Chamonix Snow Report: 20th March 2011

Today was a perfect blue sky powder day with miles of fresh to be had on most hills, nothing nipple deep but at least shin deep fun was had, there was a wee do on the hill of Grand Montets for the Black Crows weekend with music and kit to test for the masses of people who descended upon this amazing hill, so much so that they had to turn people away from the car park!

The jumps in the park are looking like they are in pretty good condition right now, and if slogging it in the back country isn't your thing then getting in one of the two parks in Chamonix on either the Grand Montets or Les Houches hills is a great thing to do at the moment. With softer landings, perfect run in's, sweet landings, and with a little something for all levels of park rider from complete beginner to complete pro.

A lot of people will get the fear of the park, and it is a common thing, anyone who says they aren't afraid is lying! However people learn to deal with their fear in different ways. Some build a bridge and get over it, some crumble and fail. Understanding what fear makes you do, in the park, when it gets steep, icy or fast will help you begin to build that bridge. Fear can trigger a set of bad habits in your mind and body, recognise what they are, identify what is happening when it goes wrong and compare to the times it goes well. Try to get yourself in the right frame of mind that helps switch on the good set of habits will begin to help you overcome your fear. There are many ways you can do this; you can visualise your good habits and replicate your mental processes before you set off for your trick or whatever you do. You can start to work out why failure comes about and what sort of circumstances are in the way of you achieving your goal. E.g. there is a crowd waiting and watching you at the top of the jumps and this is applying pressure to your mind and enabling a bad set of habits to switch on. Realise that everyone is feeling similar to you and although you get an ooooh when it goes well, or an ahhhhhhh when it doesn't it doesn't matter, it's all about you, hang around until you feel the pressure leave. You can also use music, use chilled vs. crazy and see which you respond to better and go with that. Even try breathing exercises and relaxing totally before you hit the jump. Getting some psychological or philosophical coaching will help you really get over some of these barriers which is something that Blue Mile Snowsports specialise in, so get in touch if this is your thing.

It's not too late to get booking that trip out here to Cham, getting in the back country, park, and taking advantage of some of the many coaching or guiding companies in the valley, offering some amazing services at this wonderful time of year and great prices! There is snow, there is more coming so what are you waiting for!

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!