What a changeable day we have had. Started off with very poor light so I went up a little late, but as I heard there was powder about took the board out again. Managed to get up into the areas off the top of the Arpette Chair and put fresh tracks down which was fun. Then over to the Arc 2000 bowl and although the light came and went was still able to find plenty of fresh snow, but as the day progressed the snow started to change.
There is now only a blue piste just about open down to Villaroger. Very soft and wet at the bottom. They are trying hard to keep it open, but??
The same down to Arc 1800 where the fresh snow has improved things a little, but as the day went on, the snow became very worn again. Likewise over in Arc 1600 down to the Funi. Did not go over to Peisey Vallandry, but my friend says it is similar there although they are keeping the main blue and red down to the VE well maintained. Down to Vallandry, the main snow canon red is ok, but Foret and other lower pistes are very thin or now closed.
The best place to head is the Arc 2000 bowl, but if the crowds come back next week it could be difficult. My advice to anyone coming out, get the full 'Paradiski Pass' if you are Intermediate standard or above so that you can enjoy the whole ski area (Les Arcs and La Plagne). That way you will be able to get to all the higher areas and still managed to find some good skiing. I hope we get more snow tonight/tomorrow as promised??
Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)
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Started by Snowcrazy2005 in France 05-Nov-2010 - 280 Replies
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Mar-2011
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Mar-2011
Today was a very nice day in Les Arcs with about 5 - 10cm of fresh snow and it was much better even down to Arc 1800 and 1600 than a few days ago. The snowline was at about 1600 today. Much better. The bigest problem was the vis that was in and out all day. But there was good snow around, very spring like and with more... promised in the next week, those coming out this weekend should still be ok for plenty of skiing so do not worry.
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2011
Here is the big one. Hope you find todays snow report of the paradiski worth the read. Enjoy. Remember you can always check out the photo section in my facebook group page to see what we have been doing. If you join as a friend then there are even more pics to see. Link below.
Blue sky, very warm temperatures! You could almost be at the beach today rather than on a mountain.
With the current conditions I thought it was time to take a tour of the whole Paradiski area. For those coming out in the next week. Take a read of what we found visiting all the resort stations that were open in the whole domain plus the mountain tops. For those that just want a summary. Skip to the end.
Started from Arc 1600, up the Cachette Chair and across to the Arpette Chair. 'Cachette' piste on the way up under the chair was firm and compacted with a re-freeze from last night. As we approached the Arpette Chair, there was a frozen pond of melted snow that was blue ice (later in the day this had turned back to slush) on the Belvedere piste. The pistes between the top of the Arpette Chair and the Vanoise Express (VE) were firm and compact going past the Derby Chair and down to the VE on the red 'Ours' piste into Peisey at this time in the morning. There is only one red run 'Ours' and one blue run 'Plan Bois' open plus the link down 'Poney' to the new chair (Parchey). All other lower pistes in Peisey are now closed due to lack of snow.
On the La Plagne side we went to Montchavin down a rather patchy red 'Montchavin' piste and then up and back down to Les Coches on the red piste again and then through the beginner area to the Plan Bois Chair. Going into Les Coches and Montchavin there are now only the red 'Montchavin' or the blue 'Mont Blanc' pistes open lower down.
From the top of the Salla Chair we went all the way down into Bellecote La Plagne through Belle Plagne. All the main pistes in these areas are still open, but thin in places. Then up the Colosses Chair and then down through Plagne Village, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Centre and Plagne 1800. Once again all the main pistes appeared to be open, but some were quite patchy in places with warnings of mud and stones.
From Plagne 1800 we went up the 1800 Chair and then down to Plagne Montalbert via the blue 'Cornegidouille' piste, blue 'Montalbert' piste and then the red 'Fornelet' piste. These pistes were all in surprisingly good condition and gave us a good run all the way down into the bottom station.
