Ski season 2017/2018

Rew · 12-09-2017 5:34pm

olaola wrote: »

We're going to Schladming & staying in an alpine resort. Can't wait! I've always wanted to do this. Bringing the nippers, he'll be nearly 4, so well on the way to starting ski school! Not sure what to do with madam, am hoping can find some kind of day care.

We sent 4yr old to ski school, 3yr old and baby to nanny last winter in France worked out grand but it was only half days. Not sure he could have done full days.

4yr old said to be recently, "Dad when I got to ski school again can you tell them not to speak French coz I dont understand" oops

3 going 4yr old and 4 going 5yr old both have a loads of camps under their belt now so think will be better able for this season. Having done 6 mths Montessori def meant the 4 yr old was comfortable with the format.

a148pro · 12-09-2017 11:44pm

He's better than me already! From my limited experience, full day wouldn't be a runner for 4 year old. So key is to have the craic with them for half day then find a relation to dump them on while you feck off and get some fast turns in. Or get childcare obv.

a148pro · 12-09-2017 11:46pm

Rew wrote: »

http://www.latania.co.uk/blog/2017/09/12/new-3-valleys-courchevel-meribel-2018-piste-maps-release-analysed-plus-the-gopro-couloir/

GoPro appear to be sponsering a piste in the 3 Valleys

Looks like skiers left of grand couloir? Pretty sure that was off piste and unskiable last time I was there, unless I'm reading the map wrong

maddness · 13-09-2017 8:07am

It's manageable alright as long as you the snow is good enough.

olaola · 13-09-2017 9:46am

Rew wrote: »

We sent 4yr old to ski school, 3yr old and baby to nanny last winter in France worked out grand but it was only half days. Not sure he could have done full days.

4yr old said to be recently, "Dad when I got to ski school again can you tell them not to speak French coz I dont understand" oops

3 going 4yr old and 4 going 5yr old both have a loads of camps under their belt now so think will be better able for this season. Having done 6 mths Montessori def meant the 4 yr old was comfortable with the format.

He's got SKILLZ! Himself will be nearly 4, so fingers crossed he'll like it alright. It's just 2 hours a day, so we'll have the craic after that.

cormee · 13-09-2017 11:49am

Europe is finally starting to be mentioned in Snowreport's tweets!

a148pro · 13-09-2017 2:54pm

Yep wepowder has woken up from its summers surfing also

Billy Mays · 12-10-2017 9:13am

Lads, any idea how much it is to join an off piste boarding group with guide for a day in St Anton?

I go off piste at the side of groomed runs when I can and did a lot of runs through the trees between pistes in Sauze last year. I reckon I'm ready to take the next step and do some proper off piste runs with a guide who knows where they're going.

The group I'm going with tend to stick to the pistes so hiring our own guide isn't really an option.

cormee · 12-10-2017 8:32pm

Billy Mays wrote: »

Lads, any idea how much it is to join an off piste boarding group with guide for a day in St Anton?

I go off piste at the side of groomed runs when I can and did a lot of runs through the trees between pistes in Sauze last year. I reckon I'm ready to take the next step and do some proper off piste runs with a guide who knows where they're going.

The group I'm going with tend to stick to the pistes so hiring our own guide isn't really an option.

I can't tell you how much a guide will cost, but I would advise you to do some of the great ski routes in St. Anton, you don't need a guide to do them, but you do get all the fun of off piste, without the risk of avalanche or bottomless cravasses. There was one particularly fantastic one, Route 33 I think, it's about 3 or 4k long of some of the best terrain I've ever snowboarded. Also, make a trip to Lech, great ski routes and off piste there too.

stevire · 13-10-2017 9:19am

The ski routes in St Anton are great if you get the conditions but can get tracked out quickly too. Would always recommend bringing avi kit with you even if you are only doing the ski routes, plenty of signage in the area advise the same thing.

We got an offpiste guide when we visited St Anton. It was amazing, they will find untracked fields and bring you away from the crowds. It was a few years ago now but think it was about 60e each between 4/5 of us, St Anton is a little more expensive than most Austrian resorts. Then hire avi gear on top, you won't be allowed to go without it but it's about 20e for a day and cheaper if you hire for the week. I would prebook ahead on the avi gear if possible as it does book out.

There was quite a bit of hiking and we had approx 5km skate home on the flats at the end of the day but totally worth it.

stevire · 13-10-2017 9:26am

Sorry just read you'll be going it alone and not booking with a group.

