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#1
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Need Recommendations for Mountains Near Geneva
I just found out I will have an open day in Geneva during my upcoming
business trip to Europe. I know nothing about the Alps and would appreciate any information regarding nearby mountains would be greatly appreciated. I am interested in intermediate terrain, so lack of extreme slopes is not an issue. I found some info on Verbier, including a 10KM toboggan run for those in my group that don't ski - but wanted to get more objective info. Also - how is the snow this year in the Alps? I have not been able to glean much information regarding overall conditions. Thanks, Bob D. |
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#2
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Need Recommendations for Mountains Near Geneva
Bob D wrote:
I just found out I will have an open day in Geneva during my upcoming business trip to Europe. I know nothing about the Alps and would appreciate any information regarding nearby mountains would be greatly appreciated. I am interested in intermediate terrain, so lack of extreme slopes is not an issue. I found some info on Verbier, including a 10KM toboggan run for those in my group that don't ski - but wanted to get more objective info. Also - how is the snow this year in the Alps? I have not been able to glean much information regarding overall conditions. Thanks, Bob D. Bob, There are lots of websites listing all the resorts and their snow conditions; try the ski club of GB (www.skiclub.co.uk) or http://www.welove2ski.com or www.wtss.co.uk or some of the others. Geneva is the gateway to many of the ski resorts in Europe and if you look at a map you will see some top notch resorts, such as Flaine, Chamonix, and Avoriaz only a short drive away. If the snow is good you could also try one of the smaller resorts such as Le Grand Bornand or La Clusaz. Verbier is a much longer drive and I would not reccomend it for a day trip. John |
#3
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Need Recommendations for Mountains Near Geneva
"Bob D" wrote in message . .. I just found out I will have an open day in Geneva during my upcoming business trip to Europe. I know nothing about the Alps and would appreciate any information regarding nearby mountains would be greatly appreciated. I am interested in intermediate terrain, so lack of extreme slopes is not an issue. I found some info on Verbier, including a 10KM toboggan run for those in my group that don't ski - but wanted to get more objective info. Also - how is the snow this year in the Alps? I have not been able to glean much information regarding overall conditions. Thanks, Hi Bob, I guess you're not from Europe, so you may need to be careful about visa restrictions. The bigger nearby resorts are in France, but in the Portes de Soleil there are a couple of the stations that are Swiss territory. However I think access from Geneva, without entering France, might be an issue. So to ski for the day I suggest you ensure that you meet the French visa requirements and catch a bus, taxi, hire a car and drive to either the Portes de Soleil or the Grand Massif ski areas. Both of these are grouped resorts with several access points, the lower ones are easier to get to, but are less snow sure. Check the ski-club website for Avoriaz and Flaine respectively and then follow links to their main sites. I can't speak for Flaine, but in Avoriaz make sure you only buy a local pass as you won't be able to access all the full area skiing in a day. Have fun -- Paul S |
#4
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Need Recommendations for Mountains Near Geneva
" " wrote in message ... Bob D wrote: I just found out I will have an open day in Geneva during my upcoming business trip to Europe. I know nothing about the Alps and would appreciate any information regarding nearby mountains would be greatly appreciated. I am interested in intermediate terrain, so lack of extreme slopes is not an issue. I found some info on Verbier, including a 10KM toboggan run for those in my group that don't ski - but wanted to get more objective info. Also - how is the snow this year in the Alps? I have not been able to glean much information regarding overall conditions. Thanks, Bob D. Bob, There are lots of websites listing all the resorts and their snow conditions; try the ski club of GB (www.skiclub.co.uk) or http://www.welove2ski.com or www.wtss.co.uk or some of the others. Geneva is the gateway to many of the ski resorts in Europe and if you look at a map you will see some top notch resorts, such as Flaine, Chamonix, and Avoriaz only a short drive away. If the snow is good you could also try one of the smaller resorts such as Le Grand Bornand or La Clusaz. Verbier is a much longer drive and I would not reccomend it for a day trip. John Sound advice - and also consider Les Houches, in Chamonix Valley. Snow so far this year in the Alps is really good.... You can see for yourself in (mostly) real time using the webcams linked from he http://www.snoweye.com/ - worldwide http://www.viewsurf.com/liste-tag-snow.html - what's happening in the French mountains RM www.mountainpassions.com - and Online Magazine with Altitude |
#5
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Need Recommendations for Mountains Near Geneva
Paul S wrote:
