Our team is out and about twice a week, on the slopes and in Chamonix town centre, to give you the latest on the Chamonix weather and what’s on.
Read the most recent Chamonix Snow Report from Chamonix All Year, or see all the past reports from this month below. And make sure you follow us on Facebook to be one of the first to see the new snow report on Mondays and Fridays.
February Back Catalogue
Friday 2nd
After a snowy Thursday the sun has returned to Chamonix today for a magical blue bird powder day; 40cm of fresh snow is waiting to be discovered at altitude. Meanwhile in central Chamonix we discovered the picturesque ‘Bois du Buchet’ on crosscountry skis!
Chamonix weather experts say:
A weakening Westerly stream will be veering North overnight, thus allowing for more humid maritime polar air flow and causing somewhat cloudy skies on Saturday (yet without precipitation). This wintry pattern, somewhat uncertain in the short term, is expected to cause the same changeable cloudy weather on the whole for several days, mostly dry and unseasonably cold.
According to SkiPass.com we’re in for a few more blue birds (sunny blue sky days) this coming week, perfect for trying something new like crosscountry skiing!
Pick of the pistes
When the temperatures are sub-zero and the sun is shining you really can’t go wrong in any of the ski areas available to you in Chamonix. However if you are looking for a little more sun, South facing Brevent/Felegere is our top tip!
Crosscountry skiing
Known as “Ski du Fond” in French, or “Nordic Ski” crosscountry skiing is a great exercise in fitness and fun!
There is over 50km of piste in the Chamonix Mont Blanc area and the “Bois du Buchet” green loop is a great place to start. Not only is it in central Chamonix…you can warm your legs up there before continuing on to the red and blue loops that make up over 12km’s of groomed adventure.
Beginners start out with “classic” skis, while more experienced skiers may prefer to try the “skate” variety. For more advice or to book an instructor contact the Chamonix All Year Resort team today; you might even like to try it with he addition of target shooting by taking on the Olympic event known as “Biathlon”.
Ski pass required: You need to purchase your pass from the “Maison Nordic” it’s just 10Euros for adults over 16yrs of age like me!
Bonus: With the same pass you can choose to access either the Richard Bozon Sport Center pool and sauna or the ice skating rink of your choice (Richard Bozon or Les Houches) FOR FREE!
Enjoy the sunshine.
Monday 5th
Cold weather has kept our last snowfall fresh and conditions for all kinds of skiing are great throughout the valley. This week wrap-up warm for patchy cloud and sub-zero wind chill in Chamonix!
Chamonix weather experts say:
Skies will be mostly cloudy this Monday and on Tuesday, with possible fleeting sunny spells; cold fœhn puffs will disperse the scarce snow flurries which might run over from the south.
According to SkiPass.com temperatures won’t rise until the weekend when sun returns so layer up…especially if you have sensitive teeth like me!
Pick of the pistes
This week we tried out Les Planards ski area in central Chamonix, it’s a great place to start your holiday if you’re looking to get your “ski legs” back from hibernation.
Located near to the Montenvers train station, it is the largest local spot for beginners. It is also the spot where the very end of the Vallée Blanche run joins the town of Chamonix once more; Keep your eyes peeled for those wearing a harness, they’ve probably just skied 2,780 vertical metres of descent!
Les Planards boasts two drag lifts and two green pistes, as well as one chair lift and a red and blue piste. In addition to boasting there’s also hosting; slalom races which take place during the winter as per our 2018 Events Calendar.
In the spring you can also enjoy a fantastic childrens playground, however right now it remains covered by our recent heavy snowfalls. Also, due to the North facing aspect of Les Planards (shaded from the peak sunlight) the snow coverage lasts later into the season with a higher quality of snow for longer.
Winter Luge
The “Alpine” or “winter luge” is fun for the whole family and certainly a bargain if you know your rights in Chamonix.
- You have the right to 1 x FREE Luge per day with a Chamonix Unlimited Pass from the Chamonix All Year website here (conditional to your pass being 3-21days in length).
- You also have the right to 1 x FREE Luge if you buy a “day ski pass” at Les Planards ski area directly.
- BEST of all you have a 20% off voucher for single and double descents on the winter luge.
Speak to the Chamonix All Year Resort Team for more information as you check-in.
The brakes are in action automatically to slow you down, lift the lever to go faster or release it to control your speed as you hurl down thet 1300m long track with jumps, turns and spins of 540°.
