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Chamonix Snow Report: 23rd December 2004

featured in Snow report Author Ellie Mahoney, Chamonix Editor Updated

We spent the last two days at Le Tour, now renamed Domaine De Balme. The renaming results from the construction of a high-speed gondola from Vallorcine up to the Esserts area. The lift opened for the first time yesterday so we went for a ride down Foret Verte – a winding blue cat track to the bottom – to try it out. This has to qualify as worst ride of the season so far as it gets icier and browner the further down you go. We all vowed never to do that run again! However, the ride back up in the new lift is very fast, and the cabins are roomy enough to take skis and boards inside. The lift is ideal for visitors coming from Switzerland but will probably make no real difference to the majority staying in Chamonix.

With no fresh snow since Monday the pistes at Le Tour are starting to show signs of wear and tear. Some patches of vegetation are showing through, along with a few stones and rocks. The lower sections of the Caisets were treacherously icy under the snow canons, and the run was busy at the end of the day resulting in a trip to hospital for one unfortunate skier. Most of the pistes are pretty well groomed in spite of the lack of snow. Whilst the off piste was largely untracked yesterday, today it's a different story with fresh powder being hard to find. The remaining lumps and crud are still fairly soft though. There was some windblown snow on the far side of Le Tour with corresponding bare patches.

There was plentiful evidence of avalanches at Le Tour. The largest ones could be seen to the left and right of the Tete de Balme chair near the top of the lift. Most of these go down to the ground and one crosses the piste. This may be the reason that the Possettes poma lift hasn't opened yet as most of the snow on that side has started to slide or crack.

The forecast is looking good for some snow this weekend and Chamonix really needs some more now. With some luck we'll all have the white Christmas we really want.

Cross-country skiing is Closed
Current status for opening of Pistes & Lifts
Webcams Index

We will be keeping this Chamonix snow report updated often during the season, but if you want even more up-to-date news on the ski conditions, why not sign up for our Dump Alert? We'll email you each time it snows enough to significantly change the skiing conditions. It's great to know that the snow is falling in the run-up to your holiday, and it might even allow you to book a last-minute weekend when the snow is particularly good. The service is free, and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.

Additional snow and weather information provided, with thanks, by meteo.chamonix.com and the Tourist Office

Stats

Avalanche Risk
  • Level 3

Snow Report
  • 0

  • Total Pistes: 80

  • Alt. Resort: 2000

  • Alt. Summit: 2500

  • Alt. Last Snow: 1042

  • High Temp.: 5

  • Alt. High Temp.: 1042