"Bob D" wrote in message . .. I just found out I will have an open day in Geneva during my upcoming business trip to Europe. I know nothing about the Alps and would appreciate any information regarding nearby mountains would be greatly appreciated. I am interested in intermediate terrain, so lack of extreme slopes is not an issue. I found some info on Verbier, including a 10KM toboggan run for those in my group that don't ski - but wanted to get more objective info. Also - how is the snow this year in the Alps? I have not been able to glean much information regarding overall conditions. Thanks, Hi Bob, I guess you're not from Europe, so you may need to be careful about visa restrictions. The bigger nearby resorts are in France, but in the Portes de Soleil there are a couple of the stations that are Swiss territory. However I think access from Geneva, without entering France, might be an issue. So to ski for the day I suggest you ensure that you meet the French visa requirements and catch a bus, taxi, hire a car and drive to either the Portes de Soleil or the Grand Massif ski areas. Both of these are grouped resorts with several access points, the lower ones are easier to get to, but are less snow sure. Check the ski-club website for Avoriaz and Flaine respectively and then follow links to their main sites. I can't speak for Flaine, but in Avoriaz make sure you only buy a local pass as you won't be able to access all the full area skiing in a day. Have fun I forgot about possible visa restrictions to France, I have a friend, who, though she can get a visa for France, finds the queuing at the French embassey in London a nightmare. For that reason she only skis in Switzerland. John |
#6
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Need Recommendations for Mountains Near Geneva
On Feb 11, 12:25*pm, "Bob D" wrote:
I just found out I will have an open day in Geneva during my upcoming business trip to Europe. I know nothing about the Alps and would appreciate any information regarding nearby mountains would be greatly appreciated. *I am interested in intermediate terrain, so lack of extreme slopes is not an issue. *I found some info on Verbier, including a 10KM toboggan run for those in my group that don't ski - but wanted to get more objective info. Also - how is the snow this year in the Alps? *I have not been able to glean much information regarding overall conditions. Thanks, Bob D. Flaine is very good as a ski area within 1 hour of Geneva airport. You can also access it via Samoens, Morillon, Les Carroz or Sixt which are more typical French Alpine villages part of the same ski area. These may appeal more to non-skiers. More info on http://www.peakretreats.co.uk/ski/grand-massif.htm .Snow is very good at the moment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ XS Peak Retreats http://www.peakretreats.co.uk Ski Collection http://www.skicollection.co.uk |
#7
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Need Recommendations for Mountains Near Geneva
Thanks for the feedback.
I have not heard of anything about visa restrictions in France. I am a US citizen - I drove through France last year on my way from Paal, Belgium to Barcelona, Spain and never even had to show my passport. If this is an issue, I would need to stay in the Swiss Alps since I depart this Saturday for a week long business trip. Please advise. Thanks again for your assistance! Bob D. "Paul S" morespam@nothanks wrote in message ... "Bob D" wrote in message . .. I just found out I will have an open day in Geneva during my upcoming business trip to Europe. I know nothing about the Alps and would appreciate any information regarding nearby mountains would be greatly appreciated. I am interested in intermediate terrain, so lack of extreme slopes is not an issue. I found some info on Verbier, including a 10KM toboggan run for those in my group that don't ski - but wanted to get more objective info. Also - how is the snow this year in the Alps? I have not been able to glean much information regarding overall conditions. Thanks, Hi Bob, I guess you're not from Europe, so you may need to be careful about visa restrictions. The bigger nearby resorts are in France, but in the Portes de Soleil there are a couple of the stations that are Swiss territory. However I think access from Geneva, without entering France, might be an issue. So to ski for the day I suggest you ensure that you meet the French visa requirements and catch a bus, taxi, hire a car and drive to either the Portes de Soleil or the Grand Massif ski areas. Both of these are grouped resorts with several access points, the lower ones are easier to get to, but are less snow sure. Check the ski-club website for Avoriaz and Flaine respectively and then follow links to their main sites. I can't speak for Flaine, but in Avoriaz make sure you only buy a local pass as you won't be able to access all the full area skiing in a day. Have fun -- Paul S |
#8
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Need Recommendations for Mountains Near Geneva
"Bob D" wrote in message news Thanks for the feedback. I have not heard of anything about visa restrictions in France. I am a US citizen - I drove through France last year on my way from Paal, Belgium to Barcelona, Spain and never even had to show my passport. If this is an issue, I would need to stay in the Swiss Alps since I depart this Saturday for a week long business trip. Please advise. Thanks again for your assistance! Bob D. Those countries you mention are part of the Schengen (spelling?) group and have open borders, I'm pretty sure Switzerland isn't included. There may well be no visa restrictions for you - it's just been mentioned as you will have to cross an international border and we were unaware of your status. If your away next week then the snow should be great. I'd say try Les Gets which is easy access as it's on the main road, only 40 miles or so from Geneva, and has a variety of skiing for all levels in a fairly compact space. Have fun -- Paul S |
