Report 15th November 2019

Little has changed since the last, (05/11), report.  To recap, there is enough snow to make things awkward for hikers but not enough for skiing.

After yesterday’s foehn, (warm, wet winds), the bad weather last night put down 5 to 10 cms of snow in the valley and about 20 cms at 2000m.  

The amount of snow is not yet enough for even a partial opening of the ski areas this weekend, (16/17 Nov, e.g. Les Houches and Grands Montets.)

The Montenvers train is running every day, (the ice cave, with its cable car, is foreseen to open for the Christmas holidays).  The Aiguille du Midi cable car is planned to open on the 14th December. 

Ski touring: If you are not afraid to of a bit of ski carrying, there are possibilities above 1900m, (e.g. Balme area, Grands Montets/Argentière sector, Contamines).

Report 21 November 2019

MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS 21/11/2019

Little has changed since last week’s update apart from a partial opening of the Grands-Montets ski area this weekend, (more information ici).

The snow remains insufficient for off-piste skiing.

The open lifts will give ski tourers access to the top of the Grand Montets and so into the Argentière sector.  However, the season is just starting and from the information received so far, the glaciers, (Rognon, Argentière) are very treacherous, (numerous crevasses and fragile snow bridges.)

For the moment, skinning up at the Balme /Tour sector is feasible, (could change given a forecast for foehn, warm winds).  The descent below Charamillon is stony and involves walking.

The conditions for ski touring are more favourable in the Aosta valley.

There is little information concerning the mixed routes and “high mountain”. There is quite a lot of new snow but there is little cohesion and probably not much ice.  It is unlikely there will be much activity this weekend, given the forecasted foehn weather.

There is no change in the conditions for hiking.  It is recommended to stick to the valley trails, (below 1800m) and to be properly equipped, (good footwear, poles etc.)  The Montenvers train remains open.   

It is still too early in the season for ice climbing and snow shoeing.

Report 6th Nov 2019

As this brief report is being written, the first snowflakes are falling in Chamonix.  Winter is on its way.  

The succession of weather fronts has resulted in a gradual build-up of the snowpack, with 50cms at 2500m and 15cms at 2000m having been reported. There is snow cover down to 1500m.  This depth will increase today and a further 15cm above 1500m is forecast for tonight, (Thursday.)  

While waiting for the winter BERA reports to restart, think about consulting the Information Neige et Avalanche on the Météo France site.: http://www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-montagne/bulletin-avalanches/mont-blanc/OPP03.

Though the weather has been bad for the alpinists, it is good news for the mountain conditions which are now improving after a particularly dry summer.

There is still not enough snow yet for skiing, except at ski resorts with glaciers above 3000m.  (Les Diablerets, Verbier and Cervina will be partially open this weekend.)

Hiking is best restricted to the good paths below 1500m, (Petits Balcons, Floria and Chapeau cafes etc). However, experienced, well equipped hikers can enjoy the first winter snows; for example, the Chailloux chalets, the Loriaz chalets and Montenvers.

Concerning the lifts, the Aiguille du Midi, Planpraz and the Skyway (Courmayeur) are now closed until the start of the ski season. The Montenvers train is the only thing open, (the ice cave and lift is closed until 13^th December.)

Report 6th November 2019

As this brief report is being written, the first snowflakes are falling in Chamonix.  Winter is on its way.  

The succession of weather fronts has resulted in a gradual build-up of the snowpack, with 50cms at 2500m and 15cms at 2000m having been reported. There is snow cover down to 1500m.  This depth will increase today and a further 15cm above 1500m is forecast for tonight, (Thursday.)  

While waiting for the winter BERA reports to restart, think about consulting the Information Neige et Avalanche on the Météo France site.: http://www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-montagne/bulletin-avalanches/mont-blanc/OPP03.

Though the weather has been bad for the alpinists, it is good news for the mountain conditions which are now improving after a particularly dry summer.

There is still not enough snow yet for skiing, except at ski resorts with glaciers above 3000m.  (Les Diablerets, Verbier and Cervina will be partially open this weekend.)

Hiking is best restricted to the good paths below 1500m, (Petits Balcons, Floria and Chapeau cafes etc). However, experienced, well equipped hikers can enjoy the first winter snows; for example, the Chailloux chalets, the Loriaz chalets and Montenvers.

Concerning the lifts, the Aiguille du Midi, Planpraz and the Skyway (Courmayeur) are now closed until the start of the ski season. The Montenvers train is the only thing open, (the ice cave and lift is closed until 13^th December.)

Report 25th October 2019

Another week of bad, at times tempestuous, weather with snow and strong winds in the mountains.  Therefore, it is difficult to estimate the depth of new snow.  Looking at the various webcams in the massive will give some idea of the conditions.

The forecast is for better, warmer weather this the weekend, especially in the mountains

This could be a last chance for hikers, climbers and alpinists to profit from this year’s pleasant, autumnal days.

In the high mountain the conditions are already wintery.  There has been virtually no activity for some time, and the OHM has not received any information concerning the mixed routes.

Hopefully this will change as the activity restarts and people (please!) report back.

Some classic routes, such as the Aiguille du Tour, Mont Blanc by the Goûter or the Grand Paradiso are feasible for experienced alpinists willing to accept the long approaches, (lifts and huts closed,) and trail breaking.  Snowshoes could prove useful.

For those wanting day trips, (near the Aig du Midi or the Punta Helbonner; cable cars still open), the Cosmiques Ridge and the traverses of Pointes Lachenal, Aig des Entrèves or Marbrées are feasible, (in mixed conditions).

Rock climbers need to forget the granite in the massive and go for the routes in the Aiguilles Rouges.

(Planpraz lift open) or the valley crags. Good weather has also been promised for the neighbouring valleys and ranges, (Aravis, Chablais, Aosta Valley, Lower Valais etc.)

Lastly, the hiking trails in the valley are without problems.  Make sure you are properly equipped, (good mountain footwear and walking poles,) as the shaded forest trails can be slippery.