A lot of resorts run 'off piste' mornings, and are very cheap to join in. They're short and will keep you within the resort boundaries but might be a good start for you. Contact the tourist board to see if it's on their schedule.

Alternatively, a lot of the guiding companies have Open Group options too but I know this can be pricey.

Billy Mays · 13-10-2017 9:29am

The ski routes sound good. I presume they're marked?

Road-Hog · 13-10-2017 10:32am

Billy Mays wrote: »

Lads, any idea how much it is to join an off piste boarding group with guide for a day in St Anton?

I go off piste at the side of groomed runs when I can and did a lot of runs through the trees between pistes in Sauze last year. I reckon I'm ready to take the next step and do some proper off piste runs with a guide who knows where they're going.

The group I'm going with tend to stick to the pistes so hiring our own guide isn't really an option.

How many seasons skiing have you done....? I've 16 x one week trips done at this stage and can descend any marked piste from blue to black but any time that I've ventured into serious off piste areas with a guide I found it way too difficult dealing with knee deep snow to lightly crusted snow that you don't know will take your weight and then how deep it is also the constant watching out for rocks etc adds another dimension to it.....need to be very fit also as it really takes its toll on the legs/tighs....maybe I'm just too old and unfit and need to work on my technique......we (group of 4) paid €60 each for an afternoon of off piste with a guide in meribel 3 years ago. Haven't done it since

Billy Mays · 13-10-2017 11:51am

I've done a week boarding each year since 2010. I'd have done a lot of weekend trips before that when I was living in the US.

Maybe I'll give it a miss and just stick to the ski routes. Hopefully we'll get some decent snowfalls the week I'm there.

All info appreciated lads.

Road-Hog · 13-10-2017 5:47pm

Billy Mays wrote: »

I've done a week boarding each year since 2010. I'd have done a lot of weekend trips before that when I was living in the US.

Maybe I'll give it a miss and just stick to the ski routes. Hopefully we'll get some decent snowfalls the week I'm there.

All info appreciated lads.

Wasn't sure were u a skier r boarder. Boarding off piste is a different story......,,Don't think its as difficult as skiing off piste.......my description was based on skiing off piste.

cormee · 14-10-2017 2:04pm

Billy Mays wrote: »

The ski routes sound good. I presume they're marked?

They are, yes, not sure if they're marked in the same way as regular pistes though. I only recall seeing one marker at each 100m interval ( instead of two, enclosing the route) , I could easily be wrong though, as I was veering well away from them.

cormee · 14-10-2017 2:12pm

Road-Hog wrote: »

Wasn't sure were u a skier r boarder. Boarding off piste is a different story......,,Don't think its as difficult as skiing off piste.......my description was based on skiing off piste.

I've never skiied so I can't compare them, snowboarding off piste can be challenging, you have to keep your weight over your back foot (so the nose doesn't go under), so your leg is bent constantly, that can become very painful. Also if you come to a stop in deep powder it can be a nightmare getting moving again. Turns etc. have to be a lot wider as well. So it's a different kettle of fish. However, if you're moving at a nice place, over a field of fresh snow there's nothing nicer!

a148pro · 15-10-2017 11:58pm

Piste to powder do off piste guiding on the basis of different levels, you can just join one of their groups. 100E per day.

Fattes used to mention a 10E a day powder club but cheap and anton aren't good mixers these days so not sure if that still running

hawkwind23 · 17-10-2017 11:16am

Cormees app on the phone homepage!
dark at tea time and clocks back in a couple of weeks.
Ski gear in the shops and loads of emails advertising ski holidays.
the season is almost on us :-)
44 days to go!

cormee · 17-10-2017 1:29pm

hawkwind23 wrote: »

Cormees app on the phone homepage!
dark at tea time and clocks back in a couple of weeks.
Ski gear in the shops and loads of emails advertising ski holidays.
the season is almost on us :-)
44 days to go!

Did you add a webcam image? I always wonder how many people use that functionality, as opposed to regular photos.

hawkwind23 · 17-10-2017 3:07pm

Yeah that's what sets it apart, although it's very sunny on the webcams at present!
got a day off and checked out Go Outdoors, it's up in belfast, had a decent bit of ski gear, picked up a good pair of salopettes so that was a buzz lol

mulbot · 30-10-2017 1:23pm

Hey people-just a quick question if anyone could help. Heading to La Plagne in January,have holiday booked with Crystal(i will get in contact),it's just one of the group has his own board which wasn't booked in at time of booking-can this be added on now,or if he gets his gear and clothes into the board bag and it's under 20kg can he bring that as his luggage? Cheers

stevire · 31-10-2017 10:01am

mulbot wrote: »

Hey people-just a quick question if anyone could help. Heading to La Plagne in January,have holiday booked with Crystal(i will get in contact),it's just one of the group has his own board which wasn't booked in at time of booking-can this be added on now,or if he gets his gear and clothes into the board bag and it's under 20kg can he bring that as his luggage? Cheers

Think it's 40e each way but may depend on destination. Crystal will add this the package no problem, just give them a buzz.

