After the driest December for over 100 years the Chamonix valley, and most of the Alps, were desperately waiting for some snow to fall in the new year.
Backcountry skiing at the Aiguille du Midi & Brevent
Chamonix High Mountain report
The first week of January was not too promising but then once it started it didn’t stop. The first large snowfall brought with it a much needed top up to the whole ski area, both on and off piste.
This first snow fall did mean that people started venturing off piste and the skins came back out of the cupboard in the search for the best skiing. On the 11th I headed up the Aiguille du Midi with Ben Briggs and Jesper Petersson with our sights set on the Grand Envers variation of the Vallee Blanche. The arête doesn’t have the rope installed at the moment, so this means you have to ski out of the ice cave, but as soon as we were down this first slope we found deep cold snow and it felt like winter for the first time this year! After skiing over 1000m vertical of cold winter powder, we started to hit the rocks that had yet to be covered by this season's base. This made the exit to Montenvers on the Mer de Glace interesting to say the least.
This sunny day was short lived and before we knew it the storm clouds rolled in again. The weekend saw 30/40cm fall in the valley and even more up high. When the lifts opened on Sunday morning, the sun was shining and the crowds were rushing to get the elusive first chair. The snow was good at Brevent and despite the Cornu and Brevent lift not opening, there was good off piste skiing to be had in the couloirs back down to the valley floor. The Aiguille du Midi mid-station was also skiing very well with enough snow to make it back to the lift with your skis on and in one piece.
The high pressure set back in and the next two days were spent lapping good powder from the top of Brevent, Flegere, Grand Montets and the Aiguille du Midi. Most areas were skiing very well and the high winds didn’t seem to have much effect on the snow condition and thankfully the avalanche risk also dropped which gave us the confidence to go and explore more of the terrain.
Ski touring has resumed in the Aiguille Rouges, Wednesday saw almost all of the classic tours being skied from the Crochues-Berard traverse to the Belvedere. The skiing was superb in the Berard Valley and the exit has plenty of snow to allow smooth skiing back to the road.
This high pressure is set to stick around for a little while now, so it’s a good time to get out and stretch the legs and make good of those new years resolutions!
Joel is a Ski-mountaineer/ Salomon ambassador. Keep up to date with more of his adventures.
NB: Off piste skiing and mountaineering are dangerous. The opinions expressed in these articles are very much time and condition specific and the content is not intended in any way to be a substitute for hiring a mountain guide, undergoing professional mountaineering training and/or the individual's own back country decision making.
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Airport Transfers in Chamonix
Transfers for Chamonix
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Chamonix from €272 per minivan one-way (weekend rate)
With over 5,000 rides completed and 95% of clients returning, this private transfer service is designed around the needs of skiers, from reliable airport pick-ups to comfortable journeys to your accommodation. Experienced, professional English-speaking drivers, vehicles prepared for Alpine winter conditions and no extra luggage fees for skis or snowboards help make travelling easier. With airport meet and greet, door-to-door transfers, secure online booking and a focus on punctuality, you can organise your Chamonix transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Private & Shared Airport Transfers
Low-cost shared and private transfer shuttle service from Geneva Airport
This company offers two great value shuttle services as well as a private service from Geneva and Lyon Airports to the Chamonix Valley. Established, efficient, and reliable transfers with solid reviews and reputation.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva to Chamonix from €315 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy direct door-to-door travel, flexible collection times and a vehicle reserved exclusively for your group. Choose between Geneva and Lyon Airports, with standard and premium vehicles, experienced alpine drivers and convenient private transfers throughout the year.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Geneva to Chamonix from €29.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy regular departures, convenient stops throughout the Chamonix Valley and ski luggage included at no extra cost. With year-round services, airport assistance and experienced alpine drivers, travelling from Geneva is affordable and straightforward.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Chamonix from €229 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy a hassle-free journey to Chamonix with an experienced Alpine transfer company operating since 2012. Private door-to-door transfers come with professional drivers who know the mountain roads and flight monitoring to help manage delays. Choose between standard or VIP minibuses, with complimentary child seats available for families. Free onboard Wi-Fi and handy pick-up reminders are among the thoughtful extras that help make your journey easier.
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Private Airport Transfers
Eco-friendly private transfers from Geneva to the Chamonix valley
This company provides private transfers in fully electric vehicles around the Chamonix valley, operating from airports and train stations to the ski resorts.
Ski Hire in Chamonix
Ski Hire in Chamonix
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Chamonix Ski
Ski, snowboard, freeride & monoskiing equipment hire near the foot of the Brevent ski area
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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Ravanel & Co Alpina
Ski, ski-touring, snowboard & cross-country ski hire in the Place du Mont Blanc
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.
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Salomon
Located inside the Salomon store on the main high-street in Chamonix
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Salomon store!
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Place du Téléphérique
Ski hire shop located right next to Bellevue cable car
Ski hire shop located at the bottom of a ski run, next to a restaurant and beside a ski lift. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
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Planards
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Chamonix
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
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Serge Cachat Sports
Ski hire conveniently located at bottom of Bellevue gondola and car park
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the Skiset Serge Cachat Sports store!
Ski Schools in Chamonix
Ski School Lessons in Chamonix
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Private Ski Lessons
Exceptional coaching tailored to your needs for unforgettable skiing
Improve your skiing with personalised private lessons in Chamonix, with a world-class team of instructors available across the valley and at all meeting points. Every lesson is tailored to your ability, learning style and ambitions, with individual coaching, carefully chosen terrain and a focus on helping you build confidence, develop your technique and become a more independent skier.
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Group ski lessons
Largest French ski school offering group ski and snowboard lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
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
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
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
Largest French ski school offering group ski and snowboard 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.
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Group Ski Lessons
Flexible ski and snowboard lessons in Chamonix with multilingual instructors
Join a group ski or snowboard lesson in Chamonix with a handpicked team of multilingual instructors, selected for their expertise and experience. With flexible shared lessons for adults and dedicated junior groups during school holidays, there's an option for different ages and abilities. Benefit from personalised coaching, adaptable teaching methods and a welcoming approach that helps you improve your technique, build confidence and get more out of your time on the mountain.
Winter Things To Do in Chamonix
Wintersport Things To Do in Chamonix
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Guided snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Snowshoe guided walks
Half day and full day snowshoe walks in Vallorcine
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Experience a guided off-piste ski or snowboard adventure on the 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
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
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
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
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
Half-day or full-day guided snowshoeing exploring off the beaten track
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.
