Had a very fun day over in the Bellecote Bowl doing various off piste routes today and then headed down to the Bauches chair off piste and through the waterfall gully before going back to Les Arcs.
Once in Les Arcs did some tree skiing down to the Derby lift and off piste to the Transarc then over to the Arc 2000 side. Finished with the Bordercross and then down to Arc 1950 for a well earned drink at George's Wine Bar before heading home.
The off piste is still really fun and we did not have to walk today!! The pistes we used were still in good condition and should hold up well during the coming days. If you follow the sun you can have some great skiing. Tomorrow we plan another trip down the North face of the Bellecote!!
I know I am quite behind with the pics, but I will try and catch up. Todays will be in the March 2012 Album Two of my Les Arcs Winter facebook page soon.
http://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter
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-2012
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Mar-2012
Went up on the first lift out of Arc 1600 this morning and made it over to the Bellecote as planned via a less used route off the ridge of the Roche de Mio and the lower section of the Cable Couloir in soft snow.
Then had a run down very mixed snow in the Bellecote Bowl enjoying the spring conditions before heading over the back and down to the Chavel resturant by a different route on the North Face with some very challenging sections.
Finally after a good lunch we went back to Les Arcs and the Altiport for a little entertainment before arriving at George's Wine Bar in Arc 1950 for a drink just as the lifts were closing. Another fun day in the backcountry. Pics will be posted in the March 2012 Album Two later.
For those coming out or just arrived. The pistes all the way across to the Bellecote first thing in the morning were quite firm and hard packed with a few re-frozen rutted patches where the sun had not yet softened the piste. Later in the morning the warming effect of the sun had produced nice spring conditions on and off piste. In the more sheltered areas the chalky snow has lasted well and it is still possible to find a few untracked places with nice spring snow. The exit out of the Bellecote North Face is also slowly starting to become thinner and you may be walking out here soon.
Then had a run down very mixed snow in the Bellecote Bowl enjoying the spring conditions before heading over the back and down to the Chavel resturant by a different route on the North Face with some very challenging sections.
Finally after a good lunch we went back to Les Arcs and the Altiport for a little entertainment before arriving at George's Wine Bar in Arc 1950 for a drink just as the lifts were closing. Another fun day in the backcountry. Pics will be posted in the March 2012 Album Two later.
For those coming out or just arrived. The pistes all the way across to the Bellecote first thing in the morning were quite firm and hard packed with a few re-frozen rutted patches where the sun had not yet softened the piste. Later in the morning the warming effect of the sun had produced nice spring conditions on and off piste. In the more sheltered areas the chalky snow has lasted well and it is still possible to find a few untracked places with nice spring snow. The exit out of the Bellecote North Face is also slowly starting to become thinner and you may be walking out here soon.
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Mar-2012
No big routes today. Went up with the first lift to meet up with friends. We were planning to go over to La Plagne, but after meeting up we decided to stay in Les Arcs and see how the snow was standing up to the warm weather locally.
After some rather mixed conditions down the middle of the Arc 2000 bowl and a fun ski in the natural half pipe on what was supposed to be a gentle ski day we managed to find some better spring snow to the right of the Dents du Peigne piste. After a couple of runs down this area and a little mishap! ouch! by one of the group we headed over to the bottom of Peisey Vallandry on piste for a nice long run to tune up those turns. The pistes in that area are great for carving. :-D
Back up the lifts and time for some tree skiing and more off piste from the top of the Derby chair back to Arc 1800. By now the snow had softened and was quite easy to ski in most places with the occasional hard cruddy section. Our youngest member seemed to be having fun! :D
Then back up and over to Arc 2000, down the bordercross and then through the river gully from near the Plan des Eaux piste as far as possible before cutting off into Arc 1950 for a late lunch. :)
Left some tired legs resting and headed over to the snowpark to meet some friends doing jumps and then the waterslide (only to take photos) before a beer at George's then home. :-D
As the day progressed the pistes around the resort became soft and were good to ski. Even the off piste after it had softened was quite fun, but you had to be ready for the odd hard cruddy section in sheltered areas. Overall the snow is holding up well and should still be good for those coming out next week. :)
I will try very hard to catch up on posting all the pics from the last week as I am having a couple of days off and am going to enjoy the spring weather whilst it still lasts. Bad weather is forecast for later next week :D I will add a few pics here as well as over on my facebook page later. Enjoy!
