Who's going skiing and where 2020
Discussion
Speed 3 said:
Anyone know of a permanent timed slalom area in Morzine/Avoriaz/Les Gets ?
Can't think of one in Avoriaz. If any junior racers are going to be out they usually rope off a section at the top of the Stade d'Arare piste, off the top of the Lac-Intrets chair. They then plant the pole just before/remove at some point after the racers are done.The only permanent thing I can think of is the straight line speed tester, which is in a similar area, just a bit further down between the Stade d'Arare and Bleue d'Arare pistes.
Contacting someone like EFS might be your best bet and see if they can tell you which days/times the poles will be out so you can sneek on after, or they may be able to put you in contact with one of the junior race teams. If that doesn't get you anywhere try asking EFS for a private slalom race lesson for your daughter. You'll get the evidence you need for her GCSE, and hopefully she'll get something out of the lesson too.
Don't remember seeing a permanent one anywhere else in the PdS either, but could be wrong.
Edited by //j17 on Friday 15th November 09:37
S100HP said:
You can make both Are in Sweden and Trysil in Norway work for weekends if you know what to do.
S100HP said:
Not sure where you are based but here is the info for both.
Are:
There are only flights from LGW-OSD, and they are on a Sunday/Thursday. I would fly out on the Sunday at 07.05, landing 10.50.
You can book a transfer with Flygtaxi for approx 310SEK (about £30) from the airport to Station Are, which is the central point. You'd get there early afternoon.
I'd book a room in the Holiday Club Are, which is within walking distance from Station Are.
Ski Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
I'd then get the transfer back with Flygtaxi on Thursday morning for the return flight at 11.45 (pickup is around 07:40 from memory)
Link for flygtaxi http://www.flygtaxi.se/products/transfer/are/oster...
Link for Holiday Club Are https://www.booking.com/hotel/se/holiday-club-are....
Trysil:
Flights are more available, as you fly into Oslo Airport (make sure its the main airport OSL, not one of the others) so you could do whatever you wanted, something like a Thursday to Monday, which would give you 3 full days skiing.
Book transfers on the Tyrsil Express coach from OSL to Raddison Blu Resort Trysil.
The transfer takes about 2.5 hours and runs 3 times a day, costs about £40. It runs at 10.45/16.45/19.45 - Make sure your landing time is about 90mins or more before, so you have time to get bags. If you miss this transfer it will cost you a f
kton to get to resort (€1500)
I'd stay in Raddison Blu Resort Trysil (not Mountain resort - be careful, they are very similar but the 04.50 transfer mentioned below doesn't go from Mountain resort)
Then take the return transfer from the resort. This departs at 04.50/09.20/14.30 and takes around 2hrs30
Make sure this transfer gets you back to OSL 2hrs before the departure time of your flight, so you can check-in.
Link for Transfer - https://www.nor-way.no/en#
Link for Hotel - https://www.booking.com/hotel/no/radisson-blu-reso...
That's it really. Not tricky as long as you get timings correct.
That's fantastic, thanks for taking the time to write that out, I will certainly investigate.Are:
There are only flights from LGW-OSD, and they are on a Sunday/Thursday. I would fly out on the Sunday at 07.05, landing 10.50.
You can book a transfer with Flygtaxi for approx 310SEK (about £30) from the airport to Station Are, which is the central point. You'd get there early afternoon.
I'd book a room in the Holiday Club Are, which is within walking distance from Station Are.
Ski Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
I'd then get the transfer back with Flygtaxi on Thursday morning for the return flight at 11.45 (pickup is around 07:40 from memory)
Link for flygtaxi http://www.flygtaxi.se/products/transfer/are/oster...
Link for Holiday Club Are https://www.booking.com/hotel/se/holiday-club-are....
Trysil:
Flights are more available, as you fly into Oslo Airport (make sure its the main airport OSL, not one of the others) so you could do whatever you wanted, something like a Thursday to Monday, which would give you 3 full days skiing.
Book transfers on the Tyrsil Express coach from OSL to Raddison Blu Resort Trysil.
The transfer takes about 2.5 hours and runs 3 times a day, costs about £40. It runs at 10.45/16.45/19.45 - Make sure your landing time is about 90mins or more before, so you have time to get bags. If you miss this transfer it will cost you a f
kton to get to resort (€1500)I'd stay in Raddison Blu Resort Trysil (not Mountain resort - be careful, they are very similar but the 04.50 transfer mentioned below doesn't go from Mountain resort)
Then take the return transfer from the resort. This departs at 04.50/09.20/14.30 and takes around 2hrs30
Make sure this transfer gets you back to OSL 2hrs before the departure time of your flight, so you can check-in.
Link for Transfer - https://www.nor-way.no/en#
Link for Hotel - https://www.booking.com/hotel/no/radisson-blu-reso...
