 Poster: A snowHead
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Seriously thinking of taking a trip to Les Deux Alpes this summer, but had a couple of questions about the resort:
Skiing ....
What's it like? Are we talking icy/slushy semi-bare slopes, and difficult conditions - or is the skiing going to be managable/fun for an 'intermediate', who is happiest on Blues and easy reds?
Also, is it busy?
Other stuff ....
I've recently started doing a bit of dinghy sailing / windsurfing - is there somewhere near the resort where I can indulge my new found hobbies. A friendly windsurf school somewhere would be ideal.
Thanks in advance for the help/advice.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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abj, I'm sure easiski will answer your questions far better than I can but I think the glacier conditons can vary a lot. We went end of july last year and are doing the same this year so it can thave been that bad!!!!
All the slopes are ok if you can ski blues/reds.
There is a lake down the bottom of the valley where I think windsurfers/dinghy's are available to hire.
When are you planning to visit? We'll be there w/c 26th July, if you're there the same time maybe I can take you for a sail!
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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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abj, if you're planning a trip go as early in the summer season as possible for the best snow. end of june/early July will probably be best. (Glacier is open from 14th June until the 30th Aug)
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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're skiing on crushed ice
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.... alarm bells are ringing  ... is it really that bad?
Having said that, at least we're not talking about sheet ice!
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abj, It's not 'sheet ice' more like the consistency of a slush puppy. It WASN'T Snow. 
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Axsman, if you go earlier in the summer it can be though. AUgust is not a good month, there has been too much sun.
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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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The snow quality is what you'd expect in hot sunshine - icy at first, slushy by the end of the day. You are also limited to a few glacier runs and possibly the Signal early on in the season if the snow hasn't melted, which is not a lot for the price of the ticket. I would say it's worthwhile if you're a park fiend, you're planning on lessons and practice to improve technique, or as one part of a holiday in which you plan to do other activities (of which there are lots).
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i think Lizzard has hit the nail on the head, not a place to visit specifically for a ski holiday in the summer but you'll have a great time if you want to mix some skiing with walking/biking etc
personally i think a lesson or two on the glacier (with easiski) is the best way to make the most of the skiing available
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I am going June 21-28th, intending to spend some time with Easiski lessons and some time sightseeing with non-skiing hubby. We had originally thought of going late July but Easiski said a month earlier would be far better snow conditions (later on it is hotter with more risk of thunderstorms too) and quieter too as it's before the school hols. Various people have assured me the skiing will be fine for my level (see sig) at that time.
There seems to be plenty of other activities too,
http://www.2alpesnet.com/activities/les-deux-alpes-activities-summer.htm
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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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been a couple of times in June. both times there was skiing below the arrival of the Jandri Express and on one occasion easiski and I managed to pick our way down almost to the intermediate station
i think Lizzard has it about right. if skiing is your sole focus, it might be a bit unexciting but if it's one of a few things you fancy doing, it's very good
there are a couple of reservoirs in the area which would be worth investigating for windsurfing/sailing - the Lac du Chambon which is just below LDA and one just above Allemont (think it's the Grand Maison but I could well be wrong there). The one above Allemont certainly has landing stages etc so it looks geared up for boats etc
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Has anyone used the campsites, and if so what time do the lifts open ?
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You know it makes sense.
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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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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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| Quote: |
personally i think a lesson or two on the glacier (with easiski) is the best way to make the most of the skiing available
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Absolutely right. We've done this, and it's well worth doing because you only need a few runs for lessons and easiski is terrific. But it wouldn't really be worth getting up there just to cruise around.
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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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What about some of the other summer skiing resorts ... Tignes, Saas Fee, etc.? Are they all offer the same sort of skiing / holiday experience during the summer months?
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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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abj, Summer skiing is a very different experience from winter skiing. Of course your runs are limited. Having said that most people are surprised at how much skiing there is. The conditions are very variable though, and you dont say if you're limited by school holidays. I would describe the snow as different, but it is snow. It's just that the constant melt and re-freeze enlarges the crystals, so that in most cases, even early in the morning it will be hard but not the same sort of ice that you get in the winter. ie: it's not normally very slick and shiny.
I don't know how many other activities are on offer at other resorts. I can tell you that Stubai doesn't have as much, and also that I hear Tignes is much more crowded with race teams than we are. I know you'd never be bored in LDA during a summer holiday.
The lake above Allemont does do water sports such as kite surfing etc. but I don't think Chambon does more than just pedallos - might be wrong there though.
The most convenient campsites for the skiing are probably the one at Le Freney d'Oisans and the ones in Venosc. The best ones for all around in the area are probably A La rencontre du soleil in Bourg D'Oisans and the Camping Le Chateau or Le Belledonne both at Allemont a bit further down the road.
