Chamonix Activity Report: 21st May 2011
We have had what seems a little more like inter-season weather conditions, with a little bit of everything passing through the valley. Right now its crazy hot weather reminding us of the height of summer, although there has been some heavy rain storms in the afternoon/early evening which have been cooling down the air temperature so you realise it's not quite mid-summer yet.
There are many activities available at the moment; a lot of people who visit the valley in either the height of winter or summer believe that there is nothing to do right now, everything is closed up, so they leave a holiday out here until one of the more expensive times in peak season.
Right now we have people skiing some of the high routes available off the Aiguille du Midi, and it is this time of year that some of the high altitude steeper descents really come in to condition, along with some of the great adventures like the Haute Route, and skiing Mont Blanc.
At the same time people are getting down to the lake, climbing some of the many low and mid-mountain climbs possible, touring on the bike and even some downhill mountain biking where possible. Although the lifts aren't operating at full capacity like you will have in mid-summer or winter, there is still plenty going on and almost more possibilities than you might normally have available, especially if you only ever sample one of the seasons. It really is a great time of year to come out and experience a bit of both, although you will need to be an experienced mountaineer to get on with some of the winter shenanigans.
There is a great vibe in the town at the moment, chilled after a winter of madness and not much snow, and lots of keen climbers and mountaineers slowing bleeding their way in to the valley for a summer of fun. BBQ's are sprouting up everywhere even at the climbing walls, or at one of the many free to use grills at the lakes dotted around the area.
Right now I have been getting out quite a lot on the bike whether that is on the road, or off-road on one of the many trails available to ride at the moment. Being under the cover of the trees riding alongside the river is a really enjoyable experience, with some great views along the way. If you need a bit more exercise you can rent out a road bike from one of the many bike shops in the valley and discover some of the many great climbs and descents in and around Chamonix. With temperatures not quite as hot as they soon will be it's a great time to be out here for some sweaty uphill riding!
So if you have a bit of time off, and don't fancy sitting in front of the telly or getting down to the gym for some exercise, why not book a much cheaper holiday out to Chamonix, where you are guaranteed to have a good time!
Editor's note: So, that's it for winter 2010/2011 then! We hope you've enjoyed reading our reports as much as we've enjoyed writing them and we look forward to bringing you more up-to-date info next season.
You can read all of our reports from this season and previous ones by using the “Archived Reports” box in the top right-hand corner. In the meantime, there will occasional interseason updates and be sure to check back around the beginning of June when our summer reports start up again, bringing you regular updates on local events and activities.
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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Check out what to do around town once the lifts have closed with our Apres Ski Report - a weekly round up of what's hot and where to party in Chamonix!
