You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Just back from åre.
should Ave been back yesterday but the rain on top of frozen roads and particularly runway caused the plane to need a good check over before flying again.
interesting place åre, but the different areas felt a bit disjointed, and beginners would need to use the buses to get around a lot.
But really enjoyed it and want to go back.
Just in case anyone doesn't know - Ski Sunday is back this weekend.
BBC 2 18.00
:O)
Woo, we get coverage of very nearly HALF the season!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/winter-sports/50871178
One week done.
Another week booked.
Just back from a week in Flaine, NY week so expected it to be busy - and it was. Stayed at Eos which was quite nice - pool etc useful and good ski in and out location. Snow was good at start of week after dump the week before but the whole weeks weather was warm and clear so snow was suffering a lot. Queues were busy over in Samoens and Les Carroz as not much snow lower down. A significant number of mentalist skiers bombing everything and some pretty average behaviour - honestly some of it was just dangerous. Pisteurs were onto it though. Nice area and would be a playground in fresh snow. Not sure we ever found the town centre though - odd place as purpose built and lacks a bit of soul for that reason.
Flaine is famous for its brutal architecture. Nice area but struggles in bad viz due to a lack of trees. Also has a few nasty holes to fall into if venturing off piste without guidance in some areas.
When I worked in Les Caroz we had a poor snow season which was made worse by the various villages not combining their efforts and operating the lift system together. Lifties also all stoped for an hours lunch break on occasion which made getting back to work tricky on the odd times
Just booked for NY next year! Got so fed up milling about at home this year. mottaret 3v all inc. full board on the piste. We can cancel up yo 30 days before at no cost, so nothing ventured till then.
If any of you are on 'Snow heads', you will see I've had a mini rant about lack of hygiene in ski resorts. Mostly from Chalet/hotel staff but also from guests themselves.
The lack of hand washing before eating or using facilities is notable in French properties, as they don't always have a washbasin in with the loo,meaning people are too lazy to go back to their room.
As someone who suffers from a low immune system I don't want to spend yet another skiing holiday ill, due to people not adhering to basic hygiene rules.
In the many years I've been skiing I've witnessed, kitchen staff coming in not bothering to wash there hands before preparing/cooking food.
Children licking fingers and sticking them into cakes around the buffet table. Also Guests themselves coming in from a full day on the slopes, getting to the afternoon tea table and diving into the bread, jam and cakes without washing their hands.
Maybe this year I will be brave enough to politely as them.
The lack of hand washing before eating or using facilities is notable in French properties
Guy at the table next to me in Cervinia went for a big shit then went back to dinner without washing his hands (I was outside the toilet waiting to get in. No basin in the cubicle)🤮
went for a big shit then went back to dinner without washing his hands
Maybe he had some alcohol gel in his pocket.
(or maybe he's a dirty sod. )
Anyone else take both skis and board when they go away? I'm considering taking my fatish skis and a board when I visit Les Arcs in Feb. Haven't been on a board in about 9 years as I fell out of love with it before my kids were born (held my instructor certificates prior, so was pretty handy) and have been really enjoying my skiing. But i'm starting to get the nagging idea that if my knees can take it, then boarding again would be a good idea. That and deep down inside I feel like I've turned to the dark side...
Anyone want to convince me that it wont be a terrible idea? Getting the kit out there isnt an issue, I just dont want to take it out and not use it.
Wife and elder son both did a couple of days on their boards the rest on skis at Christmas.
I was on the board younger son on skis.
Different days would have been better on the skis or board according to conditions.
If any of you are on ‘Snow heads’, you will see I’ve had a mini rant about lack of hygiene in ski resorts. Mostly from Chalet/hotel staff but also from guests themselves.
The lack of hand washing before eating or using facilities is notable in French properties, as they don’t always have a washbasin in with the loo,meaning people are too lazy to go back to their room.
Self catering??
I haven't got ski's, but will likely be taking my ski boots and hire ski's for a day or so when not boarding on our next trip in a few weeks.
Good being able to do both.
