Skiers on a snowy slope with a yellow sign that says ' altitude ' on it

A snowy mountain with the sun shining through the clouds

A snowy mountain range with a blue sky in the background

A snowy slope with trees in the background

Chamonix Snow Report: 22nd April 2010

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

The next time I put up a report will be the closing day of Brevent and Flegere and it is now that we can say we are actually in to end of season mode after this time, which is sad but it has been a good winter and even with winter activities good till 9th May when Grand Montets closes (or throughout the summer if you like high mountain touring off the Aguille du Midi) we can start to look at some of the many summer activities possible.

Soon the lakes will be just about warm enough to swim in, and many low down walks are possible along with pretty much all the lower climbing walls in the valley good to go now, and with quieter times here in Chamonix its pretty good to get down to the fairly tranquil walls where you will have no end of routes to choose from! It can be a good idea right now to mix your day up with some summer and winter activities, maybe an early morning climb followed by an afternoon slushy ski, or maybe the other way round getting some of the last early morning soft snow at Brevent and Flegere followed by a climb and a BBQ! We certainly have had the weather for it recently with many sunny hot days, all though a change in the weather is expected shortly.

Its been great riding around the sunny pistes at the moment, as long as you have a mass of soft wax on the bottom of your board or skis as the snow has become very slushy, and even the North facing slopes have been subject to a bit of early morning slush! Although it is hard work on the legs so if your coming out get down the gym do some squat lifts and book the rest of the winter season here so you can really enjoy the conditions! There has also been a lot of parties going on in the valley with loads of bars holding end of season gatherings with live music and great offers on drink and food, one of the best parties was the winter sessions weekender with parties on the hill, around the town and in the large venue podium where many seasonaires and holiday makers had a wicked party followed by a late start to riding the next day!

There are a few bars in Chamonix closing over the next couple of weeks but not to worry there are many bars and restaurants open through the short inter-season between the winter and the summer. One of the many bars open through the inter-season is the Office Bar in Argentiere where you will find them serving great food, and beer right through till the official start of the summer, there will also be a big BBQ on their terrace, after the party on the hill at Grand Montets on the 2nd May which should not be missed and is well worth coming out for, so if you can get yourself a flight over go book one now!

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!