Chamonix Snow Report

26/12/2021

Its time to say thank you and goodbye.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to the Chamonix Snow Report for the last 9 years.

Its been an amazing experience and we have had the privilege to work with some amazing companies and brands and have first hand experience of how amazing the mountain security teams really are.

Today marks the last day for the Chamonix Snow Report. If you are interested in taking over this platform and audience you can contact me via PM.

Thank you again to every single person who helped to make this project a reality! Stay safe in the mountains but most of all, enjoy!

You can follow my new project
https://www.facebook.com/consciousconservation/

25/12/2021

Rain most of the day today below 2000m and warmer than usual for this time if year 😭

Rain/snow limit dropping to 1500m overnight. For the best conditions tomorrow, head out early and above 2000m.

Grands Montets or top of Le Tour would be our best bet.

24/12/2021

Free ski lessons!

From January 7 to February 4 and from March 7 to April 1, 2022, the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley offers you your group ski lessons . Adult or child, beginner, in development or expert, benefit from free lessons and courses in downhill skiing, off-piste, cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing.

Offer valid for courses of 2 to 6 days for anyone in commercial accommodation for stays of 3 nights minimum in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley.

24/12/2021

That escalated quickly. Let's hope it's snow and not rain!

23/12/2021

Great service being provided in Chamonix and Les Houches. Free PCR or antigen tests within 15 minutes.

All you need is your carte vitale, social security & ID.

Non residents can apply via this formula: https://mon.passrdv.com/formulaire-tests

Reserve online: https://mon.passrdv.com/chamonix/
https://mon.passrdv.com/leshouches/

23/12/2021

Everything you ever wanted to know about beginner ski touring and snow shoeing in the Chamonix Valley.

[ ITINERAIRES AMENAGES SKI DE RANDO & RAQUETTES ]

Face à l’essor de ces disciplines et malgré un relief pas toujours adapté, la Communauté de Communes de la Vallée de Chamonix et la Compagnie du Mont Blanc travaillent conjointement depuis quelques années pour proposer des solutions aux pratiquants.
Du débutant au collant-pipette qui souhaite empiler le D+, en passant par ceux qui veulent se faire une sortie en nocturne avant une bonne raclette, il y en a pour tout le monde !
On vous fait un petit résumé mais on vous invite surtout à lire les plaquettes dédiées !!

SKI DE RANDO

En journée, quatre itinéraires balisés (non entretenus et non sécurisés) de différents niveaux permettent de randonner à proximité des pistes de skis (la descente se fait par ces dernières). Renseignez-vous avant de partir sur les conditions, des fois c’est technique (glace etc).

- Les Houches/Prarion (841 m D+)
- Argentière/Lognan par la Trapette (déconseillé aux débutants, pas de demi-tour ou d’échappatoire possible) (730 m D+)
- Argentière/refuge de Lognan (800 m D+)
- Le Tour/Charamillon (358 m D+)

Face à la demande, la Compagnie du Mont Blanc adapte les horaires de damage sur 5 pistes de fond de vallée afin de les rendre accessibles après la fermeture du domaine (de 17h à 20h ; de 17h à 21h + 7h à 9h pour Les Houches). Bon niveau de ski nécessaire car la piste n’est pas damée, ça a souvent regelé, il y a des bosses et de nuit on y voit pas toujours tout bien !

- Les Houches/Prarion : piste des Ailoux puis Stade ou Table d’orientation (830 m D+)
- Chamonix/bas du télésiège Cornu : piste des nants (724 m D+) suivant enneigement !
- Les Praz/bas du télésiège des Evettes : piste des Praz (637 m D+) +) suivant enneigement !
- Argentière/Lognan : piste de la Pierre à Ric (730 m D+)
- Le Tour/Charamillon : piste des Caisets (358 m D+).

