[tlr]

Actually, you might have to check that they will even take snowboarders, I'm pretty sure that my mates said that they wouldn't take snowboarders and skiers in the same group.

[\quote]

F**k them then, bigotted bloody skiers.

I don't think that its because they are bigoted, I guess its just a case of incompatibility. Boarders can't cross flat ground at the same speed as skiers can pole across it even with snow shoes. When clients are paying ££££s for the days skiing they don't want to wait for boarders to take the board off, put snow shoe on,walk across, take snow shoes off, put board back on etc.

I'd have thought that if you booked the whole lodge for the week then you could do what you want and they would happily guide you. But I get the impression that they usually have more than one group staying at the lodge.

All a moot point anyway as there are boarders and skiers in this White Grizzly video

And if you can afford White Grizzly then you can afford Courcheval 1850!

[Norton Sharley]

Mate, if I pay for a week's snow catting I don't expect to walk across flat bits on either skiis or a board 

Chris - you forgot 1350 (Le Praz) which is clearly lower than 1550 !  And La Tania which is at 1450.  Apart from that good adding up.

[SA Chris]

I know about them but not being Courchevel, they don't count.

[Norton Sharley]

er, how are they not Courchevel?

[SA Chris]

Er, they are Le Praz and La Tania?

[Norton Sharley]

But they are part of the Courchevel lift system.

This is getting too UKC 

[SA Chris]

So Meribel is part of Mottaret?

Indeed.

[SA Chris]

4-6" at Lecht. They are preparing to open by weekend if it continues. Mad one.

[Norton Sharley]

I'm surprised you're not calling it Cairngorm 900 Chris 

[SA Chris]

Tenuous.

At best

[lagerstarfish]

I'm off to Argentiere next Friday for a week of chilling out. It's snowing a bit at the mo, so if I am extremely lucky there might be enough of a base for them to open some of the Gand Montets lifts the weekend of 22/23 November.

I would appreciate it if everyone could do their own snow dance or whatever other snow-inducing rituals you have in order to increase my chances of getting a day or two of riding.

Thanks for your efforts

Lagers

[lagerstarfish]

From the ukB Group on Vimeo

http://vimeo.com/groups/UKBouldering/videos/1804533

[SA Chris]

That weakening pound is scuppering my ambitious 40th birthday boarding plans one by one. The Russiian Heliskiing was downgraded to a Canada trip, then a weekin a chalet in Europe. If it carries on it will be a weekend in Braemar.

[Adam Lincoln]

So we are off xmas and New Year for a trip. We are after cheap, quiet as possible, good off piste exploring, but still good piste stuff. Not bothered about a park. Needs to be this side of the Atlantic. Any fresh ideas?

[SA Chris]

I find if you want a package you are limited in your options to the well known spots. However if you book an apartment, flight, and transfer / car hire seperately you have many more options.

I'm still not convinced by total reliability over Xmas / NY, especially for off piste stuff, so go for somewhere reasonably high. Also prices and crowds increase for that year.

Looks like it could be interesting, but have heard there are some slow lifts. This is not a major problem though if you are just using lifts for access off-piste stuff.

http://winter.les-sybelles.com/index-hiver_uk.aspx

[Norton Sharley]

If it was my money over Xmas and NY with your criteria my top three resorts would be:

Bourg St Mourice (cheap since it's a proper town), maybe drive there so you can get to Val d'Isere / Tignes for high up snow, or if it has chucked it down ( ) then go to St. Foy which is freeride heaven.

Cervinia - the Italian side of the Matterhorn / Zermatt resorts which is cheap to stay at but has great year round glacier skiing so you are guaranteed some riding.

Deux Alps - as Cervinia but more expensive.


However based on the last few years' you'll be doing the same couple of runs all week on manmade wherever you go.

And as for Lagers optimism in the opening of the Gr Montets before Christmas can I please have some of whatever pills you're taking mate?   

[lagerstarfish]

And as for Lagers optimism in the opening of the Gr Montets before Christmas can I please have some of whatever pills you're taking mate?   

They opened for weekends from the end of November last year, but my optimism is a bit wild.

[Norton Sharley]

Looks like you are right and I are wrong.  Flegere was open this weekend and Grands Montets is likely to open next weekend, according to some Cham locals.

[SA Chris]

At the count of 3 get psyched lagers!

1, 2 3 ..........

[SA Chris]

NS, have you seen this site; http://catskiing.ca/Cat-Skiing-Operators/

Some good sounding spots.

[Norton Sharley]

Top find Chris, but it will be next year (2010) before I get to Canada again.

Anyone know any good cheap accomodation in Verbier or Saas Fe ?

How are those Scottish 'resorts' coming along for snow?

[SA Chris]

Lecht opened 2 lifts again today. cams showing Cairngorm pretty white, but I think it is cosmetic with no real base, which Lecht can get away with as there are no rocks there. Sadly forecast is for a mild spell with high wind and rain later in the week, so no chance to get out really. Plus I am in Londinium for the weekend.

[lagerstarfish]

Yes, yes, fucking YES! as they say round these parts. The lifts might not have been running during the week, but I've had some top snowshoe-powered action . In case you want to see what conditions have been like this week, have a look at this... (nowt to do with me, but filmed in the same general area at the time I was out shredding up the slopes LagerStyle)

http://vimeo.com/groups/UKBouldering/videos/2376225

[SA Chris]

Nice. How long you there for? I know the lifts at Les Gets are running on weekends (as of weekend gone) , 'bout an hour and some from Argentiere though.

[lagerstarfish]

Nice. How long you there for?

Unfortunately I am no longer there.