J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by TC

Tony-H

The first picture you put up is at the top of the main gondala from the town,to the plataeu where the lessons start from, then you have that walk from the first gondala to the next which is the last building on the left and then you can put on your ski's atthe top of that.

But after that it's great.

The run down to the town is superb but generally waon't be doing that until the end of the day, but as you can imagine at the end of the day it is a lottery of beginners, think we are alright intermediates and the expert locals that just blast their way down.

Gets very chopped up and bumpy and there is the final right turn that is just carnage some days and worth just standing and watching just to talk about in the bar as all level skiers seem to go over here. Seen some not bother, unclip and slide on their backsides.

Said it before, think you will really enjoy it, went there twice in recent years and would go back again but lots of other places to explore, having said that going back to Flachau in Feb for the 2nd time in 3 years!

Fantastic area, especially for a short break.

Le Rocher not far from the main gondala station, if my memory serves me right, and you can store kit there too.

If the weather is good then head straight over to the Gressoney side as you need to ski that too and the long black over to Alangna, its not difficult ut you hav eto set off early to do it and head straight there.

Wind closes lifts quickly so hence if conditions good get over there and back else you could be stuck there and its a 2 hour taxi ride or booking a bed for the night.

Apres ski is best in Pacha mama, they put out loads of food, as do most of the bars, but definately the liveliest place, but planty of quieter retreats too.

Tony H. plenty of snow in Champoluc -

http://www.lovevda.it/turismo/scopri/aree_turistiche/webcami_i.asp?infoPath=/turismo/scopri/aree_turistiche/localita_i.asp&nomesch=sch_localita&pk_pancam=29&pk=352&stg=

Champoluc - used Malpensa for a short break of 4 days, as they usually have late flights out which gave us until 4 or 4:30 skiing on the day we flew home

AHHHH Champoluc Tony-H, take some travel sick pills for the winding roads up to the village, I have been twice felt sick both times don't know why as it hasn't happened anywhere else and pretty good travelling normally.

Also, watch out for Saturday mornings Italy comes to Champoluc, beware all the Italian ski Schools that are suddenly full of bib wearing little ones and try not to get caught looking after one of the kids going up the lifts, I tried not too but the lifties insist.

Funny experience with one little lad though, probbaly 9(ish), started pointing at things and speaking at me in italian. In my best italian, which means I hardly know any, I said I am English, he suddenly switched to perfect English leaving me a litlle embarassed really at 40 only being able to say I don't understand I am English.

Excellent, Very Top Gear and just about proved a point as it assumes no delays anywhere.

No mention how much each of them spent door to door, as there is not much time difference cost would be a deciding factor and how would it work dragging kids with you.

They should do it again with families and tired crabby kids!

I have bough a new drinks bladder for my rucksack...managed to freeze the pipe in the last one by not blowing the water back in after I'd had a drink - oops!! And me, thinking I can break the ice up managed to screw the whole thing up....

Get an insulated tube, but can be about £20 or as I have done get the insulation itself from ebay about £3 and put on yourself.

Bit of a slow process getting it on but worth it, works well!

Tc, would you agree Champoluc a better base than Alagna?
I recall a very high gondola to link the areas, which when open was amazing, but skiing at Alagna itself without link was limited to lower Alagna slopes. The viz was very poor on days 2 and 3 unfortunately.
Stunning ski area though.
Dids

Not sure about staying in Alagna being better as I haven't done it.

Always stayed in Chapoluc, if the weather closes in and lifts stop there is a smaller area just above Champoluc at Antagnod, 5 minute bus ride away that was always open when we have been there and the higher lifts shut because of high wind or very poor visability, so at least we could ski.

Can access Gressoney very quickly if you bus up to the new funicular saves 45 mins ski time to access Gressoney and over to Alanga.

Just think the area in general ticks a lot of boxes.