 Poster: A snowHead
|
zzz, I dont believe all the hype either ( although it's nowhere near as bad as last years!) but why hasn't it been at least an 'ok/average/good' season ? .. I don't know which bit of Switzerland is 'Bad' (60% of what?? , 40% not so means nothing, I agree!). I am in a 1000m resort and the only day I 'couldn't' ski was due to lifts being closed due to rain/snow and High winds -- although the last 4 days has had bare patches showing. For the first time ever afaik Davidof's summary is incorrect from my very localised and personal perspective, although I accept it depends upon what you are looking for -- you wouldn't be in Gstaad if you were looking for serious off-piste!.
Oh and it's still snowing .. perhaps 30cm at resort level so hopefully more higher up.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Sat 2-02-08 9:10; edited 2 times in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
I was in Grimentz at New Year & the snow was the best I've seen in Europe at this time of year.
I was also in Serre Che a couple of weeks ago & it had the best snow coverage I'd ever seen there in January, I was able to ride runs that have always been closed on my other visits there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| davidof wrote: |
So yes, to date, below average to poor under 1500 meters. Average 1500-2000 meters and a bit above average higher up. We would generally expect more snow on the mountains this time of year. Off piste the quality of the snow has not been variable with a lot of high winds and high temperatures spoiling conditions somewhat. |
That's certainly the case across Switzerland, I came down from 1500m yesterday and the snow depths are dire below that height, bas-Valais, alpes Vaudoise, pre-alpes through towards the Oberland are fairly poor, not much base and most routes not complete to ski which isn't very good in January. It's a shame as the new and first CAS touring guide for around here is out and there's a couple of routes I would have liked to do over the weekend 
The local forecast looks fairly poor as well, still warm below 2000m or so even at night. There's just been some snowfall but it's only around 10cm below 2000m and not a lot over 20cm above that height.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
I think this season is terrific, we had the best opening couple of weeks for 10 yrs, Xmas week was amazing and New Year was good but spoilt by high winds, this last week has been some of the best January skiing I've experienced, every run open, even the lowest pistes in the domain. It's dumping down now and there are three days of snow forecast for next week. So in La Rosiere it's a great season thus far.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| ise wrote: |
The local forecast looks fairly poor as well, still warm below 2000m or so even at night. There's just been some snowfall but it's only around 10cm below 2000m and not a lot over 20cm above that height. |
I really can't believe how warm it has been during January, look at this chart for 2400 meters at Mont Blanc, it has even been +5C overnight, it has been like this for most of January, incredible.
http://www.meteo.fr/temps/france/nivose/pics/AIGRGS.html (graph will update)
Now I've skied 2-3 times a week through January and found good snow - spring and some slightly crusty powder and haven't damaged my skis either but the conditiosn are very similar to last January. When I read "best snow for 15 years" (from the ski bizz) I assume this has been written by
i. someone under 21
ii. living in Kingston upon Thames not the Alpes.
The conditions (HS, Isere, French Switzerland) are ok but overall I would say a bit below the average for the last 10 years in my experience.
[Note: I will crunch the numbers later and am prepared to eat my words - I don't have my computer with all the data on it with me]
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Sat 2-02-08 10:56; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David@traxvax, but does La Ros ever have a bad season? I thought the seasons there were always perfect?
It's a pretty average season all round as far as I can see...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| David Murdoch wrote: |
David@traxvax, but does La Ros ever have a bad season? I thought the seasons there were always perfect?
It's a pretty average season all round as far as I can see... |
You should know that La Ros benefits from snow systems from France and Italy so gets twice the snow of Chamonix.
Anyway snow on the Saleve this morning !
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| Agenterre wrote: |
zzz, I dont believe all the hype either ( although it's nowhere near as bad as last years!) but why hasn't it been at least an 'ok/average/good' season ? .. I don't know which bit of Switzerland is 'Bad' (60% of what?? , 40% not so means nothing, I agree!). I am in a 1000m resort and the only day I 'couldn't' ski was due to lifts being closed due to rain/snow and High winds -- although the last 4 days has had bare patches showing. For the first time ever afaik Davidof's summary is incorrect from my very localised and personal perspective, although I accept it depends upon what you are looking for -- you wouldn't be in Gstaad if you were looking for serious off-piste!.
Oh and it's still snowing .. perhaps 30cm at resort level so hopefully more higher up. |
Davidof is correct.
Jan, on the whole, was a poor month right across most of Europe.
Conditions above roughly 1500m remain good or very good.
