Chamonix Activity Report: 10th July 2011
We have had a little more mixed weather this week here in Chamonix, but it’s the right mix; sunny in the mornings and at least dry for the best part of the day while clouds roll in and some epic thunder storms crash and bang through the night, before the morning sun comes along to dry it all off again. At other times in the year all this evening rain would mean that climbing isn’t possible the next day, but it doesn’t take long at all for the walls to dry in the heat that we have been having while the sun is out.
Paragliders have loved the opportunity that the weather has brought them, offering mostly perfect conditions in the mornings and a lot of thermals toward the afternoon, before the weather begins to turn. Paragliding is a great way to get about and see the valley from a true birds eye perspective, there are lots of tandem flight available for booking and it’s an awesome way to sit back in comfort with a qualified instructor to guide you through the air in complete tranquillity to a safe landing area. Give the guys a shout at Fly Chamonix (www.fly-chamonix.com) for an amazing experience you will never forget.
The trails for hiking biking and downhill riding are all in pretty good condition, not quite as dry as they were before the evening rains dropped in to the valley, so if you are here for the serious downhill makes sure you have good brakes and tyres! Chamonix has a lot of serious downhill mountain biking terrain; there are some world class steeps and some very challenging trails. However there is opportunity for some nice chilled progression. Simply getting the train up to Montroc at the top end of the valley and choosing one of the mellower balcon sud/nord trails will give you the possibility to ease yourself in to the sport. If you feel these are a doddle and you want more of a challenged there are some nice easy ones to start on in Le Tour and Les Houches offering some easier options for the not so advanced rider. There are many stores in the town who can offer rental and purchase of all the gear you need, and one of the best is Zero G, with a wide selection of bikes from road to full on freeride, they also ride a lot themselves so can provide some great advice on any kit you need.
I’m just starting to feel like I’m becoming strong for summer climbing now, after a few weeks of getting back in to it I’m at a point now where I’m more keen to get on some of the trickier climbs in the valley, and there are plenty of them to choose from! Down at Les Gaillands there is a little slab wall at the far right as you look at the wall, its polished, hardly any foot or hand placements and the other day we finally made it up this tricky route we had been trying since the start of the summer. Slab climbing is a great side to the sport, it’s necessary to be very precise with your movements and feels a lot more artful than heaving yourself up a large overhanging walls.
There are loads of slab climbing opportunities in the valley and a lot of them are in lovely tranquil locations, why not come over in time for the climbing world cup, and see for yourself!
Editor's note: Chamonet.com is one of the Skinets.com ski resort websites; we are looking for enthusiastic and reliable reporters who will be in the Alps all season to produce written reports and/or present video reports. If you are planning on spending next winter in one of the following resorts and are interested in working for us please send an email to alison@skinets.com.
Alpe d’Huez – Avoriaz – Chamonix – Courchevel - La Plagne - Les Arcs - Les 2 Alpes – Meribel – Morzine – Tignes - Val d’Isere - Val Thorens - Verbier
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