 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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depends which route. something like the Cairn or Canadian couloir is quite a serious route with one or two sections which are steep and feel like very bad places to fall if the snow is hard. The Petit Face Nord (think that's the name) isn't super steep (black run steepness I guess) but is a long backcountry route so you need to be prepared and know where you are going, but the skiing itself is very do-able
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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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chaletgirl, I'd strongly recommend that you do your first trip, at least, with someone who is confident at route finding down the face. Difficult to back out of a descent if you get in to trouble.
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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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Thanx guys.
If I do it, I'll probably ask Christophe from Reflex to take me there - he taught me to ski a couple of years ago and I have had lessons with him each season, so he knows how good I am!
At least I know not to 'just go' if the youngsters in the team say they are off to do that route!! 
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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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chaletgirl, sounds like a good plan.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Go with Mr Lagu, he'll take you if your at the right level.
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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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I've always wanted to do the North Face of the Bellecote, ever since many childhood trips to La Plagne
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I would love to do it too but (aside from prob not competent enough, for steep sections at least) what has held me back is that I was told it is particularly avalanch prone because it is wind-loaded, and big avalanches can happen unexpectedly even when the official risk is low. Anyone have any info on this.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Just do it with a guide - I wouldn't do it without one.
pic taken by another group member - possibly Horizon (after the steep first bit.)
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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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I have skied it, and it was quite wonderful. I would only ever do this with a local guide, or a local who knows the routes and conditions extremely well. Ideally ski with a guided group for a week, and ask the guide if you can do it. I skied it with a guide from Oxygene Ski School in La Plagne.
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patricksh, every north-face in the Alps is wind-loaded (prevailing wind is from the south-west).
This sort of vague generalisation is really unhelpful in avalanche prediction/safety training. You need to know the local conditions at the time (snowpack, recent weather, etc) and make a decision on the day. If you're not up to doing that, go with someone who is!
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You know it makes sense.
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I skied the Couloir Canadien some years ago and thought it was just about the most enjoyable couloir I have ever skied.
It is much wider than your average couloir and longer than most. Part way down it snakes to the right if I remember correctly and from above you are not sure what is coming. I don't think it is too difficult with good snow conditions which is what we had when I skied it. We dropped into it from skier's left which was quite steep, but once in the couloir it was fine. Icy conditions as always would be a different proposition.
Definitely take a guide because once you start there is no turning back.
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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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Me, a few years back.
Guide booked: check
Snow fantastic: check
forecast good: check
High cloud on the north face, B*llocks!
still it wasn't too shabby lower down, the sun came out for 5 mins when we were at the top of a lovely pitch with very deep snow!
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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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chaletgirl, if you want to do it in late January I'll go with you - never done it before but always wanted to. I'll be over in Les Arcs so I can scoot over and join you. I think you have to have a guide to go up there - or pass the 'nature awareness' course the park rangers run. As said, I think for the first few times a guide is a pre-requisite, partly because of the really jolly picture snowball posted with the remains of the large, hairy avalance shown in the only exit route .....
I think only certain instructors are allowed to be alpine guides so you need to check if they are autorised or not.
If you are up for it, pm me your details in La Plagne and I'll get in touch when I arrive. I'll see if I can rustle up some addtional bodies who might want to tag along and spread the cost a bit.
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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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Peterjones3, Who is Mr Lagu? (or is this an in joke I don't know yet??)
snowball, Brilliant pics and info - thank you lots. Will only go with a guide.
kitenski, Fabulous pic! Thank you
RattytheSnowRat, by the end of January, I may have enough courage to do it!!! My friend that is working for the same company has said he'll do it too if I sort a guide etc So it could be quite good if we have a few people. Would probably have to be either a Weds or a Tues as that will be our day off (if we organise to have the same day!! LOL)
Will PM details, thanx
And thanx again all for the info/advice
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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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Oh - will probably be asking the guy from Reflex - Christophe. Pretty sure he is qualified to guide that - if not, one of his guys will be (some of my guests two years ago went on guided off piste skis every day with Reflex, mainly involving skins too!! Eek!)
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FAQ
(I'm an adrenalin junkie - real life used to include motorbike trackdays as a highlight 
