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 Basin there were teams on many of the classic touring lines such as Col de Tour Noir, Col de Passon, Col du Chardonnet and Col d'Argentiere. The North East slope of the Courtes was seeing some traffic too with teams also skiing the Col des Cristaux.

All variations on the Vallee Blanche were being skied yesterday with some of the best snow reported to be in the Vrai ('True') Vallee Blanche and off the Gros Rognon. With no more real snow forecast untill friday conditions, for most off-piste areas, may get a bit worse before they get better!

Ski Vallee Blanche

As the most famous off-piste ski run in the world, the Vallee Blanche has a lot to live up to! The 18km journey with 2800m of vertical descent through some of the worlds most stunning glaciated alpine scenery rarely dissapoints. Thanks to the huge height gain (2742m) given by th... more>

Ski Vallee Blanche

Ready to descend the Midi Arete at the start of the Vallee Blanche

The first pitch on the Vallee Blanche 'Petit Envers'

Aiguille du Midi Ridge done and skis on....

General Chamonix Ski Touring / Mountaineering

Ski Touring in the Chamonix Aiguilles Rouges

Ski off Mont Buet, Chamonix Valley

Contamine Ski, Chamonix