Latest posts for the topic "15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?"

15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 10:22:18 GMT

We're planning an early trip to either Zermatt or Val Thorens out of Geneva airport on 15 Dec.

We skied Val Thorens last year at about the same time and had some amazingly good early season conditions. We were thinking of trying Zermatt this year. I know there is Glacier skiing in Zermatt. However, will any of the winter areas be open by 15 Dec? If so, will these areas be any good, and what are the chances of decent snow at that time of the year? (i.e. for early season, we're not expecting 40 cm fresh)

Any thoughts?

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 11:26:12 GMT

In any remotely decent season, both should have good conditions by mid-December so toss a coin now or wait until nearer the time and follow the snow...

I'd probably pick Zermatt for being a bit easier to get to from Geneva (I think!).

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 20:27:46 GMT

Looking at the data for the last 4 years, Village Level/Mountain level:
VT ~ 74/100, 78/105, 108/131, 29/46
Zermatt ~ 44/123, 53/250, 32/181,32/134

Firstly, in good statistics, you would lose the worst year, because 1996/97 was a once in every 20 year event.
The other consideration is the comparative elevations, Village/Mountain:
VT ~ 2300/3266, ie 966m vertical
Zermatt ~ 1620/3820, ie 2200m vertical

Of course at VT, you can drop down to the neighbouring villages.

Zermatt has the Matterhorn, ~ the best view in Euopean skiing. Zermatt day costs are cheaper than VT.
And if you run out of money, just give Tino a knock, he will buy the beer......

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 22:22:02 GMT

:shock:

I'll be buying a beer about twice a month I reckon once I move :cry: Seriously though, already know where some of the cheaper establishments are!!

Just been packing boxes :)

Zermatt fully opens on the 27th November, however many lifts on the Matterhorn side open mid-October (beyond those that are open all year). Cervinia opens 30th October apparently.

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 22:59:32 GMT

Sorry, Tino, should have qualified that ~ just send me the bill.

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Tue, 7 Sep 2010 10:17:27 GMT

Thanks for the stat's Dave. I guess Zermatt's edge, is that there will always be some decent skiing up high, even if its a slow start to the season.

Zermatt is looking like the leader at the moment. 1/2 an hour extra from Geneva airport according to Google maps, but probably worth it.

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Tue, 7 Sep 2010 11:48:37 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

And if you run out of money, just give Tino a knock, he will buy the beer......

I had planned to do this bit in December, then I read this...

Tino wrote:
I'll be buying a beer about twice a month I reckon once I move Seriously though, already know where some of the cheaper establishments are!!

He's already pleading poverty, and he's not even resident yet :lol:

1 large beer and 2 straws then!

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Tue, 7 Sep 2010 16:40:37 GMT

Tino's idea of poverty, and my idea, may be on a different scale!

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:25:11 GMT

Thanks for the advice.

Our quick weekend quickly turned into a week once I started looking at youtube ski vids e.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQf_njA02jY

We have booked to go to Zermatt for a week during mid Dec. Can't wait!

First time in Zermatt, so any tips on good ski routes etc... would be much appreciated.

I toyed with the idea of driving there when I realized we could only get a 10am return flight out of Geneva. But in the end, we opted for a hotel near Geneva on our last night.

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:24:08 GMT

Zermatt :thumbup: I'll be there between 13th-16th Dec and Tino will be resident by then, so I suggest he's the man to get the beers in 8)

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:41:42 GMT

I have been sorting out my customs decleration and stuff today and found I can import 200 litres of booze under 23% duty free, maybe I will get the beers in, there is gonna be a bit of space in the van on Saturday ;)

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:40:14 GMT

200 litres, that's about 440 pints, Tino. Maybe we had better all come over. -)
My recollection is that local prices are not too bad in Z.

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:18:05 GMT

As a tourist it's anywhere between 5 CHF adn 9 CHF for a big beer depending where you go, locals get it a little cheaper. I dont know the prices of small beers, never had one.

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:30:14 GMT

Tht's pub prices, whereas you are comparing with supermarket prices.

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:42:01 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:200 litres, that's about 440 pints, Tino. Maybe we had better all come over. -)
My recollection is that local prices are not too bad in Z.

If we go steady that stash might last Tino until New Year :twisted:

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:54:44 GMT

You just need to find 200 litres of 22.999% beer now. One a day at 6,000 ft should last the season. We will also be there during 13th-16th Dec. A beer or two would definitely be in order. Hopefully, some powder 8's too.

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:42:17 GMT

I don't want to be a party pooper and I know it doesn't specifically say so on the form but I think that in order to qualify for the 200 litre allowance you need to have owned the beer for at least six months. http://www.isyours.com/e/immigration/relocation/wine.html Pity as I was hoping that you would have room for a couple of crates of Boltens Ur-Alt.

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:57:58 GMT

He's had the beer at least 7 months, just lost the receipts from the supermarket )

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:00:26 GMT

steverandomno wrote:. We will also be there during 13th-16th Dec. A beer or two would definitely be in order. Hopefully, some powder 8's too.

Swop Mobile No's nearer the time, and meet up?

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:46:46 GMT

Sounds like a plan!

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 23:55:53 GMT

Steverandomno

There's an overview of Zermatt's off-piste terrain here: http://mountaintrx.blogspot.com/2008/11/matts-off-piste-guide-to-zermatt.html

http://www.ian-lumb.com/winecellar/2005/01/skiing_in_zerma.html has some general info and a list of bars and restaurants etc.

And to keep your excitement level up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6blqhtFvhL8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TvM9lgGlog&NR=1

Re:15 Dec - Zermatt or Val Thorens for reliable snow?

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:18:34 GMT

That's some useful information. Thanks SwingBeep.