Here we are, back for a new winter season with a Chamonix snow report. The resort is off to a flying start with partial openings of Grand Montets on 29 and 30 November and Flégère opening on Saturday 29 November. Les Houches, Saint Gervais and Megève follow on 6 December, with Brévent and Le Tour-Vallorcine opening a week later on 13 December. The full resort will run through to 3 May 2026, giving plenty of time to enjoy the season.
Conditions are looking excellent so far. It’s very cold at the moment, around -7°C in the valley, with more snow expected on Sunday adding around 12cm. The last big fall on 26 November delivered 41cm of fresh powder, leaving the snowpack unusually deep for this time of year. There’s around 95cm at 1,500 metres, 130 cm at 2,000 metres and about 220 cm at 2,500 metres. Above 2,000 metres, the light, dry snow has been shaped by the northeasterly winds, creating wind slabs on some exposed terrain, while sheltered slopes have a soft, thick powder layer. The base is solid above 1,600 to 1,800 metres, giving a great start for piste skiing, though off-piste and ski touring will require caution due to wind-loaded slabs and persistent fragile layers. For the next few days the weather looks dry with clear skies at times and overnight temperatures remaining below freezing, though daytime highs will edge above zero. There may be a little cloud returning at the weekend, but any snow is likely to be light and above 1,500–2,000 metres. It’s an ideal start to the season for first tracks and early runs on prepared slopes.
What’s new in Chamonix this winter
There’s plenty new in Chamonix this winter. Work continues on the mid-station at Grand Montets following the fire in 2018 and this season, the first section of the new Argentière-Lognan gondola is opening, along with a beginner area and the Lognan restaurant corner.
In the town, the Sentier shop has opened, dedicated to trail running and mountain life, while daily lift passes continue to feature dynamic pricing, giving a chance to bag a deal outside the busiest weeks. At Grands Montets the Plan Joran restaurant has been transformed into a stylish alpine food court, and at the top of the Aiguille du Midi, Restaurant Le 3842 is offering a new adventure dining experience with murder mystery and treasure hunt games.