I do still prefer boarding though
Heading to Mayrhofen at the end of Feb. Bit nervous as I've only been to Tignes before which is pretty snow sure. We have passes for the whole Zillertal area, so hopefully plenty to explore. First skiing holiday for me that isn't UCPA.
Need to get to the chill factor for a practice.
ads678 - on the one year we went self catering, it was myself and 3 guys.
The loo was separate from any hand washing facilities, meaning once or twice I had to remind the boys to go and visit the sink in the bathroom in another part of the apartment. They took it well, but I still got ill on that holiday too. Rolls eyes.
It hasn't snowed here in the Tarentaise since Christmas. Finally snowfall is forecast for Friday.
Finally snowfall is forecast for Friday.
Flying in to Chambrey on the 25th and heading to Meribel, hoping this isn't the only snowfall between now and then!
Maybe this year I will be brave enough to politely ask them.
Sounds like you'd enjoy self-catering, we've never used catered accomodation. I saw a programme about where the bugs were in a typical restaurant (and other places). The toilet seat was one of the lowest counts, some of the bad ones I can remember were the door handles, the cash, the credit card machine... . You're more likely to contaminate yourself getting cash out of the bank than using the toilet in a restaurant. Don't worry about what others are doing, just make sure your own hygiene is impecable.
Week in Flaine - gotta be half term I’m afraid due to a 15 and 12 year old but hey ho. OH has just mentioned about resort staff striking - anybody know anything about this?
Bit late for a report, but we had excellent conditions for 4 out of 5 days over Christmas in the PDS. Plenty of good condition hardpacked base, a bit of fresh on top, but most importantly blue sky and sunshine and perfect temperatures.
Half way through the break I realised my 19 Yr Old Northwave snowboard boots had had their soles ripped off sometime last year after the glue had failed. Knackered, but still comfy as slippers. But time for a change.
A quick browse on ebay while I was out and by pure dumb luck these Salomon Launch Boa SA in my size were just about to close, New, in box and delivered for £65. Bargin. Fit a treat, and light as a feather compared to old boots.
New board and absolute hoot. Ridiculously fast, carves nicely, but doesnt catch when flatboarding. Really sympathetic. Again, excellent VFM (€385) for the spec. http://pathron.com/products/snowboards/carbon-gold/
Just booked flights to go back out with Mrs S for a long weekend in Feb. Just needs a fresh dump before then, I gather there's been little new since Xmas.
Hoping there's a bit more after this weekend in the 3 valleys too,in 1650 for a week from the 27th.🙏
Just booked flights to Geneva for a long weekend mid March, now trying to decide where to actually go. Chamonix is the current favourite.
Whistler for a long weekend with sweajnr coming up. Our first time outside the local resorts.
This one is for Timbog - the snow is holding up very well in Flaine and there is 27cm forecast tomorrow afternoon/night. We've had 10 days of cold temperatures and blue skies, lower runs in the villages of Carroz and Morillion have some stones but they've worked hard at keeping them in good condition.
If you are staying in Flaine during 1/2 term and have the GM pass then I would ski in Flaine first thing before heading out for a tour of the villages. The lift queues to get to Flaine start to build from 10 ish and the Grand Van lift back is massive from 3.15 ish.
We've not heard anything locally about the lifties striking but will ask and let you know
enjoy @sweaman2
i buggered my ankle getting off the lift helping my son, who is a little nervous on a certain lift with a high 'drop' from the seat. Still, he enjoyed the scooter ride down, best part of the day he said.
2-3 weeks of non white wave surfing for me 🙁
Ooh nasty HYD!
Off to Courchevel on Saturday.....can’t wait! I see the temps are dropping considerably and some snow forecast, so looking good!
i've actually timed it quite well, not much snow here at the moment so hopefully I will be fit and firing for when they days get a bit longer and we get some more of the white stuff
Can anyone please recommend me a place to go next year early January. On a tight budget. Does bansko have snow in late Dec early Jan?
Tignes is good early Jan. snow sure and you'll get some bargain deals for chalet or apartments if you go first week after new year.
Ringo, I snowboarded in Bansko for around 10 years and it was always a bit dicey whether they had snow or not Dec/Jan. They've got a lot more snow making kit nowadays though. We went either just before or just after the mid-term holidays in February and the conditions were always fabulous.
