin, I only have experience of being in a ski village in a 5/5 avalanche week once in over 40 years of skiing. It was in Tignes many years ago.
For 3 days we were confined to the hotel. 2 days allowed to go outside to walk, or ride up and down the one chairlift and run that was open. On the 6th day the sun shone and we skied. However, it was hard going on piste skis in a metre of snow. Also, early afternoon, a mini avalanche blocked the main road and we were stuck in a lower satellite village for 2 hours before it was cleared and we could bus it back up to base. We were fortunate in not having kids at the time.
Much depends on your tolerance of risk and unknowns. Also how good your accommodation is and what else you might do. It’s a peak week, so journeys up the Isere valley this weekend are going to be very difficult.
Personally, if I thought there’d be a good chance of at least 2 days great skiing later in the week, I’d go for it. What happens if you cancel cost wise? Do you just lose your outlay? Can you get most or some back, or get credit towards a future trip? As 3rd week skiers you’d really only need a few blue slopes open to have fun, as long as you’re OK with them being crowded.
Tough call and really hope it all works out fine for you.
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It wouldn’t cross my mind to cancel a ski holiday. Hopefully you have booked the kids into ski school. Courchevel has a number of tree lined runs so you will have reasonable visibility even when it’s snowing. Then there will be other activities like swimming in the resort. Yesterday’s closure in some resorts was very unusual. Usually even on white out days a few runs near the resort centre would be open. A few years ago my daughter injured herself the moment we arrived and had an operation and was stuck in the apartment all week. She still enjoyed being in the alps and hopping on crutches to a local restaurant for lunch. It will be exciting for your kids to see so much snow and they will no doubt have an exciting week to remember.
One final suggestion maybe book a spa session to look forward to after skiing.
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I wouldn't abandon either (I also have two energetic kids!) - but here's what I'd be planning: pack some indoor things to do (board games, card games, puzzle books, games console, etc) so you've got something to do if you just can't face going out in the afternoon; get some low visibility goggles for everyone, they'll make a *huge* difference if you're skiing while it's snowing (Decathlon sell some for £18 - they don't need to be £140 pink-lensed Oakleys or photochromic Julbos); spare gloves for everyone (especially if you're going out to play in the snow); maybe even ponchos to sling on.
Enjoy the fresh snow and maybe quieter pistes!
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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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What would thekids say if you cancelled? Not a chance it would even cross my mind.
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How you getting there and how was it booked? Think you may struggle to claim back on insurance
I'd still go - resorts will do their utmost to get runs open
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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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Thats made my mind up we are definitely going to go for it. Thank you for all the responses. We have a pool at the hotel and as long as we can get out and do a bit of skiing here and there that will be fine. The kids will definitely have an adventure!! Regarding the traffic does anyone have any experience regarding the traffic later on the Saturday. We are flying in to Geneva at 8pm so won't get up to resort till later on. Is it possible the traffic may have thinned out a bit by then or will it still be gridlock?
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@Snowgoblin, as you are flying you don’t really have much control over variations on the theme of best times to get into resort. If you’re doing a TO coach transfer it’s not your worry just sit back and arrive when the coach gets there. If you’re doing a private transfer also just let your driver worry about it. If you’re hiring a car and driving yourself just take your time if conditions are difficult go with the flow because frankly as with the other options there’s really nothing you can do about it. Stop giving yourself things to worry about. You are going in holiday it’s supposed to be fun and enjoyable. You’ll get there when you get there and the snow will be the snow and your kids will think it’s amazing. Enjoy!
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You know it makes sense.
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Get out there. It will be an unforgettable, magical experience. You and the kids will love it and the scenes will be beautiful. Imagine all that snow crunching underfoot, the trees and rooftops weighed down by inches and inches of beautiful white powder and the silence which heavy snow brings. Interrupted only by the sound of your family having a great time.
If these conditions dont excite you then I cant imagine what would.
Dont waste an amazing experience for you and the family. I would kill to be able to be out there.
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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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@Snowgoblin, you can check the ski area opening on various websites. Even today, after plenty of snow in the past 48 hours, nearly all the lower slopes are open. Even skiing when it is snowing can be okay if it stays cold (so that the snow readily brushes off rather than melting and making everything wet). Everything can dry overnight. Take spare warm clothes, and spare gloves if you have them.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Quote: |
Hopefully you have booked the kids into ski school
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This!
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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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Get out there pal. Fresh powder is some of the best fun to be had. Stay local, fall around a bit, you'll get the hang of it. I'm jealous. 
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@Mollerski,
Nah, you'd be going hungry. 
