Chamonix Snow Report: 7th May 2011
It is with great sadness to inform you that as from tomorrow, Sunday the 8th of May, the winter is officially over. The Grand Montets now shuts its doors and commences full preparations for the summer months. Since the pistes closed on the 29th April the lift has been open to take mountaineers up in the morning and down in the afternoon which has been great news for the high mountain explorers with both the Aiguille du Midi and Grand Montets areas to enjoy. The Aiguille Du Midi will have a brief closure from 9th to the 13th May and will be open for mountaineers around these dates.
Unless you are keen mountaineer and high mountain glacier skier or snowboarder then it's time to crack on with the many summer activities currently on offer. We are in an inter-season period so things are much quieter with not as many bars or restaurants open, however Chamonix is a fully functioning town unlike some of the other resorts in the Alps, and always has something to do year round. So if you like it chilled then get out here before mid-June when things start picking up for the summer season.
There are opportunities to be had on the Brevent, and Flegere lifts opening for hikers and mountain bikers until 13th May while the Aiguille lift is shut then they will begin opening fully from the 11th June for the summer. There are many possibilities low down for hiking and biking during the lift closure period and there really are some fantastic trails to enjoy in the valley.
Pretty much all the low down crags and slabs in the valley are good to climb, along with some of the higher climbs drying out and becoming climbable and with hardly anyone about to climb them it's a great time to get involved.
Normally this is the time of year most people that reside in the valley get the bikes, ropes, and hiking boots out ready to get involved in the summer crazy, but it has felt like we have had summer for the past couple of months so for most it's all out, ready, serviced and good to go. There are many trails through the woods here in Chamonix which I have been getting around recently, depending on how energetic you feel you can go up or down one of the many trails available. Starting from Chamonix centre you can take trails which head slightly downhill towards Les Houches or uphill towards Argenitere, or you can get yourself on the train which comes free when you stay in a hotel in Chamonix, up the hill and ride downhill in a more chilled fashion. There are two main lower trails, the Balcon Nord and the Balcon Sud. The Balcon Sud is a very relaxed route which runs alongside the river, and the Balcon Nord has a few more ups and some great downhill sections which lead you in to the back of Le Bois which is a lovely area to explore.
If you are out soon be sure to check out some of the many summer options available and if you're in to mountain biking get down to Zero G, hire out a bike and grab a book which details some of the best spots to ride in the valley by Tom Wilson North.
Editor's note: So, that's it for winter 2010/2011 then! We hope you've enjoyed reading our reports as much as we've enjoyed writing them and we look forward to bringing you more up-to-date info next season.
You can read all of our reports from this season and previous ones by using the “Archived Reports” box in the top right-hand corner. In the meantime, there will occasional interseason updates and be sure to check back around the beginning of June when our summer reports start up again, bringing you regular updates on local events and activities.
Chamonet.com is one of the Skinets.com ski resort websites; we are looking for enthusiastic and reliable reporters who will be in the Alps all season to produce written reports and/or present video reports. If you are planning on spending next winter in one of the following resorts and are interested in working for us please send an email to alison@skinets.com.
Alpe d'Huez – Avoriaz – Chamonix – Courchevel - La Plagne - Les Arcs - Les 2 Alpes – Meribel – Morzine – Tignes - Val d'Isere - Val Thorens - Verbier
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
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3
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Total Pistes: 75
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Alt. Resort: 1253
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Alt. Summit: 3233
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Alt. Last Snow: 3000
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High Temp.: 30
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Alt. High Temp.: 1050