Chamonix Snow Report: 16th January 2014

Lorne headed over to Plaine Joux, a short drive down the valley, where he skinned up to ski the Couloir de la Chorde off the peak of Point Noire de Pormenaz.
"The couloir is fairly mellow at 30-35 degrees and about 300 vertical metres in length.  Snow at the top seemed a little unstable so we took it very cautiously but once actually inside it seemed fine for the first section although often we were riding on the firm base underneath the new snow.  In the middle section the snow felt a bit heavier and harder work and towards the exit was quite thin so some careful skiing through narrow gaps in rocks was in order." Read more here...

Charlie stuck to the Grands Montets to test out the snow apck.
"The avalanche risk remains high and many N facing slopes are going to be no-go areas for the rest of winter. Many of the best known slopes in Cham, such as the Para face (under the Midi N face) remain untouched by ski or board this season. Patience and reasoning aren't two qualities you often see in this Valley but everyone is pretty intimidated right now and rightly so.

Despite the risk in many areas, there is good, safe lift served skiing to be found elsewhere in the Valley so I've been out enjoying it."
Read more here...

Check out the video with face-shots aplenty from Thomas who was up on the Buet yesterday.