 Poster: A snowHead
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I've just been invited on a trip to Chamonix in early May by a friend. Itinerary is leave Friday 2 May, freeski Saturday, ski Vallee Blanche Sunday, heliski (I think from Italy) Monday, then half a day freeski Tuesday and RTB Tues eve.
Just wondering what conditions are generally like at that stage of the year? I've skiied in May before but always on the glacier in Zermatt or Saas Fee. Is the VB skiable that late on, and if so how far can you generally get? Are there any skiing options to be had in Chamonix then that don't involve huge amounts of hiking/skinning? Am happy to walk/skin a bit but not too fussed by huge day tours. Advice appreciated
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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BGA, I've skied the VB mid April. Trouble with planning things so far in advance is you don't know what weather conditions will be like, until a couple of days before. I'd say it was impossible to say you'll ski the VB on a particular day.
When I did it, I skied as far as the cog railway station and came down to Chamonix on the train.
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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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Spyderman, last time I skiied it we also made it down to the railway station, which was late March. I was just wondering, in general, how the snow conditions hold up in Chamonix that late on. Obviously weather will dictate the exact details of the trip, but if there is generally little to ski on in early May then it's probably not worth going out.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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BGA, Mid April we were skiing all of the areas from the mid-stations upwards, Argentiere, La Tour included. Not sure when the lifts close for the season though, but snow cover wasn't a problem.
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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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Cheers. Anyone got info on lift closures?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I wouldn't say I'm an expert  but fwiw...
I really like it then, it's lovely in the valley and very quiet. Les Grands Montets will still be open that weekend. As Spyderman, says, it's impossible to say what the conditions will be, but some people I know ski tour right into June sometimes. The heli will drop you where the best conditions are so it should be great.
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Fri 22-02-08 13:21; edited 1 time in total
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BGA, We were in Argentiere late last April, just on piste - all the homes runs were closed but from mid stations upward were OK. Hardpack in the morning and soft/slushy in the afternoon, as you'd expect. Grands Montets I believe closes in the 2nd week of May, Le Tour closed just after we left, so end of April-ish. Not sure about the other end of the valley as we didn't ski there.
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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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Thanks for all that. Looks like might be an option then.
firebug, not sure, just got a text suggesting the trip, need to get more details. Did quite a bit of late season heliskiing last year when resort conditions were really bad in Verbier and it was fabulous so this sounds good, but as only one day in three is scheduled for heli then really want to make full use of the time we're out there. I only get to ski 80/90 days a year so can't be wasting any...
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I've skied the VB mid April........When I did it, I skied as far as the cog railway station and came down to Chamonix on the train.
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Ditto.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Myself and three others are gonna ride the VB for the first time on Wednesday. We need a guide, does anyone have any recommendations? Two of the guys I am with are poor and being cheap about the whole guide thing.
Also, how does the weather look for early next week at Chamonix / Les Houches? Can we make predictions yet?
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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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dandurcd, guy willett or kenton cool from dream guides (www.dream-guides.com), jonny baird (http://jonathan-baird.com/), neil mcnab (http://www.mcnab.co.uk/)
looks like weather is due to crap out big style next week...sorry...
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PS if you're snowboarders mcnab is your man
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You know it makes sense.
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We went with Neil Hitchings last week who was great, and took us on some great stuff after the VB, too.
http://neil-hitchings.com/
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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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Don't think it take an expert to figure out that if the weather is not favourable the guide would call it off.
Not sure about the situation now but it has been mandatory to have a guide if one skis the Vallee Blache. Don't think the French takes too kindly if an helicoptor is called out to rescue someone dropped into a crevasse.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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You guys are always so great to help out on here. Thanks a ton.
I hope the weather outlook changes to accomodate us next week. Either way we'll have a good time i'm sure.
Oh, anybody know a good place for 23 year olds to get boozed up after boarding all day?
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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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dandurcd, I've been back a week from Chamonix and there are too many good places to mention. We liked Cafe Le Terrasse, pretty cool, also hit a couple of clubs so plenty to do. Found the drinks a bit expensive but what the hell, you either drink or have water!
Wish I was still there instead of back behind my desk 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Not mandatory to have a guide to ski off the Midi and never known it to be so
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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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dandurcd,
the mbc
http://www.mbchx.com/
and chambre neuf by the railway station
if you're 23 you might still have the energy for the Cantina later!
http://www.cantina.fr/
also have a night out in the ghetto (cham-sud) - Monkey, Munster and South are all together there and nice lively bars.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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May is a fantastic month. Quiet slopes, chilled, often a late dump of snow and really relaxed in town. Unlikely to get further than Montenver station on VB. Don't need guide but not really worth risk of not taking one if you want your trip to remain an enjoyable one.
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