Chamonix Snow Report: 14th March 2008

A pleasant drive over the Col des Montets, found us parking right by the quiet Valorcine gondola. The first run down was the blue Esserts piste to the Tete de Balme chair, and the snow conditions on piste were clear and could be summed up in a word, “spring”. The snow coverage was good, and the snow itself was soft but where it was getting the full sun it had started to get wet and grabby particularly lower down. The piste conditions were similar on the other pistes we skied, always soft but sometimes wet.

In these conditions the preparation of boards and skis is most important, specifically they should be waxed with the correct wax and then brushed clean. It also helps if the base has been structured; this is best done in the shop where they will create a surface that sheds the water.

We headed for the Aiguillettes de Posettes, to do the off piste run down the left flank of the east ridge, aware of the avalanche risk we kept high on the ridge and found some interesting lines. The snow here had been severely affected by the wind. We found pockets of powder, and some icy bare patches, plus some huge wind-lips so a little care was required. It was possible to easily push my ski stick down into the snow, in places to a depth of 6Ocm plus, but the snow was firm to ski on.

One of the hidden gems of Le Tour are the “back bowls”. These are a series of amazing gullies and bowls under the east face of the Tete de Balme. However they are extremely avalanche prone, and stay so days after the snow has stabilised elsewhere. In addition to the usual slab avalanche risk, as a result of the recent high winds, they have also grown some enormous wind-lips or cornices if you prefer, at the tops of the gullies. When these wind-lips collapse as they probably will soon, you really don't want to be in one of the gullies, or anywhere near. Having said that, the snow in the bowls today was lovely, sometimes light, sometimes softened in the sun, and occasionally sculpted into bizarre shapes, but great fun. If you want to explore this area you should hire a guide or instructor who will be able to show you around safely.

The snow off piste below the Tete de Balme chair was also varied depending on the altitude. At the top it was wind blown, and near the bottom softened in the sun, some of the moguls that were here on my last visit, were now considerably smaller and softer, and much easier to ski.

The home run down to Valorcine is closed and looking at the state of it from the gondola looks unlikely to reopen as much of it is bare, and there are no snow cannons on this run, but downloading via the gondola is simple and hassle free.

The avalanche threat level today was 2 moderate. The forecast for tomorrow is very mild, with another front passing over on Sunday/Monday bringing more snow.

Check out what to do around town once the lifts have closed with our latest Apres Ski Report - a weekly round up of what's hot and where to party in Chamonix!