Chamonix Activity Report: 28th September 2004
Following last week's rant it seems that we are not alone in our beliefs! There was a huge clean up operation which took place. Organised by the mayor of Saint-Gervais the Mont Blanc is white once again! A week and a half ago, assisted by 400 volunteers the surrounds of the refuges on the way to the summit were cleared 75m3 of rubbish and litter, which was then returned to the valley by helicopter. It seems today's climbers are more conscious of polluting their environment than was the case twenty years ago.
There is a possibility that due to pressure on the mountain local authorities will begin to enforce more stringent measures to curb problems of pollution at altitude. In the US trail permits and 'packing-out poop' have been long established on popular routes.
Also in the local News this week has been the Les Houches / Chamonix Valley lift-pass debacle. Chamonix valley until a few years ago was a collection of several different lift companies - principally one for each area. Most of these were bought up by the recently formed Compagnie du Mont Blanc. However, Les Houches - consisting of two companies itself, did not sell out nor could they agree with the CMB on commissions due between themselves for sales of Valley passes. As such Les Houches remains a seperate area and a seperate pass: really at the detriment of clients to the region.
The main underlying reasons for the continuation of this arrangement are ancient family feuds, money, and further politics. However, one of Les Houches lift companies has been in discussion with the CMB so all the parties met last week to try and find common ground. Suspicion of motif was the predominant recurring theme and by the end of the meeting it a decision was still a long way from being reached...!
Last Saturday night saw the end of season closing for the local popular band Juggernaut in the Chambre Neuf (excellent cocktails - 2-for-1 8-10pm everyday). As town is much quieter at the moment the place was packed with locals, many of whom were the other bar owners who decided it was time for a big night out! A cracking evening overall.
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Additional snow and weather information provided, with thanks, by meteo.chamonix.com and the Tourist Office