From Plagne Montalbert we then headed back up the lifts into Aime La Plagne. From there down to Plagne Centre was rather thin although the pistes were open, but with warning signs everywhere against stones and mud. Straight up the Z tow and then the Verdons Nord Chair and over the top and down towards Champagny. The pistes in the Plagne centre area were mostly open, but with a number of bare patches. Take care when using any of these reds or blues. The blacks are closed either due to avalanche risk or bare patches. Going down the red to the bottom of the Borseliers Chair showed that this area is only just staying open with many bare patches on this and the blue piste nearby.
The red piste down to Champagny Village is now closed so you must down lift with the Gondola.
From the top of the Borseliers Chair we headed up to the Bellecote Glacier using the Rosea and Carella Chairs. Then finally the Bellecote Gondola for a change. All the pistes on the way up looked to be ok, although again the blacks were closed mainly due to avalanche risk and a few bare patches.
From the Bellecote Glacier we headed off piste for a while to make our way down to the Bauches Chair at the bottom of the closed (all season) 'Derochoir' piste. Then up the two chairs to the top of Dosrond. If you try this off piste area, you need to take great care as we passed many avalanches. If you are trying any off piste areas, you are well advised to do so in the mornings before the snow becomes to warm and starts to slide or becomes to soft and allows you to break through the crust.
From the top of Dosrond we headed back on piste down to the VE via the only route now open, 'Mont Blanc' blue piste, plus the little red short cut which is still ok. By now it was after 1.30pm and the pistes were all getting quite soft, but still ok. The Bellecote Glacier area offers the best conditions for 'on or off' piste in the La Plagne area, but the higher sections of the Roche de Mio, the Grand Rochette (north side) and even coming down under the Rosea Chair were quite good.
Back on the Les Arcs side and still quite a lot of area to cover. First back up the Peisey Chair and then down to the Grizzly in Vallandry. Then up the chair and right across the pistes to the bottom of the Transarc Gondola in Arc 1800. The pistes higher up in Peisey Vallandry were all ok, but if you are going into the stations, you are advised to ONLY use those pistes that are open as all others do not have enough snow and even those that are open have bare patches. Going down into Arc 1800 showed many bare patches and a number of closed pistes including the Race Stade due to lack of snow.
From the top of the Transarc we headed across to the Grand Col for another quick off piste blast and then back up the Plagnettes Chair and down the Bordercross for a bit of fun. Down the 'Edelweiss' piste and back up the Marmottes Chair, Varet and Aiguilles Rouge. Then down towards Villaroger. When we arrived at the bottom of the Drosett Chair, the whole Villaroger section was blocked off and closed. This area will not re-open again this season. Very sad news!!
Finally we headed down through Arc 2000 and Arc 1950 to arrive at the Bois de l'ours Chair. Up the chair and down to the waterslide at the Altiport (did it again and still dry) via the off piste to the side of the 'Clair Blanc' red piste. Over to the Clocheret Chair. From the top all the way down to Arc 1600 via the 'Clocheret' red and the 'Cachette' red pistes. Then home!
The snow in the Arc 2000 bowl is still very good and the 'on or off' piste at the Grand Col and Robert Blanc area are in ok condition for most of the day. However, the top of the Grizzly Chair on the Peisey Vallandry plateau, the area near the Arpette ridge going down towards the snow park and wateslide plus the area near the Clocheret Chair on the Blue and Red runs or off piste are also ok.
The Comborciere valley and piste is now nearly impossible due to lack of snow as is the Droset area. The Malgovert forest piste is closed, but passable with care (many rocks).
I hope you enjoyed reading the description of todays 'Grand Tour'. Took 7 hours with only a short break for lunch, but really fun and had everything from soft snow to hard packed pistes, spring snow off piste and slush. Plus a few bushes, tree roots, rocks and a bit of mud. More to follow tomorrow. !!
Overall, in summary: For those coming out in the next week or if you have arrived already. You can expect the pistes to be hard compact snow with icy patches in the mornings and soft slushy snow in the afternoons with many wet places. When going into stations stick to pistes which are marked as open or you may well run out of snow. Remember that Champagny Station (you can down lift here) and Villaroger station (you CANNOT down lift here) are now closed.