Let me know if you want any more detailed info, you can email me through my website. 
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I can't talk about L2A but sometimes summer skiing is just like...skiing.
We were in Saas Fe (spelling?) a couple of summers ago and the summer skiing was just like winter skiing...perfect powder.
Obviously we were lucky....but don't assume it will be a ice-slush fest.
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rungsp, funnily enough I was going to ask about Saas Fee (my eye was caught by one of the Warren Smith ski courses the run at the resort during the summer).
Not heard much about the resort - any further info would be great.
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abj, very pretty, chocolate-box village at end of a road, traffic free.
Lots to do when skiing is done at lunchtime.
I've only been to L2A in the winter but there is a big difference. L2A is not pretty in itself (though obviously the mountains are) and is strung out along a fairly main road.
There are some real L2A experts here who can give a full picture.
I'm friendly with Warren (so pretty biased) but I would 100% say that you will enjoy the course, and am confident that you'd enjoy Saas Fe too.
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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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rungsp, as a matter of interest, do you reckon the Warren Smith course is suitable for a 'wary' intermdiate - happiest on Blues and easier reds?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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abj, What have you got against me? check out the prices. I don't know what the course charges are, but I bet they're more than some 1-1 tuition over the week!
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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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abj, in case you did not know Easiski is a resident ski instructor in L2A who comes highly recommended by many snowheads
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You know it makes sense.
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abj, I think it will be impossible to tell until the week that you ski which will have the best conditions. Generally, I reckon most of the glaciers are pretty much of a muchness. Ours is North-West-ish with some north slopes. I suggest you look at last year's reports from LDA, where I've uploaded lots of photos http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=27215 this should give you an idea. Also, I'm sure you've already looked at the tourist office website www.les2alpes.com and the lift company website www.2alpes.com for photos and info. My website also has a page devoted to summer skiing.
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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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Just booked for a long w'end 16th-20th July staying at Chalet Mounier (any good,anyone?) on a dads & sons only break
Friend has organised an itinery including Hydrospeeding(?!),Canyoning,White-water rafting,but only the one morning skiing,do u think thats enough at this time of year,or should i change one of the other activities for more skiing?
Must admit,looking forward to this more than the main family hol later in August!,just don't tell the wife 
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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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LIAMJ, You lucky guy. Never stayed at Chalet Mounier but in Feb. a friend and l (while staying elsewhere) had dinner there. It was one of the most gastronomique experiences of my life, even better than Gordon Ramsy.
You must have the 4 course tasting menu, you have courses inbetween courses. l was weeping with joy it was so exquisite. The Hotel is beautiful and the service faultless. the staff are tireless in their devotion to providing the diners with a memorable time. You really sense the pleasure they gain in describing every course. Powerful stuff .
Please write a report on the food. l am so envious.
Don't think l could eat there every night the excitement would kill me.
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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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Oh dear, think the food may be wasted on the kids,hope there's plenty of bread rolls on the table
Didn't realise Chalet Mounier was that well rated,it certainly isn't priced expensive,the wife will really have the hump if i tell her the food was better than Ramsays!
easiski, tks for the info and will look forward to seeing the photos
clare mcbride, will let you know how the food is,hopefully the use use the same chefs in the summer as in the winter
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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LIAMJ, It's a family run, independent hotel, so not subject to the vagaries of seasonal workers. Give me a bell while you're here if you fancy a 'meet'
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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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easiski, Will do,think one our party is a beginner,trying to see if he fancies a lesson with u,will pm when i get a response
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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clare mcbride, the food was excellent and would certainly rate it up there with anything the top london chefs like Ramsey produce.
we had the tasting menu every night, but to be honest you can have too much of a good thing and towards the end of our stay especially after a hetic day of outdoor activities i was craving a good plate of stoggy carbs! could have murdered steak +chips or a spag bog, philistine that i am 
easiski, was right it was a bit too fanc for the kids,the first night the menu was foie gras followed by baby octopus with pesto,with guinea fowl as main,was superb,but although the boys tried their best they didnt appreciate it.
Would definitely return to the Mounier everything was excellent,good rooms and very friendly staff
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LIAMJ, Pleased you enjoyed the Mounier. l know exactly what you mean though, its almost too good to have night after night, and when you've had a hard day at play, and after all that is why you're there, all you need is a plate of carbs to refuel. l'll be in LDA Dec. will deffo have one night there as a special treat, paying attention to every mouthful
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FAQ
) all over the mountains and the lifts make going up easy 
No offence intended!