As a budget destination, I don't think it can be beat. I'd be back there in a second if I was allowed, but the whole week of intensive care in a very dodgy Bulgarian hospital followed by repatriation in an air ambulance (funky wee 6 seater jet, very cool when minced on morphine), means that my wife, who doesn't accompany me on winter holidays, has pretty much banned the 'B' word from our household.
I'm off to La Plange in a fortnight with my mate to ski. The 'snowboard' word has also been banned from our house.
Prices as I remember from four years ago....
We used to drive down to Manchester and fly return to Sofia for around £250 on Easyjet
The ski pass was around £170 for 6 days
We used to hire a 2 bedroom apartment via Alexander's Letting Agency, I think it was in an apartment block called Damianitza, which was only a 10 minute walk from the gondola and was £250 in total for the week (i.e £60pp for the whole week).
Food and drink worked out about £15-20 for a three course meal and all the drinks you could manage.
The mountain is a bit wee, but has plenty of off-piste through the trees and the powder days can be magical on a snowboard. I'd honestly go back in a shot, I really liked the place. You just have to remember it is a budget destination and is therefore a bit 'rustic' at times.
C.
Had a fantastic week in Bansko a couple of years ago, snow was then best I've seen anywhere, it just didn't stop!
Great atmosphere in the Happy Ending bar every afternoon and a couple of very good nights in a bar with a resident band and fireworks!
Also got to witness the local facilities first hand after one of the guys we were with cut his foot open - I would definitely not want to be treated in local a&e!
Yep, Bansko's a brilliant budget destination. I'd thoroughly recommend the Loghouse restaurant for it's fabulous food and mind boggling value. Just try not to have an accident there, that's when you get to see the not so great side of it.
I was initially brought off the mountain to the first aid centre at the Gondola station then immediately sent to the local A&E. I actually saw the nurse drop a cannula on the floor, wipe it on her apron before shoving it in my arm! I was then transferred to the regional hospital, where I was looked at, then sent on to the main spinal injury unit in the capital, in an ambulance with a broken gurney, where the driver folded down a chair on the other side of it and got me to brace my arm against it so I wouldn't slide off. The litany of horrors and humiliations that followed, would need to be described over a pint or three. All in, I got a fairly extensive experience of their healthcare system. The doctors and nurses were awesome and did all they could for me, but the facilities and conditions they were working in was truly frightful. That's why nowadays, whenever I hear someone droning on about their bad treatment from the NHS, I get a little...exasperated.
Brilliant place, but just be aware that budget prices mean budget facilities in quite a poor country.
I went to Bansko 10-12 years ago and I wouldn't go back. . Things may have changed. Maybe i should go back? So confused
It's snowing at last.
Hoping to get 10 cm tomorrow.
Bulgarian skiing?
Good opportunity to post this (Not Bankso)
Edit. NSFW Sweary content.
Slight diversion: has anyone seen any good deals on lobster/3 finger mitts recently?
I'm looking for some, men's size 10/XL. Budget is approx. £50
Can anyone please recommend me a place to go next year early January. On a tight budget. Does bansko have snow in late Dec early Jan?
Flights to Salzburg the first week of January after New Year are usually buttons.
Lots of apartment availability.
Get yourself to a Hofer (Aldi), do a week’s shop, eat in most nights.
Hi all a snowboarder new to this thread. Can anyone recommend a snowboard shop in SE or london that can give me some desperately needed advice on new boots. My ankles and calves hurt so much last time I went I missed out boarding on the last day and didn't want to go last season.
We are going for a week at the end of Feb and this feels like last chance saloon for my snowboarding holidays if I don't sort out some comfy boots. Out gioing are some lightly used 7 year old Vans.
Also anyone know of any decent websites or operators who can sort out accommodation for four - we have flights to Geneva booked but not to worried about resort or accommodation type.
thanks
@Jaminb,
Ellis Brigham, Covent Garden (There are other EB in London area) good fitters in ski boots, suspect they get the same level of training in Board Boots.
Have always thought that the Pierre et Vacances site is as good as any. Never found the info on location very useful on Air bnb. (With kids that matters!)
