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Chamonix Snow Report: 17th December 2007

featured in Snow report Author Helen McGrory, Chamonix Reporter Updated

For a while we were wondering if it would ever stop snowing; now we’re wondering if the sun will ever stop shining! How long can this fantastic weather go on? But don’t worry; these endless days of sunshine are not affecting snow conditions one jot, merely transforming the valley into the most brochure perfect place to be, day after day. There is still no more snow forecast on the immediate horizon, but the wind is switching to the south, with the possibility of a light fohn which will at least take the edge off the cold.

I headed down the valley to Les Houches today, to see what was what over there, and as expected the area is in tip top condition. It’s not yet fully open, but there is a good range of pistes and lifts available making for a worthwhile day out. Access from the valley floor is only via the Prarion gondola at the moment, but once at the top, the Coup du Monde, Maisonneuve and Kandahar 4-man chairs are running, plus the Ecole drag lift on the beginners slope. The new Voza-Prarion chair is not operational just yet, only running periodically whilst the piste rescue teams perfect their rescue technique.

Snow conditions in Les Houches were really very nice today, noticeably softer at the top than the Grands Montets, but then the area enjoys a much sunnier aspect at this time of year than further up the valley. Although it was still pretty cold up there today (-4), it is also more sheltered from the freezing north winds that we were cowering from on the Herse at the weekend. The pistes were all well prepared and the slightly softened snow gave your edges good “bite” on the big slalom turns that are quite hard to resist when the slopes are so quiet. And they really are quiet; considering how great the conditions are, the valley seems to be deserted but obviously that is all set to change at the weekend. There are currently two long descents back to resort – the red Mur des Epines and the black Kandahar world cup run which is already being prepared for the big race at the end of Jan. Lower down, the snow is pretty hard but coverage is good thanks to the bumper falls we’ve had and the work of the snow cannons.

I also swung by the nursery slopes at the Savoy this afternoon (not on my skis as I keep threatening to but on foot) and there was quite a few people taking their first turns alongside the magic carpet and on the drag. If you’re coming out soon to try skiing for the first time, then it looks quite forgiving (it can be a bit hard packed sometimes) plus it also enjoys full on sunshine for most of the day. A very pleasant spot to get your ski legs!

From this weekend, the remainder of the valley ski areas will be opening up. The Brevent gondola has got all its cabins in place and it was having a test run earlier in the day to make sure everything is in order. Le Tour will also be opening up and the Flegere cable car will be in full time service from Saturday, as will the Bellevue cable car in Les Houches. Be interesting to see the new snow park at the top of the Bellevue – freestylers will be in their element this year as Chamonix finally begins to catch up with other resorts on the park front. The remaining beginner areas – La Vormaine, Les Chosalets and Planards – will also be opening up from Saturday.

Well this is actually the last report from me for a while; our full time snow reporter, Jim, will be taking over for the remainder of the winter bringing you updates three times a week from around the valley. Fans of Kevin, our long standing Chamonet snow reporter, need not panic – Kevin sadly, cannot make it out for the whole season this year, but he and Jim have been mountain buddies in Chamonix for a couple of seasons already, so rest assured that the legacy is being passed on to capable hands. I’ll be back during inter-season to keep you updated on what’s going on, so until then, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and plenty of powder in 2008!! :O)


Useful Information
Cross-country skiing is Open
Piste Maps for Chamonix (pdf format), Les Houches (jpg format), Cross-country skiing (pdf format), and Mountain-bike trails (pdf format)
Current status for opening of Pistes & Lifts
Chamonix Webcam Index

We will be keeping this Chamonix snow report updated often during the season, but if you want even more up-to-date news on the ski conditions, why not sign up for our Dump Alert? We'll email you each time it snows enough to significantly change the skiing conditions. It's great to know that the snow is falling in the run-up to your holiday, and it might even allow you to book a last-minute weekend when the snow is particularly good. The service is free, and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.

Useful Links
Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research
French Avalanche Research Institute
Meteo France - Mountain weather and avalanche conditions bulletins (in French)
Henry's Avalanche Talk - popular avalanche training sessions based in French Alps as well as translation of current avalanche conditions
PisteHors.com - Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding News in English for the French Alps. Excellent coverage of avalanche safety and advice.

Additional snow and weather information provided, with thanks, by meteo.chamonix.com and the Tourist Office

Stats

Avalanche Risk
  • Level 1

Snow Report
  • 0

  • Total Pistes: 75

  • Alt. Resort: 2000

  • Alt. Summit: 2700

  • Alt. Last Snow: 2700

  • 0

  • Alt. High Temp.: 1050