Vous retrouvez toutes ces infos sur notre plaquette :https://www.chamoniarde.com/images/files/skirandochx.pdf

D’autres idées d’itinéraires au Pays du Mont Blanc ici :https://www.chamoniarde.com/images/files/TOPOSKIRANDO2022-.pdf

RAQUETTE

La Communauté de Communes de la Vallée de Chamonix propose une dizaine d’itinéraires balisés, situés principalement en fond de vallée. Vous les retrouvez ici :https://www.chamoniarde.com/images/files/Topo-raquettes-2021-2022.pdf

Si vous voulez prendre un peu de hauteur, La Compagnie du Mont-Blanc balise des circuits raquettes d'altitude accessibles par les remontées mécaniques sur les sites du Montenvers (3 boucles) - de la Flégère (boucles de la Raverettaz et de la Tête Aubuy) - de Vallorcine (aiguillette des Posettes). Vous pouvez consulter quotidiennement l’’état d’ouverture sur les bulletins d’ouvertures des pistes et remontées : https://bulletin.lumiplan.pro/displayAll.php?&station=chamonix®ion=alpes&pays=france&lang=fr&displayDomaine=3-4

Pour le plaisir et le respect de tous, nous vous rappelons quelques bonnes pratiques :

Je dis bonjour !
Je respecte le travail des autres (et notamment des dameurs)
Je respecte les interdictions (par exemple on ne remonte pas sur les pistes pendant que le domaine est ouvert)
Je respecte la signalisation en place et les fermetures (en cas de risque avalanche ou lors des opérations de déclenchements d’avalanches)
Si possible, je fais deux traces distinctes (une pour le ski de rando et une pour la raquette)
Je m’éloigne du tracé pour faire mes besoins ou ceux de mon animal de compagnie (ou alors je ramasse !)
Si je croise des animaux sauvages, je leur laisse le temps de s’éloigner tranquillement.

22/12/2021

The good news is, we still have a great base and excellent snow condition, the average news is there is only sunshine in the forecast for the foreseeable, the excellent news is avalanche risk is only 2/5.

The holiday season is upon us, for those who have managed to travel to Chamonix, we welcome you! Be aware that covid is circulating at a high level and our hospitals are starting to fill up once again.

So take it easy on the slopes and and streets, follow the Government guidelines but most of all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

18/12/2021

Beautiful day above the clouds at Saint Gervais today. Perfect pistes, blue skies, sunshine and even a bit of untouched powder.

How was your day? Share with us in the comments below.

17/12/2021

After a great start to the season, the last week has seen the return of sunny weather. There is still good snow coverage resort wide and conditions for ski touring are good.

☀️❄☀️❄🌡❄☀️❄🌞❄☀️❄🌞

All ski areas open tomorrow, along with the Aiguille du Midi - no equipment in place on l'arete and still fragile to no established snow bridges in place - caution advised.

The refuges Loriaz et Lognan also open tomorrow. Inviting a great day for snowshoers as well as to the chalet Chailloux.

The weather remains stable until Thursday when a new disturbance is expected. Avalanche risk is 3/5 on all aspects above 2000m with some consistent instabilities above around 2400m on steep North, East and West facing slopes.

EVENTS

Mon 20th
⛸ Ice hockey @ patinoire Richard Bozon 19h15
🎎 Christmas concert @ espace Olca 20h30

Tues 21st
🎁 Xmas Market @ place du village, Les Houches 9h-19h

Wed 22nd
💃Swing dancing & burlesque @ le Prarion 14h-16h
🥁Christmas drummers @ Chamonix Centre 17h & 18h15 (& Tues 23rd)

Thurs 23rd
🎅Santa on the piste @ Lognan 17h30
⛸Night ice skating @ patinore, Les Houches 20h-22h

More to follow on our next update.

16/12/2021

Updated travel restrictions on french govt website for UK travellers. EU travel is still OK.

From Saturday for travel from UK to France, you will need to:
- show proof of vaccination/vaccination status
- have a 'motif imperieux' (that you're french, or officially resident)
- negative PCR or lateral flow under 24 hours (this has changed from 48 hrs)
- fill in a form similar to the UK passenger locator link to form here: (https://passager.serveureos.org)

link to full info here:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/royaume-uni/

EOS COVID FORM

16/12/2021

Sorry team UK: https://www.thelocal.fr/20211214/france-could-impose-tougher-covid-restrictions-on-travellers-from-uk/

France has announced new entry rules for travellers from the UK including obligatory quarantine for all arrivals and a ban on all tourists whether vaccinated or not.

