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Chamonix Snow Report: 18th April 2011

featured in Snow report Author Kieran Sharp, Updated

Things definitely look like they should be coming to an end soon, with no real temperature drops or precipitation forecasted to enter the valley over the next while, it sure looks like things might start to close in the near future. The lift company have been really good at gathering snow and coming up with some pretty good ideas at attaining some of the necessary white stuff to make it possible to ride during this un-usually dry season.

Although the park has been destroyed in order to keep things going, if you're having lessons during this Easter period you will be happy to know that they have used the snow to improve access to and from the nursery slope now operating on the Grand Montets. There has been an amazing amount of effort put in for those who dared to come out and give riding what little snow we have a go during this holiday period. Those who remain or come for a holiday after next week can only hope that the good guys at the Company du Mont Blanc will continue their good work at keeping the slopes open, and maybe even with most of the lessons dying down a bit, then maybe we might even see the return of some park features! It's not expected but it would be welcomed with open arms by all who love to ride park this time of year, with softer landings and mojo running at full capacity people will be jumping for joy should these events actually un-fold!

This season has definitely been a learning experience for the company, and has shown them and the many visitors this season that you actually don't need a lot of snow to keep a resort open, so hopefully in future years when we normally get a massive amount of snow fall in May followed by closure of all the hills, they might change their minds and keep them open for whoever feels like having a May day powder day! Last year Scotland had some epic dumps of snow, and at the end of May they had a lot less snow than we currently have, yet managed to get a couple of runs open, you have to wonder if the company have been getting some tips from the Scottish or New Zealand resorts that are more used to dealing with lack of snow.

You would think there is no point coming out to the valley at the moment, but even with a lack of new snow, it's still possible to ride and there are so many other activities to enjoy outdoors in the sunshine. If you are out soon, you should definitely make it an effort to get down to one of the lakes just outside the valley. You can get to them by bike, train, or car if you have one and you will be sure to have a great day out. The other day we went down to lac Passy by car, to check out the temperature of the water and hang out in the sun for a wee while. The water doesn't seem too far off being swimmable, so soon there will be days spent down there, using one of the free to use BBQ's and kicking a ball about for a bit. There is so much to the mountains than just snowboarding or skiing, so get out here and see what Chamonix has to offer!


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
  • 3

  • Total Pistes: 75

  • Alt. Resort: 1253

  • Alt. Summit: 3233

  • Alt. Last Snow: 3000

  • High Temp.: 30

  • Alt. High Temp.: 1050