mahalo wrote
Anyone stayed at Club Med La Plagne? hugely conflicting reports on Tripadvisor…
There are two club meds in La Plagne - they're fairly close to each other. One's 3*, the other 4*. I've not stayed at either but have considered them
bloody hell i was looking at the wrong one! thanks
its the Club Med Aime. i assume its the 3* as it does not appear to have half the facilities of the other one!? the reviews are much more favourable tho...
(wonders whether to use this or start a needy new thread)
... looking for 3-5 days, prob midweek, somewhere easy to get to in Mid January (2 of us)
Cheapish, in at least a small town and half board preferred
Anyone got any great tips (including best ways to get there - are midweek airport transfers easy & cheap to sort/can I get a train there/how bad would the drive be from calais) ?
Ta !
(may just get 3 trips in this year, after a very poor 2018 showing)
Where is your nearest airport? I live in Bristol so the easiest for me is anywhere near Geneva (Austria flights tend to be weekly) - several flights a day between BRS-GVA.
probably Gatwick so ought to have decent options
Easyjet flights to (Mon 14th - Fri 18th) GVA <£50 return ea
Cheapest transfers you can stomach to Morzine c.£25 e/w
www.chaletmontana.org £65/pn/pp
Alternative to £70 for a board bag in the plane hold is €84 to hire in Montriond https://ardentsports.sport2000.fr/uk/rent
Ski pass c. €50pd
Total pp c. £650 + apres ski
PDS ski area starts just a 5minute ski bus trip from the front door of the Montana. From Telecabine Ardent, you're 1 lift from Chatel, 1 lift from Avoriaz and two lifts from Switzerland.
Skibus going in the other direction will take you into town where you can go up Pleney and spend a day in Les Gets/Chamossiere/Nyon
Slightly biased because we'll be there for the season but flight to Geneva then accommodation in Samoens, les Carroz and ski the Grand Massif. Transfers from GVA take an hour and are about 40 euros per person.
We'll be based in Flaine which has the best skiing but probably the worst nightlife although our local bar is really good. L'Encolie in the Hameau De Flaine - cracking beer, good happy hour (or was last year), takeaway pizza to die for - pizza tartiflette - so wrong but oh so good and a great (and expensive) restaurant.
thanks all
you may have me there, stoner
Are there any walkable "decent" bars (for my daughter, so bangin choons more than pastis'n'boules) ?
Best bar in the valley d'Aulps!
Morzine source bar of the year many years in a row so they didnt enter for a few years to give some other's a crack 😉
https://www.morzinesourcemagazine.com/winners-the-2017-source-awards-for-excellence/
Run by a great couple with orzum staff, it has a healthy mix of French and British & Irish locals, saisonnaires, and trippers. Live music once a week and it's heaving. 5min walk. And it's my local 😉
Good food if you fancy a change from the Montana, but you'll be well looked after by Zeb and Amie at the montana. It's a very chilled, vibe there too.
Morzine is only a 20min walk away so its not a big deal strolling up to the bright lights of the metropolis 🙂 If you're really lucky there will be an ice hockey match on one evening in town (check the HCMAG calendar, there's a home game on the 19th Jan) . Well worth the walk for.
And it’s my local 😉
I knew it couldn't all be silver lining !
(I'll bung them an email, cheers)
Winter is here but with a slow(ish) start in Western Canada. I heard on the grapevine limited snow for opening day at Whistler. However wanted to get sweajnr back on his skis to see how much he'd forgotten over the summer (a couple of months worth) before he joins a ski club in January.
A couple of runs down the main piste was all that we managed but still nice to be out and about. Sweamrs is on some new carving skis with a "racing tune" and said trying to ski with sweajnr was a bit like a sports car in rush hour.
*taps fingers waiting for snow to arrive*
base coming along nicely in the PDS...
Morzine is only a 20min walk
Yeah, course it is. 🙄🙄🙄🙄
😁
20min for normal sized legs, obvs.
🖕
You walk into them DD.
