A person 's shadow is cast on a rocky hillside with mountains in the background

A red barrier with the word dermodel on it

A person skiing down a snow covered slope with a mountain in the background

Chamonix Snow Report: 21st April 2011

featured in Snow report Author Kieran Sharp, Updated 24 October 2014

More great sunny warm weather here in the valley and still the possibility remains to ski and snowboard, although no new snow or cooler temperatures on the weather forecast have led to rumours seriously building about an early closure of the remaining ski area. Unless things cool down a bit and we get just a slight dusting of snow, this could be a reality by next week. The lift company are doing their very best to keep it open as long as some snow remains and as long as it is safe to do so. They will be looking carefully over the next few days and the weekend to determine a definite closing date.

The hill was due to close around the 8th May with the legendary end of season party shortly before, however unless more snow and cooler temperatures arrive very soon, this will not be possible. The Compagnie du Mont Blanc are hopeful that they can carry on as long as possible but cannot confirm a final date as it is weather and snow dependant. The snow is disappearing fast and the Compagnie are doing their best to keep hold of at least a couple of slopes, but should this become a safety issue or impossible without snow they will have to close. There will be more information to come as the situation develops, keep an eye on our news bulletins for the latest details.

If you are booking a wee trip over for next week then expect to get involved in the many summer activities available at the moment, and if the slopes are still open then you will be blessed with at least some skiing or snowboarding as well. Simply being in the mountains and the fresh air should be enough to inspire a trip over and the atmosphere in the valley is really great. With many parties coming up you will be sure to have a wonderful time whether you are skiing, snowboarding, climbing, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, ice climbing, canyoning, site seeing, or simply chilling.

Most people at the moment are making the most of possibly their last days of riding the wonderful mountains of Chamonix and most people are now well skilled in finding the best times of day to ride during this crazy hot period we are experiencing. If you are over at the moment some of the best skiing to be had is early in the morning, when the slopes are perfectly groomed and although quite hard packed the groomed piste brings some amazing carving opportunities. Once the flock of ski schools and holiday makers rise there begins a period when it's not so desirable; all the wonderful corduroy has disappeared and scraped off to the side. You will see a lot of people sliding around out of control during this period which lasts roughly between 10:34 and 12:56. After this period you should find the snow change to a more slushy soupy condition so if you don't like the slush then get involved in a summer activity, or ride the soft slush to your heart's content, or until the lift inevitably closes!

So booking a ski or snowboard holiday right now is a bit risky and you could well find that there isn't anything open to ride. But there is the possibility that it is, and if you come over with the attitude of being in the mountains, to enjoy the sun and have fun in the great outdoors you will not be short on things to do. So don't be shy, come on over to the amazing valley of Chamonix!

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!