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2020. Yep, 2020.
By this point, I assumed we'd all have hoverboards, but we don't. We do, however, still have skis and snowboards, so here's the traditional start to the season! Please accept my apologies for not starting it in the first week of August, as seems to have become traditional, but I was busy messing about in/behind boats in Greece instead. Whisper it quietly, but I don't waterski, I wakeboard...
Anyway, let's go, shall we? Normal format as ever, the usual sharing of experiences, advice, and general bonhomie. Anyone discussing blades will be shot on sight.
GO!
Booked Flaine for New Year, off piste in VdI for Feb and somewhere for Easter most likely. New ski's on the horizon to replace the QST92's that are relegated to Scotland duty (if it snows this year). Bring it on !
Aha at last.
Åre for Xmas, then obergurgl for a January trip.
hoping to do some off piste on both trips, just need to look at guides.
no purchases planned this year as I replaced my jacket after discovering a hoodie style hood is crap in heavy snow and my dakine backpack filled up with melted snow.
can't wait now
We're debating where to go end of January.
nbt wants a week of 'off piste' too, I'm not confident to join him for a full week, meaning it may be a week piste skiing for me and 2 for him.
@grahamt1980 you are coming to my neck of the woods in Sweden. Spännande! First time?
Long weekend in Chatel in February then a couple of weeks in Cervinia at Easter
Going to Les Arc for Xmas with Mrs Dubs brother & family. Hopefully get a weekend away with friends in Feb/March time.
Will invest in some Burton Step-Ons this year. My Cartels are still serviceable but I fancy a change 🙂
@howsyourdad1 yep first time for me, staying in bjornen.
probably not going to do a massive amount of boarding as this is primarily a snow xmas holiday with kids, but even if I have to walk up the mountain I will do some riding on Christmas day
Possibly Idrefjäll if we can get a place to stay early enough this year. I tried to tempt GF with a trip to Japan, but it looks like I spent too much holiday skydiving this year, so that might not work.
Otherwise, more XC in Darlana like last year
Hoping for some snow in Scotland - going to make use of our new getaway in Aviemore hopefully.
Feb trip flights booked, but not settled on a resort.
Maybe an add Easter option if the Scottish season is as poor as the last one 🙁
@grahamt1980 Nice, yes that is the family place, excellent. I can guarantee you darkness and snow! I highly recommend a Valle afterski show for the kids they love it!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nVQdiz8CXs2AQhPPA
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Eyeing up a (long) week to the Aosta valley doing a couple of days in la Thuile, Courmayeur, Cervinia and a day in Pila.
Anyone done anything similar to this? We're mainly off piste skiers and will probably take the skins so we can explore out of the resort boundaries.
Was debating doing a week in Cervinia but fancy trying a load of new resorts and this seems to be a good way
@oliverracing I've done a few weeks in Cervinia, so if you have any specifics, fire away.
After much pondering and trying to do it in the cheap (see my Bulgaria thread) we have just booked Christmas week in Levi Finland. Been a few times before and it is very laid back during December. Skiing isn't massive but good fun.
I don’t waterski, I wakeboard
awww, It's OK flash, some people do find it difficult 😉
Week in Kitzbuhel in Jan and a week in Mayrhofen in Feb so far for me
Fingers crossed for great conditions for everyone
oliverracing I’ve done a few weeks in Cervinia, so if you have any specifics, fire away.
(1) We can't afford to stay up in the main village but have found some nice accommodation down the valley in Paquier/Singlin - do you think staying here is going to mean driving up each day we might want to do Zermatt?
(2) On that subject would you vote for the Zermatt pass or the Cervinia only pass we're both good skiers and will be doing a few touring itineraries so may pop over into the next valley as I've read that it's a good route.(Chamopluc)
(3) I've read the Cervinia pass also includes the rest of the Aosta valley? Have you skied in any of the other resorts and if so any feedback relatively to Cervinia?
(4) Is Cervinia as flat/cruisey as people claim?
(We'll be going early mid march for reference)
some people do find it difficult
That's not how you spell "boring". 😁 I can waterski, just find wakeboard more fun/challenging.
