A mid March day with temperatures up to 15C today here in the Chamonix Valley and thoughts are turning to the late winter - spring period which so often gives good icy goulotte and north face climbing. Whilst not great for skiers it has been a fine season so far for the winter alpinist with a lot of ice and blue sky and not too much snow.
If you are interested in getting in on the act... more>
A large dump of fresh snow last week followed by a stable period of high pressure has created some good conditions for ski touring and ski mountaineering here in Chamonix. Whilst there continues to be a considerable avalanche risk the snowpack is gradually stabilising and many teams have been out enjoying some of the classic ski tours of the Valley.
Damian and I enjoyed a pleasant nigh... more>
Despite the lack of fresh snow the skiing here in the Chamonix Valley continues to be reasonable on grippy hardpack with a lot of bumps! Along with a strong and confident group of off-piste skiers, including 3 Mountain Guides and a member of the British Ski Rando Racing squad, I have just completed the BASS Chamonix Ski performance course for mountaineers run by Alison Culshaw.
The cou... more>
Owain Jones and myself enjoyed some fun & fine icy mixed climbing on Pointe Lachenal's central 'Pellisier Gully' today, see photos below. A very quick ski across the Col du Midi and upper reaches of the Vallee Blanche accesses the base of this short but entertaining route. After crossing the bergschrund and climbing 100m of easy snow we climbed 4 good icy mixed pitches (up to Scottish 5... more>
An extremely windy day up high in the Chamonix Valley gave some pretty tough mountain conditions for those venturing out on to experience the good quality ice that currently exists. This is one aspect of winter sport in the valley not suffering from the month long snow drought!
Fellow British Guide, more>
Please get in touch if you are in the Chamonix area and looking for a guided Vallee Blanche descent. We have a maximum of 2 places left for a guided descent on Tuesday 25th Jan, 100 Euros per person. There is an excellent, albeit very cold forecast, for the day, so break out an extra pair of thermals the camera and prepare for some rosy cheeks and great photos. Much more detail is available... more>
A continuing weather pattern of cool nights and mild, almost spring like, afternoons has considerably consolidated the snow pack around the Chamonix Valley. Whilst this has given a deterioration in snow conditions for many off-piste areas in some areas it has given decent spring snow and sent many teams high in to the mountains to ski some steep couloir lines.
Today in the Argentiere B... more>
The British Alpine Ski School in Chamonix (BASS Chamonix) are running another of their extremely popular off-piste ski courses designed for mountaineers. The course is aimed at fit and confident skiers who already have a good knowledge of avalanche and mountain issues and are psyched to take their off-piste skiing to a new... more>
Yet another long period of stella autumn alpine weather in the Chamonix Valley finally passed this weekend as the Southerly Foehn winds arrived.
It has been an active period for alpine climbers in the Chamonix Valley with teams on the following routes:
Fil a Plomb, NW Face Aiguille du Plan. Many teams on this good ice climb including one team choppered off.
Carrin... more>
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