A snowy landscape with the sun shining through the clouds

The sun is shining brightly on the snow covered mountains

A person wearing a red hat and goggles is standing in the snow

A person is riding a snowboard down a snowy hill

Chamonix Snow Report: 7th March 2011

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

We can pretty much say now that we are back to spring conditions here in Chamonix, which isn't a bad thing, the sun is up longer in the day, the snow softens in the afternoons, and beer is great when you can finally sit comfortably outside again. It's been just over a week since it snowed last, the pistes still have good coverage however the off piste could do with a wee top up. You will still find powder stashes kicking about if you know where to head, getting in to the back country you will find it for sure, hiring the services of a guide from Evolution 2 or Le Bureau des Guides, or even a snowboard host from Blue Mile Snowsports will give you some of the best opportunities at finding those secret wee spots only the locals know about!

If you like riding early in the mornings then I would advise highly getting over to Brevent or Flegere for some great south facing slopes that warm up early in the day allowing for some soft snow to be felt underfoot. Riding early morning you will benefit from the fresh corduroy at any mountain in Chamonix, but when it's busy this quickly gets pushed off to the side and followed by more hard packed icy conditions to be felt especially on the more north facing hills like Grand Montets. If you are more of a late riser, then depending on how soft/soupy you like youre snow will determine which hill to ride; Brevent and Flegere will warm up dramatically in the afternoon especially heading in to later season territory now so it will feel quit soupy and can become easily exhausting. Hitting Grand Montets in the afternoon, you will get the late afternoon sun hitting the slopes, it will feel slightly softer and it's a good time to get in the park and start having some fun.

The slopes are still fairly busy even out of normal peak times but we will be entering a quieter spell soon where chalets, hostels and hotels become cheaper along with flights and last minute package holiday deals. It's a great time to start thinking about packing those bags, getting the plastic out and start clicking around the internet to find some of those bargain ski holiday deals, so don't dismay book a holiday out here today!

Tomorrow starts a great event for all the ladies in Chamonix over the course of three days women's only locally and commercially sponsored event will start on the Flegere hill tomorrow at 10am. There will be prize give a way's from sponsors, free coaching/guiding sessions, great night out offers and loads of other activities and entertainment to keep the ladies of Chamonix amused at least over the course of the next few days. If you are interested and a lady currently residing in the wonderful valley of Chamonix then get yourself to the mid-station of Flegere tomorrow morning to find out what it's all about.

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!