Admittedly, v slowly though.
20min for normal sized legs, obvs.
😂😂
Season lift passes - tick
Tunnel booked - ticked
Insurance sorted out - tick
Accommodation - tick
All ready to go on 5th January until 6th April with a break mid Feb to avoid the worst of the French school holidays.
Any singletrackers who fancy a meet up and a ski in the Grand Massif-drop us an email
Not getting excited (much)
sproot - will bear that in mind if we have time in Jan or Feb on a weekend visit. We'll miss you at xmas/new year though. Enjoy the season.
Just ordered a pair of these. I do love a good pair of bibs, but can't help thinking that they have a little too much of the 90s German Porn star plumber about them 🙂
Looks like snowmageddon is coming this weekend. Safe travels to anyone heading out to the slopes! 😳😄
^Those bibs remind me of Super Mario 😄
I've posted this up on the Chalets Direct Solutions Room, but reposting here just in case any STW regulars have some suggestions to make
We are 2 skiiers travelling by plane from UK (room 1), plus one OAP non-skiier in her own room (2), travelling from Zurich - mode of transport to be determined depending on destination. Rooms must be en-suite. Pref valley location so non-skiier can go walking / sight seeing in the day, close to slopes for ease of access for us to ski and for her to perhaps join us for lunch on the mountain. Last such trip was Courmayeur, love it but looking for somewhere else. Been considering Les Arcs (1600 for access to BSM), Morzine (or elsewhere in PDS), Serre Chevalier, Val d'Isere? Happy to consider France or Italy, Switzerland, perhaps Austria. Travel from UK and Zurich will play a large factor in final decision. Looking for 1 week (might possibly do 8 days Saturday - Sunday) but aiming to be back in the UK by Sunday 23rd march
Serre Chevalier might be a good option for you - Briançon in particular has lots to do for non-skiers. It’s a proper town with lots of history. I think there is also a big spa at the other end of the valley which is probably accessible by bus.
aiming to be back in the UK by Sunday 23rd march
Lateish in the season then - you might want to take that into consideration.
Cheers @Wallop - it's on the list. Stayed in Briancon many years ago, but not been back for a while. We've looked at CFH's favourite little hotel there the Plein Sud. One of the issues though is getting there from Zurich, there's no direct flight to Turin from Zurich
oldtennisshoes
Lateish in the season then – you might want to take that into consideration.
We often ski late march and have skiied into April (and even May) before now. Happy to go early march of course, but there's a trade-off of the price being SO much higher
We’ve stayed in the Plein Sud as well - would definitely return.
Off to Morzine at New Year (wouldn’t have been my first choice for NY skiing, but it’s a family \ large group) Getting a bit nervous there’s very little snow, even up at Avoriaz. 😤
I know the thread title is about ski and snowboard, but I'm off to ride the fattie for 45 days and then hitting the slopes every day for a spot of legendary powder in Fernie.
5" studded tyres and riding in the dark each morning for 2-3 hours is perfect winter base training for the HT550....
Tkid - you seen the Berfex for this weekend ? A decent drop happening now.
Oh yes, at least a metre coming into each resort in the western alps this weekend. Avoriaz will be fine!
PS - what are the concerns with Morzine? Personally I love the place.
195cm forecast over next 9 days at Avoriaz.
It will be fine.
A few years ago, the only snowfall before Xmas had been in November. The Serma team did an amazing job, pisting the November snow and looking after it all the way until Xmas. We had a great few days on the pistes on our own.
On boxing day I was walking mountain tops at 7,500' without putting a foot on snow. But the pistes were perfectly skiable.
Booked a Black Friday special with Rocketski.
£299 for flights , transfer and half board accom in a hotel in Risoul. Stayed there 2 years ago and its only 200mtr to the main lifts so very easy start to the day.
12-1 so cheap week , but that is not alot of dosh really
Only drawback is that there will be schoolkids in the hotel, but that dooesn't really bother me that much.