14/12/2021

FACE À FACE MATINAL...
5 heures du matin, ce 14 décembre 2021, dans la vallée de Chamonix (Haute Savoie-Alpes-France).
Un très grand merci à Florence Kielholz pour cette superbe photo.

10/12/2021

Over 75cm of fresh snow in the last 24 hours, all the way down to valley floor.

Avalanche risk is high tomorrow, 4/5 at all altitudes and all aspects. Both ski-tourers and snowshoers should be cautious and selective about their routes.

Flegere, Les Houches and Grands Montets all open tomorrow but with the exception of Les Houches, most likely only lower slopes in the morning. Potentially more in the afternoon as conditons stabilise.

10/12/2021

Latest conditons update from .

In brief - we have had lots of snow, all the way down to the valley floor and thanks to consistently cold temperatures its sticking around and hopefully sticking together!

Skiers are advised to exercise great caution over the coming days, its been a while since we've had easy access to our mountains and it's time, once again to enjoy, but never forget her power.

All the domains have a lot of snow to clear and PIDA is happening daily, usually in the morning - a reminder not to access the domains in the early morning if warning signs are up.

Ski domains opening:
- GM lower slopes opened today
- Flegere tomorrow (saturday) weekends only until Dec 18th.
- Les Houches from tomorrow continuously

Ski touring tracks are open (except for today and on high avalanche risk days). A reminder that these tracks are not secured or maintained by the Ski domains. Use at own risk.

Ski de fond opening this weekend.

Snow shoeing tracks in great condition but some still unmarked.

Booklets for both ski du fond and ski touring routes available on La Chamoniarde.

09/12/2021

Looking FRESH for Grands Montets opening. tomorrow. There's so much snow and it's been so long, I can't even tell if this is GM or Flegere.

08/12/2021

More scenes from Chamonix in our stories.

report

08/12/2021

I'm not going to lie, there has been a s**t tonne of snow. Snowpack is currently unstable but set to stabilise over the next 24 hours. Strengthened by consistent cold temperatures until Monday.

Get in!

Grands Montets opens Friday - expect a slow start due to avalanche security.

Flegere, Les Houches and Saint Gervais on Saturday.

Gotta say, it's been at least 4 years since I've been this excited for the start of winter.

Bring on the snow.



*official measurement

07/12/2021

What a difference a week makes. Looking good for the first lift openings this weekend!

GM from Friday, Flegere & Les Houches from Saturday. Everything else from the 18th.

07/12/2021

Its official!!! Ski season is on!

05/12/2021

Avalanche prevention planned tomorrow (Monday 06.12) morning for Flegere and Brevent. Gassex in the morning and Daisy Bell (heli) afterwards. Please avoid these areas in the morning.

04/12/2021

Chamonix en blanc aujourd'hui ❤❤

04/12/2021

Let's talk about snow, baby.

30cm yesterday, 25cm today and 5cm expected tomorrow. Over 60cm fell above 1800m, followed by a period of warmth today so the snow pack is currently soaked, heavy and non-cohesive.

Avalanches to he expected on steep slopes. Hikers should also take care below 1800m.

Avalanche risk 4/5 and there is avalanche clearance at Grands Montets (Lognan) planned to start at 8am tomorrow (05.12).

A reminder that the Chamonix ski domaines are currently not secured and with all this fresh, heavy snow the pisteurs will be working hard to get everything ready ASAP.

Info on lift openings coming up next.

04/12/2021

Before we talk about the snow.....yes there's been a lot. We just want to cover the new rules which came in today. We had a few complaints last time that this is a snow report, not a travel report but we just want to help you to get here and not be turned back at the airport. So here is it! New rules from Dec 4th 2021. Its all in one post so if you don't care....scroll on by.

