J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Ranchero_1979

http://www.tetongravity.com/video/ski/epic-lines-and-powder-in-chamonix-cham-lines-s4ep3

Wishing I was in Colorado!

Chamonix will always be a resort that gives the more you put in and being versatile is important to get best out of the place. This year 99% of people would be better off in Colorado. Then again the photos of people skiing big lines on the South face of MB This week looked pretty amazing. If you can climb / ski / skin even on a poopy snow year there is adventure like nowhere else. 9 weeks to go until my turn to enjoy.

Which companies did you try (Aosta express?). There are a bunch on lovecourmayeur.com At that price you would be better off:
Renting car (very easy drive)
Taking transfer company to Chamonix and getting a taxi or bus
Calling around Chamonix transfer companies for drop off direct in courmayeur (am guessing they will do this but don't advertise due to a legal clause)

Well seem the news improved slightly (5 people no longer missing) although if reported correctly seems a strange incident. Walking (boarders) in a terrain trap engulfed by slab avalanche triggered from above. Group was apparently with an instructor although seems some situational awareness was perhaps lacking.

Okay F34 how about this scenario. Skier 10 plus weeks and trying to master powder. Completely agree lessons should be step one , however is difficult to dismiss fact that hiring fatter skis would give them the confidence to stay centered on the skis?
Yes if you are a confident powder skier and willing to go at reasonable speed you can cope with all but deepest powder even on piste skis but renting the right equipment for the job can be a stepping stone.

Not looking good! From photos you can see a huge crown wall so looks like localized wind slab, with people being caught in terrain trap, which explains the depth that victims appear to have been buried at. Am sure there will be something for all of us to learn from this one.

Sound like you have tight hamstrings and hip flexors vs a back injury. Yoga and some serious massage from physio should fix within a few weeks.

Just to qualify the above statement, from a gentleman who I believe has never been to the resort in winter. Firstly Chamonix is a valley (approx. 14km long) with a town of similar name, as they do in the Alps e.g. Aosta. However Chamonix the town has three lifts within 10 min walk, free bus and a valley train. There is a bus every 10min and the train runs up and down valley every 30min. Ski school will typically collect you from the hotel or somewhere central in town. Want ski in ski out? Stay in Argentiere, Vallorcine, Les Praz, or Les Houches. For more evening options and to enjoy the vibe stay in Chamonix itself (that would be my recommendation). Spent an awful lot of time in resort over last 20yrs and never once with car in the winter.

The biggest difference between the resorts is probably the people. Chamonix caters for all sorts; ski bums - millionaires. If you want cheap and cheerful no problem, if you want a Michelin star restaurant or an exclusive bar every night of the week is also no problem. Chamonix would rightly claim to be the global capital of mountaineering and skiing; where passion trumps the pound in your pocket. That is what I like about the town you can be in a bar with someone who just skied a 60deg slope or with someone who did their first Vallee Blanche (varies from red to black depending on conditions and route). Both will have the same smile and enthusiasm telling their days story. As one N American once told me, "I arrived in town and saw guy with a rope, harness and skis, two days later I was that guy", place of legends. Zermatt is a bit more monotone but extremely nice.

The good news is that both are steeped in history, with stunning scenery and skiing for all and both would be a major upgrade on La Plagne which is nice but you have a lot of nice skiing in Canada. Whichever one you choose am sure will have an amazing time. Looking at your ski level am sure people would say Zermatt is the safe bet and that would be my recommendation. However don't believe too much what you read about Chamonix, there are lots of great blues and easy reds and you can basically hit a different area every day i.e. Les Houches, Flegere, Le Tour and Courmayeur.