(1) We can’t afford to stay up in the main village but have found some nice accommodation down the valley in Paquier/Singlin – do you think staying here is going to mean driving up each day we might want to do Zermatt?
Depends when you are going, but the gondola from Valtournenche gets you up from there with the options of skiing back too. Early and late in teh season might be a bit sketchy though.
Alternatively, there is a shuttle bus which runs up the valley regularly. If you do drive, there is a big free car park at the Plan Maison gondola / cable car station.
(2) On that subject would you vote for the Zermatt pass or the Cervinia only pass we’re both good skiers and will be doing a few touring itineraries so may pop over into the next valley as I’ve read that it’s a good route.
Defo get the international pass - the swiss side offers so many more options, and the difference in price is small.
(3) I’ve read the Cervinia pass also includes the rest of the Aosta valley? Have you skied in any of the other resorts and if so any feedback relatively to Cervinia?
No, but some friends we were with in January had a day at Champoluc - Monterosa when the wind closed the upper slopes at Cervinia
(4) Is Cervinia as flat/cruisey as people claim?
There's plenty of that, but it probably feels more that way because there are no trees.
There are only a couple of true blacks.
Hope this helps.
A couple of other tips.
1. Coffee and ice cream from the Sweet Side of the Matterhorn
2. Drinks in Ymeltrob
3. On piste food from Pit Stop
Thanks for that! Makes our decision much more difficult! Assuming we get a 9 day pass it's €395 for the whole Aosta valley including the skyway monte bianco and Cervinia but not Zermatt, or the Zermatt/Cervinia pass for €446 but that doesn't include the rest of the Aosta valley. Seems you can pay €34 a day to add Zermatt to the Aosta valley pass though if we decide to go that route.
Consider your location carefully. If you base yourselves in Cervinia, it'a hack of a drive down to the Aosta Valley and then a further drive back up to the other resorts.
I've skied the Monterosa from Gressoney - great skiing, perhaps a little limited in terms of pistes but access to plenty of lift served off piste and even more if you are touring. Courmayeur likewise, both from the main ski area and then from the Skyway, though I've not done off piste there personally.
EDIT - suppose what Im trying to say ism, if you do fancy visitnig the different resorts that much, either prepare for a lot of driving from a centreal location in the valley, or even mor driving from a location in one of the resorts, or consider moving location.
Yeah, neither of us mind driving a bit each day if that means we can access the best skiing as we're used to a ~30 bus or train ride or drive every morning where we normally go. (Staying in Interlaken, skiing in Jungfrau region)
Only worry is staying in Aosta if there's so much snow the roads are shut we'll be stuck skiing Pila, but I guess if it's that snowy there'll be plenty of powder there!
the main road is more or less always clear, it's the main motorway from turin up to the tunnel, so you can easily get to Aosta / Pila and Courmayeur. Getting up to the Monterosa or La Thuile might be a little more difficult
@Oliverracing depends how long you are planning to go for, but Cervinia + Valtournenche + Zermatt is a lot of ground to cover and should keep you occupied for a week or so at least, without having to drive anywhere.
After my second snowboard trip in March and finally 'getting it' and linking turns and enjoying it, a group of us are planning on a week in Chatel in February. We were in Chamonix in March and while the scenery was absolutely incredible, I'm definitely glad I won't have to take any buses this time.
When do people think the best time to book is? We're probably looking at getting a self catering chalet.
Boy wonder on his sandwich year so gets normal hols and can join us on a lads trip in Feb. More than excited that we can ski together. Skiing is his favourite thing and he has missed the last 2 seasons 🙂
Yeah, we really fancy exploring s load of new resorts, it's whether an hour or two driving each day plus €30 in fuel and tolls is worth it.
Gonna have to think about how we do this. Should have 8 days in total, with a possible 1/2 day at the start.
We both quite like the look on Chamopluc and the Monterosa ski area so may see if we can do two different accommodations up each end of the valley to get best of both
Did a lads trip based out of Aosta a good few years ago and drove to and skied a differnt resort each day. Cervinia, Champolac-Gressoney - Algna, Courmayer - bloody brilliant times and don't remember the driving being far at all. Mainly piste bashing though.