It's completely separate from your standard luggage, so can't bring it as a replacement for his normal luggage, it's checked in at a different area as Sports Equipment. I still pack most of my ski gear in the board bag though, adds additional padding :pac:

a148pro · 04-11-2017 10:36pm

Schnee, schnee schnee schnee schnee schnee schnee, etc

khc · 06-11-2017 10:11am

a148pro wrote: »

Piste to powder do off piste guiding on the basis of different levels, you can just join one of their groups. 100E per day.

Fattes used to mention a 10E a day powder club but cheap and anton aren't good mixers these days so not sure if that still running

It's still going but it's €100 not €10. Not sure if they cater for boarders though?

a148pro · 07-11-2017 11:45pm

Buckets of snow in italy and austria. A meter already and more to come. Hopefully a good start to the season.

kal7 · 08-11-2017 10:28am

hoping the recent snow in France, is going to be the base for a good season.

Great to see brown on webcams then all white next day.

Rational head says there will be a warm spell before winter really arrives.

stevire · 08-11-2017 3:00pm

kal7 wrote: »

Rational head says there will be a warm spell before winter really arrives.

Same happened last year I think, it was pretty much gone by mid-Dec then a pretty poor Jan. But.... I hope this year will be different, haven't had a decent snow season in 4 years

kal7 · 14-12-2017 11:26am

Snow, snow, snow.

The resorts in alps must be delighted, a base for season and snow for christmas and early skiers.

I am so addicted, even after 24 weeks skiing, over 28 years, I am looking at snow reports and webcams every day.

blue note · 14-12-2017 11:37am

This thread has been strangely quiet I think over the last few weeks. Thought there'd be one or two December / New Year skiers who'd want to rub it in to the rest of us.

I'm going in January and I've a feeling it's going to be cold. Last year I was praising technology for keeping me warm in snow. Sweaty even! But thinking back, I think I saw 17 degrees on a thermometer on the mountain one day and I was in a base layer, ski gloves, ski jacket and pants and an insulated helmet and exercising. If I was exercising in Ireland in that temperature I'd have been in shorts and a tee shirt! But I'm looking at my on the snow app and the temp on the mountain has been between -6 and -12 for the last month or so. I'm mentally preparing for those temperatures. And thinking I might pick up some tights!

DoraDelite · 14-12-2017 1:46pm

I'm heading off on the 23rd for two weeks! I've avoided snow reports until recently after the last few years of disappointing early season snow. The snow is looking great for this Christmas so I'm looking forward to it, couple of weeks of off-piste booked so I expect to be neck deep in powder

I reckon all the resorts must be breathing a sigh of relief this year after a few tough early seasons in a row.

a148pro · 14-12-2017 11:44pm

blue note wrote: »

This thread has been strangely quiet I think over the last few weeks. Thought there'd be one or two December / New Year skiers who'd want to rub it in to the rest of us.

I was also wondering had some hardy souls put in a few turns in Ireland and expected some updates?

Dora I'm sick, for years I've thought of nipping off pre Christmas, get away from the panic, get a few cheap quiet turns in, and this year the best I've seen it in ages but can't get out, enjoy

willah · 15-12-2017 12:07am

8 of us heading to Austria on the 6th of January. 6 Dubs and 2 lads from Belfast we met last year are meeting us there. Plenty of snow can't wait to get back out.

Timmaay · 15-12-2017 12:13am

a148pro wrote: »

I was also wondering had some hardy souls put in a few turns in Ireland and expected some updates?