Off piste is better done in the morning when the snow is firm and follow the sun to avoid re-frozen boiler plate, but move away before it becomes too soft to avoid any danger of avalanches, falling into hidden holes or rock slides.
If the promised rain/snow does arrive in the next few days, this could add an icy layer to the snow surface in the mornings when it re-freezes, but it may also speed up the destruction of the snow conditions. We will all have to hope it snows rather than rains!
Hope you all have a good week. More up-dates to follow as the week progresses.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=134900026541300&v=photos&ref=ts
Blue sky, very warm temperatures! You could almost be at the beach today rather than on a mountain.
With the current conditions I thought it was time to take a tour of the whole Paradiski area. For those coming out in the next week. Take a read of what we found visiting all the resort stations that were open in the whole domain plus the mountain tops. For those that just want a summary. Skip to the end.
Started from Arc 1600, up the Cachette Chair and across to the Arpette Chair. 'Cachette' piste on the way up under the chair was firm and compacted with a re-freeze from last night. As we approached the Arpette Chair, there was a frozen pond of melted snow that was blue ice (later in the day this had turned back to slush) on the Belvedere piste. The pistes between the top of the Arpette Chair and the Vanoise Express (VE) were firm and compact going past the Derby Chair and down to the VE on the red 'Ours' piste into Peisey at this time in the morning. There is only one red run 'Ours' and one blue run 'Plan Bois' open plus the link down 'Poney' to the new chair (Parchey). All other lower pistes in Peisey are now closed due to lack of snow.
On the La Plagne side we went to Montchavin down a rather patchy red 'Montchavin' piste and then up and back down to Les Coches on the red piste again and then through the beginner area to the Plan Bois Chair. Going into Les Coches and Montchavin there are now only the red 'Montchavin' or the blue 'Mont Blanc' pistes open lower down.
From the top of the Salla Chair we went all the way down into Bellecote La Plagne through Belle Plagne. All the main pistes in these areas are still open, but thin in places. Then up the Colosses Chair and then down through Plagne Village, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Centre and Plagne 1800. Once again all the main pistes appeared to be open, but some were quite patchy in places with warnings of mud and stones.
From Plagne 1800 we went up the 1800 Chair and then down to Plagne Montalbert via the blue 'Cornegidouille' piste, blue 'Montalbert' piste and then the red 'Fornelet' piste. These pistes were all in surprisingly good condition and gave us a good run all the way down into the bottom station.
From Plagne Montalbert we then headed back up the lifts into Aime La Plagne. From there down to Plagne Centre was rather thin although the pistes were open, but with warning signs everywhere against stones and mud. Straight up the Z tow and then the Verdons Nord Chair and over the top and down towards Champagny. The pistes in the Plagne centre area were mostly open, but with a number of bare patches. Take care when using any of these reds or blues. The blacks are closed either due to avalanche risk or bare patches. Going down the red to the bottom of the Borseliers Chair showed that this area is only just staying open with many bare patches on this and the blue piste nearby.
The red piste down to Champagny Village is now closed so you must down lift with the Gondola.
From the top of the Borseliers Chair we headed up to the Bellecote Glacier using the Rosea and Carella Chairs. Then finally the Bellecote Gondola for a change. All the pistes on the way up looked to be ok, although again the blacks were closed mainly due to avalanche risk and a few bare patches.
From the Bellecote Glacier we headed off piste for a while to make our way down to the Bauches Chair at the bottom of the closed (all season) 'Derochoir' piste. Then up the two chairs to the top of Dosrond. If you try this off piste area, you need to take great care as we passed many avalanches. If you are trying any off piste areas, you are well advised to do so in the mornings before the snow becomes to warm and starts to slide or becomes to soft and allows you to break through the crust.