Samones in late March with some family, not expecting too much skiing I think they do the morning then a boozy lunch. Sooo, also an end of Jan trip probably back to Tignes again as it was good last year 🙂
Going to need new trou's I think as I've lost about 6inches from my waist, and at about 10 trips in they are starting to show a lot of wear and literal tear, coat will just look more parkrat than before.
Mayrhofen for me next year. Can't wait, this will be my second year boarding after a long layoff. Boards seem to have moved on quite a bit from the 90's. Thinking of booking some lessons, almost feel that the new stuff needs a slightly different riding style. Used to have most of the weight on the front of the board, whereas now using the whole board seems to work better.
Feb half term flight Liverpool to Salzburg - just under £600 per person!
Blimey Charlie!
Have to make it 2 weeks and drive I suppose.
Literally booked it yesterday, Flaine from 4th January until 1st February.
No new toys unless I splash out on some Hestra Army mittens.
Just hope the sensation comes back into my shin after my recent knee surgery, crossing everything for that.
Lots of ideas and no firm plans at the moment.
Somewhere at New year on the cards, don’t want to spend another week off work at NY here when we could be out there. Much easier now that the kids don’t need lessons every day.
Big family trip, not sure where yet, need somewhere with a bit of village character and 150k + of piste is the brief. Probably Easter for 12 peeps self catering, & Driving. Dad is the one pushing this, he is worried that he may not have many weeks left skiing😔 but after doing lots more than he expected last season he is keen to do as much as possible.
Would love to get more touring in after a great week in Austria last season, but I may be pushing it. Hasn’t stopped me looking at new tech bindings & skis though.
We are booked for Val Cenis with the HMV pass. These are on sale at the moment with discounts ranging from 50% to 29%. We got 33% of a week pass valid for Val Cenis, including one day at each of the other HMV resorts.
Last year we were at Aussois, and had great afternoons away at Val Cenis, La Norma and Val Frejus. This season we are basing ourselves at Val Cenis as this will still be great for the kids morning lessons, good for the adults, and accessible to the other resorts. At €139 for a 6 day pass, it would be madness not to.
EDIT: Still to decide which Scottish Season Pass to go for. Maybe Nevis, maybe Glencoe.
Back to the 3 valleys in Jan and the customary end of season in obergurgl 😎. I'm thinking of taking the plunge and buying skis this year as I think I've plateau'd in terms off my poster skiing and I'm going to be a slow learner of piste.
Anybody seen any deals around for skis they might fit the bill or suggestions of where to look?
I’ve bought skis from ekosport.co.uk a bit like sport Konrad and similar online continental European - based discount sites.
Still to decide which Scottish Season Pass to go for. Maybe Nevis, maybe Glencoe
I admire your optimism.
My last skis came from Ekosport and they were great
Pair before that was from Glisshop and they too were great.
Both have sales on at the moment, I bought some ski boots that had £250 off. Buying boots without trying them on is risky but you can return them and when your feet are 21.5 finding suitable ski boots is a challenge (to say the leas)
Feb half term flight Liverpool to Salzburg – just under £600 per person!
We are heading that way for half term too but flying into Vienna instead - much cheaper!
If used skis are of interest then SkiBarn seller on eBay is a very cheap option.
Have also used Ekosport and Glisshop with no prob.
We are heading that way for half term too but flying into Vienna instead – much cheaper!
It’s a good option, and the Westbahn trains direct to Salzburg are fast and cheap
This one is for bunnyhop - the ski club GB do off piste week long courses in flaine for all levels. Some courses have accommodation included and some are just for the instruction.
Had some private lessons with Diane who is one of their regular instructors and she was just great, cannot recommend her enough really. Excellent, passionate teacher and really focussed on you improving, not about her having a good time at your expense. Her English is very good too.
There is also UCPA in town which includes lessons and they do do off piste courses too.
sprootlet - thanks so much.
I've skied q bit of off piste, however usually when the snow has been fab. I've had quite a few injuries in the last decade and a full week in bad snow would probably finish me off.