Is TSA Covent Garden still going? I used to get all of my shred sticks from there 🙂
Going to Monterosa in a couple of weeks, staying near Gressoney. First time in the area, any tips?
Was there for a day over new year. It was insanely busy. Not helped by the fact there's really only one lift up each side the various valleys. Queues were 40 minutes, whereas up in Cervinia and Zermatt we never queued for more than a minute minute.
What we did ride was very nice. There was a black we did at the far end from Champoluc which was probably the best run. Wasn't really a black bar a couple of steep sections but it was loads of fun
@wej
Did a day there a good few years ago. Loved the sense of travel across the three valleys. Go to Alagna for lunch one of the days. If you’re an off piste type get up to punta indren.
Spent a week there with the Snowheads bash a couple of seasons back, loved it. Never queued at all (end of feb / first week of march so prime french half term). We had off-piste guides and I loved the offpiste off Punta Indren. Lunch at Orestes Hutte was fabulous, but amazing to realise that it's a veggie mountain hut. Their broccoli pasta was delicious.
Anyone been to Niederau recently?
I have, what do you want to know?
Anyone been to Niederau recently?
Probably 4 years ago, I was still quite an early learner and the conditions were not ideal for me, hard packed snow on the pistes back to town, better up the mountain. A mate broke his wrist in the first day and spent the rest of the week in hospital. Ski school was intense full day lessons with a old farmer type who was hard as nails, the slopes are all 'white' ignore the fact that your learner group are all pooping themselves on this steep red, as an ok learner I spent a LOT of time waiting for the rest of the group to pick themselves up before taking my kamikaze style down the slopes. Slope side was indeed white, views out from it were pure green fields.
The town itself is pretty small, a few small bars, all allow smoking indoors. If you are a confident skier you'll probably spend more of your time in the rest of the Grandvilleria (I think that's what it was called). I'd not venture back, other peoples opinions may vary. I've also never stayed so low again.
I'm off to Meribel on Saturday, I have 2 and a half days of trying to work while all I care about is webcams, piste maps and snow forecasts!
I have, what do you want to know?
What's the resort and ski runs like?
We are only interested in the skiing, no night life as we are often in bed before 10pm! lol
For anyone heading to the Alps this weekend the refresh or snow arrived today and was much needed. Apparently there's more to come but it's stopped at the moment after a day is tipping it down, managed some skiing today, but it was tough going in the wind with little visibility. I still love being in the mountains more than most things though!
Alas back from obergurgl after an awesome week's boarding.
done for mountain snow now until next winter.
should anyone be going to Hochgurgl make sure you go on the rodelbahn at the bottom gondola, it is a right laugh and bloody fast. Managed 37kmh with my 4 year old on board.
was hilarious
Two weeks of work to get through and then off. getting excited. Hoping for a few more days snow between now and then for perfection but I think this latest fall means decent on piste conditions anyway.
does anyone have any experience of re gluing skins? Mine have become 'gacky' and i would like to refresh them before next weekends tour du jour . i have heard stories of waxing irons and baking paper....
Alas back from obergurgl after an awesome week’s boarding.
We had a week there in early Jan and really enjoyed it. Solden being down the road helps for a bit of variation.
i have heard stories of waxing irons and baking paper….
Sounds about right –
Can anyone compare Pila and La Thuile - family of intermediate skiers, cruisey blues are good. We've got accommodation and car in the valley, so can do both either. Only issue I can see is getting skies etc in the estate car (hired, no roof rack). I guess few days in each, leaving hire kit in shop.
@boxelder - when you going?
I'm there soonish so could report back.
We're also staying in valley but own car so planning to visit 4-5 of the areas including those two.
I have skied Pila for a day but it was many years ago. Also my mate with a recent serious medical history said he felt unwell and walked off the slope to catch a train to the airport 4 days early....all a bit random and we were concerned so I don't think I paid much attention to the skiing!
In a couple of weeks. Thinking 4 days La Thuile/La Rosiere and 2 at Pila (friends staying there).
you should easily get 4 people in a hire car with skis, if you have spit rear seats. Not skiied Pila, but I prefer Courmayeur to La Thuile personally.
