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Chamonix Snow Report: 14th December 2010

featured in Snow report Author Kieran Sharp, Updated

It's very very cold in Chamonix right now, we had a large dump followed by rain lower down and now a fairly cold snap has entered just before the forecasters are predicting more snow on the horizon. This can mean that it will build a good base of snow for the season. Riding around the Grand Montets at the moment we can start to see that a lot of the rocks that were poking through on the previous weekend openings are now fully covered in. that's not to say that there isn't any rocks at all though!

Conditions generally speaking have been fairly hard packed and icy in most places recently, however there are where you can find it, shady secret little bowls where you might just find a few patches of soft white fluffy stuff, also known as powder. If you know your way around the valley quit well you might be able to find these lovely wee patches, if not there are a number of ways you can achieve this as a frequent skier or snowboarder. You can employ the services of local guides through the company des guides or through Evoloution 2 who are all operating at the moment and will take you far in to the backcountry to find some of the best spots to ride. You could also book some performance lessons with AMP or McNab Snowsports where you will not only be taken to some of the best spots to ride but you'll get to learn how to ride them! There are a number of hosting facilities available in the valley, and most chalets will offer ski hosting. If you're after a bit of Snowboard hosting where you will be shown some of the best jib spots in the valley then get in touch with Blue Mile Snowsports who offer a fantastic service showing you around the valley and even using Go Pro HD cameras to capture your holiday in 1080p HD video uploaded through the power of social media.

The town is starting to feel pretty busy again, after a long inter-season the locals are glad to see some new faces hanging around. Most of the seasonnaires are about town now and settling in to their new jobs, opening the rest of the bars, restaurants and clubs in preparation for some busy weeks ahead over the Christmas New Year's period. Getting out before or after the mad weeks can be a good idea, hotels are cheaper, lifts and runs are quieter and you can often find some really great snow conditions, especially in to January.

I've actually got my new board out of its wrapper and on to my feet as with the hard pack conditions we have right now, having new sharp edges is a blessing! If you're out this week be sure to get your skis or board serviced well to enjoy the most out of the conditions.

Check out our Mountain Guide Listings for contact details of local guiding and activity companies.

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!

Stats

Avalanche Risk
  • Level 3

Snow Report
  • 2

  • Total Pistes: 75

  • Alt. Resort: 1253

  • Alt. Summit: 3233

  • Alt. Last Snow: 1253

  • High Temp.: -4

  • Alt. High Temp.: 1050