Chamonix Snow Report: 15th March 2011

The foehn wind is still pushing its way in to the valley somewhat and with sunnier conditions currently being felt the snow will begin to disappear especially off the south facing hills. However we are all waiting patiently with fingers crossed for some new snow to arrive, so hopefully that does the job and if it doesn't then the weather forecast is looking like we might have some pretty big dumps in our hands over the next few days, so get booking that holiday over now! I haven't had a chance to get over the hill to Italy but reports are coming back of a good amount of new snow fall in Courmayeur and as it's on the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass so you can benefit from ideal conditions in this valley the Italian or indeed the 4 valleys in Switzerland! All amazingly put on to one single pass for your skiing and snowboarding pleasure.

Making the most of local knowledge out here will be of great benefit to your holiday experience and choosing the right type of knowledge for you will be key to the amount of pleasure you might receive. Depending on how much experience you have had, the terrain you most like to ride, and your level of fitness will help determine the right thing to go for. If it's your first time on skis or a board or you find yourself not progressing any further than the last few holidays you've been on, then getting some teaching or coaching from one of the professionals in the valley will be of great benefit. Evolution 2, ESF, BASS, All Mountain Performance to name a few all offer lessons to beginner snowboarders and skiers. If you're after a slightly more advanced thing like some coaching or philosophical hosting then getting touch with the likes of AMP, Blue Mile Snowsports, BASS, and McNab Snowsports who offer unique services especially for the snowboarders.

If you like getting in to the off piste then booking something with Evolution 2, Le Bureau des Guides, or McNab Snowsports will get you to some of the most amazing terrain and conditions possible in the valley. There will be different pricing options for this especially when compared with a private or a group session. If you are on a complete budget and have had a lot of back country experience, then getting the right equipment, learning how to use it and buying a map and touring book you will be able to start to explore some of the terrain yourself.

You will find a lot of effort being put in to the hike if you get a full on guided tour and will normally find that you get one or two runs in powder per day. However if you're a bit more lazy and just want to get to those wee stashes in the trees or round the back of a secret little bowl just off the piste, or finding the best jump to hit, the sort of stuff only the locals know about then hiring a host through your tour operator can be the best way forward. Most chalet companies will have ski hosting as a service which is provided at an extra cost and Ski Weekend especially offer an amazing inclusive hosting deal, but few offer a snowboard hosting service, but not to worry there is one company in the valley Blue Mile Snowsports who offer such a package, so get in touch with them if this is something that might bring you pleasure.

So if you haven't done so already, now is the time to get clicking again, with a lot of snow due on the menu, quieter times after the European half terms have finally receded and cheaper accommodation and flights, what excuse to you really have?

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!