5 of us, but 3 kids (though one's 6'3', so not really). Is Courmayeur not more advanced/off piste stuff?
Plenty of lovely piste cruising at Courmayeur, though you can access gnarly stuff if that's what you want
I looked into re glueing some skins. I looked at the cost of the sheets which seemed reasonable. I then added in the cost of wrecking an iron and perhaps some clothes; added some contingency for clean up and decided it was easier to buy new skins and cut the others short for sweajnr......
The fresh snow in the alps got a bit slushy yesterday, 9 degrees before lunch here in 3V. Rain forecast for tomorrow :~/
cheers that video looks grand i'll give that a go.
Off to Kitzbuhel for a long weekend 40th birthday. Anyone know a good hire place? Looking for all mountain skis (in the hope of freshies), most places online seem very Austrian with piste carvers.
Just arrived in tignes. Lots of snow as far as I can see but arrived in the dark. Will
Report back tomorrow on conditions
Anybody been to Three Valleys this year?
Looking at booking a snowboard camp in late March, but it’s a lot of money to drop if the snow is crap already...
Had a great time in Flaine, met some new people to ski with and the weather was largely brilliant with lots of sun and cold temps.
We had a couple of days of powder skiing in the last week before the rain came and ruin it a bit. Was great snow for the first 300m of the top then thaw/refreeze crust then slush. The piste wasn't a lot better as the thaw/refreeze section was like skiing on ball bearings.
More rain forecast today then it's going to turn considerably colder and snow a lot more later in the week.
To anyone heading out, make sure to head to the Hedgehog snack bar at Morillon and try their new duck burger - very good indeed
I have @jimdubleyou....I was in Meribel for 3 weeks late December-January. Snow was pretty crap for the most part I thought....only did a handful of days though as I was out there gigging. I was in Jasna, Slovakia two weeks ago....worst snow I've ever had, normally it's really great easy off piste there. I think it's going to be one of those seasons 😔
Anybody been to Three Valleys this year?
Just got back on Saturday from Meribel, start of the week we were on compacted hard snow on and off piste, Monday pm it started coming down lightly, Tuesday it tanked it down (plus high winds meant closed lifts so stuck just around Meribel village) and Wednesday it was lighter so we had a hell of a lot of powder based fun. Thursday was another good day, Friday the pistes were good but crispy in the shade, then slushy later, even higher up, it was 12 degrees in the village (1450m) Friday afternoon, had lunch in a t-shirt.
So keep an eye on snow forecasts if you want off-piste otherwise deal with the snow canon created stuff and piste bashed runs. 3Vs is pricey, but it's massive and really well organised with decent chairs and bubbles. Meribel was lovely and the free bus service was great in the evenings too.
We did have trouble with Chambrey on Saturday though, fog in the morning meant the early incoming flights were sent to Lyon, in itself not a problem, but Lyon was not staffed to deal with 4 flights of Crystal people. 6 hours to check in, then get herded through security and onto the plane. Driving next year is looking tempting at the moment!
Quick TR from a long weekend, well it would have been .....Plan was Fri-Mon in Morzine.
Arrived in GVA Fri AM all on time. Going through Les Gets car temp was 14 degrees. Fourteen. Degrees.
Got to Morzine and it was HOT, actually hot. Nipped up Pleney and over to LG for lunch and it was like 3pm in April, super soft snow with proper slush at the base. Really fun to ski actually if you enjoy that sort of thing ! In places i was poling downhill....Sun was out though so all good.
Had a few drinks and dinner Fri night in Morz, L'Etale which was quite good.
Sat dawned clear but obvs change was happening, still warm though at about +7 in Avoriaz. Snow was generally quite nice but wind was rising from SW, quickly. Skiied hard from first lift to 1:30pm then had lunch in Lindarets goat village, sat down as it started to pelt down with rain. That rain did not stop AT ALL. Went back up and it was raining at top of Avoriaz. Poured down in Morz pretty much all afternoon and evening. Cleared about 7pm but rained during night. Sunday dawned very very Wet and windy, it was absolutely pelting down and still mild, perhaps snow right up above 2500m but doubt it. Made a call to bail early and switched flight. Kept raining I am told until late PM. Pleney now green and a lot of LG is saturated humidified snow. Avi risk will be 4/5 now for a while and if it freezes and snow it will be super unstable. Incredibly sobering weather and I feel guilty for flying out to ski! Good luck anyone going next week, could be interesting
unlucky Col.
