I pulled the trigger since 1. USA snow is almost below average and 2. Europe is having a 20 or 30 year winter. Was going to do the lower Powder Highway - Red, Whitewater, Cat day, Heli day - but just did the upper route Calgary to Revelstoke last year, and a separate trip to Whistler. These BC areas always have snow.
However, I have my brother interested in doing his only Euro trip - so I am getting 'stuck?' with his calls. I would prefer to go to Austria to St. Anton just using the train from Zermatt, since this is one of the last major 'big areas' I have not yet been to. However, I was over ruled by an overlay aggressive tour of the big resorts with 3 days in each: Val d'Isere, Chamonix, Zermatt - in late January/early February. Already there are issues:
Grands Montets tram did not like 220 km/hr winds.
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Road to Verbier from Chamonix is closed due to rockslide.
1. Val d'Isere. I am not sure why I do not see more chatter about this. It's my favorite of the French/Swiss mega resorts. The off piste is identifiable, not overly glaciated, comes in all flavors, and super extensive. The village is nice too. Expensive - yes, but you can find options that are not crazy. People say it gets tracked to quick - but that is only for Europe. Nothing like the Cottonwood, Whistler, Jackson [censored].
2. Chamonix. There is so much choice here: Megeve to Les Houches to Brevent to Le Tour - something has to be good. Goal is to do a tougher line off the Agui like the Grand Envers - which I have not done.
3. Zermatt. I have only done a summer ski here with Cervinia still open. Like to ski the other sections. Maybe hire a guide.
Hopefully avoid being trapped after 2 meters of snow like the tourists suffered last week.
Fingers crossed there is more sun than clouds.