 Poster: A snowHead
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Just when I thought we'd narrowed our choices for next year down to La Thuile or Pila, Mrs. P throws Champoluc into the mix.  Sooooo, for two solid intermediate skiers, anyone been to Champoluc who can give us some feedback? Thanks.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Only stayed in Gressoney and Alagne. Try the search facility above for Champoluc.
I would think it would be quite a good area for 2 adventurous intermediates as you can now cross 3 valleys easily enough.
The high ridge which seperates Italy from Switzerland is an impressive backdrop.
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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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The slopes are intermediate unless you know where to go for off piste. The night life will suit couples and families. If you want a relaxing ski holiday it is the place go to.
Great atmosphere at the Hotel Castor, Herman Buchan (Do not let his name kid you he is from London and married an Italian lady Beautrice) . They are family based and make you feel very welcome. If you are an surveyor then talk to him as that was his previous profession.
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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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Very quiet resort with some reasonable intermediate skiing, good off piste in places and a chance to ski over to other resorts,Gressoney and Alagna. I beleive its possible to ski over to Zermatt, with guide, but theres no route back - so bus or other transport. Found it from an old Warren Miller vid filmed there had a reasonable week with no reason to return.
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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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Bones,
It is only possible to get over to Zermatt if you take a heli over the huge ridge that seperates Italy from Switzerland. The Monterosa route then is relatively tame..as much as that sort of thing can be, and you get down into Zermatt lift system, over into Cervinia and then ski from the Colle Cime Bianche down to the Champoluc valley. This is about 20kms downhill---ish and is the most difficult part, IME. It's a trip of about 65kms and doable by strong intermediates if they are plucky and have a lot of time.... The last few kms will really test you at the end of a long day..... be sure of your skiing.
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ajpaul, Having just got married there (wife's father born there) we spend quite some time in Champoluc.
Very beautiful. Can echo the Castor recommendation, Herman and Bea are great. Skiing plenty for intermediates. Wouldn't agree it's in the same league as Zermatt, CHX or Verbier though! Quiet, couple of very good restos, not somewhere for nightclubbing.
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there is no muck like the farmers boots when it comes to getting quality service.
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Eh? 
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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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T Bar, Thank you!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Wouldn't agree it's in the same league as Zermatt, CHX or Verbier though
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I agree not for nightlife, but as a must do ski area with dramatic scenery, huge off piste and village charm.
ajpaul, Becasue the boss is always on site the staff always treat you well. Sorry, I'm a farmers boy, and it was a common saying that work get done when the boss is on the land.
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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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Thanks for the replies folks. Is the ski area relatively accessible, or is there a lot of sitting on chair lifts involved?
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ajpaul, There are 2 lifts up from the village, 1 from the centre (a bubble, and you can leave skis and boots at the lift station, 3 mins from Castor) and one a 5 min bus ride up the valley for a quicker link into Gressony (on a long lift known locally as "the refrigerator"). The chairs are all fast detachable ones, but give a lot of altitude gain, so you will sit for longer and ski much longer than most Austrian resorts and many French resorts per ride on a chair. Queues are negligible if the snow is good and midweek. Turin arrives en masse Friday night though.
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FAQ
Go for it 
