Today (Saturday 20 April) was one of those special days. It was like Christmas all over again. Fresh untracked powder everywhere and no people around. We started early and although many lifts were closed, we managed runs in Arc 1600, Arc 1800, over in Peisey Vallandry and even in the Arc 2000 bowl down the untracked race course. What a day!
Every where we went the snow in the morning was light and fluffy 'on and off piste'. At least up to our knees and sometimes even a little deeper. By 2pm many lifts and pistes linking Arc 2000 with Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 had opened for a short time and then closed again as the avalanche risk increased and the snow became wet and heavy. The wind picked up later in the day. Later in the afternoon the only way out of the Arc 2000 bowl was either by bus or down lift on the Transarc Gondola.
The sun came out at one point, but it has now clouded over again and more snow is expected tonight. Tomorrow should be another interesting day. There are people here even talking about another storm on it's way later in the week. This really is the 'Never Ending Winter!'
Just added the photos in the 'April 2013 Album Two' from last Saturday on the Bellecote. Powder all the way from top to bottom. Wait till you see the photos of today, a week later and we had untracked powder on every run we did today as well. What a winter!
To see the photos check out this link.
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos_albums
Les Arcs Season 2014 - 2015, New Thread for this season starts on page 29.
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Started by Snowcrazy2005 in France 18-Sep-2012 - 262 Replies
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season 2014 - 2015, New Thread for this season starts on page 29.' posted Apr-2013
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season 2014 - 2015, New Thread for this season starts on page 29.' posted Apr-2013
Yesterday we went up to the Roche de Mio hoping to get fresh tracks on the Glacier off piste area. It was closed and remained closed for a long time so gave up and went down the face and back to the Bauches chair. Then made a number of runs down through the forest above Les Coches before lunch at the Blanche Muree then home.
The snow was good first thing, soft and easy to ski. But as the day went on it became heavy and wet when it warmed up. The sun managed to break through the clouds higher up and the mist came and went.
Real spring conditions continue. Good snow if you go up early, soft and slushy later in the day.
You need to finish your off piste early to stay safe.The pistes have plenty of snow and you can get everywhere without any problem, but some lifts are now closed. Only a few days before the resort closes and there will be loads of snow to the end. It has been a very good season!
Today!!
Wet and damp outside with very poor visibility right now. I cannot see the mountains in the distance and it is raining again. I have just heard it is cloudy right up to above 2000m. It might be a good day to catch up on more photos. The avalanche risk remains at level 4 again. Not very inviting on the slopes today. Will post an update again later if I go up today. Might have the day off. There may be some sun tomorrow! :D
The snow was good first thing, soft and easy to ski. But as the day went on it became heavy and wet when it warmed up. The sun managed to break through the clouds higher up and the mist came and went.
Real spring conditions continue. Good snow if you go up early, soft and slushy later in the day.
You need to finish your off piste early to stay safe.The pistes have plenty of snow and you can get everywhere without any problem, but some lifts are now closed. Only a few days before the resort closes and there will be loads of snow to the end. It has been a very good season!
Today!!
Wet and damp outside with very poor visibility right now. I cannot see the mountains in the distance and it is raining again. I have just heard it is cloudy right up to above 2000m. It might be a good day to catch up on more photos. The avalanche risk remains at level 4 again. Not very inviting on the slopes today. Will post an update again later if I go up today. Might have the day off. There may be some sun tomorrow! :D
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season 2014 - 2015, New Thread for this season starts on page 29.' posted Apr-2013
At last 'A day in the sun!!' Went up for first lift today (Tuesday) and headed straight to the Bellecote Glacier in the hunt for spring snow. It was worth the effort!!
When we arrived at the Bellecote Glacier they had finally opened the chair to reach the off piste bowl. This was going to be a good day! Plenty of places to make our own tracks we hoped.
Once at the top of the bowl, we managed to find a nice untracked route back to the Chalet de Bellecote Chair. Real spring snow almost the whole way down with only a little breakable crust near the start.
Back up to the Glacier and time to head down the North Face of the Bellecote (it is not a good idea to head down this face to late in the day at this time of year). Once more we were lucky and found plenty of spring snow. After a bit of light snow at the start, it quickly turned into breakable crust in the more exposed area before transforming again. As we reached the more sheltered section, it was 'Spring Snow' nearly to the bottom and the track out.
The final section past the river was very heavy, wet and slushy as we expected at this time of year. Once at the bottom it was time for a late lunch and then home via the waterslide above Arc 1600. So far I am still dry! just! Only a few more days to go!!
