J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Ranchero_1979

Only 1 place Engelberg, nice train journey (get some roasted chestnuts at Luzerne station). Superb resort!

Tonyo, I think you need to be honest about what you want to achieve next ski holiday. You say you can ski blacks, does this mean that you can really carve skis? If you're not quite there with carving yet then maybe something like Salomon Enduro would work, essentially wider piste ski but with some rocker. Should be great for all but most substantial powder (>20cm) and likely develop your skiing more than an out and out fat ski.

Just enjoyed first 3 days of season and very nice snow here in Chamonix.39 days left this year so not too worried about the odd break (Coop) :-). Guide all next week so hope snow tonight doesn't increase avalanche risk above 3 again. Will let you know how good a cup of tea and a sandwich is after a few hrs of uphill to reach some fresh snow.

Just on the bus system, is actually very good (I live there and never felt need to buy a car). When you arrive, locate nearest bus stop and have a quick read of times and numbers. Try to avoid rush hr, buses before 8am are always empty and nice way to start day having a coffee at bottom of lifts before they open at 9am. Ski early and finish early is the best way in Chamonix. If you take 09:30-10:30 busses will be crowded of tourists and same if you return late 16:30-17:30. Let's be honest nobody can ski flat out from 9am until lifts shut at 4pm anyway.

Go to Le Tour, few cruisey type of runs for whole group to get their ski legs back. Then if you want to get adventurous some steeper stuff (nothing crazy) and some easily accessible offpiste (read avalanche warning though, area is more dangerous than it "feels"). Also some good restaurants in car park area if you get worn out on first day ?.

Hello,

Anyone out there looking to share a guide in Chamonix from 2nd-6th of January. I have one booked for a group of 2 but would be good to add 1 or 2 more persons (save the legs a bit :D. Ideally should be medium handy at skinning and at least be brave i.e. snow is looking deap with usually makes for more spectacular face plants.

Let me know.

I assume all that nonsense about cancelling trip has disappeared?

If you read reports from the locals over 1.5M on top of La Balme/Le Tour area so we can only assume Grand Montets has significantly more. Les Houches even is already open and can be skiied.

90cm more due this week, which will put Chamonix significantly ahead of the curve for time of year :-).

For the person worried about no snow in the village, who cares, Chamonix never has and never will be a ski in out resort.

Pack your fat skiis, couple of pairs of goggles and get ready for awesome skiing, shocking visibility, plenty of face plants, huge smiles and associated hangovers (blame the face plant).

http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Chamonix/6day/mid

Matt,

I would have thought Chamonix will be good regardless. Live there and plenty to do regardless. With temperatures dropping ground will be nicely frozen for the forecast snow. Glacier will open in few weeks time and will have 50cm on fresh snow on it.

Am heading out there myself on 26th and my only precaution am thinking is maybe to rent a car. Courmayeur is within 30min drive and cannot believe both sides of Mt Blanc will be green.

Have to say always annoys me when people moan about snow conditions etc. If you don't thinking skiing on, ice or slush or low visibility is more fun than work then must have a great job. The food/wine and company will be good regardless of snow conditions :-). As you say forecast has not been very reliable, imagine missing a decent dump and getting Chamonix to yourself before all the powder hounds arrive after Christmas ?.

If there is no snow will eat my hat or at least the bobble.