But conditions below 1500m have been deteriorating fast.
Temps were high and snowfall was low.
Kitzbuehel, Austria, has a snowdepth 80% below-average on the lower slopes.
Zell am See, Austria, is 80% below-average down low.
Chamonix, France, is about 20% below-average on the lower slopes.
Vaujany, near Alpe d'Huez, France, is 90% below-average down low.
Feldberg, Germany, is 50% below-average in the valley.
Cervinia, Italy, is 30% below-average at the bottom.
Sierra Nevada, Spain, has not seen a single snowflake for an entire month.
Soldeu, Andorra, is coated in manmade. And would probably be mostly closed without it.
Zermatt, Switzerland, is 40% below-average on the lower slopes.
Most low-lying stations need a topup.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Whitegold wrote: |
| Most low-lying stations need a topup. |
Which most got last night and will again on Monday pm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Whitegold, but how many "low lying" slopes does CHamonix have? Not very many...
It's not a problem, conditions on the slopes most people are skiing on remain excellent!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
davidof, ise, Well I'll eat my words first .. the garden 'stick' may have said 28cms but the bottom of the pistes had had no more than 5-10cm and upper pistes (1500-2000m) maybe 15-30cm ( couldn't tell to be honest); but what was significant that the rain which had preceded seems to have been higher, more intense and done more damage than the snow which followed benefited the skiing; and why I have given up after a couple of hours. The 'weather outlook' may be good but skiing conditions for next few days not likely to be as good as anyone(I) would like. A major freeze and we'll have downhill icerinks I fear .... but it's started snowing again (hope springs eternal!)
Whitegold, Doh ,,, I didn't say Davidof was incorrect , only that I considered his summary incorrect from a 'local and personalised perspective' ie where I am - as opposed to David's general comment on low-lying French resorts. It doesn't mean that I am statistically or factually correct about where I am either ... the only comparitives I have being local 'hearsay' and personal satisfaction.
You then continue with a sweeping, unsupported, generalisation about January and follow it up with unrelated stats about the current (??) status in many resorts , which are possibly irrelevant to current skiing conditions   News of The World material that ... and it's not just top-ups required imho , the ambient temperatures need to be consistently much lower than they've been for the last week.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Don't we have to be realistic. Although we all may wish for lower temps and more consistency these don't appear to be coming, that has to be faced and we have to enjoy what is there.
Otherwise those who are continually moaning perhaps should consider an interest that is controlled by something we can't control and note that the trend is for shorter seasons and longer periods between snowfall.
Moaning may help you feel better but there is nothing anyone can do about it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
I've skied every two or three weeks since the end of October. Always had very enjoyable conditions. Even when it's been warm the snow has been good, so it's been nice to have a few days of springlike temperatures in darkest January. It's by no means epic, but my experience s considerably better than it was last season. Close to a foot of fresh to enjoy this afternoon, and it's still snowing lightly here in Les Arcs. Tomorrow will be a bluebird day if the forecast proves to be correct. Happy days...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| Quote: |
| Moaning may help you feel better |
Not often. The posts above just serve to emphasize that conditions vary a great deal, and depend what you're looking for. For piste skiers conditions in the Espace Diamant have been either good or very good above 1350 since before Christmas, with some very pleasant warm days, several nice snowy top ups, freezing most nights, and 25/30 cms of fresh last night. With more forecast next week, and cold temperatures, the whole area should be in good shape for at least the next two weeks. We've met several lots of first-time visitors here, especially those with small children who had been worried about tough conditions in January, absolutely ecstatic about conditions, and determined to come back. The kind of conditions which suit families skiing for a week in the year are obviously not ideal for experienced skiers or tourers looking to get into the back country. But businesses in the resorts here are looking pretty happy because the area caters for family skiing, rather than experts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
Lots of talk of the very mild temps recently - i assume this was a french thing - temp have been mild here but not off the scale, all last week. maybe maxed +6 last Sunday when the lower slopes got done over by heavy rain and storm force winds but laid 30cm higher up. Snow depths lower down have been hit but still perfectly good piste conditions, no rocks or mud. Not that bothered by lower slopes anyway as the best terrain is up higher. Plenty of snow today, lower temps and plenty more snow forecast - so looking good here in ski amade area of austria.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
I think the comparison to last season may be the reason why this season has been potrayed as amazing. Media hype or not, I think last years season wasnt a good one.
I have to admit that conditions at christmas time were fantastic this season. Couldnt have really asked for better.