Im nipping out on Thursday night for a long weekend.
Weather forecast looks to be on the up, fresh dump tomorrow and much colder
https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Avoriaz/6day/mid
Thanks for the 3V snow updates.
I've booked time off work for the 21st March, but I'm not paying for a camp just yet I think.
It'll be a pita if we have to trek up to VT every day for snow...
Stoner - yep one of these things and it will be interesting to see what happens. The snow is so humidified it won’t have a chance to lose moisture before it freezes and then has a new layer on top. Avi risk will be super high, it was 4 anyway due to the weight of the snowpack. I’ve spent a lot of time in the hills and worked FT as an instructor and the only place I’ve had rain like that was Glenshee !! Still good snow depth all round but properly odd weather.
Just back from ardent and it was just like NZCol describes.
Did lap the Swiss wall on Thurs as the powder, skiers left, was pretty awesome.
Unfortunately our 4 year old broke her leg on Friday whilst going through the stash. Obvs not on the features, but by this point the snow was very heavy and wet.
Friday lunch time spent in morzine medical centre. Thankfully my cousin has lived in the alps for 25 years so was in morzine anyway for translation and help.
Not that we would have skied Saturday because of the little one but It looked warm, wet and miserable!
Unfortunately our 4 year old broke her leg on Friday whilst going through the stash.
My youngest did the same at Cairngorm a 5 years ago. She bounced back and now I can’t keep up with her on skis. Fingers crossed she heals quickly.
Thanks!
I sent pictures of the x-ray to doctor friend who showed them to a couple of orthopaedic surgeons at her hospital. They said it's broken in a good place (tib not fib) and shouldn't need pinned. We'll find out wed when we go to Southampton for our appointment.
I was concerned she would be put off. Spoke to her ESF instructor and she was really sad that Sophie got injured. Said that she was doing great (got her 2nd badge!) And that if we went back next year, she'd love to teach her. When I told Sophie this, she said when her leg gets better shed like to ski again and have the same instructor. Hopefully that positivness continues!
Crazy weather in tignes last few days. Everything from high winds lo visibility to heavy rain sunshine and snow.
into the 4 week countdown now. Alp d'huez this year for a change. it will be my first time out of the Tarentaise Valley (in winter) for donkey's. Our friends have stayed in Sainte Foy the last 7 years so they'll be in for a shock, we were with them 5 of the 7 but have recently had weeks in La Plagne and Tignes so a bit more used to the big resorts.
Snow talk seems quiet this year, no monstrous dumps anywhere but no crisis either? we've been so lucky last few years with weather and conditions I cant help feeling like im due a dodgy one.
all inclusive hotel will take the edge of that tho!
When we left 3v on Sunday morning it was lashing down at 1850, gotta hope that this Atlantic storm will pass quickly and things turn colder again soon.
After her another crap ski hire experience where even after paying for premium we end up with 3 Yr old worn out rubbish and being charged 100 euro for the privilege I'm thinking of getting our own skis. We seem to be at a place where we're not progressing rapidly so whatever we get now should be OK for 3 or 4 years.
Anyone here used Glisshop, they seem to be cheapest online.
Also looking at sending skis, boots etc ahead by baggage courier to save hassle of dragging them round airports. Anyone done this?
If it's by overland services you would think tour operators would be falling over themselves to promote this kind of thing to reduce weight and fuel use on the aircraft....
Also anyone got any 1st hand experience of alpe d'huez for intermediate level skiers?
@smokey_jo - just out of interest, what makes you think it's the skis?
Genuine question as someone who also always hires and wonders about the condition of the skiset skis you get. This year I had a set of Rossignol 83AIs which seemed pretty good no idea which year they were from but didn't seem to be too banged up.