#9
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Need Recommendations for Mountains Near Geneva
On 12 Feb, 12:21, "Bob D" wrote:
Thanks for the feedback. I have not heard of anything about visa restrictions in France. I am a US citizen - I drove through France last year on my way from Paal, Belgium to Barcelona, Spain and never even had to show my passport. *If this is an issue, I would need to stay in the Swiss Alps since I depart this Saturday for a week long business trip. *Please advise. Thanks again for your assistance! Bob D. "Paul S" morespam@nothanks wrote in message ... "Bob D" wrote in message ... I just found out I will have an open day in Geneva during my upcoming business trip to Europe. I know nothing about the Alps and would appreciate any information regarding nearby mountains would be greatly appreciated. *I am interested in intermediate terrain, so lack of extreme slopes is not an issue. *I found some info on Verbier, including a 10KM toboggan run for those in my group that don't ski - but wanted to get more objective info. Also - how is the snow this year in the Alps? *I have not been able to glean much information regarding overall conditions. Thanks, Hi Bob, I guess you're not from Europe, so you may need to be careful about visa restrictions. The bigger nearby resorts are in France, but in the Portes de Soleil there are a couple of the stations that are Swiss territory. However I think access from Geneva, without entering France, might be an issue. So to ski for the day I suggest you ensure that you meet the French visa requirements and catch a bus, taxi, hire a car and drive to either the Portes de Soleil or the Grand Massif ski areas. Both of these are grouped resorts with several access points, the lower ones are easier to get to, but are less snow sure. Check the ski-club website for Avoriaz and Flaine respectively and then follow links to their main sites. I can't speak for Flaine, but in Avoriaz make sure you only buy a local pass as you won't be able to access all the full area skiing in a day. Have fun -- Paul S- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - As I understand it as a US citizen you'll not need a visa for a short- stay visit to France, just take your passport. I assume any Swiss movements will be covered by your business visa. Anyway, you'll be within 2 hours of probably hundreds of KMs of lovely pistes and conditions are great. Enjoy! Matt |
#10
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Need Recommendations for Mountains Near Geneva
One more question - are "intermediate" slopes in Europe similar to US? I
tore a meniscus two years ago and this will be my first time back on ski's, so I want to avoid steep terrain. Thanks, Bob D. "Matt T" wrote in message ... On 12 Feb, 12:21, "Bob D" wrote: Thanks for the feedback. I have not heard of anything about visa restrictions in France. I am a US citizen - I drove through France last year on my way from Paal, Belgium to Barcelona, Spain and never even had to show my passport. If this is an issue, I would need to stay in the Swiss Alps since I depart this Saturday for a week long business trip. Please advise. Thanks again for your assistance! Bob D. "Paul S" morespam@nothanks wrote in message ... "Bob D" wrote in message ... I just found out I will have an open day in Geneva during my upcoming business trip to Europe. I know nothing about the Alps and would appreciate any information regarding nearby mountains would be greatly appreciated. I am interested in intermediate terrain, so lack of extreme slopes is not an issue. I found some info on Verbier, including a 10KM toboggan run for those in my group that don't ski - but wanted to get more objective info. Also - how is the snow this year in the Alps? I have not been able to glean much information regarding overall conditions. Thanks, Hi Bob, I guess you're not from Europe, so you may need to be careful about visa restrictions. The bigger nearby resorts are in France, but in the Portes de Soleil there are a couple of the stations that are Swiss territory. However I think access from Geneva, without entering France, might be an issue. So to ski for the day I suggest you ensure that you meet the French visa requirements and catch a bus, taxi, hire a car and drive to either the Portes de Soleil or the Grand Massif ski areas. Both of these are grouped resorts with several access points, the lower ones are easier to get to, but are less snow sure. Check the ski-club website for Avoriaz and Flaine respectively and then follow links to their main sites. I can't speak for Flaine, but in Avoriaz make sure you only buy a local pass as you won't be able to access all the full area skiing in a day. Have fun -- Paul S- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - As I understand it as a US citizen you'll not need a visa for a short- stay visit to France, just take your passport. I assume any Swiss movements will be covered by your business visa. Anyway, you'll be within 2 hours of probably hundreds of KMs of lovely pistes and conditions are great. Enjoy! Matt |
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