One problem is that my boot insoles have gone in the bin at my old job, I used them in my wellies. Then left and forget to collect them, so I will have to get some superfeet greens and maybe mod them a touch. New ones not in the budget anymore unfortunatly
nice. never heard of Risoul
as long as the kids arent getting in the way at the bar you'll be alright.
linked with Vars , which was a TDF finish last year i think. about 200km pisted , alot in the trees
Its quite far south though , near Gap, so south of Briancon and keep going
High enough at 2750m but no glacier. Some cranky chairs but most are fine , just dont expect heated covered 6 man high speed ones like St Anton
Turin flights?
garden drop in ramp built. kicker and rails tomorrow
Yes , flight are LGW to Turin , then i think they use the Frejus tunnel to get into France
“PS – what are the concerns with Morzine? Personally I love the place”
Nothing, love the place, summer or winter!
Think I’m so desperate to have a great week skiing with my daughter (disastrous week last year with two trips to a hospital) I’m worrying that morzine is the wrong resort so early in The season.
An open question regarding remounting different bindings on skis.
I'm looking to get into light single day touring while hopefully doing the mountain safety course this year, so at the moment I like the idea of getting a pair of Marker Barons and mounting them on to my Line Prophets (98mm waist) which are already mounted with Salomon STH 12's. So long as this doesn't damage the performance of the ski, and take away from the aesthetics too much, I don't mind.
Can anyone shed any light on this? Is it a bad idea to remount skis or is it ok to do once or twice?
Cheers!!
Totally fine, although you should plug the old holes or put in inserts, Quiver Killers or Binding Freedom giving you the option to put either binding on easily, I have one set of skis that have been drilled three times (wouldn't go any more) for different bindings, all have Quiver Killers in them. I have three sets of skis and two sets of bindings and all combinations are covered, it gets expensive though with the price of inserts so it'd good if you can do it yourself.
Ok. So in addition to a week in Les Gets while our eldest does Courmayeur, we now have two weeks in Banff.
Could be a good year.
wow, v jealous. that's a big trip.
It ain’t happening every year. Not with four of us.
I've got line prophets too.
I originally had 7tm bindings then switched to NTN. Different holes but ski Bartlett fitted both of them. Make sure the old holes are plugged.
Not noticed any difference in performance.
Found ourselves with some free time yesterday so took a ride out to Ski Bartlett to look at boots.....that turned out to be expensive as he found some he really liked and they had a pair of childrens race boots for me too! Slightly concerned I won't be able to ski in boots that actually fit - I'm used to skiing in boots a size too big.
I was tempted with some new skis but need to resists more shiny things
Sooo, anyone wants to buy a pair of second hand scarpa freedom sl with both downhill and touring soles then drop me an email ! They are a size 30 I think
Who's in for a joint acquisition?
https://alpine-property.com/la-cote-darbroz/ferme-de-beauregard/3579
fantastic off grid hideaway. Remote but not ridiculous.
Has anyone got an Avabag pack or similar pack? Do a bit of single day hiking/riding and wondering about the pros and cons of them. Thanks
Looks lovely Stoner. Like the turbo on the mezzanine in the master 😀
Have you a specific worry / question regarding the Avabags @bluebird? Pros are they *may* help you if you get caught. Cons are they are heavier than a normal pack, may change your behaviours due to the reassurance factor and they can be a pain travelling to some parts of the world (US / Canada). They're no replacement for training and practice etc. I've got and older Mammut one which I really like. I know there are newer, lighter ones on the market but progress hasn't been significant enough for me to consider the cost of an upgrade. I've traveled all over Europe and to Japan without issue with the canisters, but never done a US trip so that's not been an issue.
Got a feeling that doesn't answer your question though?
unfortunately nbt, every time Theresa May does/does not do something, it seems to get more expensive!
Has anyone got an Avabag pack or similar pack?