That's it really. Not tricky as long as you get timings correct.
wrencho said:
:-) I've started packing my gear and we go on 20th! I usually end up panicking I've forgotten something and unpacking it all again though so this year I'm making a list as I go. Very organised for me!
You mean you don't have a packlist on your phone, so you can check things in to the bag packing both to go and to come back?!? 
//j17 said:
Speed 3 said:
Anyone know of a permanent timed slalom area in Morzine/Avoriaz/Les Gets ?
Can't think of one in Avoriaz. If any junior racers are going to be out they usually rope off a section at the top of the Stade d'Arare piste, off the top of the Lac-Intrets chair. They then plant the pole just before/remove at some point after the racers are done.The only permanent thing I can think of is the straight line speed tester, which is in a similar area, just a bit further down between the Stade d'Arare and Bleue d'Arare pistes.
Contacting someone like EFS might be your best bet and see if they can tell you which days/times the poles will be out so you can sneek on after, or they may be able to put you in contact with one of the junior race teams. If that doesn't get you anywhere try asking EFS for a private slalom race lesson for your daughter. You'll get the evidence you need for her GCSE, and hopefully she'll get something out of the lesson too.
Don't remember seeing a permanent one anywhere else in the PdS either, but could be wrong.
Edited by //j17 on Friday 15th November 09:37
We have one in St. Moritz. It gets created every day on a slightly different route. There is a top gate and timing gear. You can enter your pass number and see a video of your run.
The real issue is that after a few runs the snow gets pushed into piles especially on the corners. Inevitably these piles are in the wrong places so if you want to ski a perfect line it's hard. You end up having to ski the wrong line just to get down.
For a real race there is a team of people who ski snowplough or side slip down the course every few runs flattening the runs. I was doing this yesterday at the local women's FIS slalom. Although this was an international we also do it at the children's club races.
The children's clubs do use the permanent run but they will only do so first thing in the morning before the tourists get out. The rest of the time there is a slope where they practice.
We're off to Serre Chevalier in February.
First time I've been on a proper ski holiday in 11 years. Excited doesn't begin to cover it.
Also, the first time that the family have been. My other half doesn't ski, but hoping that my son will take to it. He's perhaps a little young (just turning five) but fingers crossed.
First time I've been on a proper ski holiday in 11 years. Excited doesn't begin to cover it.
Also, the first time that the family have been. My other half doesn't ski, but hoping that my son will take to it. He's perhaps a little young (just turning five) but fingers crossed.
chandrew said:
Permanent slalom routes are a bit of a novelty - fun but no substitute for the real thing.
We have one in St. Moritz. It gets created every day on a slightly different route. There is a top gate and timing gear. You can enter your pass number and see a video of your run.
The real issue is that after a few runs the snow gets pushed into piles especially on the corners. Inevitably these piles are in the wrong places so if you want to ski a perfect line it's hard. You end up having to ski the wrong line just to get down.
I agree, I think you have both the slalom and the timed run/speed trap too?We have one in St. Moritz. It gets created every day on a slightly different route. There is a top gate and timing gear. You can enter your pass number and see a video of your run.
The real issue is that after a few runs the snow gets pushed into piles especially on the corners. Inevitably these piles are in the wrong places so if you want to ski a perfect line it's hard. You end up having to ski the wrong line just to get down.
The slalom is ugly at the best of times in high season. The speed trap is something my boy drags me on every time
I am one week from a trip to Kitzbuhel and collection of ski passes. Everything's serviced and we cleaned the clothes in the summer so we might get some runs in during that weekend
There's snow in them there hills...!Speed 3 said:
Anyone know of a permanent timed slalom area in Morzine/Avoriaz/Les Gets ?
My daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Mont Chery side of Les gets, there is a dual slalom course set up. Maybe more giant slalom that slalom. Only about half a dozen gates but has a proper start gate and timing system open to all FOC. Up the telecabine then up again on the chair lift. Been blitzed on it by my lad on it too many times to mention now unless he makes a mistakeMy daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Occasionally you can drop onto a course marked out ski school but be prepared to be shouted at if they spot you on it
and no timing gear on it. Down towards the Lindarets Bowl from Avoriaz has a course set up most days. 
Wingo said:
Speed 3 said:
Anyone know of a permanent timed slalom area in Morzine/Avoriaz/Les Gets ?
My daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Mont Chery side of Les gets, there is a dual slalom course set up. Maybe more giant slalom that slalom. Only about half a dozen gates but has a proper start gate and timing system open to all FOC. Up the telecabine then up again on the chair lift. Been blitzed on it by my lad on it too many times to mention now unless he makes a mistakeMy daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Occasionally you can drop onto a course marked out ski school but be prepared to be shouted at if they spot you on it
and no timing gear on it. Down towards the Lindarets Bowl from Avoriaz has a course set up most days. 