From the top of Dosrond we headed back on piste down to the VE via the only route now open, 'Mont Blanc' blue piste, plus the little red short cut which is still ok. By now it was after 1.30pm and the pistes were all getting quite soft, but still ok. The Bellecote Glacier area offers the best conditions for 'on or off' piste in the La Plagne area, but the higher sections of the Roche de Mio, the Grand Rochette (north side) and even coming down under the Rosea Chair were quite good.
Back on the Les Arcs side and still quite a lot of area to cover. First back up the Peisey Chair and then down to the Grizzly in Vallandry. Then up the chair and right across the pistes to the bottom of the Transarc Gondola in Arc 1800. The pistes higher up in Peisey Vallandry were all ok, but if you are going into the stations, you are advised to ONLY use those pistes that are open as all others do not have enough snow and even those that are open have bare patches. Going down into Arc 1800 showed many bare patches and a number of closed pistes including the Race Stade due to lack of snow.
From the top of the Transarc we headed across to the Grand Col for another quick off piste blast and then back up the Plagnettes Chair and down the Bordercross for a bit of fun. Down the 'Edelweiss' piste and back up the Marmottes Chair, Varet and Aiguilles Rouge. Then down towards Villaroger. When we arrived at the bottom of the Drosett Chair, the whole Villaroger section was blocked off and closed. This area will not re-open again this season. Very sad news!!
Finally we headed down through Arc 2000 and Arc 1950 to arrive at the Bois de l'ours Chair. Up the chair and down to the waterslide at the Altiport (did it again and still dry) via the off piste to the side of the 'Clair Blanc' red piste. Over to the Clocheret Chair. From the top all the way down to Arc 1600 via the 'Clocheret' red and the 'Cachette' red pistes. Then home!
The snow in the Arc 2000 bowl is still very good and the 'on or off' piste at the Grand Col and Robert Blanc area are in ok condition for most of the day. However, the top of the Grizzly Chair on the Peisey Vallandry plateau, the area near the Arpette ridge going down towards the snow park and wateslide plus the area near the Clocheret Chair on the Blue and Red runs or off piste are also ok.
The Comborciere valley and piste is now nearly impossible due to lack of snow as is the Droset area. The Malgovert forest piste is closed, but passable with care (many rocks).
I hope you enjoyed reading the description of todays 'Grand Tour'. Took 7 hours with only a short break for lunch, but really fun and had everything from soft snow to hard packed pistes, spring snow off piste and slush. Plus a few bushes, tree roots, rocks and a bit of mud. More to follow tomorrow. !!
Overall, in summary: For those coming out in the next week or if you have arrived already. You can expect the pistes to be hard compact snow with icy patches in the mornings and soft slushy snow in the afternoons with many wet places. When going into stations stick to pistes which are marked as open or you may well run out of snow. Remember that Champagny Station (you can down lift here) and Villaroger station (you CANNOT down lift here) are now closed.
Off piste is better done in the morning when the snow is firm and follow the sun to avoid re-frozen boiler plate, but move away before it becomes too soft to avoid any danger of avalanches, falling into hidden holes or rock slides.
If the promised rain/snow does arrive in the next few days, this could add an icy layer to the snow surface in the mornings when it re-freezes, but it may also speed up the destruction of the snow conditions. We will all have to hope it snows rather than rains!
Hope you all have a good week. More up-dates to follow as the week progresses.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=134900026541300&v=photos&ref=ts
Edited 1 time. Last update at 02-Apr-2011
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2011
Been busy going to other areas over the last few days but will have a full update tomorrow for Les Arcs. There has been some talk of avalanches in Les Arcs this week, but in fact none have been across open pistes as they have been closing the exposed ones early then blowing the possible slides to keep the place safe. More details of the whole Paradiski area tomorrow.
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2011
The snow is going fast!! Sorry to bring you the following news but here is my report for today
With the very warm temperatures we have been having in the last few days and with more very warm days to come things do not look very good for Les Arcs!
