An image of a snowboarder on a piste in Chamonix

Chamonix Snow Report: 15th November 2011

Is there snow in the air? Kieran looks ahead to the start of winter

featured in Snow report Author Kieran Sharp, Updated 24 October 2014

The winter season is approaching rapidly and before long the early season lifts will be opening; Verbier (normally one of the first to do so) has postponed the earliest date that they had hoped for and have moved it forward to next weekend, snow permitting. The Grand Montets, which is the first to open in the Chamonix valley, is looking at the 3rd of December for partial opening and full opening from the 17th.

Watching the seasons change over the years can give you an insight as to how the season might develop; last year was an early dump, it was big and we were all excited for yet another epic season! However early snow doesn't necessarily mean a big season for the fluffy stuff, and after 3 absolutely amazing winters preceding the 10/11 season manifested, I was personally a little dubious to how last year might turn out. As it happened last year ended up fairly low in quantities of the white stuff. The lift company did an amazing job with snow making equipment and pushing snow from undiscovered areas just to keep the sheer volume of people that flock to the hills of Chamonix happy right up till the very end of April!

This season we are seeing some warm temperatures around at the moment; it's a great time to be out on the bike, hiking or climbing while witnessing the magnificence and beauty at the wonder of the changing seasons. Simply being in the mountains is great at any time of year and in any weather there is always some activity to do. One of the main benefits of coming to Chamonix to ski is felt especially when you grab an unlimited ski pass for the area; having the choice of using 3 countries to ride including some of the highest possible ski areas in Europe, you can always make best use of the snow conditions and in my opinion is the best early or late season choice.

It's difficult to predict a few days ahead what the weather might do, let alone an entire season! What happens in the next 2 months is crucial to how the snow pack will form, what avalanche dangers we will be faced with, and if there will be any snow at all! I feel and I hope for a big one this season - everyone is willing it into existence, but no one knows how the winter will come together. Weather reports are great indicators, however you will be sure to get the fullest account of what's happening on the ground (or hopefully snow!) by checking in to our snow and dump reports throughout and leading up to the winter.

We will be bringing you accounts leading up to and throughout the winter of current snow and avalanche conditions, along with some of the adventures we are having. Our recommendations of secret little spots to ride, eat, relax, party, experience and even some tricks and tips to help you get the most out of your stay in this wonderful valley, however short or long it might be.

Get it all right here, for all that is Chamonix look no further than Chamonet! And wherever you are have an amazing winter!