The pistes everywhere today were holding up very well. Firm and good for carving in the mornings and by keeping high, still fun to ski even later in the day. Going down into the stations in the afternoon the snow was heavy, but not impossible and there is still plenty of snow right to the bottom of all lifts that remain open.
The off piste in most places has started to transform into 'real spring snow' (a thin layer of very light soft snow on top (little crystals) with a firm base underneath) and if you catch it at the right time before the harder base turns into a breakable layer, it is fun to ski. Timing and knowing where to find the best snow is everything now the weather has warmed up. There are plenty of avalanches and unstable slopes about so we need to be extra careful at all times.
Tomorrow we hope to go back and find some more spring snow before the bad weather returns later in the week. Four days to go and still very good skiing to be had!!
When we arrived at the Bellecote Glacier they had finally opened the chair to reach the off piste bowl. This was going to be a good day! Plenty of places to make our own tracks we hoped.
Once at the top of the bowl, we managed to find a nice untracked route back to the Chalet de Bellecote Chair. Real spring snow almost the whole way down with only a little breakable crust near the start.
Back up to the Glacier and time to head down the North Face of the Bellecote (it is not a good idea to head down this face to late in the day at this time of year). Once more we were lucky and found plenty of spring snow. After a bit of light snow at the start, it quickly turned into breakable crust in the more exposed area before transforming again. As we reached the more sheltered section, it was 'Spring Snow' nearly to the bottom and the track out.
The final section past the river was very heavy, wet and slushy as we expected at this time of year. Once at the bottom it was time for a late lunch and then home via the waterslide above Arc 1600. So far I am still dry! just! Only a few more days to go!!
The pistes everywhere today were holding up very well. Firm and good for carving in the mornings and by keeping high, still fun to ski even later in the day. Going down into the stations in the afternoon the snow was heavy, but not impossible and there is still plenty of snow right to the bottom of all lifts that remain open.
The off piste in most places has started to transform into 'real spring snow' (a thin layer of very light soft snow on top (little crystals) with a firm base underneath) and if you catch it at the right time before the harder base turns into a breakable layer, it is fun to ski. Timing and knowing where to find the best snow is everything now the weather has warmed up. There are plenty of avalanches and unstable slopes about so we need to be extra careful at all times.
Tomorrow we hope to go back and find some more spring snow before the bad weather returns later in the week. Four days to go and still very good skiing to be had!!
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season 2014 - 2015, New Thread for this season starts on page 29.' posted Apr-2013
Today (Wednesday) I was on the first chair out of Arc 1600 again. Met up with friends and we went straight for the Bellecote Glacier. Some might disagree, but I think this is the best place for fresh untracked spring snow right now.
Once on the glacier we made a run down the bowl to the Bellecote Chalet chair and found some good spring snow. Just as good as yesterday!! Some then headed for La Plagne and two of us went down the Cairn Couloir on the North Face of the Bellecote. You had to be careful, but it was fun.
At the start, the snow was soft and easy to ski. Further down it became more spring like and then as we neared the meadow it was heavy. Once on the lower meadows, if you kept your speed up you could make good turns all the way to the avalanche debris in the river bed.
By taking a careful route round the lumps of snow we made it back to the bottom of the valley and a bus ride to Peisey. Finally a beer and then home via the snowpark.
Another good day in the sun. The snow higher up is still good to ride and even lower down although challenging it was fun! The pistes are much the same as yesterday. Hard and firm in the morning, soft and slushy lower down in the afternoon.
The forecast for tomorrow is for another good day in the sun. Hope the rain holds off until the lifts close on Saturday.
Sorry for the delay in posting photos. I am having problems with my computer. Loading the photos is very difficult as it keeps telling me I have NO space left on my hard drive. I will try to get last weeks photos loaded as quickly as I can, but it may take a while. If anyone knows how to fix a 'hard drive' problem. Please send me a PM.
You will need to check the 'Les Arcs Winter' page photos link over the next few days if you are interested in seeing how the season comes to an end. There is still loads of snow about. The 'Never Ending Winter' continues!!
Once on the glacier we made a run down the bowl to the Bellecote Chalet chair and found some good spring snow. Just as good as yesterday!! Some then headed for La Plagne and two of us went down the Cairn Couloir on the North Face of the Bellecote. You had to be careful, but it was fun.
At the start, the snow was soft and easy to ski. Further down it became more spring like and then as we neared the meadow it was heavy. Once on the lower meadows, if you kept your speed up you could make good turns all the way to the avalanche debris in the river bed.
