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Snow conditions
Started by User in Snow Forecasts and Snow Reports, 9 Replies
In relation to Les Arcs at the moment? Yes... there's loads of snow, and the surface conditions are "variable"; hard-pack in places and still soft in others. It'll be good!
NickGreen2k wrote:Can you help please?

Your best bet will be either your tour operator or the local transport authorities (or information bulletins from them). You could try contacting the SLF Institute (see link above).
For the latest Bulletin, in English, visit the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research

Avalanche danger forecast for Tuesday

Bernese Oberland; central and eastern parts of the northern flank of the Alps; Valais excluding Chablais; northern Ticino; Grisons:

Considerable avalanche danger (level 3)

In central Grisons and Engadine, the avalanche prone locations are to be found on steep slopes of all aspects above approximately 2000 m. Avalanches can be triggered by a single person, in particular in the more recent snow drift accumulations. In isolated cases, avalanches can be released in deep layers of the old snowpack and reach medium size.
In the Bernese Oberland, central and eastern parts of the northern flank of the Alps, northern Grisons, Valais excluding Chablais, northern Ticino, and the Grisons southern valleys, avalanche prone locations are to be found, in particular, on wind-loaded slopes of all aspects above approximately 2000 m. Snow drift accumulations can be released by a single person. On the main Alpine ridge, isolated avalanches can also be released in deep layers of the old snowpack and reach medium size.
For those engaging in winter sports outside marked and open pistes, experience in the assessment of avalanche danger is required.

Chablais; Vaud and Fribourg Alps; central Ticino:

Moderate avalanche danger (level 2)

Avalanche prone locations are to be found, in particular, on wind-loaded slopes of all aspects above approximately 1800 m. The fresh snow drift accumulations are prone to triggering in some cases. These must be evaluated with care and prudence.

All regions: full-depth avalanches are to be expected at all times below approximately 2200 m. This applies in particular on east, south and west facing steep grassy slopes and road embankments in particular. Caution is to be exercised in areas below glide cracks.
With lifts and ski areas now fully opening after the incredible snows of the last few weeks - across much of the Austrian, French and Swiss Alps - we're going to be bumping up a few warnings as we receive them.

If you ever leave the piste, you NEED to be reading these.

It's worth repeating this extract from yesterday's note from the Tirol Tourist Board :-

...while it can be easy to get carried away with the excitement of fresh powder, heavy snowfall over a short period of time can also increase the risk of avalanche danger.

"Understanding mountain safety is an absolute must both on- and off-piste." Said a statement from the tourist board, which recommends all skiers and boarders follow the following five basic safety tips to enjoy their holiday to the full:

1) Get informed: weather forecasts, snow reports and avalanche bulletins are widely available on the internet and through the local tourist offices. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains so always be prepared. Always carry a piste map and know how to get help if needed.

2) Signage: take notice of what's around you – make sure you know your location and take note of the difficulty level of the piste. Most importantly pay attention to signs, issuing warnings such as piste closed or to the flags notifying the avalanche danger level. Don't ignore the signs – they are there for a reason!

3) Protection: wear the right equipment and clothing. Protecting your head is vital – so make sure you wear a helmet. If you choose to go off-piste, always go with a certified guide and don't forget to carry a transceiver, probe and shovel. Having the correct safety equipment and more importantly, knowing how to use it, is fundamental.

4) Be responsible: check out the FIS (International Ski Federation) rules for ski and snowboard conduct – your Highway Code to the slopes! Always make sure the skier in front has priority and adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and the conditions on the mountain.

5) Learn from the experts: ski instructors and guides know the mountains better than anyone and booking a lesson or a few hours guiding can not only improve your skiing skills, but provide you with local knowledge about the mountains and resort.


Please be careful out there, and do not ignore the signs and ropes - they could save your life.
munich_johnny wrote:Dunno how here. But nothing much to see!! Just like errr......snow and that!

johnny - check the link in the left menu for Posting Pictures; we like pictures of "snow and that"! 8)
Help Please - Les Deux Alpes
Started by User in France, 15 Replies
davidsa2 wrote:Les Deux Alpes on Saturday for an extra £150.

Unless you love cruising in sunshine (and some people do), then switch.

LDA is a big ski area with some superb and accessible off-piste - though do take local advice and/or a guide as some of it is going to be dangerous for a while yet; a guide will also help you find the best spots.

La Grave is a possible day trip but don't even think about doing that without a guide - and probably rent an airbag if you do.

Make that call!
Train service to St Johann in Tirol
Started by User in Austria, 7 Replies
lindyloo wrote:Thanks for the advice. We literally walked out of the terminal, got on the bus, changed at Lofer where the next bus was already waiting (and had an english driver!)and all for 23 euro. Brilliant!

Love it when a plan comes together!

So... what was the skiing like? :mrgreen:
Where is Brooksy ????
Started by User in Ski Chatter, 13 Replies
Pablo Escobar wrote:The snow in the Valais is outstanding :D

Git! :mrgreen:

...but have you managed to get to it?

(oh, and welcome back BTW!)