I've been toying with the idea of getting avalanche bag for a while - and a number of people I ride with do wear them, however:
Still haven't quite made up my mind yet, but my thoughts [so far] are as follows:
- they will only improve your chances of not getting buried - not eliminate the risk
- they are big heavy and bulky and the technology is still maturing
- Can't fly trans-atlantic with them (apart from the Jetforce types) and even some European airlines will confiscate a cannister (a friend got his confiscated flying through Amsterdam to Tromso)
- the Jetforce system looks good, but the battery isn't great in cold temps and there has been a few recalls. Snowboard carry on the Jetforce ones it still limited.
- when caught in a slide you have a few seconds to react and try to get the **** out of dodge - do you really want to be trying to faff trying to detonate your pack etc
- for them to be effective many require the use of a crotch harness, but seemingly very few people actually use them
- they mitigate risk, but they should not allow you to ignore the 5 warning signs of avalanche risk (aka 'Know before you go')
Stoner - if she revokes A50 at 3:30 buy quickly.
That link is glacial at the moment, but you never know, I might be in.
@Digby - with regard to technology advancing, I think it's slowed to a real crawl. Basically the bottom has dropped out of the avi bag market. Most people who wanted them bought them a few years ago (I think I've had mine 4-5 years now) and they're not the sort of thing that gets replaced very often. There are a few tweaks here and there to make them lighter, but nothing drastic.
with regard to technology advancing, I think it’s slowed to a real crawl
Agreed - I think Avalanche Airbag technology is maturing rather than advancing - the last big innovation was BD's JetForce which is being licensed to other manufacturers now - however this was introduce 4 or so years ago, so isn't exactly new and as I mentioned earlier there have been a number of recalls.
What I do see though is the 4 main systems being licensed and tweaked by different manufacturers and integrated into their own back-pack designs - which has improved choice in terms of fit & comfort.
But I do agree with you @dashed that the market uptake has perhaps plateaued despite the continued popularity in backcountry touring, and I think this is because of the weight/bulk issue - I did a 2 week expedition to Greenland and not one of the 10 people in the group had an avalanche airbag: by the time you've got layers/boot crampons/ski crampons/skins/food/water/ice axes etc in your backpack there's not much space for much else and the size of a big heavy airbag can throw you off balance a bit.
Perhaps more useful for multi-drop heli-days (where you don't need to carry much more than beacon, shovel & probe) and where a buddy/guide can remote trigger some of the new ones whilst you drop in filming your latest edit ... but I've not done a heli-day for about 4 years now! 🙂
Thanks @dashed / @Digby. Just interested to hear other peoples take on them really. I think @Digby pretty much sums up where my thinking is with them. I like the idea – anything that increases your chances is worth considering, but at £600+ it's a big investment that comes with drawbacks.
Unless I'm going somewhere I know I'll always go with a guide, and I don't like sailing close to the wind when it comes to weather/snow conditions. So I suppose I think they're a good idea, but not sure how much safer they'll make a risk conscious hiker. (Obviously you can still be unlucky even if you do everything right.)
still early in the season, but there looks to be sufficient snow at Les Lindarets to get going
Webcam on the Mosettes is looking v appealing too
https://www.morznet.com/webcams/portes-du-soleil
A question for the snowboarderists; I’m looking to replace my ancient flow bindings this season, so naturally I’m looking at new flows or other step-in systems as I really enjoy the convenience. I’ve never used the more traditional strap in bindings so I’m wondering what the advantages of them are? Most people seem to use strap in ones so logic dictates that there must be a compromise to using flows but I don’t know what it is? I think mine are pretty heavy but I put that down to the age of them and modern ones look way less bulky. I’m very much in the beginner/intermediate camp but like a bit of everything from off-piste powder to hitting small jumps and rails so just after a decent, all-round binding. Thanks in advance!
Sadly, the trip to Idre fell through because of accommodation issues, but it now looks like I will be breaking out the längskiddor and doing some cross country over the break. Which will be nice actually.
Meribel for us in Jan, that's all sorted and the snow has arrived
Just sorting out that second trip. Les Arcs currently looking favourite
Hareydan
I spent my first 15yrs on dual straps, and then having watched DD on Flows decided to have a go with them once my old Drake 2strap bindings had finally died a death.
