![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Poster: A snowHead
|
Today we travelled from Chamonix to Verbier. After an epic start to the week it started raining in town and snowing higher up. This resulted in closure of Col du Montets (thanks very much those of you who reassured me that its kept open all year round) on Tuesday. Plan B was to go through Mt Blanc tunnel and GSt Bernard tunnel. No joy here either as the approach road to M Blanc tn was closed; yes due to an avalanche. This left us with no other options but to drive through Geneva and around lake Leman. To make matters worse part of the 'white' motorway, right buy the viaduct coming up to Sallanches was closed due a rock/mud slide on the Geneva bound carriageway. Anyway, 3 hoours later we arrive in the 4 valleys, to be welcomed by the rain. If you are driving in the region check your routes.
|
|
|
|
|
![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
PP, sorry you had a bad trip, but the weather was exceptional. Looking back at your threads, you were told
"There are signs on most of the approach roads saying wether the col montets is open or closed. Usually open. "
which is absolutely true. It is usually open, but not always, when snow is bad. It's not one of the cols which is always closed all winter, just occasionally.
|
|
|
|
|
![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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?
|
PP, you are so lucky. We took nearly six hours to do Champoluc to Chamonix via Morzine today... dull, dull, dull...
|
|
|
|
|
![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
When a pass is open in the Winter it means there is no policy to suspend the traffic for the whole of the Winter, as the case of Petit St Bernard Pass.
There will be cases where a sudden heavy snow fall (or avalanches) that blocks the route which is temporarily closed until the workmen can clear it up, usually in a day or two.
Col Du Forclay is kept open in the Winter by both the French and Swiss authorities. If you live in the region you know it is a common occurence that the police would close a mountain pass for safety reason if the snow cannot be cleared quick enough by the workmen.
|
|
|
|
|
![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
On Thursday I had to take the long route around the lake when driving from Les Arcs to Zinal. 80km as the crow flies, 5 hours by road!
|
|
|
|
|
![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
PP, why didn't you just stay in Chamonix? Much better place to be.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pam w, the intention of my whinge was very TIC.
Jonpim, i absolutley agree but had not managed to convince others.
Just to cap it all off my wife just slipped on ice (walking!) and sustained a wrist fracture. Very impressed with Swiss medical service and excellent Bier's block (for those in the know).
|
|
|
|
|
![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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: |
my wife just slipped on ice (walking!) and sustained a wrist fracture
|
ouch. I've known quite a few people that has happened to - one friend was just getting off the transfer bus, into resort, when she fell. I feel really scared and wobbly round icy pavements, and usually use a ski pole as a walking stick. In contrast, I feel completely unbothered about falling on the piste. I did fall on a pavement in January, and was delighted that my snowboarder's instinct (ie the self preservation instincts which came, eventually, to someone who spent a lot of time on her bottom...)kept my hands out of the way. I have some great waterproof apres-ski boots, bought in France, which have crampons underneath, which can be hinged away when not needed - but didn't have them on that day
|
|
|
|
|
|