Salomon
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Salomon store!
Chamonix Snow Report: 15th December 2011
Opening week in Chamonix
What an amazing week we have had here in Chamonix. There has been snow dumps, storms, rain, sun and powder. And all in the opening week!
Grand Montet and Les Houches opened part of their pistes last Saturday, 10th December, and the game was on. With a lot of snowfall in the week leading up to opening, both pistes were in good condition and there was fresh snow both on and off piste.
Saturday at Grand Montet was fantastic for an opening day, with the sun out and snow on the ground. The turn out was reasonable, but not quite as busy as many predicted. Off piste was quite good, but there were definitely still rocks hiding, as my friend found out when he tore his board to the core...
As there had been no new snowfall overnight, the snow was firmer packed on Sunday with some hard patches on the slopes, and it began to get a little tracked out.
It started snowing again on Monday, and Tuesday morning was fantastic with over a metre of snow and fresh powder everywhere. The off piste conditions were even better due to a base layer now having formed. Bouchard was open in the morning, and alot of people were hitting the bowl, though it closed after noon, when the weather took a turn for the worse.
It began slushing and raining up to the mid-station, and as the winds picked up there was almost a total white out. I stuck to the tree runs lower down, where there was still some powder to be found, and much better visibility. By the end of the day I was crouched on the lifts hiding from the snow storm firing at my goggles, and ended up with some very soggy gloves. As we started down on the home-run, the snow got wetter and wetter until we were getting rained on in the carpark.
Grands Montets has been closed now ever since Tuesday afternoon due to this bad weather and high winds.
Yesterday was a day of rain here down in the valley, though today I woke up again to snow dumping. So now we await the reopening of the lifts, and no doubt some amazing powder runs.
All resort lifts are scheduled to open this Saturday. However, as there is a large storm continuing and the avalanche risk has been upgraded to very high, we will have to stay tuned to see which lifts will be opening, and when, on Saturday. Click here for more information on lift openings.
Ski Hire in Chamonix
Ski Hire in Chamonix
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Chamonix Ski
This ski and snowboard hire shop is only a 3-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix and perfectly located if you're staying in the Les Pècles / Les Moussoux.
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Sanglard Sports
Situated right on the roundabout as you come into the centre of Chamonix from the main highway - so there's a minimum of carrying equipment and a maximum amount of convenience - just grab your skis or snowboard and go! Jonty and his team will welcome you and provide a professional and friendly service.
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Excelsior
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the Skiset Excelsior store!
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Cham'Sport Mummery
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Mummery is located in the Mummery building, between the Folie Douce Hotel and the Alpina Hotel. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
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Ravanel & Co Alpina
This ski hire shop is situated in the centre of Chamonix right on the corner of the Place du Mont Blanc where all the ski shuttle buses run to.
Ski Schools in Chamonix
Ski School Lessons in Chamonix
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Private ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
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Group ski lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
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Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Group ski lessons
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
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Group ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
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Group ski lessons
The perfect choice for group ski lessons in the Chamonix Valley if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc, or would like to discover the beautiful Balme ski area at the top end of the valley.
Airport Transfers in Chamonix
Transfers for Chamonix
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Private airport transfers
From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
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Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
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Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers two great value shuttle services as well as a private service from Geneva and Lyon Airports to the Chamonix Valley. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
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Mont Blanc Transfers
This company provides private transfers in fully electric vehicles around the Chamonix valley, operating from airports and train stations to the ski resorts.
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Private airport transfers
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
Winter Things To Do in Chamonix
Wintersport Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe Guided Walks
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Heliskiing/boarding
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
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Helicopter tours
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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Guided snowshoeing
Walk in a winter wonderland and wind your way slowly uphill, to secluded forest spots, frozen waterfalls and marvel at the beauty of the mountains.
