Chamonix Snow Report: 1st December 2010

There is a massively amazing amount of snow falling here in Chamonix and if you were thinking of coming out to enjoy all this loveliness, you might be disappointed to hear that the nearest airport Geneva is currently closed! Lifts are opening this weekend on the Grand Montets and should be open from then on for the rest of the season, due to the excellent snow conditions we are currently receiving.

This time of year can be very changeable weather wise and there is normally a warm wind which comes from the Mediterranean and can often strip the good work off the hills. We all hope this doesn't happen before we make the most of this lovely powder while it's around! The warm wind depending on how strong and how long it lasts can have a positive effect on the snow pack and if a cold snap comes in immediately afterwards although it brings some icy conditions will provide a good strong long lasting base for the season.

This time of year defines the theme for the winter. This time last year we had some very dry cold conditions followed by a lot of snow. The very cold dry weather can cause the snow crystals to deteriorate and cause a massive instability in the snow pack. So when we had a large amount of snow on top of this weak layer it prevented some of the backcountry tours we normally do, as large avalanches where happening all over. We are watching very carefully what happens with the weather and how this might affect the rest of the season, and we will pass on our thoughts to you as they are realised.

All this snow is really good news for Chamonix and the lift company however there is some bad news this season; the lift company have decided that the Boss de Bosses will unfortunately not run and is now considered cancelled. Although this event pulled tourists, locals, and seasonnaires from around Chamonix and many other countries and resorts across the Alps and beyond to spend money for lift tickets and local services in the valley, the lift company have decided that it will not host the event.

For a lot of the local's seasonnaires and tourists this comes as a massive disappointment, especially for those who have been coming here for years and have seen things like the Half Pipe disappear and the cancelation of the renowned “Cham Jam” which was a similarly large and fun event that was also cancelled for similar reasons. However all is not lost if you like large, fun, happy events at hills with great park facilities and competitions as Tignes (which is a short drive away) will again host the winter X games! So for a lot of us here in Chamonix we shall be spending our hard earned cash and time to get over to Tignes for this world class wonderful event!

So now we once again wait patiently for the lifts here to open for what looks like a massive powder day Saturday! It's going to be no partying Friday night, early to bed, early to rise, and a hopeful amusing positive fight for those first bins on the amazing Bochard lift at the Grand Montets, followed by some legendary Apres ski!

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!