Chamonix Snow Report: 9th January 2011

The process made us feel more like we have been riding in spring time rather than the beginning of January, but there was a fair bit of snow up high so this brought us a great deal of pleasure to our hearts, souls and minds!

Right now it's still raining but the temperature and freezing level is due to come down over night and over the next few days we expect a stupendous amount of snow to fall, so those who venture to this particularly lovely valley should hopefully benefit from some end of week blue sky powder days!

During this bad weather period, you will find white outs and difficult riding conditions. However, soft snow and white out is better than hard ice and white out!

You can still make the most of your time on the hill by choosing spots under the cloud to ride, like the home run at Grand Montets or Le Tour. Picking areas that are tree filled will not only absorb some of the cloud but will give some definition to the terrain you're riding, allowing better visibility and the ability to spot those nice clean fresh opportunities.

With Chamonix having slopes which face in almost every direction and altitudes from 1035m up to 3842m you will never be without an opportunity to ride some great snow. If it isn't great somewhere on the Mont Blanc Unlimited Chamonix pass it isn't great anywhere in the Alps!

Looking at weather forecasts, wind direction, temperature and previous snow falls will help you in conjunction with a good map and a bit of common sense to find some of the best spots to ride in the valley. And if you're not so keen on working it out for yourself why not employ the services of a high mountain guide from the Compagnie des Guides or Evolution 2. All local guiding companies can be found here.

Or if you prefer sticking a little bit more toward the pistes then grabbing the services of a ski host provided by your chalet/hotel is a good option. If this is not on offer then try a day out with the only snowboard hosting company in the valley Blue Mile Snowsports!

Things have definitely quietened down here in the valley this week after the New Year craziness which offers great opportunities for the rest of this month for those who prefer a more chilled scene on the slopes. The word in the bars is that half a metric metre of snow WILL fall this evening, so I reckon it's a dead cert, get booking boys and girls!

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!