Chamonix Snow Report: 1st February 2011

I tend to get out almost every day, I might take the weekends off the hill as they tend to be a bit a busier and you do need to give the legs a break at some stage in the season! There is always a slope to ride here at some altitude, at some aspect, or some out of the way secret little spot; even when I've looked out my window, it's raining, there is a massive cloud hanging around, and the freezing level is well above normal, it doesn't even begin to motivate your will to leave you're nice warm sofa/bed, there is always something to do. If you have that holiday booked, or you are looking at the weather forecasts with your finger hovering over the book now button, don't worry! I promise when you get out here you will see there are plenty of slopes to ride and the snow isn't actually that bad. The lift company are well on top of the situation and are making as much snow as possible, and especially the north facing slopes in Grand Montets are in good condition.

If you are in to your touring, you probably won't be finding any powder, and if you do I would probably keep it to yourself, as the town is super hungry for it now! If you set off on a tour, do it for the sheer love of mountaineering, being away from it all, and enjoying the adventure. Guides are still operating and if you are feeling adventurous they can take you to something gnarly and make the process of searching for pow at least slightly amusing!

Not that many slope users are in to their jibbing, and it's a brilliant time to get your jib on, especially when the snow is a bit softer on some of the south facing hills. If you are wondering what jibbing is then let me explain; jumping around on your skis or board over natural obstacles on or off the piste, spinning or sliding on around or over any of these natural/man made features on or off the piste. Its fun it looks cool, and the learning process can be quite quick if you know how to approach it. Let's take the Ollie; a jump performed on skis or a board using the flex at the rear of your equipment to produce spring and get air born during the process. It's a simple movement pattern which requires precise timing in order to perfect. Apply energy/force/weight/pressure to the nose of your skis/board then slowly allow that energy to move toward the tail. The way both skis and boards are designed make it so that between the nose and the tail its stiffer than at the ends, so allowing energy to flow towards the tail will once released produce an amount of spring, which if released at the correct point and time it will allow the rider to get in the air. Put this in to small bumps on and off the piste and start having more fun on the snow, if you feel a little bored while waiting for the next dump!

If you are still sat back at home wondering if you should come out or not, ask yourself this…… is it better than not being out here? Are you willing to sacrifice skiing/snowboarding this season to wait till next year before you can have fun on the snow and be in the mountains? See you soon!

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!