Having also had many lessons in skiing powder and off piste, it's my head that's gone. The fear of falling badly and doing myself an injury is too great. I'll still ski the slack when good snow permits, but days of skiing in stuff like concrete off piste is no fun.
Eyeing up a (long) week to the Aosta valley doing a couple of days in la Thuile, Courmayeur, Cervinia and a day in Pila.
La Thuile, Courmayeur & Pila are all pretty close and [depending on your pass] offer days in neighbouring resorts. Trying to tick them all in a week sounds like quite a bit of driving though - as others have said especially if based at Cervinia
Anyone done anything similar to this? We’re mainly off piste skiers and will probably take the skins so we can explore out of the resort boundaries.
Courmayeur and La Thuile are perhaps the closest geographically - you can actually tour off the back of Courmayeur (from the 'Arp' lift) all the way down to the La Thuile valley but this would mean either 2 vehicles or someone hitching back to Courmayeur but it makes for a great day out.
Loads of other touring opportunities around Courmayeur inc Helbronner side, Val Veny and Val Ferret. La Thuile doesn't seem as popular with touring but you can heli from there and also cross over into La Rosiere in France.
Others have mentioned Gressoney and I absolutely love it there! The touring potential is huge and you can stay at one of the mountain huts (Refuge Mantova 3470m) and head upto Piramide Vincent @ 4215m - relevant experience and/or guide required.
Gressoney can get frequent storms with massive snowfall but late in the season it can also get really warm really quickly which has earned it the nickname 'Grass-and-Hay' ...
Does anyone have any good tips on where and when is the best time to get some good deals on last season's clothing and equipment? I need to pick up a new jacket and snowboard pants/bibs since the ones I have are falling apart. I also want to finally invest in some boots of my own since every rental boot I've had has been an absolute nightmare.
tetrode wrote:
Does anyone have any good tips on where and when is the best time to get some good deals on last season’s clothing and equipment? I need to pick up a new jacket and snowboard pants/bibs since the ones I have are falling apart. I also want to finally invest in some boots of my own since every rental boot I’ve had has been an absolute nightmare.
Abuot two months ago, at the end of the last season
What size are you? I've got some Westbeach snowboard pants that I bought and didn't really get on with...
I noticed Decathlon have some kit on sale.
Have you tried many brands of boots?
I know Flow and Vans fit my feet well and the sizes are always spot on for me so I’ve no problem buying over the internet from places like Absolute Snow for instance.
We're heading back to the 3 Valleys (Les Menuires) again in Feb. First time there with the kids. We are going with Neilson Ski again, as they do a great job occupying the kids, if they're too tired/don't want to ski in the afternoon.
Does anyone have any good tips on where and when is the best time to get some good deals on last season’s clothing and equipment? I need to pick up a new jacket and snowboard pants/bibs since the ones I have are falling apart.
There's a load of Spyder kit discounted on Sportpursuit atm. Still a bit on the pricey side but I've been using a jacket + salopette combo from there for years and they're still in good nick.
Speaking of using kit, I am extremely excite for this season. Last year I managed 2.5 weeks, this year it's looking like just over 3 - couple of days in October in New Zealand, then pre-season in Tignes, a week with friends in 3 Valleys in Feb and hopefully a week with work people in March. Having said that, I am actually on the hook to organize all of those myself. I worry the work one will be like herding cats (30 of us trying to sort self-catering!)
What size are you? I’ve got some Westbeach snowboard pants that I bought and didn’t really get on with…
I'm 34 waist but I don't really buy used clothing, thanks for the offer though!
Have you tried many brands of boots?
I know Flow and Vans fit my feet well and the sizes are always spot on for me so I’ve no problem buying over the internet from places like Absolute Snow for instance.
Yeah boots are the thing I definitely will need to try on first. The rental ones I've had have been either Burton or Thirty Two. They've both been way too stiff and just didn't fit my feet, made my toes numb after a few hours. I get on well with regular Vans and DC shoes, the Vans Ultrarange ones being the most comfortable shoes I've ever had and I don't think I'd ever want to wear anything else! So from that starting point I would love to find a place to try on some Vans boots.
