Chamonix Snow Report: 6th January 2011

There are still quite a few people hanging around resort but we are expecting things to chill down slightly with queueing etc during my favourite month for riding... January! If you don't normally come out for this month, it's a great one to choose. Most people think that February is the most snow-sure month to come out and ride hence everyone decides to head for the Alps during this very busy time. However I often find that the snow in January is amazing; deep, cold, dry powder is spread over the mountains and with hardly anyone around riding this stuff, you will find line after line of fresh snow throughout your stay in Chamonix. Flights and hotels are often cheaper at this time of year to attract more people during the quiet period so thinking about this option is a good idea, you will see for yourself how great things can be during the fine month of January!

With the harder packed conditions that we have been having, it can be a bit daunting and fearful to ride, especially when you are trying hard to keep up with your mates on steeper or tricky off piste variable terrain. As you find yourself tensing up whether you are skiing or snowboarding this will make it harder to absorb some of those surprise bumps, or icy patches. When most people tense up they find themselves stuck in one position, most likely stood up straight and stiff which leads to a judder end to their turns and an uncontrolled skid instead of a nice fluid carve. To help combat this - whether you are on skis or a board - standing somewhere between fully-flexed and completely straight will allow you a range of movement in which you can make adjustments by applying more pressure or absorbing it at will. Trying to relax in no matter what conditions you face will help improve your carve: think of applying pressure to start a turn followed by absorbing pressure to finish a turn.

Getting a lesson no matter what level you are on your skis or snowboard is a great idea and the more advanced riders who get some coaching for their chosen winter sport often find massive improvements to their level and realise that they can still improve further. Through using things like video analysis and advanced coaching techniques that a few ski and snowboard schools in the valley use, you will find that your riding will increase dramatically. If you are looking for some high quality ski coaching then speak to the guys at BASS or All Mountain Performance. If you need some high quality snowboarding coaching, speak to the guys at McNab Snowsports and if you simply want to ride the best stash while being filmed with some high quality HD Go Pro wearable cameras then speak to the guys at Blue Mile Snowsports. All their contact details can be found on this page.

So, with the prospect of loads of powder to ride and availability for coaching or hosting with some of Chamonix's best then why not book a couple of days, or even weeks riding during this amazing month of January!

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!