Interesting fact: the brakes of the nearby Montenvers train work in the same way, check out our article here to discover more interesting Chamonix facts you might not know.
Getting Your Kids Booked for Ski School
Time is precious (so are they) so contact the team as soon as possible to ensure your children have the February half-term holiday ski lessons they need.
If you miss out on the lessons you wanted this month, don’t worry, you can just come back again!
Ski school in Chamonix is generally a week long experience for young children with strict attendance policies from the instructors. Get in touch ahead of booking your accommodation to make sure you’re here on the days you need to be for the classes your kids need to be in.
For more information we have written this helpful guide to ski schools we work with here.
Friday 9th
We’re sounding the alarm for a bluebird powder day on Tuesday, following a mixed weekend. According to SkiPass.com we’re expecting a light dusting of snow throughout the weekend and a more modest addition of 10cm on Monday, ahead of clearing skies Tuesday.
Valentine’s Day itself expect a romantic snowfall by the evening and a sunny morning skiing… So start early for your on-piste proposals people! (Otherwise, why not pop the question “dans le vide”, the big glass box at the top of the Aiguille du Midi like this couple did.)
Chamonix weather experts say:
New disturbance passing to be expected between Sunday and Monday, likely triggering light to moderate snowfall.
Pick of the pistes
In mixed weather make the most of sunny La Flégère with something for everyone; Flégère has a great mix of pistes for all levels, including legendary off-piste runs from the Floria drag lift (téléski). It also has three great dining options that you can read about here.
Thanks to its south-facing slopes La Flégère will get the first sun and often the longest sunny periods. It is also easily accessible from the centre of town by skiing across from Le Brévent (with its rotating bubble lift) to the handy Liaison lift that links the two.
For now, the home run at La Flégère is still open; it is a black run and should only be taken on by confident skiers with its many fun but steep winding turns!
Events this week:
- Sunday: Intervall’ee – from 6.30pm near the church in Servoz
- Wednesday: Valentine’s Day – mention this snow report to get one free “Apero Plate” (snack dish) when you buy 2 x Aperol Spritz at La Chavanne Flégère
- Wednesday night: Nocturne ski and luge – ski by night and experience the thrill of the luge after dark from 6pm to 9pm
- Thursday: Guided history tour of Chamonix – meet your English guide outside the Tourist Office at 2pm and bring 8€ per person (the walking tour will take roughly one hour by foot)
Valentine’s Day: Wednesday February 14th
We recommend you book a table in advance of this busy night which falls in the popular “half term” holiday period.
We have made a list of our favourite fine dining spots in Chamonix here.
Or for special diets and vegetarian ideas read our blog here.
Monday 12th
Welcome to the Chamonix All Year Snow Report for Monday February 12th 2018.
The bluebird powder day came early today, with further sunshine ahead for tomorrow. Not only that! SkiPass.com has sub-zero temperatures pinned for the rest of the week meaning the new snow will stay fresh ahead of the next dump Thursday; upward of 24cm heading our way once more. If that’s not the best half-term snow conditions we’ve had in 3 or 4 years I’ll eat a rotten Reblochon!
NOTE: Wednesday is Valentine’s Day with 75% sunshine predicted, expect a romantic snowfall by the evening and a sunny morning skiing.
Chamonix weather experts say:
Thursday : Getting milder ‑ frequent snow above 1800m ‑ fairly strong northwest high up at times.
Friday : Unsettled and colder weather ‑ mostly cloudy ‑ snow showers, locally fairly heavy.
Saturday : Sunny spells in the morning ‑ mostly cloudy to overcast with moderate precipitation in the afternoon.
Last minute ski holidays
View our properties now discounted from February through to March and beyond: click here.
Pick of the pistes
Read on below for our guide to finding the powder in the Chamonix back-country. Over the next couple of days, conditions are perfect for this type of skiing.
Conditions are likewise perfect on the pistes throughout the valley for every level. This week we pick Le Brévent for testing out terrain for all skill-sets, beginners included. A great family-friendly choice that even connects to La Flégère with a great mix of pistes for everyone and simple access from the centre of town.
Due to its south-facing slopes, Le Brévent has all day sun and now a nicely topped up home run (30cm fresh) that will take you back to the beginner piste Le Savoy in central Chamonix. Just like the run home at La Flégère it is also a black run and should only be taken on by confident skiers with many fun but steep winding turns!
Going off-piste this week
We recommend you book a guide when heading off-piste in Chamonix, and highly recommend making the most of high altitude perfect conditions ahead of Thursday when new snow may decrease the stability of the snowpack.
