A person in a green jacket is skiing down a snowy slope

A snowy mountain with a blue sky in the background

A snowboarder in a green jacket is riding down a snowy slope

Chamonix Snow Report: 27th April 2010

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

Yet more warm weather here in Chamonix with a bit of snow falling up high/rain down low, but nothing that would qualify as a powder day! Although the snow is still soft and there is plenty around to have fun on so for now everyone is living the dream in this wonderful valley! We have a big party this Sunday 2nd May on the hill (Free ride days) with music, big jumps and rails, wing suit riders performing tricks just above the slopes, along with paragliders, zip lines, and a large water slide for those who dare to send their boards or skis or whatever equipment they ride over a pool of water at high speed, and loads more to keep the crowds entertained! If your out for this event its recommended that you come early as it really does draw the crowds in, being the only mountain except from the Aguille that's open and one of those days that people in the valley know they just cant miss!

We all miss the fact that the other hills have closed now but we are still left with some pretty epic ones to ride, of course Grand Montets with its sheer size and altitude to entice all sorts of riders and the altitude to cater late in to the season closing on the 9th May. Not forgetting the Aguille du Midi is still open for business and will be throughout the rest of the season, inter-season and throughout the whole summer. A lot of routes on in this high mountain area come in to good condition this time of year and a lot of skiers and snowboarders who enjoy very steep terrain get a chance to ride some of the steepest slopes possible and it is in fact possible to ride every month of the year here in Chamonix, all be it with dangers during the summer months no pistes, and a vast amount of mountaineering knowledge is essential to complete the majority of the route up here. Guides operate throughout the year here in Chamonix, and with a vast amount of knowledge necessary for them to pass their guiding courses they really are a good idea to hire and have them take you on an adventure any time in the year using there knowledge and experience to guide you through some of the dangerous but amazing terrain accessible from the Aguille du Midi.

Its been great riding around the sunny warm 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 now even the North facing slopes have a good amount 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 which isn't too much longer so you can really enjoy the conditions!

Après ski is amazing at the moment especially in bars with outside space, a terrace, or a garden with a nice view, where you can really enjoy the late afternoon sun with a nice cold beer! don't forget that if you are in town for the end of season party on the hill, remember to drop in to the Office Bar in Argentiere for there crazy end of season BBQ on there terrace there and not only that but they will be open through the inter-season and all through the Summer so it really is the place to visit whenever your in the valley!

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!