 Poster: A snowHead
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Might be going on a uni ski trip to Val d'Isere from the 10th - 18th December. Can someone tell me which important lifts are genreally shut in the Espace Killy early doors?
Is a trip this early worth it? Do you often get good snowfall and quiet pistes and the powder doesn't get tracked out as quickly?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Is a trip this early worth it?
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Any ski trip is worth it IMHO! 
We skiied last year (12th Dec weekend) in Val Thorens and had great snow.
I'm sure we'll have some Espace Killy visitors along soon...
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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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Cheers for replies.
Bergmeister, Thing is being a student need to make the most of my trips. Its either two uni ski trips in December and then March or a trip in Janaury on my own and then the uni ski trip in march. So its whether the first week of Janaury would be much better.
Colin B, I like a drink, but I also like lots of skiing  .
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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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Christopher, We've done a few trips around those dates. Lifts very variable, conditions very variable. How important is your social life? Back then, (as January is not necessarily any more guaranteed, just a little more likely) I'd have gone with my student chums on the grounds that I'd have fun snow or no snow.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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The university ski week is always that week - and, as far as I'm aware, has always had enough snow for a week's skiing.
The glaciers at Tignes and Val D'Isere (above Le Fornet) will have winter conditions at that time - however, the unknown factor so early in the season is the quantity and quality of snow on the lower runs. Having said that, you are guaranteed 1200m vertical from the glacier back to Val Claret in Tignes as that home run has snowmaking.
Historically, the Espace Killy has generally opened on time at the end of November, though the opening date has occasionally been put back a week or so. Even then, both Tignes and Val D'Isere have been open for skiing, with just the links between the two closed.
In the last few years there have been bumper snowfalls in early season in Espace Killy - so December skiing at any level has not been a problem.
In terms of lifts, it's usually the main ones that open first - they open the key links as soon as snow conditions permit. Regarding powder, in our last two early Dec trips (2008 and 2009) we've had powder days both times, with fresh tracks still being had all afternoon  - so yes, loads quieter than in main season.
I'd say go for it!
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you are guaranteed 1200m vertical from the glacier back to Val Claret in Tignes as that home run has snowmaking.
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as ever, I can't resist commenting that snowmaking only works if it's cold. If it's raining, forget it.
The Espace Killy has to be one of the best bets for an early trip - though I'd rather go to Tignes.
You have a pretty good chance of some great conditions, with nice uncrowded slopes.
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10th - 12th December the Men's World Cup circus will be in town. Good chance to see some decent skiers up close.
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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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Yes we got over from Tignes to watch some of the racing last year, very impressive. Will do so again this year. GS and Super Combined this year. It does make getting around a little more difficult though because of piste closures.
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Colin B, Hmm, that "green" run to get to Val d'Isere 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I worked in Val d'Isere last season and the snow was great over the Solaise area and definitely in Tignes. Nearly all the lifts were open in Val but some in the Sache area in Tignes and the Grande Motte were not open until a little later than the lower pistes.
The pistes are definitely quiet around this time as the resort is only just opening up. And it is still slightly 'ghost town' until the mid-end of December. Still banging skiing though, any snow and you're on the mountain!
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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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Sounds good. We're heading out on the 19th of Dec. We normally go late Jan or early Feb, so hoping there will be enough decent cover.
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Scottish Scrutineer, welcome to snowheads 
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