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NEWS ARTICLES

21/12/2008 19:32:32- Chamonix Skiing Conditions Report

Well the winter season here in Chamonix is off to a great start. We've had several big dumps of snow and the temperature has been pretty cold for the past month. All the ski areas are now open, and the pistes are in great shape. For those of you who prefer the off piste, here's the low-down:

Grand Montet - Very good overall, but the upper part of Lavancher bowl is quite rocky under the surface. Personally I'd avoid it for a while longer. The Pas de Chevre has seen some traffic and the exit onto the Mer de Glace is ok at the moment.

Brevent/Flegere - Good coverage overall, and the new lift to Brevent is working a treat. It's super quick and much bigger than the old one. Ski tours off the back of the Aiguilles Rouges are in good shape and getting plenty of traffic.

Le Tour - Pistes and Off Piste in great shape. The descent under the Tete de Balme chair was powder heaven yesterday, and the back bowls are well filled in. The Vormaine Couloirs are quite good, but the snow is getting heavy and unstable in the afternoon sun.

Vallee Blanche - The first tracks went in last weekend on the Petit and Grand Enver variations last weekend, but nobody was keen for the Icefall on the Classic Route. Myself, Susie Burt and Stu Pringle went down this morning and found a good line through the icefall. The snow is quite wind affected, particularly in the upper section, but there are sections of good powder and the ambience more than makes up for the odd bit of crust ! The bubble to Montenvers is not yet running, but skiing off the end of the glacier and then down to Chamonix was a breeze. NB - There are some vey big holes on the Vallee Blanche at the moment and the route finding is more difficult than previous years, If you are seriously thinking about doing this then you must know exactly what you're doing and where you're going !! If in doubt, hire a Guide.

So, here's looking at the best winter in the Alps for the last ten years ! Merry Christmas.

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