We have had weather that I can't really describe without making it sound like a bit of everything, which is exactly what it is, and exactly what the forecasters have been predicting. It's been raining, snowing, sunny, hot, cool, cold and warm! The only way to know for sure what to do with your day is to wait and find out, take a chance, do what you want to do and hope for the best.
Last week we had snow to the valley bottom, although it didn't really settle and even although there was plenty of cloud around the sun burnt most of the snow away by the afternoon. However this was actually the largest amount of snow to valley bottom we have had since February! So for a few keen mountaineers, it was time to get up the Aiguille du Midi and see what they could find!
It is actually possible to ski or snowboard throughout the entire year in Europe, although there are no pistes to ride here in Chamonix it is something that an experienced ski or snowboard mountaineer can enjoy every month of the year should they desire and have the right knowledge and equipment to hand. There are other resorts nearby that have glaciers and offer year round piste and park riding, so considering the lack of snow we had this winter and the new dumps of fresh up high, it could be a good time to think about getting out for some high altitude glacial skiing or snowboarding!
Apart from clinging to potential dreams of winter activities, there are plenty of summer activities on offer. Loads of climbs are possible at low and mid-mountain altitudes and with hardly anyone around it's a great time if you like having loads of opportunities to choose from. There is a great wall at les Gaillands just a short walk from the centre, which is a great place to start you climbing adventures, and meet other like-minded people.
The lifts will begin to open for the summer months from next week with downhill mountain biking, higher mountain hiking, and climbing opportunities becoming easier and more accessible than they are at current. The town has already started to feel busier with the French bank holiday and the mood of the town has taken a positive turn to the summer vibe which you will be sure to be welcomed by on your visit to this wonderful valley of opportunity and adventure!
Right now it's about making the most of what's on offer, so getting up early to see what's possible before the rain has a chance to enter the valley is a good idea, especially if you are a keen climber or prefer your activity out of the rain. Yesterday seemed like it was going to chuck it down fairly early on in the day but as we progressed through it, it seemed to be warm and dry, so we made the most of a climbing opportunity which ended up seeing us right through till early evening before the rain took hold.
If you are out this week make sure to be open to other activities, make the most of dry conditions and get out and embrace the wet if that's all you get!
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!
