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Skiing in the Alps, Thanksgiving break

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Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
Hey guys,
This semester i'm studying abroad in Nantes, France. I'm hoping to get out to the alps for some skiing over my thanksgiving break. I am clueless. Can you guys help me out?
Do they have snow then?
Where should I go for a week long ski trip?
France or Switzerland?
Anybody live out there that a couple guys can stay with?
Any hook ups?

Trying to save money but still have a lot of fun. Thanks!

Btw our break is November 16-26
Sep 13 2012 7:10AM
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Chuffin
Posts: 121 - Karma: 155
There wasn't really any snow in the Alps last year until December (when it actually exploded with snow) but it varies each season. Stick to places that have a glacier so you can at least get some skiing in. Look at Tignes, France or Saas-Fee, Switzerland for good party places that have glaciers. Can't help you with the accommodation I'm afraid. Good luck.
Sep 13 2012 7:38AM
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Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
Thanks a ton man!
Sep 13 2012 7:43AM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
Yeah, your kinda relying on an early winter here. I was in Switzerland over Thanksgiving a few years back and they had yet to receive a single inch of snow. Then last year, like the previous post... winter was late.

But this year, this summer has been pretty wet in the alps and it's been pretty cool. Last night it dipped down to 40 degrees here in Luzern. So who knows, maybe it will be an early winter.
Sep 13 2012 8:11AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
check the wepowder forecast and decide last minute, that is if you're a powderhound ....
if you're a parkrat, stick to something with a glacier, they'll most likely have the biggest parks up around that time ...

then forecast for current snow/weather reports and the best places to be ....
Sep 13 2012 8:17AM
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Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
Thanks man! I'm from the east coast of the US, so I usually live in the park back home, but I love big mountain and look for as much powder as I can when I take trips out west.

This could be risky. I have to make arrangements within the next week, so I wanna make sure there will be snow when we arrive. If there is a chance for no snow, I think we might have to do something else (surf trip to portugal?)
Sep 13 2012 9:20AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
for sure !

or look for last minute plane tickets, a buddy of mine found a 50$ return flight to marokko for surfing, it seemed like a very cool trip !

but yeah if you want to ski, i'm sure you can find some cool glacier/ high elevation parks, especially if you're used to eastcoast, i think you'll be pleasantly surprised , or you have to get lucky in that week and follow the weather .....
Sep 13 2012 9:25AM
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Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
unfortunately we're not allowed to leave europe, but i found some awesome packages in portugal. $60 round trip flight and a house for $20/night/person right on the beach... what to do
Sep 13 2012 9:37AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
till when are you staying ?

bretagne/breizh is also pretty cool to visit, it's a very old region and has some cool surfing spots as well.... might be a little bit colder/harsher than portugal though ;)

but yeah, personally i'd say surfin portugal, it's going to be really chill and i'm no expert but in that period it's also got ridiculous swell with the first winter storms and such ...

the skiing will be ok if you go to the right resorts but won't be the 'best' the alps have to offer... you're a few weeks/months too early for that ...
Sep 13 2012 9:42AM
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Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
Haha I'm actually in the Bretagne area, were in Nantes. We went to Pornic this past weekend and the water was freezing! no waves either :(

At this point I'm leaning towards the surf trip. Thanks again for your input!
Sep 13 2012 10:02AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
you need to go more north for the surfing, i used to go to the crozon region every year, it was really cool for surfing/diving/sailing, a beautiful region but a very harsh climate on bad days ....
Sep 13 2012 10:22AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Nothing in France is good til mid-December, unless we get a freak year.

Hintertux (Austria) is your best bet - they usually have a nice line of 3 15-20m kickers in their glacier park right through to the end of November. Check out flights to Munich or Innsbruck.
Sep 14 2012 10:11AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
i've always wanted to go skiing with an airplane but don't those tickets cost a fortune ?
last time i checked i wanted a flight from brussels to innsbruck or munich and the cheapest was over 300euro and that was with carry-on only, flying with a heavy bulky skibag must cost a fortune :/

so for that money i'm better off driving ...
Sep 14 2012 10:35AM
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