Chamonix Snow Report: 10th February 2012

At Grands Montets yesterday, the screen at the bottom stated that it was -6 at Lognan and -14 at the very top, and when I made my way out from the cable car at mid-station, I have to admit that there was certainly more heat in the air than down in the car park. There wasn’t a breath of wind up there and it’s been more of the same - sunshine, sunshine, sunshine. I got straight on the Bochard gondola which is also how it’s been for ages now - no queues anywhere really - and the views from the top were really spectacular today so I took my time fixing on the plank and had a little faff around just to take in the vista. I know from the photos that it looks as if I had exclusive use of the area this week. There’s just nobody around which is obviously about to change at the weekend when the school holidays start!

At the risk of getting repetitive, the snow off the Bochard was lovely – packed and grippy and not an icy patch in sight. Even the traditionally nightmare icy section just over halfway down (just past the orange netting) was fine; the brow of the hill just before it which drops off more steeply was probably the hardest part of the whole run, but even my “in need of a service” edges were getting a grip no problem. Generally I avoid this part of the piste like the plague as it really is a horrible icy nightmare and it also bottlenecks a bit as people hit the ice and then panic at the top of the steep section. However for snow reporting purposes I gave it a shot and it was actually really nice today. My preferred route on this part of the hill is to veer left just before the orange netting where there is usually a narrow section pisted most of the way down but the majority of it is left ungroomed meaning it’s often bumped. However, I guarantee that the snow on this shady section will be 10 times nicer than the alternate piste option – bumps or not – and it will always get my vote, dropping you down onto the Marmottons blue run just above the start of the snow park.

Over the other side taking the Herse chairlift up, pretty much all of the off piste terrain underneath is now formed into moguls. Obviously being Chamonix, you have to work to find your powder stashes now as everything in easy reach has been tracked out for days now. However, it’s still worth venturing onto if you don’t mind a bit of bump action as the moguls are just beautiful; well shaped and all chalky packed powder. A lot of fun if you fancy a bit of a work out (and this is coming from a boarder!) but even after a few laps of the bumps, I still had no desire to open any of my clothing vents, not in -10!

And by all accounts, my vents will be staying firmly shut for the foreseeable future as another bitterly cold front is on its way with strong North to North East winds in tow. Lovely. Today at GM is was -19 at Lognan and -24 at the top and that North wind has already begun to whip up. Sometimes work commitments keeping you off the hill are not always a bad thing! Still no new snow on the horizon but the stuff that we’ve currently got is still in tip top condition.

However, one sure fire way to get your cockles warmed in these chilly times is with a little bit of lovin’ and whilst I am a firm believer that chairlifts are a practical way to get you up the mountain and most certainly not for canoodling on (I mean really!!); I am prepared to turn a blind eye to this sort of behaviour once a year when Valentine’s Day comes round, and well, I suppose it’s ok to get up close and snugly on the lift next Tuesday even if there isn’t a howling gale as such to shelter from....

If you are coming out with your loved one next week then you might want a couple of suggestions for places to go – perhaps take a little champagne picnic up the Aiguille du Midi – the Mont Blanc viewing terrace is my favourite; it’s pretty sheltered and often the quietest if you don’t mind the odd climber popping up over the edge from the Cosmiques arête! Don’t forget a couple of blankets to snuggle under but in the sun, it’s a beautiful spot. If you want a nice little place on the hill for lunch then the restaurant Alpage de Balme near the base of the Aiguillettes drag lift in Le Tour gets my vote. The menu isn’t that extensive but the food is great value and tasty (potato rosti – yummy!) and the service is very friendly. This is definitely a place to book as it’s very small but really worth a visit. Call them on +33 (0) 683 33 86 61 to book a table and incidentally, they also do a very good vin chaud and have some of the best views of the valley. In town, there is no shortage of restaurants for a nice romantic dinner; L’Atmosphere near the Post Office is always a Valentine’s Day favourite and also a bit of a treat being one of the more expensive places in town, but it is very good. Get in early to bag yourself one of the sought after river view tables. If you’re on a bit of a budget (rather than being a cheap date!) then book one of the intimate booths in the Caveau restaurant a couple of doors down – their garlic bread with cheese is the best in town. Just make sure you both have it! ;O)