Snow Report Jan 12, 2023

Imprint: By Caro Blackwell, Updated 5 May 2026

Well it seems all the prayers and snow dances paid off this week, we had the promised great new snowfall throughout the Alps on Sunday, Monday and a little more on Wednesday too. Temperatures fell dramatically which is great news as the snow cannons could run. Piste bashers and ski patrol have been working overtime to make sure the pistes are in good condition with the much needed new snowfall. But wait there’s more to come…

Chamonix has had at least 49cm of new snow in the last week and is looking like it is going to get at least another 36cm of snow Sunday and Monday and loads more on Tuesday. Temperatures are plummeting to a minimum of -13°C by Sunday evening and freezing levels as low as 650m by Monday. The snow conditions are great with good fresh snow and plenty of fresh powder around.

With all the new snow that has fallen this week, the avalanche risks in Chamonix are currently considerable above 2000m, so please stick to the marked pistes and check all guidance in resort.

Check below and before you go out for the current lift status and runs open in each area, as of today it looks like 68 of the 124 pistes are open in the Chamonix area.

Photo above taken in La Tour earlier this week.

Top Tips if you are coming skiing this week

Pack a variety of gear – high and low light goggle lenses and different thickness layers! Temperatures are changing and fluctuating between 0 and down to as low as -12°C in some places so be prepared. You may even need a waterproof outer layer some days!
Keep up to date on lifts opening/closing as times can change when the weather closes in and a few of the lower slopes currently have several lifts and pistes closed.
Check the avalanche risk and absolutely don't head off-piste if you don't have the correct information, equipment and guidance.
Winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory across the region and you’ll likely need them this coming week. Make sure your car is well-equipped to travel safely.

There’s still time to come and enjoy the quieter slopes and improving snow conditions during January. There are good deals on accommodation in Chamonix

See all Holiday Rentals in Chamonix See our Avalanche Safety Guide

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. 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.

We need you!
If you're in Chamonix this week, we want to see your images, especially videos, of what you've been up to. So when you post to Facebook or Instagram, please tag us @SeeChamonix #seechamonix. Every week, we'll be posting our favourite videos and images here and sharing on our social media, along with our weekly resort snow report.

Enjoy the quieter slopes and good skiing with all the new snow, see you out there!

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.
Cham'Sport Centre

Location
Chamonix

One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Centre is located at Avenue Michel Croz, just opposite the Hotel Pointe Isabelle and down from the train station, not far from McDonald's and central Chamonix. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
Serge Cachat Sports

Location
Les Houches

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the Skiset Serge Cachat Sports store!
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!
Ravanel & Co Praz

Location
Chamonix

The shop in Les Praz is most conveniently located at the edge of the car-park at the foot of the Flegere cable-car. All members of staff, including the owners, who are also qualified instructors, guides and national coaches, actively pursue the sports they stock equipment for.
Stamos Sports

Location
Argentiere

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

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.
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.
Private ski lessons

This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in private lessons.
Private ski lessons

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

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.

Airport Transfers in Chamonix

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 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.
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 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.
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.

Winter Things To Do in Chamonix

See our Activity Guide

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.
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.
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.