For those booked in Whistler for Xmas/New Year, a heads up it's pretty much dry and locals are sacrificing to Ullr on a daily basis. My uneducated guess, based on ~20 seasons there, is they will open on time - but skiing for a week or two might be very very restricted.
Normally there'll be enough by Xmas to open up fully. But the current situation is pretty unusual. November normally has up to three metres of snowfall, and it's been too warm.
Normally there'll be enough by Xmas to open up fully. But the current situation is pretty unusual. November normally has up to three metres of snowfall, and it's been too warm.
eeLee said:
I agree, I think you have both the slalom and the timed run/speed trap too?
The slalom is ugly at the best of times in high season. The speed trap is something my boy drags me on every time
I am one week from a trip to Kitzbuhel and collection of ski passes. Everything's serviced and we cleaned the clothes in the summer so we might get some runs in during that weekend There's snow in them there hills...!
Yes, we have a speed run as well as the Audi slalom on Corviglia. I have to admit I've never bothered with the speed run.The slalom is ugly at the best of times in high season. The speed trap is something my boy drags me on every time
I am one week from a trip to Kitzbuhel and collection of ski passes. Everything's serviced and we cleaned the clothes in the summer so we might get some runs in during that weekend
There's snow in them there hills...!If Kitzbuhel is anything like here you should be in luck. I was up on Diavolezza on Thursday helping with a race and there was good coverage of natural snow on the piste. Where it hadn't been compressed for racing it was powder. There was some opportunity to go off piste with caution (avalanche risks / lots of big exposed rocks) and the ski-tourers were out walking up from the bottom.
Since Thursday the heavy rain that has flooded Venice created large snowfall here on the southern Alps. We had about 60cm in town yesterday with probably 1m on the tops. We've got a similar amount forecast for tomorrow / Monday and some snow most days for the next week.
Anyway, here are a few photos from Thursday to whet the appetite:
racing on Diavolezza (women's FIS slalom)
From the 'workers' lift up at sunrise:
Speed 3 said:
Anyone know of a permanent timed slalom area in Morzine/Avoriaz/Les Gets ?
My daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Almost every ESF in France runs an at-least-weekly event called the Flèche. This is a timed GS course run to national standards (albeit shorter and gentler) with every racer given a score which reflects your percentage slower than the champ. It’s a few euros to enter, although it’s probably best to book a morning’s private tuition the day before, making clear to the instructor that your daughter would like to ski gates and wants to do the flèche the following day. Usually the gates are set up the previous day for training, My daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
c32dave said:
Speed 3 said:
Anyone know of a permanent timed slalom area in Morzine/Avoriaz/Les Gets ?
My daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Almost every ESF in France runs an at-least-weekly event called the Flèche. This is a timed GS course run to national standards (albeit shorter and gentler) with every racer given a score which reflects your percentage slower than the champ. It’s a few euros to enter, although it’s probably best to book a morning’s private tuition the day before, making clear to the instructor that your daughter would like to ski gates and wants to do the flèche the following day. Usually the gates are set up the previous day for training, My daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Speed 3 said:
c32dave said:
Speed 3 said:
Anyone know of a permanent timed slalom area in Morzine/Avoriaz/Les Gets ?
My daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Almost every ESF in France runs an at-least-weekly event called the Flèche. This is a timed GS course run to national standards (albeit shorter and gentler) with every racer given a score which reflects your percentage slower than the champ. It’s a few euros to enter, although it’s probably best to book a morning’s private tuition the day before, making clear to the instructor that your daughter would like to ski gates and wants to do the flèche the following day. Usually the gates are set up the previous day for training, My daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Marcellus said:
Speed 3 said:
c32dave said:
Speed 3 said:
Anyone know of a permanent timed slalom area in Morzine/Avoriaz/Les Gets ?
My daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Almost every ESF in France runs an at-least-weekly event called the Flèche. This is a timed GS course run to national standards (albeit shorter and gentler) with every racer given a score which reflects your percentage slower than the champ. It’s a few euros to enter, although it’s probably best to book a morning’s private tuition the day before, making clear to the instructor that your daughter would like to ski gates and wants to do the flèche the following day. Usually the gates are set up the previous day for training, My daughter is doing GCSE P.E. and we need some video footage on our upcoming trip. The standard skills tests are fine but they need evidence of a "competitive" run and timed and/or competed slalom is suggested. We've not been to the PdS before so would be good to know if there is somewhere we can do it.
Never been a problem for us in 8+ years of half term skiing.
Then again, we don’t rock up at the ESF office on the day and look surprised that the busiest week of the year sells out in advance.
gifdy said:
I’m looking to take the family in Feb but the prices this year seem really high. We had a nice catered chalet last year for something like £650pp but I’m seeing prices north of £1K ! Any idea what’s going on ?
It's not just the UK that has half term - and even in the UK, not all schools are the same week - sometimes they miss each other, sometimes they clash - so maybe last year was better than this ?Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff