Chamonix Snow Report: 27th December 2011

With snowfall on the evening of the 23rd continuing into the morning of Christmas Eve, there was a fresh helping of powder on our substantial base.

Saturday morning consisted of a run down the ‘Pre du Rocher’, from the mid station of the Aiguille du Midi. Snow was from ankle to knee deep fresh. The upper section was fluffy and a little scary in the low visibility, with the lower section full of huge velvety bumps from the previous day's skiers.

The afternoon was spent spinning laps on the Grand Montets and hardly meeting a soul. On arrival, we thought the lifts must have been closed due to the lack of tracks in the powder. And by close of the day we were still putting in fresh lines. Where was everyone?

Christmas day was another blissfully quiet day on the mountains. We headed over to Courmayeur where ALL the lifts and ALL the runs are now open. Every piste we touched was in perfect condition. The off piste, however, was a little different.

While untouched – yes we couldn’t believe it either, no one had skied it the day before - the upper mountain was wind effected, but not unpleasant. The middle mountain was nice – covered in wind deposited heavy powder. But down low, beware, sun crust on heavy snow made it a bit tricky to ride. The cappuccino was, we felt, well deserved!

After a few days consolidation the avalanche risk is now reduced – enjoy, but be careful out there folks.

Idris Skis design and manufacture environmentally friendly freeride skis in Chamonix.