Dora I'm sick, for years I've thought of nipping off pre Christmas, get away from the panic, get a few cheap quiet turns in, and this year the best I've seen it in ages but can't get out, enjoy

Went for a run/hike up ballinastoe then onto djouce mountain on Monday, was epic up the top, 2 foot in places. Frustratingly I left it till 3pm to go up, and was a blizzard up the top ha, so decided not to hang about. Would have been epic to have a pair of skis with me tho, sprinting down it was still good craic, head over heals into snow drifts every 10 metres ha. Mean to make it back but been busy, I think there is still a decent bit of snow up there.

a148pro · 15-12-2017 7:17am

I know that route - a superb run with views over guinness lake - roads were ok out to ballinastoe car park? Had to abandon a car previously near chrone woods, but was worth it as snow was superb

Timmaay · 15-12-2017 11:23am

a148pro wrote: »

I know that route - a superb run with views over guinness lake - roads were ok out to ballinastoe car park? Had to abandon a car previously near chrone woods, but was worth it as snow was superb

I was on the roundwood to kilmac road, and turned up by djouce golf course straight up to ballinastoe car park, that road was grand, decided to see what djouce woods was like, road up to it was dodgy out, especially in the car ha, single track in the snow, when you met a car the other way yas both had to pull in but keep going for fear you'd stop and get stuck.

Anyways anyone been up there in the last day or so, what's the top of djouce like, melting yet or still worth the trip up?

DoraDelite · 15-12-2017 12:34pm

a148pro wrote: »

I was also wondering had some hardy souls put in a few turns in Ireland and expected some updates?

Dora I'm sick, for years I've thought of nipping off pre Christmas, get away from the panic, get a few cheap quiet turns in, and this year the best I've seen it in ages but can't get out, enjoy

Definitely the best I've seen for a while. To be fair I stuck it out on the icy crap the last 3 years so I deserve one good one!

hawkwind23 · 15-12-2017 1:29pm

25323378_725219177682599_749664056_n.jpg?oh=aa35dc345e785c66d83781912395bd0b&oe=5A360B4C

Not sure if that works?
1st turns in Les Gets

Absolutely spewing it down here in Portes Du Soleil

dzer2 · 15-12-2017 2:24pm

willah wrote: »

8 of us heading to Austria on the 6th of January. 6 Dubs and 2 lads from Belfast we met last year are meeting us there. Plenty of snow can't wait to get back out.

Which resort we are heading that day as well

a148pro · 16-12-2017 12:21am

Instaban for hawkwind, absolutely unacceptable behaviour

BarryNumber1 · 16-12-2017 3:12pm

Some early turns @ Okemo Vermont...

Mitch Buchannon · 17-12-2017 10:31am

BarryNumber1 wrote: »

Some early turns @ Okemo Vermont...

Looks great. I’m hoping to head over in March.

BarryNumber1 · 17-12-2017 3:04pm

Mitch Buchannon wrote: »

Looks great. I’m hoping to head over in March.

Cheers. Was not bad, some good runs and better than usual icy conditions. Mountain was not fully open so a bit pricey @ $100. Worth keeping Mt Snow in mind, they’ve spent some $$$ upgrading their snowmaking... or do both ðŸ˜„

maddness · 17-12-2017 10:10pm

Just back from a few days in Val d’Isere which was epic. I’ve never seen so much snow fall in such a short time. The first few days were hard going as visibility was bad but once it cleared up it was excellent. Friday we had about 50cms of fresh powder on pistes and off piste was the best I’ve even seen. If you can get to the alps before Christmas, do it.

evil_seed · 18-12-2017 5:53pm

4 of us going to La Plagne 1st week in Feb. Can't wait, it looks amazing.
2 of us are switching from snowboarding to skiiing too. We've progressed as far as we can, and for me as far as I want to without getting more hurt.
Hopefully it's a simple transition

mulbot · 18-12-2017 9:15pm

evil_seed wrote: »

4 of us going to La Plagne 1st week in Feb. Can't wait, it looks amazing.
2 of us are switching from snowboarding to skiiing too. We've progressed as far as we can, and for me as far as I want to without getting more hurt.
Hopefully it's a simple transition

Going there this year ourselves,last week Jan,a few skiers and a couple of snowboarders-have had good reports about it so hopefully we'll have a good week.

cormee · 19-12-2017 2:33pm

Dear mother of God, the conditions in the Alps today, and barely anyone on the slopes

https://st-martin-belleville.com/webcams/

BarryNumber1 · 19-12-2017 6:28pm

Indeed. Note to self... revisit buying Lotto tickets again.

cocker5 · 19-12-2017 9:15pm

Cannot wait 4 days until we arrive in Mayerphofen for a week.. then 10 days ischgl in March!

The snow is looking mighty fine this year!

mel.b · 19-12-2017 9:46pm

I don’t ski myself but just back from 2 days in Chamonix and there is so much snow! Around 120cm apparently. Not all the runs were open, but i think that was because maintenance on the lifts was delayed due to the snow and also with all the snow they’ve had in the past week the trails aren’t ready. We saw then preparing the black runs on Brevent today...looks amazing!

Ski season 2017/2018

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