By taking a careful route round the lumps of snow we made it back to the bottom of the valley and a bus ride to Peisey. Finally a beer and then home via the snowpark.
Another good day in the sun. The snow higher up is still good to ride and even lower down although challenging it was fun! The pistes are much the same as yesterday. Hard and firm in the morning, soft and slushy lower down in the afternoon.
The forecast for tomorrow is for another good day in the sun. Hope the rain holds off until the lifts close on Saturday.
Sorry for the delay in posting photos. I am having problems with my computer. Loading the photos is very difficult as it keeps telling me I have NO space left on my hard drive. I will try to get last weeks photos loaded as quickly as I can, but it may take a while. If anyone knows how to fix a 'hard drive' problem. Please send me a PM.
You will need to check the 'Les Arcs Winter' page photos link over the next few days if you are interested in seeing how the season comes to an end. There is still loads of snow about. The 'Never Ending Winter' continues!!
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season 2014 - 2015, New Thread for this season starts on page 29.' posted Apr-2013
After a day like today, even if the bad weather does arrive tomorrow. My season has come to a peak in the last few days. Today was a treat. It is amazing how many kilometers you can cover in one day when not in a big group.
Started off in Arc 1600 on the first lift as it opened. Down to Arc 1800 and up the Vagere, then over to Peisey and across the Vanoise Express. Over to Les Coches. Up the chairs and down to Plagne Bellecote. Past Plagne Soliel and Plagne Village to Plagne 1800. A few more lifts and into Mont Albert. It had been good snow the whole way. Firm and fun for carving first thing in the morning with few people around. Why can they keep Mont Albert open until the end of the season and not manage to do the same for Villaroger? Well done La Plagne!
Then back up the chairs out of Mont Albert and all the way down to La Roche. Up to Aime La Plagne and then through Plagne Centre. From the top of the Grande Rochette all the way to Champigny and the Borseliers chair. Finally into Belle Plagne. Up the Gondola to the Roche de Mio and then onto the Bellecote Glacier.
The pistes the whole way round La Plagne were in very good condition and it was great to cover the whole domain in just a few hours.
Time now for some off piste. What better way to finish a good day than to go down the North Face of the Bellecote by one of the steeper routes. After a short hike, dropped over the ridge and down between the middle couloirs to avoid any avalanche risk. The snow higher up was soft on top with a hard base. Typical spring conditions. Lower down on the meadows and coming out by the river bed it became slushy, but still easy to ski. You could still get all the way to the parking area without walking. Not bad for the end of April.
By 1.30pm the bus arrived and after a few more lifts made it to the snack bar above the Peisey chair for a few beers and to say goodbye to those leaving shortly.
Finally back down to Arc 1800 and across to the Waterslide for one last go (stayed dry) before the Altiport bar closes today. Then down to Arc 1600 and home as the lifts were closing.
The conditions today were very good. Blue sky, still loads of snow and not to soft off piste. I hope I get the chance for a couple more days skiing if the weather holds, there is still plenty of untracked spring snow around. I shall have to wait and see what the morning brings. I even heard from one lift technician that more snow might be coming by the weekend.
The 'Never Ending Winter' seems set to continue a little longer!!
Started off in Arc 1600 on the first lift as it opened. Down to Arc 1800 and up the Vagere, then over to Peisey and across the Vanoise Express. Over to Les Coches. Up the chairs and down to Plagne Bellecote. Past Plagne Soliel and Plagne Village to Plagne 1800. A few more lifts and into Mont Albert. It had been good snow the whole way. Firm and fun for carving first thing in the morning with few people around. Why can they keep Mont Albert open until the end of the season and not manage to do the same for Villaroger? Well done La Plagne!
Then back up the chairs out of Mont Albert and all the way down to La Roche. Up to Aime La Plagne and then through Plagne Centre. From the top of the Grande Rochette all the way to Champigny and the Borseliers chair. Finally into Belle Plagne. Up the Gondola to the Roche de Mio and then onto the Bellecote Glacier.
The pistes the whole way round La Plagne were in very good condition and it was great to cover the whole domain in just a few hours.
Time now for some off piste. What better way to finish a good day than to go down the North Face of the Bellecote by one of the steeper routes. After a short hike, dropped over the ridge and down between the middle couloirs to avoid any avalanche risk. The snow higher up was soft on top with a hard base. Typical spring conditions. Lower down on the meadows and coming out by the river bed it became slushy, but still easy to ski. You could still get all the way to the parking area without walking. Not bad for the end of April.
By 1.30pm the bus arrived and after a few more lifts made it to the snack bar above the Peisey chair for a few beers and to say goodbye to those leaving shortly.
