Messages posted by : admin
Picture looks great! Glad you got there - have a fantastic time, and hope you find the others. :mrgreen: |
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It will depend a lot on snow conditions... ask around when you get there, and if you're having lessons anyway then see if your instructor reckons you'll be ok. It's quite a few years since my first run down it; on that occasion it wasn't so much the run itself, as the cornice that had to be dropped through to get into it! :shock: 8) |
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Hi Andrew, welcome to J2Ski...
A few friends have been with UCPA (though not to Flaine) and had a great time, so sure you will too. We've driven there a few times; the roads up are typical mountain roads and very likely to be covered in snow in January. Flaine is on several levels and, unusually, you descend into the resort (after climbing up from Les Carroz). There is car parking at various levels; if it's snowing you may well need chains (or very good winter tyres) both to get into, and leave, the resort. We had to use chains both ways last time I was there. The on-mountain snack prices are ludicrous (€3+ for a packet of crisps), though the restos around the main centre are better value for lunch... ...but it's a great ski area and you'll enjoy it. Not a place to duck ropes; there are some very big holes off the piste. Have fun. 8) |
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Doh. Sorry... too much snow, not enough ski... :roll: |
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Being "tracked out" is not likely to be a problem. The off-piste snowpack, across much of The Alps, is poorly consolidated and - in places - extremely dangerous at present. As Ise's earlier post indicated, the Avalanche Risk is now 4/5 for parts of the French Alps - Austria has had similar temperature swings and snow patterns over the past two weeks. Stay safe in ADH mate. Seriously. |
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Matt - you're very welcome and certainly not violating any rules. I locked the other thread as another reply (removed) was not appropriate advice.
Before you go near any snow, your bindings need to be checked and set specifically for you. If this has not been done, then you need to get it done by a professional. If the bindings are faulty, or not set up for you, then even quite a slow fall could result in serious injury. [Ally beat me to it] Do you have a dry slope or indoor ski slope anywhere near you? |
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A1 for Endeavour! But... STOP. DO NOT DO THIS. You must get your skis, bindings and boots checked by a professional or a trusted (and knowledgeable) friend before you use them. Your best bet is to go to your nearest dry slope / indoor centre, take some lessons and listen to their advice. If you "throw yourself down a hill", even a small one, you risk serious injury or death. Seriously. Your enthusiasm is brilliant, so we'd love for you to live long enough to apply it. Take your kit to a pro, get some advice and we'll be here to cheer you on. 8) Post back and tell us how you get on. |
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Snow Forecast Summary - 10th January 2010
Started by User in Snow Forecasts and Snow Reports, 13 Replies |
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We don't know where to start this week... :D :D :D
If you're in the UK you may be a little fed up with snow right now, especially if you're heading out to the mountains, but it will be good when you get there! Flying - As we write this (08:00 Friday morning), the major airports are open but warn of continuing disruption to flights. More snow is expected (for the UK) this weekend and you are advised to check with your airline before travelling - and leave plenty of time for your journey. Driving - Ferries are currently operating normally. Eurostar are continuing to run a restricted service through Sunday, but say the Ski services are unaffected. Also worth noting is that Eurotunnel are running their "annual safety exercise" overnight from Saturday (9th) to Sunday and you are advised to ensure you are on time for your booked crossing. If driving to The Alps at any point over the next week you should expect winter driving conditions; there is widespread snow and more is forecast. We strongly advise the use of winter tyres and chains are essential - pack them so you can get at them, and don't forget the gloves and the torch (Murphy's Law dictates that the very first time you use chains, it will be -20C and dark). Europe this week The good news (really) is that the snow is just about all over everywhere. It has been between cold and extremely cold for the past seven days, with heavy snow bringing superb piste conditions across The Alps. All the major European ski areas now have excellent conditions, with a couple of dozen ski resorts across Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland now boasting depths of more than 2 metres. Scotland is currently described as "phenomenal" with 5 feet of fresh snow since Christmas! Outside the Alpine area, the picture is more mixed - Sierra Nevada now has 2 metres of snow, whilst the Pyrenees have about half that. Eastern European countries generally have good cover, though some resorts do need more snow. Weather and Snow Next Week The forecast models are consistently showing colder than average temperatures for the next couple of weeks. Significant snowfall is expected throughout the Alpine region over the next couple of days and it looks like it's going to keep on coming. AVALANCHE RISK - PLEASE READ All this snow comes at a price. More than twenty skiers and climbers have lost their lives in avalanches since Christmas; in France, Italy, Scotland and Switzerland. There is elevated risk in many areas, across Europe, and you should thoroughly assess local conditions before venturing off piste. The general Avalanche Risk Level is currently 3 (Considerable) for large areas of Switzerland and France presently, and may be higher locally. As always, never ski off piste alone and always go equipped. If in doubt - take another route! Enjoy the snow, and stay safe, |
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