After some rather mixed conditions down the middle of the Arc 2000 bowl and a fun ski in the natural half pipe on what was supposed to be a gentle ski day we managed to find some better spring snow to the right of the Dents du Peigne piste. After a couple of runs down this area and a little mishap! ouch! by one of the group we headed over to the bottom of Peisey Vallandry on piste for a nice long run to tune up those turns. The pistes in that area are great for carving. :-D
Back up the lifts and time for some tree skiing and more off piste from the top of the Derby chair back to Arc 1800. By now the snow had softened and was quite easy to ski in most places with the occasional hard cruddy section. Our youngest member seemed to be having fun! :D
Then back up and over to Arc 2000, down the bordercross and then through the river gully from near the Plan des Eaux piste as far as possible before cutting off into Arc 1950 for a late lunch. :)
Left some tired legs resting and headed over to the snowpark to meet some friends doing jumps and then the waterslide (only to take photos) before a beer at George's then home. :-D
As the day progressed the pistes around the resort became soft and were good to ski. Even the off piste after it had softened was quite fun, but you had to be ready for the odd hard cruddy section in sheltered areas. Overall the snow is holding up well and should still be good for those coming out next week. :)
I will try very hard to catch up on posting all the pics from the last week as I am having a couple of days off and am going to enjoy the spring weather whilst it still lasts. Bad weather is forecast for later next week :D I will add a few pics here as well as over on my facebook page later. Enjoy!
Edited 1 time. Last update at 29-Mar-2012
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2012
Met up with friends and went over to La Plagne for a ski today. Very hard packed on the way over to the Vanoise Express and across to Bellecote La Plagne. Did the easy and more difficult gullies on the way over, but although good training were hard cruddy snow and not to much fun.
By the time we were on the Champagny side the snow had softened up and was quite pleasant skiing down the long gully... to the bottom of the Verdon Sud Chair. From the top we went off piste back down on spring snow to the bottom of the chair once more and then time for lunch.
After lunch up onto the Bellecote and a run down into the bowl from the top of the Glacier. Snow very mixed but ok. Changed our route as the bottom was getting very soft and headed back up the Gondola and then down through the tunnel to Bellecote La Plagne again before finishing with the Waterfall Gully then back over the VE and into Arc 2000 area for a nice little steep section to finish before a well earned drink at George's Wine bar in Arc 1950.
The pistes on the way back were very soft lower down and you had to work hard making your turns.
Tomorrow off to visit another resort depending on the weather so next Les Arcs update will be in a couple of days.
By the time we were on the Champagny side the snow had softened up and was quite pleasant skiing down the long gully... to the bottom of the Verdon Sud Chair. From the top we went off piste back down on spring snow to the bottom of the chair once more and then time for lunch.
After lunch up onto the Bellecote and a run down into the bowl from the top of the Glacier. Snow very mixed but ok. Changed our route as the bottom was getting very soft and headed back up the Gondola and then down through the tunnel to Bellecote La Plagne again before finishing with the Waterfall Gully then back over the VE and into Arc 2000 area for a nice little steep section to finish before a well earned drink at George's Wine bar in Arc 1950.
The pistes on the way back were very soft lower down and you had to work hard making your turns.
Tomorrow off to visit another resort depending on the weather so next Les Arcs update will be in a couple of days.
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2012
Today we went up to Val d'Isere to use up some of our free days in other resorts. To read what we did, take a look at the Our day in Val d'Isere thread.