Today I was very disappointed to find that it seems Les Arcs have given up trying to keep the Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 areas open. Having skied across the whole domain from Arc 1600 to Mont Albert and back to Arc 1950 this is what I found.
In Les Arcs 1600 area: The bottom of the Cachette Chair is in a very bad condition and has no snow, only a carpet to get on the lifts. Most pistes are boiler plate first thing in the morning and slush with many bare patches and nasty rocks coming through later in the day. The following pistes around Arc 1600 are now closed. Deux Tetes (black), Malgovert (red), Rouelles (black), Arolles (red), Gollet (blue), top of Belvedere (blue), Muguet (black), Comborciere (black). All areas below Funi to Les Grange. The beginner area in Arc 1600 is also in very bad condition. The Belvedere piste between the Arpette restaurant and the Arpette lift is now covered with straw and has many rocks coming through as I found to my cost early this morning (there were not even any warning signs first thing today to let you know).
I believe it is very likely that they will close this area during the next few days and send all those coming up the Funi or staying in Arc 1600 round by bus to either Arc 2000 or Arc 1800. This has not yet been confirmed, but if you are coming out to this station or staying down in the valley, be warned, this may happen very soon.
In Arc 1800 area: The bottom part of the Belvedere piste is passable, but only just coming into the lifts at the station where there is only a carpet rather than snow. Gollet (blue) link with Arc 1600 is closed. The beginners area in Arc 1800 is usable, but in poor condition. The majority of pistes are now closed or not worth trying to use including Fond Blanc (black), Clair Blanc (red), Col des Frettes (red), Golf (red), Carreley (red) etc. The snowpark is now in a very poor condition and the waterslide was closed due to lack of snow around the safety area when we arrived there this afternoon.
I also believe that it is very likely they will close this area during the next few days and send all those coming to stay in Arc 1800/1850 over to Arc 2000 bowl by the Trans Arc gondola or a long bus ride. To return to this station they may well say you must go down by the Transarc gondola only or by bus.
In Peisey Vallandry area: The bottom of Vallandry has little snow and the lift was closed today. I understand you must use the Grizzly chair to get up onto the mountain. In Peisey, the main chair out is still running, but there is now a carpet at the bottom rather than snow. Most pistes are now closed in this area and there are only the Ours (red) or Plan Peisey (blue) open to reach the Vanoise Express. To reach Vallandry you are advised to down lift or take the Aigle (red) which is still passable, just.
I also believe that it is very likely they will close this area during the next few days and send all those coming to stay in Peisey Vallandry area over to Arc 2000 bowl by the bottom lifts mentioned and then the Derby Chair and Trans Arc gondola mid station or a long bus ride. To return from Arc 2000, they must keep at least the Grand Renard (blue) top of the Reches (red) and Renard (blue) usable if this area is to remain open.
In the Arc 2000 area: The main lifts in the bowl are all still running, but the Pre Saint Esprit area is now closed. Also the Villaroger area. The snow in the Arc 2000 area is much better, but still becomes very slushy later in the day.
Having also skied across the La Plagne area today it is sad to say that it appears in the Les Arcs area they have now given up the fight to keep Arc 1600, 1800 and most of Peisey Vallandry areas open even though there is still snow around that I would have thought they could move onto the pistes as they were doing in most areas of La Plagne that we visited today.
My advice now is that if your tour operator gives you the choose of changing your dates to another period next (season) year you might be advised to take this choice or come to Les Arcs expecting very poor conditions with very few pistes open and very limited off piste unless you go to La Plagne most days so that you are not disappointed.
Sorry to be bring you such bad news, but I have always said, when I consider the conditions are poor I would be honest and say they are. It is now becoming very hard to be positive, although one young visitor tonight did tell me he has still had a good holiday this week and had great fun. So all is not lost and if you are still coming out, think positive, it is still better than being in the office, JUST!!