Finally back down to Arc 1800 and across to the Waterslide for one last go (stayed dry) before the Altiport bar closes today. Then down to Arc 1600 and home as the lifts were closing.
The conditions today were very good. Blue sky, still loads of snow and not to soft off piste. I hope I get the chance for a couple more days skiing if the weather holds, there is still plenty of untracked spring snow around. I shall have to wait and see what the morning brings. I even heard from one lift technician that more snow might be coming by the weekend.
The 'Never Ending Winter' seems set to continue a little longer!!
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season 2014 - 2015, New Thread for this season starts on page 29.' posted Apr-2013
Nearly over!! Only one day of the season here in Les Arcs left. I did go up today even though it actually started raining as I was on the first lift.
However, the rain stopped and the sun managed to break through for a short time. Headed straight for the Aiguille Rouge and made a couple of routes down the North Face. The snow off piste was already soft by 10am although in the more sheltered area it was reasonable to ski. By my second trip to the top it had started to snow lightly and the wind had picked up a little. I did manage to find room for some fresh tracks which was nice.
When I arrived back at the cablecar for a third ride up, they had just closed it due to avalanche risk and said it would not open again today.
With the highest lift closed, I went over to the Grand Col chair and made a few laps on both sides and although the snow turned soft quickly it was still ok. As the weather is predicted to be worse tomorrow, after the second lap it was time for a tour of Les Arcs.
For those interested, here is the route around Les Arcs I took. First to Arc 2000 from the top of the Grand Col and then up Lanchette to the top of Villaroger. Back across to Peisey, then up the chair and down to Vallandry. Up the Vallandry and Derby chair then the Transarc.
From the top of the Transarc, down to the Mushroom bar (one of the few still open) for a quick drink then through Arc 1950 to the Bois de l'ours chair. Down Clair Blanc in soft slushy snow just for fun then all the way to Arc 1800.
Back up the Vagere chair and across to the snowpark and finally down to Arc 1600 and home.
All the pistes when I started in the morning were firm and good to carve, but quickly became soft and by the time I arrived back at Arc 1600 were mostly soft and slushy. The weather was a real mix today, sometimes raining, then a little light snow then a few sunny patches. By 2pm it really was time to head home with the snow becoming more like heavy soup.
It was worth the effort to go up for a ski today. There is still plenty of snow around and those that enjoy touring should be able to continue well into May. Tomorrow is the last day of the season so I shall try and make the effort to go up one last time.
I will keep uploading the photos from the last weeks, but my computer is very slow and needs medication so it can only manage a few uploads at a time. Those waiting for your photos, sorry for the delay. Please check back at the Photo link regularly. Enjoy!!
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos_albums
However, the rain stopped and the sun managed to break through for a short time. Headed straight for the Aiguille Rouge and made a couple of routes down the North Face. The snow off piste was already soft by 10am although in the more sheltered area it was reasonable to ski. By my second trip to the top it had started to snow lightly and the wind had picked up a little. I did manage to find room for some fresh tracks which was nice.
When I arrived back at the cablecar for a third ride up, they had just closed it due to avalanche risk and said it would not open again today.
With the highest lift closed, I went over to the Grand Col chair and made a few laps on both sides and although the snow turned soft quickly it was still ok. As the weather is predicted to be worse tomorrow, after the second lap it was time for a tour of Les Arcs.
For those interested, here is the route around Les Arcs I took. First to Arc 2000 from the top of the Grand Col and then up Lanchette to the top of Villaroger. Back across to Peisey, then up the chair and down to Vallandry. Up the Vallandry and Derby chair then the Transarc.
From the top of the Transarc, down to the Mushroom bar (one of the few still open) for a quick drink then through Arc 1950 to the Bois de l'ours chair. Down Clair Blanc in soft slushy snow just for fun then all the way to Arc 1800.
Back up the Vagere chair and across to the snowpark and finally down to Arc 1600 and home.
All the pistes when I started in the morning were firm and good to carve, but quickly became soft and by the time I arrived back at Arc 1600 were mostly soft and slushy. The weather was a real mix today, sometimes raining, then a little light snow then a few sunny patches. By 2pm it really was time to head home with the snow becoming more like heavy soup.
It was worth the effort to go up for a ski today. There is still plenty of snow around and those that enjoy touring should be able to continue well into May. Tomorrow is the last day of the season so I shall try and make the effort to go up one last time.
