The winter has arrived…….finally!
After our slightly premature dump alert to you last night (excitement got the better of us I'm afraid!), the weather did not let us down and the snow continued to dump all night long (see photo). We awoke this morning to about 20cms of light, fluffy snow gracing the streets of Cham. Well actually we awoke at about 4am when the snow ploughs were charging around the resort but on this occasion, we didn't mind. The day has got off to a good start with the majority of the valley up and running after initial blasting first thing. Slight delays in Grand Montets, Brevent and Flegere as the areas were secured but already (by 11am) the only lifts remaining closed are the top station Brevent and the Tete de Balme chairlift at le Tour, although both are still under preparation.
Reports from the Compagnie du Mont Blanc are indicating that between 20 – 30cms have fallen at 2000m and the top of the Aiguille du Midi has a whopping 40cms (well, by this winters standards). It is possible to do the Vallée Blanche at the moment, although the fixed line down the arête is not yet in place so it requires high mountain equipment, preferably a guide and nerves of steel to make the descent.
Another good thing is that the temperature has dropped considerably and today is cold, cold, cold. It is currently between -12 and -16 at 2200m although there doesn't appear to be much wind, that still makes it a bit brisk for any exposed skin! Avalanche risk is currently Level 3 (out of 5) so off-pisting should be done with extreme caution and all the necessary equipment as there is a lot of new snowfall on a very hard base.
For the next few days the weather is set to remain very cold with the temperature not rising above -8. There is a chance of some more snow flurries overnight but during the day, we should be seeing a fair amount of sunshine which surely means that we are in for the best powder days of the season so far. If this is the news that you've been waiting for before booking a last minute trip – don't delay anymore - BOOK THOSE FLIGHTS!!