Not much fresh snow up that way either today so I think most areas have very similar conditions. Tomorrow weather permitting we are off to Three Valleys.
For anyone with the Paradiski Area pass, it is well worth the effort to visit the other ski areas that are free with your pass. You can hire a car from SuperU in Bourg quite easily. Just go to the 'Customer Service' desk inside and ask for the details. You can also reserve a car by phone or online. Have fun!
Not much fresh snow up that way either today so I think most areas have very similar conditions. Tomorrow weather permitting we are off to Three Valleys.
For anyone with the Paradiski Area pass, it is well worth the effort to visit the other ski areas that are free with your pass. You can hire a car from SuperU in Bourg quite easily. Just go to the 'Customer Service' desk inside and ask for the details. You can also reserve a car by phone or online. Have fun!
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2012
Yesterday (Friday), was a trip over to the Omelette restaurant in Mont Albert using mainly pistes. A large group of 23 had a nice ski all the way to Mont Albert including a little off piste from the Verdons piste across and down the Indian gully into Plagne Centre before a great lunch and then an easy ski home with just a little play on one of the steeper sections back in Les Arcs for those wanting a challenge before a final drink in George's Wine Bar in Arc 1950 and then home. A total of approx 80kms.
Today (Saturday) as it was changeover day so we headed out in the morning on very empty pistes. As the vis was quiet bad at times we decided to put off our trip to the Bellecote until the weather improves.
Instead we went on a little tour over to Champagny via Bellecote La Plagne and a little off piste run down from the top of the ridge left of the Verdon Sud Chair on spring snow although becoming rather hard to turn on at times.
After a few more pistes we had lunch then started to head for home. On the way we went through the tunnel from the Roche du Mio to Bellecote La Plagne and then the waterfall off piste gully down towards Les Coches which has now had a small slide. Despite the slide the snow in the gully was in better condition than other places we skied today and we had a good trip all the way to the forest and back onto the piste.
Finally over to the Altiport above Arc 1600 for a drink before home. Despite the snow that was falling outside some people were still trying the waterslide as I guess it was their last day (very cold) .
The pistes all across Les Arcs and La Plagne today were in good condition for this time of year. Hard packed in the morning and becoming softer and slushy by the afternoon. If you check the aspect of the slopes you can still find good snow both 'on and off piste' throughout the day. More snow is falling this evening so it should be a good day tomorrow if the vis improves. We shall see!
Today (Saturday) as it was changeover day so we headed out in the morning on very empty pistes. As the vis was quiet bad at times we decided to put off our trip to the Bellecote until the weather improves.
Instead we went on a little tour over to Champagny via Bellecote La Plagne and a little off piste run down from the top of the ridge left of the Verdon Sud Chair on spring snow although becoming rather hard to turn on at times.
After a few more pistes we had lunch then started to head for home. On the way we went through the tunnel from the Roche du Mio to Bellecote La Plagne and then the waterfall off piste gully down towards Les Coches which has now had a small slide. Despite the slide the snow in the gully was in better condition than other places we skied today and we had a good trip all the way to the forest and back onto the piste.
Finally over to the Altiport above Arc 1600 for a drink before home. Despite the snow that was falling outside some people were still trying the waterslide as I guess it was their last day (very cold) .
The pistes all across Les Arcs and La Plagne today were in good condition for this time of year. Hard packed in the morning and becoming softer and slushy by the afternoon. If you check the aspect of the slopes you can still find good snow both 'on and off piste' throughout the day. More snow is falling this evening so it should be a good day tomorrow if the vis improves. We shall see!
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2012
Powder Days!! Yesterday, 11 April was another one of those special powder days. There was a lot more than expected. Officially they say it was 15cm, but under the Varet gondola and on the Grand Col it must have been at least 20cm. It was up to my knees and some of the kids were nearly up to the waist at times. The pistes and Off piste were almost the same. Great fun was had by all.