I do think the Les Arcs piste authority could be trying harder to keep areas open longer as we have seen they are doing in La Plagne, Val d'Isere, Tignes, and most areas of Les 3 Vallees. Poor show Les Arcs, you really need to be doing more. I hope to see an improvement in your efforts during the next few days. Unmarked dangers on the pistes and little effort to keep the main links open really is not good enough!
Tomorrow we are over in La Plagne again so I will provide a more detailed outline for that half of the Paradiski area after our day over that side. For those that are coming out, get the full pass so that you have the chance to find better snow conditions.
With the very warm temperatures we have been having in the last few days and with more very warm days to come things do not look very good for Les Arcs!
Today I was very disappointed to find that it seems Les Arcs have given up trying to keep the Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 areas open. Having skied across the whole domain from Arc 1600 to Mont Albert and back to Arc 1950 this is what I found.
In Les Arcs 1600 area: The bottom of the Cachette Chair is in a very bad condition and has no snow, only a carpet to get on the lifts. Most pistes are boiler plate first thing in the morning and slush with many bare patches and nasty rocks coming through later in the day. The following pistes around Arc 1600 are now closed. Deux Tetes (black), Malgovert (red), Rouelles (black), Arolles (red), Gollet (blue), top of Belvedere (blue), Muguet (black), Comborciere (black). All areas below Funi to Les Grange. The beginner area in Arc 1600 is also in very bad condition. The Belvedere piste between the Arpette restaurant and the Arpette lift is now covered with straw and has many rocks coming through as I found to my cost early this morning (there were not even any warning signs first thing today to let you know).
I believe it is very likely that they will close this area during the next few days and send all those coming up the Funi or staying in Arc 1600 round by bus to either Arc 2000 or Arc 1800. This has not yet been confirmed, but if you are coming out to this station or staying down in the valley, be warned, this may happen very soon.
In Arc 1800 area: The bottom part of the Belvedere piste is passable, but only just coming into the lifts at the station where there is only a carpet rather than snow. Gollet (blue) link with Arc 1600 is closed. The beginners area in Arc 1800 is usable, but in poor condition. The majority of pistes are now closed or not worth trying to use including Fond Blanc (black), Clair Blanc (red), Col des Frettes (red), Golf (red), Carreley (red) etc. The snowpark is now in a very poor condition and the waterslide was closed due to lack of snow around the safety area when we arrived there this afternoon.
I also believe that it is very likely they will close this area during the next few days and send all those coming to stay in Arc 1800/1850 over to Arc 2000 bowl by the Trans Arc gondola or a long bus ride. To return to this station they may well say you must go down by the Transarc gondola only or by bus.
In Peisey Vallandry area: The bottom of Vallandry has little snow and the lift was closed today. I understand you must use the Grizzly chair to get up onto the mountain. In Peisey, the main chair out is still running, but there is now a carpet at the bottom rather than snow. Most pistes are now closed in this area and there are only the Ours (red) or Plan Peisey (blue) open to reach the Vanoise Express. To reach Vallandry you are advised to down lift or take the Aigle (red) which is still passable, just.
I also believe that it is very likely they will close this area during the next few days and send all those coming to stay in Peisey Vallandry area over to Arc 2000 bowl by the bottom lifts mentioned and then the Derby Chair and Trans Arc gondola mid station or a long bus ride. To return from Arc 2000, they must keep at least the Grand Renard (blue) top of the Reches (red) and Renard (blue) usable if this area is to remain open.
In the Arc 2000 area: The main lifts in the bowl are all still running, but the Pre Saint Esprit area is now closed. Also the Villaroger area. The snow in the Arc 2000 area is much better, but still becomes very slushy later in the day.
Having also skied across the La Plagne area today it is sad to say that it appears in the Les Arcs area they have now given up the fight to keep Arc 1600, 1800 and most of Peisey Vallandry areas open even though there is still snow around that I would have thought they could move onto the pistes as they were doing in most areas of La Plagne that we visited today.