I will keep uploading the photos from the last weeks, but my computer is very slow and needs medication so it can only manage a few uploads at a time. Those waiting for your photos, sorry for the delay. Please check back at the Photo link regularly. Enjoy!!
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos_albums
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season 2014 - 2015, New Thread for this season starts on page 29.' posted Apr-2013
Saturday 27 April 2013! Last Day of the Season in Les Arcs!!
The last day of the season in Les Arcs is now over. It turned out to be not much of a day for me. However Friday was great so I do not feel I missed anything.
They only opened three lifts in the Arc 2000 bowl and a few more over on the Arc 1600/1800 side. The sun did come out for a while and the rain stopped, but it was hardly worth going up. Very soft wet heavy snow and almost impossible to get above the freezing line as all the higher lifts were closed.
I spent most of the day fixing my computer. It seems to be working OK again now.
I hope to get a few more days skiing in Val d'Isere/Tignes and maybe Chamonix. Even a few of the higher Swiss areas are still open so I might still be posting again next weekend.
Thanks to all those that have posted messages. I have enjoyed keeping you all informed about the season. It has been a really good one for me even if I did miss most of December. Only skied 104 days so far this season, mostly off piste. Shall have to do better next winter!
It has been great skiing with so many of you this winter. I hope you all enjoyed our days out as much as I did. We certainly managed to do quite a few powder days this year. I look forward to skiing and 'snowboarding (I hope)' with many of you next season. Thanks for the company everyone, it has been fun!!
I would also like to thank Polairestar Ski and Snowboard Rental shop at the bottom of the funicular in Bourg for all there help and support this season. They have done a great job looking after my skis and helping me out with other skis when I needed something different. I strongly recommend them to anyone coming out for a holiday. They have been great. Thanks Rosie, Gordon and Tom! http://www.polairestar.com/
Now that I think I have managed to get my computer working better I shall try to catch up on all the photos from the last weeks as quickly as possible. Still have some good ones to post. Keep your eyes on the photo link as they are uploaded if you are interested or have not yet had the chance to download your pics. Enjoy!!
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos_albums
PS. I have just heard it is snowing up on the mountain again tonight. The 'Never Ending Winter' goes on!!
The last day of the season in Les Arcs is now over. It turned out to be not much of a day for me. However Friday was great so I do not feel I missed anything.
They only opened three lifts in the Arc 2000 bowl and a few more over on the Arc 1600/1800 side. The sun did come out for a while and the rain stopped, but it was hardly worth going up. Very soft wet heavy snow and almost impossible to get above the freezing line as all the higher lifts were closed.
I spent most of the day fixing my computer. It seems to be working OK again now.
I hope to get a few more days skiing in Val d'Isere/Tignes and maybe Chamonix. Even a few of the higher Swiss areas are still open so I might still be posting again next weekend.
Thanks to all those that have posted messages. I have enjoyed keeping you all informed about the season. It has been a really good one for me even if I did miss most of December. Only skied 104 days so far this season, mostly off piste. Shall have to do better next winter!
It has been great skiing with so many of you this winter. I hope you all enjoyed our days out as much as I did. We certainly managed to do quite a few powder days this year. I look forward to skiing and 'snowboarding (I hope)' with many of you next season. Thanks for the company everyone, it has been fun!!
I would also like to thank Polairestar Ski and Snowboard Rental shop at the bottom of the funicular in Bourg for all there help and support this season. They have done a great job looking after my skis and helping me out with other skis when I needed something different. I strongly recommend them to anyone coming out for a holiday. They have been great. Thanks Rosie, Gordon and Tom! http://www.polairestar.com/
Now that I think I have managed to get my computer working better I shall try to catch up on all the photos from the last weeks as quickly as possible. Still have some good ones to post. Keep your eyes on the photo link as they are uploaded if you are interested or have not yet had the chance to download your pics. Enjoy!!
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos_albums
PS. I have just heard it is snowing up on the mountain again tonight. The 'Never Ending Winter' goes on!!
Edited 1 time. Last update at 28-Apr-2013
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season 2014 - 2015, New Thread for this season starts on page 29.' posted May-2013
The photos are nearly up to date. Only the last few days left now. Just posted 21, 23, 24 and 25 April. Last ones coming tomorrow evening.
Take a look at how the season finished in the April 2013 Album Two on my Les Arcs Winter facebook page. Spot your photos if you have not seen them yet! Enjoy!
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos_albums
Take a look at how the season finished in the April 2013 Album Two on my Les Arcs Winter facebook page. Spot your photos if you have not seen them yet! Enjoy!
https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/photos_albums
Topic last updated on 03-March-2015 at 23:14