Snow report 18 April 2024

Imprint: By Caro Blackwell, Updated 4 May 2026

So it’s nearing the end of the winter season in Chamonix. It’s been a strange season, after an early snow dump and optimistic signs of a good winter ahead, we suffered a lack of snow at Christmas and New Year on lower slopes. Then the first two weeks of January we welcomed plenty of snow which boosted our slopes and gave us good sunny powder ski days. However temperatures were milder than normal meaning the lower slopes suffered early, but the skiing at higher altitude remained really good. In general, over 2000 metres the snow levels and pistes have been great with above average snow depths for most of the season. We enjoyed good skiing in March with a mixture of powder and sunshine days and so far April has been great! The piste groomers have done a fantastic job this winter keeping the pistes skiable in the face of unpredictable and challenging weather conditions. We’ll be back next winter with our weekly snow reports, until then, enjoy a break before summer in Chamonix opens up.

Cooling down again

After an incredibly warm few days in the Alps, it’s really cooled down again, in fact it is snowing this morning in Chamonix and the freezing level is right down to around 900 metres tonight. Looks like a clear sunny day tomorrow and you could wake up to around 15 - 20cm of fresh snow. We will have sun and cloud over the weekend but still remaining cold. Over 1500m it’s unlikely to get above freezing for the next few days.

Looking ahead

The temperatures will stay cold with a freezing level ranging between 900 and 1500m. Monday and Tuesday are currently showing light to moderate snowfall of around 10 - 15cm. So you can enjoy powder snow and spring skiing even though the visibility could be poor at times.

Avalanche risk

The current avalanche risk through most of the northern Alps is 2/3 out of 5 with the levels increasing as the days get warmer and the melting snow gets heavier. There has been and remains a danger of wet snow avalanches, especially in the last few days as there has not been a good refreeze up at higher altitudes. Take heed of the avalanche warnings in Chamonix before even considering venturing off piste.

You’ve still got another couple of weeks to enjoy the end of season spring skiing and activities around the resort so make the most of the fresh snow, warmer days and long lunches on a sunny terrace.

Chamonix will close on 5 May 2024

Top tips for skiing this week

You've still got two more weeks skiing in Chamonix so here are our top tips:

The temperature is changeable in the mountains, although we are spring skiing now, it will be chilly out of the sun this week. So thinner layers, a shell jacket rather than a thick winter coat, more lightweight gloves are a good idea, and open those vents as the day warms up! You may need waterproofs early next week.
Don't forget the sunscreen! Even when the wind chill is high, the sun in the mountains is still intense.
You’ll need your low light and sunny goggle lenses for the next few days.
Early morning the pistes are harder packed and maybe a bit icy and then a bit slushy in the afternoon. So coordinate your ski time to whichever conditions you prefer.
Get your skis and boards waxed as the wetter snow can slow you down a bit!
Book a good long late lunch on a mountain restaurant terrace

See all Restaurants in Chamonix

Summer in Chamonix

There are many exciting events to look forward to this summer in Chamonix, check out our events calendar for more details.
Summer is a fabulous time to be in the mountains for hiking, biking, climbing and relaxing. White water rafting, lake swimming and much more. Check our website for ideas and where to stay.

See all Events in Chamonix See our Season Dates

Updates

If you head to the bottom of this page, you can see live forecasts, lift status, links to webcams, real time photos from Chamonix. Beginning next winter season we will be updating this snow report page every Thursday, so check back in with us to see how the pistes are doing and what you can expect from the snow forecast each week.

See all Hotels in Chamonix

Ski Hire in Chamonix

Chamonix Ski

Location
Chamonix

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.
Argentière Centre

Location
Argentiere

Ski hire shop located in the heart of the village of Argentière. 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!
Proshop Folie Douce Hôtel

Location
Les Houches

You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Chamonix!
Ravanel & Co Alpina

Location
Chamonix

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.
Aiguille du Midi

Location
Chamonix

Jerome and his professional, friendly and dynamic team welcome you every day to the most competitively priced ski hire in town! This Skimium ski rental shop is situated just down from the Aiguille du Midi cable car in the Quechua shop just next to the Aiguille du Midi train station.
La Ginabelle Centre

Location
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 first skiing day.

Ski Schools in Chamonix

Private ski lessons

Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
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.
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.
Group ski lessons

Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
Group ski lessons

This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
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.

Airport Transfers in Chamonix

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.
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.
Private airport transfers

From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
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.
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.

Winter Things To Do in Chamonix

See our Activity Guide

Snowshoe guided walks

Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
Guided snowshoeing

Location
Chamonix

Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche

Location
Chamonix

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.
Helicopter tours

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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.
Mer de Glace glacier hike

Location
Chamonix

Experience one of the best known glaciers in the Alps, safe in the hands of an experienced local guide.