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Chamonix Snow Report: 30th March 2011

featured in Snow report Author Kieran Sharp, Updated

It seems like there is a fairly consistent system pushing its way through the valley, bringing a lot of precipitation with it. Yesterday it cleared up for us to enjoy a day in the sun but it had only snowed around 8cm, however it was still soft and pleasurable to ride on. As soon as it was time for après ski the clouds rolled on in again, beginning a heavier cooler precipitation dump which actually laid down a couple of centimetres of snow in Argenitere town.

It's looking like we might have a welcome and saving top up now, which will bring a couple of good blue sky powder days, open up the popular backcountry tours, and potentially save a couple of early closures. Right after a snow fall you have to be careful and looking at the history of what's been happening over the season will help you identify safe and no go areas to ride. Straight after a snow fall like this with a lot of warming going on as well, you could find that there are some instability's in the snow pack. The mountain safety guys today have been blasting certain areas, either from their helicopter or from gas cannons which release the snow pack in a controlled manor, in popular ski areas on and directly off the piste. It's reassuring to know this when you are riding around the ski area, but if you were to head out in to the backcountry today you would not find the same service being performed. Out of the ski area the avalanches happen naturally and will either be triggered by skiers and snowboarders, by warming, wind, or animal. Leaving the backcountry at least for a couple of days after a dump is a really wise idea and if you can't see any avalanches that have happened, be very cautious as it could be you that's destined to set it off. Getting the advice of a professional, learning some basics about snow and avalanche rescue and avoidance will help you stay safe and get the maximum enjoyment out of your powder search. Great care and attention should be taken if you are getting in to the backcountry especially as we reach the end of the season and the days get warmer and warmer, as at some stage in the next month or so we will begin to see full depth avalanche, which can be very dangerous indeed.

Speaking to the mountain rescue guys who can be found by mid-stations on all the resorts and various huts about the hills, will give you some great advice about what's been happening in the snow pack, and if they say they wouldn't go somewhere then don't go! Seeking out an avalanche talk in the valley, or hiring the services of a qualified guide will give you a great amount of knowledge and get you to some of the bestest places to ride during your stay. Be sure to pick their brains and tap their lifetime of knowledge about mountains and snow.

If you are out this week or any week for that matter, there are a lot of different guiding options and there are many different independent guides and small companies. Some of the biggest and best known are Les Bureau des Guides and Evolution 2. There aren't many options for snowboarders however there is one company called McNab Snowsports who cater for some of the best backcountry touring. Or you can go to Blue Mile Snowsports for any in ski area snowboard hosting, and with expert HD video analysis of your days riding, you will be guaranteed to have a great day.


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!

Stats

Avalanche Risk
  • Level 3

Snow Report
  • 2

  • Total Pistes: 75

  • Alt. Resort: 1253

  • Alt. Summit: 3233

  • Alt. Last Snow: 2500

  • High Temp.: 4

  • Alt. High Temp.: 1050