I havent been back to the alps so I cannot comment on what they are like now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
plectrum, The week you were here was a great week, however if you'd been here last week you'd have had an average week. Now...... if you were here this week you'd have an amazing week. Fridays snowfall has made a huge difference to the area (yes I am here at the mo but have to go to work on tues for a few days  ).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| snowandtrek wrote: |
| Double WOW day - sorry haven't left much untracked - off to the Crepu for a glass or two - PERFECT DAY all round!! |
| kerekip wrote: |
| Just back from a fantastic ski trip from Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (Tyrol). Beautiful sunny days, very good snow, perfect pistes. |
| Frosty the Snowman wrote: |
| Just back from Radstadt and the piste conditions there, and in the local resorts, were some of the best I have ever experienced. |
| stewart woodward wrote: |
| The snow will once again refresh the pistes which are still fantastic. |
These are all quotes from the last few days throughout Europe... seems like a pertty decent season to me!
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Wed 6-02-08 13:28; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
This season has been above average.
Snow conditions have been excellent after a slow(ish) start. Some resorts had record levels of snowfall in December, and many had above average levels in January.
(sorry for giving a non-Eurocentric opinion!)
Aspen had over 9ft of snowfall in December
Canyons had a 10ft base in January, followed by over 5ft of snowfall last week alone.
Park City schools had their first snow day closure in 10 years (I believe)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This season is only just getting going properly and so far things have been pretty good havent they ?
About the only place that hasn't had a substantial snowfall yet is southern England 
At least another three months of skiing left yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ski-finder, I see, so we judge the season based on 4 individuals (possibly) biased perceptions of single days/weeks?
Wear The Fox Hat, not everywhere... across most of France snow levels below 1,500m are below average. While Northern Switzerland had it's best start in a while I don't believe that there's been consistent snowfall since.
It's a fine season, no complaints but it's certainly not a bumper one - at least not where I am...
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
David Murdoch, whoa... just saying that people are using many superlatives to describe the season so far! The question asked was:
| zzz wrote: |
| is this season really any good? |
From the comments i've seen on here, a lot of people think that it could be described a being pretty good. That's all...
| David Murdoch wrote: |
| It's a fine season |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looks like being a great season for me; at least 17 days in the Alps which is a personal best I think.
Snow seems to be cold and slippy too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
This thread is time-expired.
The original observation is now a week old. To cite comments on the past may ( or may not) now be irrelevant as 'season-to-date' commentary.
Kill the thread ....... and I'm sure we'll have loads of resumes later in the season.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Murdoch, must get a job with more holiday entitlement then. I only have 20 days to spend 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
David Murdoch, no probs... was just trying to put across that my perception has been that there are some pretty happy  out there this season...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
ski-finder, and so they should be!
Mosha Marc, clearly not trying hard enough! out-friday-night-back-sunday-night-monday-morning? That gets you an additional 30 days or so straight way! Take your weeks Friday night to Sunday night - gets you an immediate free bonus extra 2 days on a 7 day holiday? Eventually tire of the reverse commuting and move to Geneva...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
It's a pretty darn fine La Nina season in the Pacific Northwest. A couple of samples from local hills:
White Pass, WA: Snow Depth: 118" base area /151 " summit, New Snow: 18" Past 24 Hours
Mt Baker, WA: Base at Heather Meadows : 175 in 445 cm, Base at Pan Dome : 190 in 483 cm
Mt Bachelor, OR: Mid Mountain Depth (7300') 156" inches
Mt Hood Meadows, OR: SNOW SETTLED AT BASE 182 " SNOW AT MID MOUNTAIN 192 "inches
Silver Mountain, ID: Avg. Base Depth @ Kellogg Peak: 123" Avg. Base Depth @ Mid-Mountain: 82"
and where I'm heading this weekend:
Big Mountain (Whitefish), MO: Settled Base: 114"/290cm
and another foot of pow in the forecast 
Still, hopefully they'll be good snow when we get to Austria in March!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Am I missing something here? Chatel is reporting:
Bas des Pistes 105 cm
Haut des Pistes 180 cm
And the skiclub average snowdepths for this week are:
Bas des Pistes 44 cm
Haut des Pistes 155 cm
Don't these figures suggest that it is a far better than average season, even at lower levels (the base of the Chatel pistes is 1200 m)?
davidof, where are you with those stats???
My view after 6 seasons here, the snow/snowfall seems to be to be far better than average, but not exceptional. However, January has been very warm (which has actually been quite nice and hasn't been to the detriment of the snowpack).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
