 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi All,
I'm new to this whole skiing idea and apologies if I've posted this in the wrong forum. My post is twofold:
Firstly, I am looking for some tips/advice as I am a first-time skier. I am travelling alone to UCPA Chamonix from March 13th to 20th. Any general stuff on what to expect in the area, what to bring, what to do/not to do etc.
Secondly, as I'm travelling alone, I'd be interested in meeting up with others travelling to UCPA Chamonix at the same time for skiing together and a pint. I'm 24, Irish and up for a bit of fun !!!
Looking forward to hearing people's thoughts.
Thanks
Sonny
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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sonny11ie, Welcome to Snowheads
Go somewhere other than chamonix...
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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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sonny11ie, Welcome!
bertie bassett, if he's already booked - bit late to tell him that!
sonny11ie, have you got some lessons booked? If not I suggest you do as that in itself is a good way to meet up with others who are also starting out.
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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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UCPA is a great institution. Just enjoy it and do not expect everybody to speak Iroish.
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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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Ignore Bertie - he is anti Chamonix.
I don't know a lot about UCPA but I think it's probably really social based on what I have seen of the groups on the mountains.
As a first time skier, lessons are vital! Are you booked in with UCPA?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks guys,
Butterfly: I've already booked and I have lessons included with UCPA
CP1000: I have booked with the UCPA as I heard they were good for solo skiers
Could you give me any practical advice for what to bring, what to do (after skiing), things to avoid? As I said I'm a complete novice and I'd like to get the most out of the trip
Thanks
Sonny
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sonny11ie, you'll have a great time in UCPA, and find loads of people to have a beer or three with. As for what to take - obviously you need suitable clothing. Have a look at http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=22621
For everything else, UCPA takes care of it - and you've made a very good choice going with them for your first trip. The Chamonix Valley as a whole is not ideal for novice skiers and it can be very intimidating when you're surrounded by mountain men dripping with clanking ironmongery who look like they've been hiking up glaciers and leaping off cliffs since they were 6 years old. But if you're booked in for beginner lessons, you'll be with other beginners, the instructors will take you to the right places and you'll have a ball.
As for apres ski - you need warm, comfortable, scruffy sort of clothes and - well - nothing else, really!
Please come back and tell us about it afterwards. 
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Assuming you have read the post that pam w linked above, I won't reiterate any of that stuff. Two random thoughts:
- small rucksack that sits flat to your back if you want to save money by bringing your own food up the mountain - the self serve restaurants are not that cheap. Needs to be small so you don't have to stress about it getting in the way when you start riding chair lifts!
- plasters and/or finger tape - ski boots can be a bit hit and miss when you are hiring for the first time and maybe not sure what feels right so the odd blister is possible. You could use finger tape to try and avoid blisters (heels, front of shin mainly) and plasters if the worst happens. A packet of plasters in a cham chemist is about a fiver so better to bring out a few with you.
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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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Hey - let me know how you get on. I'm booked into UCPA for 3rd April in Argentiere for my first ski trip too!
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Novices going to Chamonix and Argentiere is like a novice mountain climber going to the Himalaya to learn to climb.
Fortunately you both have booked with UCPA so they will look after you and find appropriate slopes for you.
Next time get a "Good Skiing and Snowboard Guide" and select a resort more tuned to you level.
Stay away from St Anton (some people think the St stands for Sankt but it really stands for Steep), Verbier and Val D'Isere as well.
When you are more experienced you will then enjoy these serious ski resorts.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Quote: |
When you are more experienced you will then enjoy these serious ski resorts.
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abominable, that's a bit patronising! As you say, the OP has booked beginner ski lessons, with an "all in" outfit, which is a perfectly sensible option. There are ample easy slopes in the Chamonix valley, though I agree that it wouldn't be in any top 10 of beginner resorts. And I'm sure he'll enjoy the lively atmosphere and glorious scenery in Chamonix, too.
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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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just to add - my son in law did a week with UCPA Chamonix, in the summer, doing ice climbing and a whole load of other mountain activities which were new to him, and he enjoyed it immensely. Clearly a novice wasn't taken to the most challenging pitches - the UCPA instructors aren't stupid and they wouldn't offer beginners lessons if they didn't have suitable terrain.
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Several of my friends and family have learned in the valley. Admittedly they didn't know that "ski resorts" (which chamonix is probably not) can be a lot more convenient, esp for learners, but all had a wonderful time enjoying the setting and mountaineering atmosphere.
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You know it makes sense.
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| abominable wrote: |
| Fortunately you both have booked with UCPA so they will look after you and find appropriate slopes for you. |
Of course they will have a good time - they are going skiing.
But I don't think they received the best advice on choice of resorts for beginners. Argentiere is not exactly beginners territory, but UCPA will find somewhere for them in the valley providing the snow is good at the valley floor.
They will probably be inconvienced by travel whereas other resorts would provide a better assurance of snow for beginners and an array of moving carpets and platter lifts on their doorsteps.
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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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| abominable wrote: |
| abominable wrote: |
| Fortunately you both have booked with UCPA so they will look after you and find appropriate slopes for you. |
Of course they will have a good time - they are going skiing.
But I don't think they received the best advice on choice of resorts for beginners. Argentiere is not exactly beginners territory, but UCPA will find somewhere for them in the valley providing the snow is good at the valley floor.
They will probably be inconvienced by travel whereas other resorts would provide a better assurance of snow for beginners and an array of moving carpets and platter lifts on their doorsteps. |
Hence my post
| bertie bassett wrote: |
| Go somewhere other than chamonix... |
Not just cos I don't like chamonix, but because there are other venues that are arguably better for beginners learning for the 1st time.
If you're learning to drive would you take lessons at the Nurburgring. If you're learning to kick a football would you want to be playing at Wembley - if it's the first time you've lifted a tennis racket would you want it to be the centre court @ wimbledon...
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Poster: A snowHead
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| sonny11ie wrote: |
| I'm 24, Irish and up for a bit of fun !!! |
You'll have a great time and just ignore the doom merchants.
Grands Montets is one of the most stunning places in the world to ski and as long as you are up for it and relatively fit you'll inevitably progress quickly. There's also Le Tour 5 minutes up the road if you don't manage to crack the moguls on your first afternoon!
Enjoy.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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The skiing will take care off it self so don't worry.Its all downhill in most resorts. Just don't miss some apres ski in the Chambre Neurf.Enjoy
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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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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lt81, I think you'll have a great time. Le Tour's not far away if the GM is a bit too gnarly.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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pam w, Thanks for your sensible encouragement of these two booked-in skiers. UCPA will have transport, or use the local excellent bus. There are plenty of places for beginners or early skiers. And an evening beer in the Rusticana won't go amiss. I'm just back from a week there and wondering if I can wangle 3 days in April to conclude my boot purchase with Mandy at Sanglard in Cham city.
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