December Snow in Alpe d'Huez

Re-posted for maymay :-

hi i'm planning on going to the alpe d'huez for 7 nights on the from 08/12/07 and need to book asap as i found a really good deal but i was wondering what the probability of snow was.
was there good snow around this date last year?
i'm very worried since i'm planning not just for myself and so the whole trip would be pointless since were all hopeful beginners
if it is not possible to give me any information, would there be any useful websites to refer me to?
anything to help me with the snow conditions during that time so that i get a better picture of whether the ski resort will be ski-able during that week this year.
thank you for any help!!!

Early December is always a bit of a gamble, although Alpe d'Huez has altitude on it's side so will have what snow there is. You could literally have anything between no snow and knee deep powder at that time of year - there is really no way to know.

Possible changes in climate patterns mean that historical records are even less of a reliable indicator than they were before. 2006/7 saw poor snow at low altitudes through most of the season - the year before had an abundance. Next season could be different again... sorry, that's the way it is. :(

You might want to consider Les Deux Alpes as an alternative, as you have a group of beginners. LDA is sometimes referred to as an "upside down" resort because there are beginners runs at the highest point - over 3,000 metres altitude.


Seriously, my advice would be to wait and book last minute. Early December is never busy in Europe and you're pretty much guaranteed to find accommodation at a good price. Wait and see what the snow does, then follow it - make a list of high altitude resorts and do some research between now and then.

You've also got the time to get your group organised - have a party and watch a ski vid or two, get the group along to your nearest Snow Dome (I'm assuming you're in the UK) to find your "ski feet" and get them stoked for the great adventure they're about to embark on.

Beware - this is a one way ticket for many people; your priorities may change, you may never take another summer holiday again (except to ski in the Southern Hemisphere)... 8)

Just noticed admins signature

Beware - this is a one way ticket for many people; your priorities may change, you may never take another summer holiday again (except to ski in the Southern Hemisphere)...

He's right! I've not been on a summer holiday since learning to ski!

thanks thats really helpful information for me!!! i need to have a good think now