Im no guru/pro so my observations are probably v naive, but Id say two strap is more secure and better at keeping your toe down on the front edge of the board. Flows tend to get you to improve your whole body balance rather than just using toes and heels to move from edge to edge. Convenience is a definite gain with the Flows.
I got some good condition s/h Flow Five bindings which have been fine. But now Im looking at the Flow Hybrids for my next set where you can separately bolt your toe down but still have step in flexibility.
I'm getting a bit worried, I'm supposed to be here on the 27th....
@Hareydan I've not used them as I'm fine with straps, but the Burton step on bindings / boots might be worth a look if you're after minimum faff.
I’ve never used the more traditional strap in bindings so I’m wondering what the advantages of them are?
As a sweeping generalisation I think the step-in and flow type bindings have emphasised comfort and east-of-use, whereas the traditional two-strap bindings have emphasised 'performance' as your foot can be securely positioned and held in place thus allowing more 'control' via 'foot-steering'.
Whether this is important to you though is personal and above all any system your choose should enhance your enjoyment.
The new Burton StepOn system looks interesting, but as I think was discussed on last years thread it seems a bit like a solution for a problem that perhaps doesn't exist and pretty much ties you into narrower choice of boots. But if it works for you then go for it!
Haven't tried any Flow bindings for 10+years but I found them loose & sloppy even when cranked down. Other folks swear by them in particular some of the more recent models which are seemingly more of a hybrid of Straps and Rear Entry ... ahem .... 🙂
Nice one OTS. Cannae wait 🙂
I’ve got some newer Flow NX2 and they are great. You can get them with toe cups instead of toe straps.
The newer ones can act as standard dual straps too.
Use mine on piste, deep powder and park.
I bought some Burton step on boots and bindings last year, after using various strap bindings for 20 years. The step ons are fantastic, I find them more responsive than strap bindings, especially going from heel to toe side turns.
The ease of use is great, just being able to step into them straight off the chair lift.
If you can get hold of a pair to try out,I'd recommend it.
new flows are much improved from old flows, which were terrible. they arent as responsive as trad. straps, but that may not matter to you really. Apparently they work better with flow boots.
i tried the new Burton step ons at the end of last year and I was well impressed. However, you can't adjust the highbacks on them , so they aren't for me. They were insanely responsive, almost too responsive actually!
ads678 - where is that?
I have odd shaped feet (there I said it) and strappy bindings need to be clamped down really tight to get any response. Painful within 30 minutes.
Flows I can have looser (because they grip my foot in the right places) and still get decent response.
I am decidedly intermediate though - rarely leave the ground, cruising reds and a bit of off the side type off piste.
Short feet with a high instep if that helps.
Current NX2 bindings with the lift up as the back goes down all in one strap.
Previously ran Drake, Burton and Now strappy ones.
wallop
ads678 – where is that?
La Mongie, according to the image name
live webcams at La Mongie
http://www.n-py.com/en/grand-tourmalet/webcams
i tried the new Burton step ons at the end of last year and I was well impressed. However, you can’t adjust the highbacks
You can adjust the highback's forward lean on Burton Step-ons.
those step ons look fantastic. But pricey.
Cant quite justify them given I bought new ski boots a couple of years ago, and for piste bashing my ancient nitro board (14yrs old) and Northwave boots (16yrs old!) , with some s/h Flow Fives are still working fine. 🙁
Yeah La Mongie, Grand Tourmalet in the Pyrenees. Never been before and i'm not sure we're gonna get too much skiing in!! I'm driving so I might take a bike......
We're going Skiing in Austria for our first family ski holiday, can anyone recommend any insurance companies please?
Both girls are younger than the minimum age required for list passes but the eldest is having lessons, does anyone know how this works?
Finally any tips for taking a 5 and 2 Yr old Skiing? 2 year old will be in a Creche for some of it, both will have contact details etc written down and put in a pocket should the worst happen.