1. PCR tests - anyone arriving from outside the EU into France, regardless of their nationality or vaccination status must provide a valid PCR (or antigen) test within 48 hours

2. Unvaccinated people from within the EU must show a valid PCR test with 24 hours.

3. 10-day quarantine is no longer required in Switzerland, but there is no access for unvaccinated third country nationals. Anyone planning to fly into Switzerland (over 6 yrs) must show a negative PCR test valid within 72 hours and a second PCR or antigen test between days 4 and 7. Antigen tests less than 24 hours.

4. Access to all ski resorts in the Haute Savoie now require Pass Sanitaire (over 12 years). This can be obtained by non-EU residents with a foreign vaccination certificate, valid within the EU for no more than €36 at the following Chamonix Pharmacies:

- Pharmacie de L'aiguille du Midi
- Pharmacie Suet
- Pharmacie Ortis
- Pharmacie Lebegue

More here: https://www.sante.fr/obtenir-un-passe-sanitaire-en-cas-de-vaccination-letranger

5. NHS app vaccine confirmation is acceptable. No need to get pass sanitaire.

6. Pass Sanitaire is available to unvaccinated people with a negative PCR test less than 24 hours.

We wish you all the best health, safe travel and we hope to see you on the slopes soon!

01/12/2021

WARNING: Avalanche risk increasing to 4/5 above 1600m overnight. The snow is fallllinnngggg.

[ BERA du soir bonsoir ! ]

Pour demain risque avalanche estimé à 4 (FORT!) dans les pentes raides au dessus de 1600m. On reprend les reflexes, l'hiver est là ! Le lien pour lire le bulletin : https://meteofrance.com/meteo-montagne/chamonix/740562

30/11/2021

Shall we get back to the snow conditions??

The recent snowfall is mostly sticking around thanks to pleasantly cool temperatures. With 30cm at 2000m and up to 45cm at 2500m.

Avalanche risk is increasing to 3/5 above 2000m from tomorrow. Caution advised in the middle mountain with small-medium sized slides expected on steep/rocky slopes.

Tomorrow - sunshine in the morning followed by fresh snowfall tomorrow afternoon and Thursday. A short break on Friday then snow is predicted all the way through until Tuesday 14th.

If this rings true it will be a great start to the season with Flegere and Grands Montets planning to open from December 11th. Other areas from December 18th (Les Houches maybe earlier but impossible to tell just yet).

Come on La Nina, bring us those powder days!

30/11/2021

Christmas is saved!

More here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland/entry-requirements

30/11/2021

Very awesome link for checking what you need to do to enter France via Switzerland. This is an official link and should help with any boarding issues!

https://travelcheck.admin.ch/home

Please note that the Swiss Confederation only supports Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari in their respective latest 2 versions.

30/11/2021

Special announcement for our UK friends hoping to come to Chamonix for Christmas. (EU red list countries are not experiencing any boarding or transit issues)

After many phone calls to various embassy's and Swiss authorities we can confirm that transit from Geneva to France is still allowed (with a negative PCR test - not obligatory but recommended), proof of accommodation, entry form marked transit and/or residency status).

Use this link to check what you need to do regardless of where you are coming from:https://travelcheck.admin.ch/home

HOWEVER, the wording on the UK.Govt website is incorrect and in contrary to this and until its updated, airlines will continue to refuse boarding to anyone who doesn't hold residency.

We can assure you there are a lot of individuals petitioning the UK government right now to get this wording changed ASAP so take a deep breath, look at this wonderful view and know Chamonix has got your back and we're all working hard to see you soon!

Regular updates as we get them.

29/11/2021

Latest info of travel and entry to Switzerland (apologies for all the changes to this post, we are getting new info regularly).

According to multiple Swiss Government sources and the ministry of health it is possible transit through Geneva to France as a national, resident or tourist.

Proof of accommodation and negative PCR test advised. You must mark "transit" on your entry form.

Please note the UK Gov website currently does not have the right information and this is causing confusion with airlines with some people being denied entry and others not.

https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov/empfehlungen-fuer-reisende/quarantaene-einreisende.html

29/11/2021

There's nothing quite like Chamonix when the storm breaks, the clouds start to lift and the sun pops its head up to put on a show.

📷