In half-term week you will find most group activities are booked and that a private guide may be your best option to experience “back-country” Chamonix and even improve your technique with tips from years of experience.
We are your local link to guides that speak many languages and are at the top of their field.
With fresh snow on the way for this week don’t set foot off the piste without a guide if you want to be in full security. Why not then take one step further to the Vallée Blanche? It’s one of the ultimate ski runs of the world and often claimed the longest with 2,780m vertical descent and 22km in length.
Fly away from the crowds
Half term week can be considered the busiest week in the French Alps, however the crowds can be easily avoided; with your guide or ski instructor you will skip the queues and discover new (off-piste) terrain. You will also find the afternoon period much calmer.
But to really get away… You can fly sky high for ultimate privacy with a Heli-Ski/Guide from the Chamonix All Year Resort Shop!
Friday 16th
Thanks to a fast-moving, high-pressure system, today’s early passing rain has improved for a bright but cloudy day on the slopes. There is now fresh snow above 2000m altitude. Over the last couple of days the weather has been described as “unseasonably mild” but temperatures are dropping from tomorrow, Saturday, expect a rain/snow limit of 1800m and high winds, Skipass.com has 27cm of fresh snow pegged by Sunday and sunshine moving in the following week.
Chamonix weather experts say:
Tiny low deepening over France by Saturday, still in a fairly mild air mass, expected to trigger a new rainy spell. Uncertain thereafter, except for a global trend towards cooling down.
#ChamWithMe
This winter “show us your Chamonix and we’ll show you ours”, by sharing pictures of your local passions on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook you can win our monthly prizes.
This month win with Moody Coffee Roasters and NeverStop Chamonix!
- Step 1: Take a picture of your favourite Chamonix places, activities or people this Winter
- Step 2: Share your picture on social media using the hashtag #ChamWithMe and tagging us: @chamonixallyear
- Step 3: Follow us and wait for the monthly prize draw announcement!
Pick of the pistes
Due to the high altitude rain/snow limit, we recommend heading to our highest altitude ski area Les Grands Montets with skiing up to 3300m.
You could consider this terrain the most challenging of Chamonix’s ski areas with 6 blacks, 4 reds, 5 blues and 1 green run, however there is also the ‘Panda Club‘ for kids taking on ski lessons with Evolution 2. While your little ones are getting confident on the snow why not discover the amazing off-piste Grands Montets offers, both on and off the glacier, with a guide or off-piste instructor.
There is even a border-cross to get your “Winter Olympics” on as one of two routes meets international standards for higher levels, enthusiasts and clubs.
LOCAL TIP: After enjoying close to a full day on the pistes make the most of your Mont Blanc Unlimited Ski Pass and head up the Aiguille Du Midi by 3.30pm (for the last pedestrian return trip).
Events this weekend/week in Chamonix
- Saturday: Jonction Festival – Event now upgraded to Bunker Bar in Central Chamonix 6am to 6pm
- Sunday: Yoga and Brunch 9am – 12pm at Ananda Yoga studio Chamonix, book by Saturday for €30
- Wednesday: ESF Chamonix 7pm torchlight parade down the Domaine skiable du Savoy
- Thursday to next Sunday: Grolleandski festival in Les Houches turns 10 in collaboration with the MJC of Chamonix, the EPDA and the Tribe des Sauvages.
Monday 19th
We have wonderfully cold and mostly clear conditions over the next two days in Chamonix. This means great groomed piste snow and fresh quality snow at higher altitudes. Visibility will become more mixed from Thursday as the sunny high-pressure system moves on. The result will likely mean a fresh dusting of snowfall for this weekend as another low-pressure system presents itself!
Chamonix weather experts say:
Shift occurring on Wednesday will place the high pressure area northward, over the British Isles then the Scandinavian, and the low pressure area over the Mediterranean : this should keep a northeasterly then easterly stream, cold and dry high up, until the week‑end.
Pick of the pistes
Today we tried out the ski area Le Tour at the far end of the valley past Argentiere. You can access this ski area via Chamonix buses or car near La Vormaine nursery slopes, or take the train to Vallorcine to access these pistes directly. When joined together Le Tour and Vallorcine ski areas are known as the Domaine de Balme with spectacular views spanning back down the whole length of the Chamonix valley.
Le Tour also boasts a park and freestyle zone up to 1000m long, closing in on its 3rd birthday. It is served by the Teleski du Col and is in continued development, with jumps for every level.
