© Nick Draper
© Nick Draper
© Nick Draper
© Nick Draper
Chamonix High Mountain Report: 18th February 2016
Skiing some Chamonix classics
Just over two weeks into February and things haven’t looked like slowing down much in Chamonix! Big storms have come through dropping even more of the good stuff on everything and anything not protected under a roof. Resort skiing throughout the valley has been fantastic, with repeated reports of many people claiming to have had ‘the best day ever’- until another one takes its place!
During the storms many people have flocked through the tunnel to Courmayeur to ski the trees and Helbronner, snatching moments of sunshine between flurries and pizza. In a clear spell this side I managed to open the classic Chapeau Couloir descending Grand Montets in spectacular stable powder conditions and spent a few days back in the Aiguilles Rouges searching out some lower secret spots- you’ll have to go exploring yourself I’m afraid!
All these storms have paid off and subsided for a short while, the last three days of high pressure has resurrected claims of best days ever had by any skier ever. I’m going to have to agree, it has been catalogue cover photo worthy scenes everywhere. I was happy to let Le Brevent deliver a particularly good morning this week.
Other classic areas to note in good condition are Glacier Rond, Pas de Chevre, Vallee Blanche (all itineraries), Col du Passon, Crochues Berard, The Keyhole….the list goes on.
To cap it all off I have just returned from a monster tour in Les Contamines up Mont Tondu. The 2,000m vertical and 12km skin was worth every step on what was a truly awesome descent back to the car.
Looks like another storm is brewing so let’s hope for more great things to come! Take care out there it’s definitely still dangerous don’t be fooled!
-
Nick is an International Mountain Leader and owner of Eyebright Adventures.
Follow his blog for reports on climbing and skiing.
Twitter: @eyebrightadvchx
NB: Off piste skiing and mountaineering are dangerous. The opinions expressed in these articles are very much time and condition specific and the content is not intended in any way to be a substitute for hiring a mountain guide, undergoing professional mountaineering training and/or the individual's own back country decision making.
