 Poster: A snowHead
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I'm guessing that because it's late in the season - it will be icy.
Sounds painful for a beginner/improver snowboarder.
I was keen on doing a UCPA course in Chamonix --- to get some skills going (4 days of instruction). But maybe this doesn't make sense?
Would you guys recommend going - or wait 'til next year?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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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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Thanks Pam for the encouragement 
Guess, it's more a question of whether any other resorts be preferable? Probably last week of March/1st wk April.
E.g. I saw a super cheap deal to Valfrejus - with 4, half days of instruction, for example.
Or maybe it doesn't matter.. Thanks!!
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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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jayj, Chamonix offers some variation in altitude and aspect - probably as good as most places. I don't know Valfrejus but the UCPA lessons generally get a very good press here on SHs.
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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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pam w, Sorry to disagree, but I think a beginner/improver would be better off elsewhere. We've just returned from what I thought was a fantastic time in Cham, but MrsC disagreed. She noted that according to the piste map, Cham classify the slope colours differently, so as not to put off the punters.
Normal resort: blue, easy; red, moderate; black, difficult.
Chamonix: green (not many), easy; blue, moderate; red, difficult; black, very difficult.
At least they're up front about it, unlike Val d'Isere.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Chamcham, I agree Chamonix is not easy skiing, and I certainly wouldn't recommend it as a "beginner resort) but there is a decent range of slopes and the having UCPA instruction adds a lot of value. There are a lot of reports on SHs about UCPA instruction and I don't think anybody has complained about being taken to places which are too difficult for them. It's certainly not a place where it makes sense for beginners, or early intermediates, to just go and try to potter round on their own, without guidance.
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I think if you deleted "late March" from the title, the answer would be a very simple NO.
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Thanks guys
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I think if you deleted "late March" from the title, the answer would be a very simple NO.
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Why's that?
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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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| jayj wrote: |
Thanks guys
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I think if you deleted "late March" from the title, the answer would be a very simple NO.
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Why's that? |
Because it would then read "Does Chamonix make sense for a beginner/improver?" And the answer would be NO, the reason being is that the terrain is far too difficult for a beginner.
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| Kel wrote: |
| jayj wrote: |
Thanks guys
| Quote: |
I think if you deleted "late March" from the title, the answer would be a very simple NO.
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Why's that? |
Because it would then read "Does Chamonix make sense for a beginner/improver?" And the answer would be NO, the reason being is that the terrain is far too difficult for a beginner. |
Hey? The Les Houches and Domain De Balme pistes ... are you sure?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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jayj, I came to Cham four years ago for my second ski trip (and that was in April). I have been back every year since and am now doing a season here, which should tell you something. You will be absolutely fine if coming for a UCPA week with instruction.
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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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| jayj wrote: |
I'm guessing that because it's late in the season - it will be icy.
Sounds painful for a beginner/improver snowboarder.
I was keen on doing a UCPA course in Chamonix --- to get some skills going (4 days of instruction). But maybe this doesn't make sense?
Would you guys recommend going - or wait 'til next year? |
Assuming normal Spring weather, it'll only be icy for the first hour each day. As the sun touches the snow, it will turn into lovely corn, then lovely slush.
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There was a thread on this exact topic and the Resort Reviews section. And the conclusion was, Chamonix is fine for early intermediates, but not best choice very late in season as easier pistes are in low-lying or south-facing areas which will suffer more in strong sun, while high and north-facing Grands Montets is not the most suitable or enjoyable skiing unless you are reasonably good.
There are UCPAs in many higher resorts with north facing slopes and much better runs for early intermediates eg nearby Flaine. Worth a try?
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