A person is riding a snowboard down a snow covered slope

A person is skiing down a snow covered hill

A person is skiing down a snow covered slope with a bag that says sideways on it

Chamonix Snow Report: 23rd December 2010

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

Still some pretty good snow conditions hanging around, a slightly warmer day yesterday which made riding around a pleasure and softened the snow up compared to the previous day, and with so many nursing themselves back in to reality from the first winter sessions party the slopes were fairly empty. There have been a lot of delayed and cancelled flights from the UK due to adverse weather conditions there, and although the valley seems fairly busy, it's not quit as busy compared to previous winters at this time of year. Flights seem to be operating normally again now and those who are out in Cham are enjoying the unusually quiet slopes for this time of year.

There is a wee bit of a foehn wind blowing over the hill at the moment, which is a weather system driven by moist warm air from the Mediterranean and pushed up the other side of Mont Blanc which generally produces either snow or rain in Italy with the warm wind left for the valley of Chamonix. This can seem like a disappointment if you're coming to Chamonix for a ski but there is always a bright side and still opportunities for powder somewhere. Purchasing the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass will bring you much more opportunities to find the best snow conditions whatever time of year you come out. With the pass covering a massive area across 3 countries with different weather patterns, wind directions, and snow falls, this ensures that if you keep a keen eye on the weather you will be able to make the most of your stay while exploring the vast area covered by this amazing ski pass. Courmayeur being on the pass and getting the benefits of this Foehn effect, makes it an ideal place to visit this week, and with some great Italian delicacies and last minute Christmas present opportunities why not pop over on the free bus service, or take your time in the resort and drive the short journey through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.

Although there isn't a massive amount of powder around at the moment, there is still some fun to be had. No matter what the condition of the slopes or off them, there is always the possibility for fun. Looking at wind direction, freezing levels, altitude, and checking out which direction that the slope you're looking at riding is facing, will help bring wisdom to your choice of fun for any given day - if a little local knowledge and/or common sense is applied. Right now for me it's finding some softish bits of snow and practicing spinning, ollying, and grabbing my board in preparation for going slightly bigger when the powder returns and when the snow parks in the valley open. Using the sides of the piste where you are more likely to find some soft patches along with some wee limps and bumps to pop off is great fun at the moment.

Well now the flights are on again and there is plenty of fun snowy opportunities to be had, get out here and enjoy the festivities and parties that Chamonix has to offer!

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!