My advice now is that if your tour operator gives you the choose of changing your dates to another period next (season) year you might be advised to take this choice or come to Les Arcs expecting very poor conditions with very few pistes open and very limited off piste unless you go to La Plagne most days so that you are not disappointed.
Sorry to be bring you such bad news, but I have always said, when I consider the conditions are poor I would be honest and say they are. It is now becoming very hard to be positive, although one young visitor tonight did tell me he has still had a good holiday this week and had great fun. So all is not lost and if you are still coming out, think positive, it is still better than being in the office, JUST!!
I do think the Les Arcs piste authority could be trying harder to keep areas open longer as we have seen they are doing in La Plagne, Val d'Isere, Tignes, and most areas of Les 3 Vallees. Poor show Les Arcs, you really need to be doing more. I hope to see an improvement in your efforts during the next few days. Unmarked dangers on the pistes and little effort to keep the main links open really is not good enough!
Tomorrow we are over in La Plagne again so I will provide a more detailed outline for that half of the Paradiski area after our day over that side. For those that are coming out, get the full pass so that you have the chance to find better snow conditions.
Edited 1 time. Last update at 08-Apr-2011
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2011
Monday 11 April. Despite the warm temperatures the conditions in the Arc 2000 Bowl are still good and for those coming out you can expect to have plenty of options if you stay in this area and explore the different pistes. Early in the day the off piste is still good higher up, but you are best to be off any steeper slopes by midday. However it is busy and there are queues on most of the main lift before lunch. In the afternoons it is quieter but the slopes even at the highest lifts are slushy.
There is now an Airbag in Arc 2000 and the boardercross is also still in good condition. The Luge and new slide area are good fun, but the free sledge slope is now closed.
As I predicted the resort has announced that Arc 1800 will be closing next weekend and only a link open to the Arc 2000 bowl will remain. The Cachette in Arc 1600 will remain open, but not much else in that area. The link with La Plagne through Peisey will remain open, but you must down lift to return to Vallandry or risk damaging your gear or walking. In reality there are less than half the pistes open in Les Arcs than normal for this time of year. Pity they are not giving a 50% discount on lift passes which would be much fairer. A 25% discount which is now being offered does not seem value for money when in reality you can really only go to the Arc 2000 bowl. Guess it is better than nothing.
For those that have booked to come out there are still places to go and taking advantage of the Vanoise Express link and visiting La Plagne is also a good idea for a few days during the week so all is not lost and you should have a good holiday, but expect to be much more limited than during a good winter.
There is a little snow/rain predicted for later this week. Let us all hope it falls as snow.
There is now an Airbag in Arc 2000 and the boardercross is also still in good condition. The Luge and new slide area are good fun, but the free sledge slope is now closed.
As I predicted the resort has announced that Arc 1800 will be closing next weekend and only a link open to the Arc 2000 bowl will remain. The Cachette in Arc 1600 will remain open, but not much else in that area. The link with La Plagne through Peisey will remain open, but you must down lift to return to Vallandry or risk damaging your gear or walking. In reality there are less than half the pistes open in Les Arcs than normal for this time of year. Pity they are not giving a 50% discount on lift passes which would be much fairer. A 25% discount which is now being offered does not seem value for money when in reality you can really only go to the Arc 2000 bowl. Guess it is better than nothing.
For those that have booked to come out there are still places to go and taking advantage of the Vanoise Express link and visiting La Plagne is also a good idea for a few days during the week so all is not lost and you should have a good holiday, but expect to be much more limited than during a good winter.
There is a little snow/rain predicted for later this week. Let us all hope it falls as snow.
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2011
If anyone out this week is interested in joining a mixed group for a ski on Friday, we are going over to La Plagne. Let me know by PM or through facebook/mobile. I am in Tignes Wednesday, but might be around Thursday or in Val Thorens depending on the weather.
I have just posted the details sent by the resort for all the activities they are now running, plus lift timings, piste condition updates and more. It seems at last they have understood that they need to give out more info. I have done my best to put it all into English. They really do need to get there English page sorted out. For anyone coming out, hope this helps. Go to the 'wall' on my facebook group page to read everything. Link below.
