Latest posts for the topic "End of April in Megeve"

End of April in Megeve

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:32:30 GMT

Hi all,

I'm considering going back to Megeve for Easter, which is the end of April.

I appreciate it's the end of the season.

How would I get an idea of what the snow cover will be like that time of year?

We're only beginners, so it's just on piste we'd use.

Thanks.

Re:End of April in Megeve

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:40:48 GMT

I'd think again about Megeve that late in the season - primarily because it looks like the pistes/lifts close on Monday 25th April.
The resort is likely to be beautiful and green, clear of snow and spring like.
There is little if any high level skiing (altitude) and hence a probability of few runs both open and with good snow.
Look somewhere seriously high for late April skiing.
I am going to Tignes 24th April, the glacier will be open and the runs to the resort, but conditions could be anything by then.

Re:End of April in Megeve

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:35:35 GMT

I've found this at http://www.stanfordskiing.co.uk/snow_guarantee.htm

Can anyone vouch for them, or their opinion?

"Yes, Megeve is low, but its proximity to Mont Blanc gives it much better snow than most other resorts at the same altitude.

Another often-forgotten factor is that high resorts are frequently closed due to high winds and avalanche risk, or the skiing is miserable in white-out conditions. Most years we find half of Chamonix skiing in Megeve from time-to time, because the Chamonix resorts are closed. The tree level skiing in Megeve provides shelter and visibility.

Also, much of the skiing is on pasture, so we don't need a lot of snow, unlike many of the high resorts which need a metre to cover the rocks!

Usually there are good snowfalls in April."

Re:End of April in Megeve

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:40:37 GMT

Tin pot - you are seriously risking a non-skiing holiday with Megeve at Easter.
Snow history for 20th/23rd April in Megeve;
2010 - 4 lifts open(of 83), 50cm snow upper, 0cm snow lower
2009 - 4 lifts open, 110cm upper, 20cm lower
2008 - 6 lifts open, 180cm upper, 30cm lower
2007 - 2 lifts open, 110cm upper, 0cm lower

Re:End of April in Megeve

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:25:02 GMT

Tin Pot,
I agree with Old Andy. I've never skied Megeve, but I am thinking about going to St Gervais (next door) and all the reviews I've read say that Megeve doesn't have a very good snow record and not to go there very early or late in the season.

If you are serious about the ski-ing (rather than the shopping etc. which Megeve is apparently pretty good for) then I'd suggest you go somewhere else at the end of April, like Obergurgl in Austria.

You may be lucky with the snow in Megeve at that time of year, but the odds are you won't.

Ally

Re:End of April in Megeve

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:14:45 GMT

Too low, so there is a risk of no or almost no snow left by Easter, considering that it's very late this season. On the other hand due to no snow for so long, now there are talks of the late winter etc. which is a possiblity of course, but to be on a safe side go somewhere higher and North facing at this time. Chamonix would be a much better bet for end of April as most of the time there is no ski-able snow left below the tree level by end of April, so Megeve won't have any advantage.

Re:End of April in Megeve

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:51:12 GMT

Every one is right about no snow by end of April. . .My son of 22 yrs is skiing there 19th March and then we are skiing there 31st March -8th April. . .and fingers x we can ski there, but as a back up plan we have the car so can get to other areas like Flaine and Clusas

Re:End of April in Megeve

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:52:46 GMT

P.S. If you have a car its easy to drive round to Les Contamines which is very good for late in the season skiing. Last year we went 1-8th April and its was brilliant there. Megeve itself was no so good with slushy patchy snow at the bottom of runs.

Re:End of April in Megeve

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:40:07 GMT

tin pot wrote:I've found this at http://www.stanfordskiing.co.uk/snow_guarantee.htm

Can anyone vouch for them, or their opinion?

"Yes, Megeve is low, but its proximity to Mont Blanc gives it much better snow than most other resorts at the same altitude.

Another often-forgotten factor is that high resorts are frequently closed due to high winds and avalanche risk, or the skiing is miserable in white-out conditions. Most years we find half of Chamonix skiing in Megeve from time-to time, because the Chamonix resorts are closed. The tree level skiing in Megeve provides shelter and visibility.

Also, much of the skiing is on pasture, so we don't need a lot of snow, unlike many of the high resorts which need a metre to cover the rocks!

Usually there are good snowfalls in April."

Stanfords have been around for many years, and I recognise what they are saying as I've seen the evidence!

Yes, there are usually good snowfalls in April, though there is no getting away from the timing of Easter this year! Even if the lift company has decided to stay open that late, the skiing will be a lottery, you need to be able to travel to a high altitude resort if it's warm. Chamonix is the nearest.

Re:End of April in Megeve

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:38:50 GMT

Thanks guys, very useful info you've given.

I'll be trying Zermatt instead. :)