Skied all day from first lift to last and finished at George's Wine bar at 5.30pm. What a day. The photos say it all. We covered most of the Arc 1600 side before the higher lifts opened and then went over to the Arc 2000 area and did the same there.
Today promises to be more of the same.
Up on the first lift again today (12 April) and went on another powder hunt. The snow today was not as light and fluffy as yesterday, but it was still good. In the morning the light was quite bad so we skied around the Malgovert Forest area first looking for jumps and having fun. Then we took a look at the Arc 2000 bowl and decided to head to the Peisey Vallandry side for a bit more tree skiing as the vis was still poor and then it was time for lunch.
After lunch the snow had become wet and sticky lower down so we went over to the top of the Grand Col and found more untracked powder and better soft snow. The vis had improved and we were able to make a few nice lines down more untracked powder before heading to the Avalanche Park for a bit of training with the pisteurs (the kids beat the parents at finding the buried beepers). A final ski down at 5pm and much to my surprise we were able to find another untracked section to put a few lines in more fresh snow before a well earned drink at George's Wine Bar in Arc 1950 then home.
Sounds like more fresh tracks tomorrow!! Snowing up on the mountain right now.
Take a look at the pics to see the fun we have been having in all the fresh powder in the April 2012 Album of my Les Arcs Winter facebook page.
Skied all day from first lift to last and finished at George's Wine bar at 5.30pm. What a day. The photos say it all. We covered most of the Arc 1600 side before the higher lifts opened and then went over to the Arc 2000 area and did the same there.
Today promises to be more of the same.
Up on the first lift again today (12 April) and went on another powder hunt. The snow today was not as light and fluffy as yesterday, but it was still good. In the morning the light was quite bad so we skied around the Malgovert Forest area first looking for jumps and having fun. Then we took a look at the Arc 2000 bowl and decided to head to the Peisey Vallandry side for a bit more tree skiing as the vis was still poor and then it was time for lunch.
After lunch the snow had become wet and sticky lower down so we went over to the top of the Grand Col and found more untracked powder and better soft snow. The vis had improved and we were able to make a few nice lines down more untracked powder before heading to the Avalanche Park for a bit of training with the pisteurs (the kids beat the parents at finding the buried beepers). A final ski down at 5pm and much to my surprise we were able to find another untracked section to put a few lines in more fresh snow before a well earned drink at George's Wine Bar in Arc 1950 then home.
Sounds like more fresh tracks tomorrow!! Snowing up on the mountain right now.
Take a look at the pics to see the fun we have been having in all the fresh powder in the April 2012 Album of my Les Arcs Winter facebook page.
Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)' posted Apr-2012
Yesterday 18 of us had a ski over to the Omelette restaurant in Mont Albert. The vis was quite bad most of the day, but the pistes were ok in the morning and slushy in some places on the way back after lunch.
The kids gully was fun and everyone said it was worth the effort on a bad weather day despite the conditions. I hope all those going home today have a good journey. The roads up to resort are ok and you do not need chains today although it is snowing again right now at resort level and above.
Today, despite the bad weather, with 10cm of fresh snow at 1800m it should be a good powder day in the trees. Right now it is misty, wet and overcast start to the day again. The clouds and mist are covering everything and the vis is very poor. It is raining lower down, but snowing higher on the mountain. It should be another powder day.
The kids gully was fun and everyone said it was worth the effort on a bad weather day despite the conditions. I hope all those going home today have a good journey. The roads up to resort are ok and you do not need chains today although it is snowing again right now at resort level and above.
Today, despite the bad weather, with 10cm of fresh snow at 1800m it should be a good powder day in the trees. Right now it is misty, wet and overcast start to the day again. The clouds and mist are covering everything and the vis is very poor. It is raining lower down, but snowing higher on the mountain. It should be another powder day.
Topic last updated on 18-September-2012 at 08:33