The Arc 2000 bowl is still ok for skiing and boarding with spring snow conditions. Some lifts are now opening at 8.15am to give longer ski time before the snow becomes very soft. You can still have a good holiday. One of the kids said they are having a great time so there is still hope.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=134900026541300&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=134900026541300&v=wall
I have just posted the details sent by the resort for all the activities they are now running, plus lift timings, piste condition updates and more. It seems at last they have understood that they need to give out more info. I have done my best to put it all into English. They really do need to get there English page sorted out. For anyone coming out, hope this helps. Go to the 'wall' on my facebook group page to read everything. Link below.
The Arc 2000 bowl is still ok for skiing and boarding with spring snow conditions. Some lifts are now opening at 8.15am to give longer ski time before the snow becomes very soft. You can still have a good holiday. One of the kids said they are having a great time so there is still hope.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=134900026541300&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=134900026541300&v=wall
Edited 1 time. Last update at 13-Apr-2011
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2011
Hi everyone. The season here in Les Arcs (Paradiski) is not over yet. Since Saturday we have skied all the way down to Arc 1600 before it closed on Sunday. Also down to Arc 1800 which you can still do on one piste which they are keeping in ok condition until the end of this week at least. Also all the way down to Peisey and the Vanoise Express which is also still open. Both the Blue and Red piste down are ok.
Yesterday we went over to the Bellecote Glacier, had a good ski high up on good spring snow and then made our way down to Bellecote La Plagne and home on very slushy but ok pistes. Managed not to scratch my skis or go over any muddy patches all day. Even found a new waterslide on the way home as the Altiport waterslide is now shut.
For anyone interested, getting over to the VE is not a problem and although conditions in La Plagne are not as good as last week, high up they are fine so there is still plenty of skiing to be had on the La Plagne side this week. Just make sure you get the extension to your Les Arcs pass or make them give you a Paradiski pass as we had to do this morning which works out cheaper for three days in La Plagne. The rumours that the VE is closed are not true, but you do need to check each day due to the warm temps lower down.
In Les Arcs, the 2000 bowl it is still ok, although busy and if you stay high there are plenty of on and off piste places to ski on spring snow if you follow the sun. Hope those out this week have a good holiday. I will be in George's Wine Bar in Arc 1950 most days after skiing if anyone wants to meet up for a beer or arrange to come for a ski with us as I am staying in 1950 all week. Very nice. I do like the pool, sauna and steam room.
Check out my facebook group page (link below) for the most up-to-date info on conditions which I will try and update every morning at about 8.30am.
Yesterday we went over to the Bellecote Glacier, had a good ski high up on good spring snow and then made our way down to Bellecote La Plagne and home on very slushy but ok pistes. Managed not to scratch my skis or go over any muddy patches all day. Even found a new waterslide on the way home as the Altiport waterslide is now shut.
For anyone interested, getting over to the VE is not a problem and although conditions in La Plagne are not as good as last week, high up they are fine so there is still plenty of skiing to be had on the La Plagne side this week. Just make sure you get the extension to your Les Arcs pass or make them give you a Paradiski pass as we had to do this morning which works out cheaper for three days in La Plagne. The rumours that the VE is closed are not true, but you do need to check each day due to the warm temps lower down.
In Les Arcs, the 2000 bowl it is still ok, although busy and if you stay high there are plenty of on and off piste places to ski on spring snow if you follow the sun. Hope those out this week have a good holiday. I will be in George's Wine Bar in Arc 1950 most days after skiing if anyone wants to meet up for a beer or arrange to come for a ski with us as I am staying in 1950 all week. Very nice. I do like the pool, sauna and steam room.
Check out my facebook group page (link below) for the most up-to-date info on conditions which I will try and update every morning at about 8.30am.
Edited 1 time. Last update at 19-Apr-2011
Topic last updated on 18-September-2012 at 08:33