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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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| jirac18 wrote: |
| @Snowgoblin, ...If you’re doing a TO coach transfer it’s not your worry just sit back and arrive when the coach gets there. If you’re doing a private transfer also just let your driver worry about it. If you’re hiring a car and driving yourself just take your time if conditions are difficult go with the flown... |
If you are hiring a car (doubtful given arrival time and usual Geneva car hire opening times) make sure irs got winter (or all season) tyres and snow chains (trial fit them, or at least watch a couple of videos on how to fit them).
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| Snowgoblin wrote: |
| Thats made my mind up we are definitely going to go for it. Thank you for all the responses. We have a pool at the hotel and as long as we can get out and do a bit of skiing here and there that will be fine. The kids will definitely have an adventure!! Regarding the traffic does anyone have any experience regarding the traffic later on the Saturday. We are flying in to Geneva at 8pm so won't get up to resort till later on. Is it possible the traffic may have thinned out a bit by then or will it still be gridlock? |
Great decision - an experience for all of you, especially the kids with snow that deep - take them walking in it in the village - big difference to the UKs one cm snow = lockdown. Try and find a snowbank (best spots are by roads that have been cleared) for the group selfie of 'the snow's higher than us!'
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Based on the latest forecast, not that much snow expected to fall on Saturday, so hopefully your trip from Geneva to Courchevel should be OK.
Sunday could be a glorious day on the slopes. Then heavy snow is forecast Monday into Tuesday, so the number of slopes and lifts open may be limited. After that just light snow and light winds forecast.
Weather forecasting is difficult in the Alps but if it turns out anything like that you should have a memorable week.
Plenty layers, something to cover your necks and spare gloves would all help.
Enjoy!
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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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Make sure to remind yourselves this much snow isn’t normal so that you’re not expecting too much from next year or you’ll likely be disappointed. We’ve got SH’s selling kidneys and begging to swap places with you. You’re gonna have an awesome trip!!
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@Snowgoblin,
Damn i was just coming in with a last minute £ 100 quid take it or leave it offer
Have fun
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I put “should I cancel my ski trip because of too much snow” into google but just got Error 404.
Excellent practical advice above. Also tell the kids you expect way too much snow and ask them what they might do. Their imaginations should go into overdrive and they will view it as a challenge. Positive mindset.
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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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Large snowfall hasn't stopped me skiing in any of my 30 or so trips. It's sometimes delayed lift opening times due to avi control for a bit. What has caused a day inside has been wind, but from the looks of the snow forecast that PeakyB posted you're not getting a huge amount of either.
That said, you're probably asking the wrong people 
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Just got finished packing. Kids all excited for tomorrow. Many thanks to all on this forum for the advice. Quite looking forward to seeing all that deep snow now!!
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You know it makes sense.
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Just got finished packing. Kids all excited for tomorrow. Many thanks to all on this forum for the advice. Quite looking forward to seeing all that deep snow now!!
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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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@Snowgoblin,
Your biggest problem will be the journey !!! Sorry that’s a bit Whitegold of me ( in forum joke ) -take plenty of drinks and snacks load up the kids with programme watching material
Have fun
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Snowgoblin, you can’t believe how jealous those of us who aren’t going are 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I used to take Snow Forecast seriously until I realised the forecast snowfall was always about double what actually fell. The temps can be wildly inaccurate too.
@Snowgoblin, glad to hear you are going. Right choice.
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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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@Snowgoblin, have a great time. Come back and tell us all about it, please!
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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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| Phantom Phil wrote: |
I used to take Snow Forecast seriously until I realised the forecast snowfall was always about double what actually fell. The temps can be wildly inaccurate too.
@Snowgoblin, glad to hear you are going. Right choice. |
Same here. Snow forecast forever forecasting huge dumps or long big freezes of -20C village level for The Alps, that seldom panned out. Very popular website due to its easy on the eye graphics and faux optimism.
Then ITK snowheads recommended better websites.
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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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@Snowgoblin, are you there yet? 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@jellylegs heavy snow can also = pistes and lifts closed, poor vis on pistes that are open and high avalanche risk. The OP's concerns are understandable, for somebody new to the game, likely to struggle with unpisted runs, not interested in off piste and travelling with children. ,
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and heavy snow by no means = "powder". Can also = leg breaking clag.
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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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| Origen wrote: |
| @jellylegs heavy snow can also = pistes and lifts closed, poor vis on pistes that are open and high avalanche risk. The OP's concerns are understandable, for somebody new to the game, likely to struggle with unpisted runs, not interested in off piste and travelling with children. , |
Largely why I suggested 'stay local'. Venture forth when the weather/conditions allow. 
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| Origen wrote: |
| and heavy snow by no means = "powder". Can also = leg breaking clag. |
Always negative 
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