Rain, rain and even more rain! There has been sections of the day where it hasn’t rained however it seems like those sections of the day are becoming few and far between. There hasn’t been an amazing torrential downpour going on, just frequent and persisting often spitting showers, so it hasn’t prevented biking or hiking if you have a good set of waterproofs or indeed if you are jumping in a river or lake anyway. However it has prevented some paraglide flights, climbing Mont-Blanc, climbing, and other weather dependant activities.
The weather forecasts are looking like at least the risk of more showers as far as they can see, so if you are out then make sure you have a descent set of waterproofs, good brakes on your bike, and embrace the thought of getting wet while you are in the valley! Lifts are still open, and even though there has been a lot of rain, and even snow up high! It’s still been great to get out in the fresh air and enjoy what the mountains have to offer regardless of the conditions you are presented with on your arrival. If you are in to your hiking but don’t like getting wet then there are many trails to explore in and around the valley under the cover of the trees, grab yourself a hikers trail map or book from most book or sports stores in the valley and see what you can explore!
If you get to a stage where you are fully prepared to accept and embrace the wet, then why not get out of the trees and explore some of the higher paths. Be sure to bring warm clothes and a flask of tea to keep you going, but just because it’s raining doesn’t mean that the trails are impossible. The mountains can seem quite majestic when your hanging around in the cloud, and with much cooler temperature you shouldn’t be suffering too much of a sweat, nor should find too many other people on your adventures.
As you can imagine with such persistent rain the trails are pretty muddy and wet, so I would make high recommendation over good footwear/good brakes on your bike, but don’t shy away, embrace the mud and the wet. You will find yourself go through a period of not wanting to be wet, carefully avoiding puddles and muddy patches but once you pass this phase you will find a new level of enjoyment will be had, and you will start aiming right for the centre of those muddy patches and puddle, rejoicing the opportunity to get even more wet and muddy! It makes the hot shower, bath or luxurious sauna steam room with a cuppa that much more enjoyable, and you will feel like you have really achieved something with your day!
So forget what the weather forecasts say, if you love mountains, then show your love, book a flight and get out here for some muddy good fun!
Editor's note: 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
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