Depends where you are tetrode, SkiExchange near me is worth a visit, but it's near Cambridge (skiing Mecca obviously). Good boot fitters are well worth paying for in my experience.
And now for a question, I'm very loosely thinking of buying some skis. I have 2 weeks planned next year at the moment and will squeeze in more of I can. I'm a piste skier at the moment, about 8-9 trips in having not learned till my mid 30's. Last few years have been about improving technique and going slower after honestly being a bit of a liability going too fast with too little control.
I've hired every time before, but hiring a decent pair in Chamonix opened my eyes to how carp a lot of hire skis are and now it's hard to go back! This is inspite of hiring more expensive supposedly better skis.
So opinions on Some 2017 K2S?
Some good deals in S&R at Hemmel last week.
Very nice Burton jacket £350 down to £100 or so, was tempted but managed to walk away
So opinions on Some 2017 K2S?
I have K2 105s - they are great skis and even at 105 they ski well on piste
Not sure that your link is a brilliant deal though, without bindings and for 2-3 year old model - in summer
I also wonder a bit whether your next few ski weeks might see big progression and maybe you'll decide what you really want to do - all piste, loads of powder or whatever
I bought my 105s so I can take them along as a good general ski but if there's no chance of powder (and maybe lots of ice/rocks) I can rent a pair of piste skis, insure 'em and ski the shit out of 'em. It's harder to do the opposite and rent wider skis in resort IME
If I were you I'd find a shop that'll let you try a few brands over your fortnight and form more of an opinion on what you want
Need to keep an eye on this for any kit deals, as MrsMC is taking a group of Scouts and Guides to Kanderstag in February. She's started having snowboard lessons at Tamworth - 48 years old and left sided issues from her cerebral palsy.
Hard as nails my Mrs. Think the instructor is earning his money though!
Demon board shorts will be a good investment for her, will save some bruises
Can anyone give me some info on Japan? It's the last year before my kid goes to school so time after this will be very limited and I'm not getting any younger so it's a bit "now or never". Looking to go somewhere with bottomless POW!™ without spending 3 days of the holiday getting there.
Alternatively, somewhere over the Pond - Kicking Horse is top of the list.
@jimmy - have a scout around snowheads, there's loads of info over there
Hello,
Im off to Zell Am See in feb for a week. Anyone been and how would you rate it for boarding? Is it possible to get over and back to Leogang from there I understand a new lift/piste was going in. also any recommendations for a guide for some off piste if possible...
Cheers Graeme
With the spectre of repayment of Contractor Loans still hanging over me, it'll be what Scotland has to offer.
Hopefully better than the 3 days we skied last season. Although 2.5 of the days were pretty good if slightly challenging visibility wise, still don't know what Glencoe looks like!
Have put out the suggestion to my the OH and youngest daughter of taking the caravan to Glenmore in February. We live in probably the only local authority region that doesn't take a full week off for February half term!
Alternatively, somewhere over the Pond
Big Sky, and s couple of days at Bridger.
@graemethejock
I was there 2 years ago, there was one boarder with us think there were a few bits where he had to push himself along.
Not sure if the new lift linking to the Saalbach area will be ready for this coming season, there is a webcam for it!
We booked a taxi to take us over to Saalbach and it was something like a 20 minute journey.
There's a lovely caravan club site in Braemar (actually, it may no longer be a Club site - in fact no it isn't https://www.braemarcaravanpark.co.uk/)
It's on the edge of the village, and right on the road up to Glenshee. You can also get over to the Lecht in a reasonable time. I'd say that staying in Braemar for Glenshee and The Lecht would be better than Glenmore for Aviemore - the funicular is out of service for the foreseeable so there's only surface lifts there and they can get very busy. Like mahy others I'm not entirely sure that the current management team at Aviemore actually understand or want the snowsports market
As far as I know the new lift/piste from Zell to Viehofen (Saalbach) opened last Winter.
I’ve boarded there a bit, can’t remember any flat bits, some proper flat out pistes though.
Thanks @scaredypants - It was only as I was posting the link I noticed they were 2017's. I get your points too.
I found with rentals normally they didn't move unless you wanted them to, with the ski's in Cham, they were hard to ever stop moving even when usually you'd be stood still, not sure if this was a condition of ski, something about the model, recent waxing or what. Would be glad to know what people think?
I'd agree with nbt, the Cairngorm access is a shambles - the Day Lodge T and the M1 T bar are not pleasant lifts ever and esp. the M1 for kids is almost impossible so depending what's open and covered it can be massively limiting. I got my 6 year old up the M1 but only because I used to teach skiing FT and am happy using my leg as a defacto poma bar. Id stick to the 'shee, lecht, glencoe or NR.
With regards Cairngorm not being interested in Snowsports, I think the installing of a Snow factory is quite an investment.
My youngest is 14 and quite used to Pomas and T-bars, although I'd be in tears by the end of the day using drag lifts.
Will have a look at the Braemar campsite and see what options are available over at Fort William.
I'll need to consult the driver to see if she would drive the Glenshee road to Braemar with the caravan!
Looking to book at week at Val Thorens for a week before Christmas (kids break up early) then another week in possibly Sainte Foy prior to Easter.
New skis already bought, Atomic Vantage 90's, ideal for persuing the nippers around the semi off piste stuff and then a thrash at the end of the day when they've got tored and are chilling in the bar. Mrs bits has some new K2 Tough Luvs as well, need to buy some maintenance kit as I'm new to ski owning!
Where are you coming from? unless you're coming from The Lecht, it's fine - we towed from Blairgowrie over the Glenshee pass and had no issues. I'd imagine the Ballater road up the river valley would be easier. When we moved on to Aviemore we went round via Pitlochry rather than use the Lecht Road
On the other side of the country, The Invercoe site in Glencoe village gives good access to Glencoe and Nevis ski areas
Trip report on skiing all 5 areas by caravan - https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=70789
Whoop whoop I have 10 days backcountry touring in Canada booked, and probably going to get a week touring in the Pyrenees in march as well.
Pyrenees is also on my list of 'possibilities' for the coming season ... as is Norway, Greenland and Italy ...
The Snow Factory at Cairngorm is simple there to manage the lack of snow at the bottom of the Car park T Bar, and if they move it up the hill a bit (they have an application in) to create a crappy beginners area further up. It's not strategic, it's pure panic to have SOMETHING available.
Morzine summer "destockage". Ace.
Boys sorted for the next few years for €90. Bargin
Them's some fast planks!
Serviced and not too shagged too. No Idea what year. But for a little over the price of one boy's ski hire for a week.... it's a no brainer.
Of course now I definitely won't be able to keep up with them.
Brighton is a great little resort, had some fun times there. Not sure about the ski bike though
Dad rang - fancy a week skiing after 1/2 term without the kids? I'll pay.
Mmmm, let me think...
10 mins later he's booked us both in for a week in Les Arcs staying at Club Med.
Never skiied Les Arcs or La Plagne before so am super pumped for a new area to explore, some of the terrain looks awesome.
Happy days.
@bombjack, Les Arcs is fun, been there 3 times in the last 4 years. There's some good stuff on the LaPlagne side, but it can be more skied out if there hasn't been much fresh stuff. There's also plenty for all abilities and I prefer the Arcs side of the bubble.
The 'Irish' bar in 1950 is about the only nightlife though, although the Club med may have something civilised think it was just about being finished last time I was there. I think that's the closest to the Club med hotel of the villages.
There are FIVE club meds in paradiski - two in La Plagne (fairly close to each other in 1800 and 2100) and three in Les Arcs (Peisey Vallandry, Arc 200 and a brand new on in Arc 1600)
@nbt, wow, I hadn't realised there were that many, aren't they all quite pricey as well?
Essentially Paradiski will have plenty of skiing for you bombjack!
they're not cheap, that's for sure. Prices vary - I think the La Plagne is one of the cheapest in the entire range, closely followed by the one in Arc 2000. The on in Arc 1600 is one of the most expensive.
Reasonably good value though as they include lift pass and lessons if required (not equipment hire any more). I understand that you can also arrange to take lunch at one of the other Club Meds in the area, though I'm not sure if that's just if you;re in a lesson