LOCAL TIP: Le Tour and La Vormaine will be catching the most rays as the sun sets so why not start your day skiing after a late lunch and miss the crowds like I did today! Here are our other tips on missing the crowds in Chamonix.
Reminder: Events this week in Chamonix
- Wednesday: ESF Chamonix 7pm torchlight parade down the Domaine skiable du Savoy
- Thursday to next Sunday: Grolleandski festival in Les Houches turns 10 in collaboration with the MJC of Chamonix, the EPDA and the Tribe des Sauvages.
Enjoy!
Friday 23rd
Changeable winds means changeable conditions this week in Chamonix! Friday, through to Sunday we have mixed visibility days with roughly 50% sunshine with sub-zero temperatures keeping the snow fresh. Sunday, as the wind changes definitively to the West, we might experience a light snow fall ahead of a sudden drop in temperature.
From Monday to Wednesday temperatures will be below -10 degrees on average (with additional wind-chill on the mountain) so be sure to dress warm! With the oncoming Siberian blast comes big (freezing cold) blue bird weather, particularly for Tuesday.
Chamonix weather experts say:
First part of next week, Siberian originated altitude cold low, fed with continental polar air and drifting over Western Europe, will most likely shape a fairly sunny weather, yet probably getting close to the seasonal historical cold records.
Pick of the pistes
In freezing cold weather catch some rays at La Flégère, our sunniest ski area with some skiing for every level and activities too – see our suggestions below! Flégère has famously steep runs from the Floria drag lift (téléski) for confident skiers, while for beginners there are also 2 green pistes (and everything in between).
Activities at Flégère:
- The children’s “enchanted snow village” sponsored by Haribo is a groomed play area for children with a picnic zone for all to enjoy. There is even a BBQ (cleaned and maintained for free public use). You can find this zone on skiers right of the Libellules green run.
- The new snow rescue practice zone, or “DVA parc”, can be found just next to the children’s play zone and allows you (or your kids) to put your own ARVA/DVA and avalanche rescue kit to the test; find the beacons hidden in the snow and you’re a champion!
- Great dining options that include Chamonix’s only true “on-piste” bar/restaurant that you can read about here. La Chavanne has regular live music and DJs that mean you can add dancing as an activity to our list.
You can access Flégère directly by way of the téléphérique departing from the township of Les Praz. Alternatively, La Flégère is easily accessible from Le Brévent by skiing across via the ‘Liaison lift’ that links the two.
Sledding and Igloo Adventures
Chamonix All Year have teamed up with guides Anja and Raphael to offer you an exclusive and unforgettable adventure to a secluded forest igloo!
You can book a lunchtime adventure OR an evening excursion and you may also choose to include sledging for your group.
Speak to us about your schedule in Chamonix and we’re sure we can make a booking work for you!
Tuesday 27th
We hope you’ve rolled out a woolly welcome mat for the Siberian blast that has now arrived! This morning at the Savoy pistes in central Chamonix it was -15 degrees.
Cold and relatively clear skies stick around until Wednesday night when temperatures rise with the chance for snowfall from Thursday to Saturday.
Chamonix weather experts say:
Westerly to southwesterly pattern resuming as of Wednesday evening, with fœhn spells and weak disturbed passings in turn, in a well enough cold atmophere to cause some snowfall down in the valley, at least until next week‑end.
What are Föhn/Foehn winds?
These winds are very strong warm blasts of wind most noticeable in late winter and spring. Foehn winds are at their strongest where valleys run from south to north; in Chamonix, Foehn winds blow across the valley carved out by the Mer de Glace. Therefore (until the new cable car is installed in 2019) you can expect delays at the Téléphérique de la Flégère when these winds are forecast, as it lies directly in its path.
Pick of the pistes
This week take on our largest highest altitude ski area Les Grands Montets to enjoy fresh snow up to 3300m. Make the off-piste your playground both on and off the glacier, shown to the left on this piste map.
There are both marked out patrolled areas, and unmarked ones, along with 6 black runs for expert skiers. In terms of pistes, there are also 4 reds, 5 blues and even 1 green.
Beginner Skiing at Savoy
The Savoy Pistes in the centre of town are the perfect place to learn to ski, especially for small children.
With 2 x drag lifts and a magic carpet the ESF are at hand to take children from as young as 3yrs old under their wing.
For more information on getting lessons for children at the Savoy Piste and in Chamonix we have written this helpful guide to ski schools we work with here.
Lost your ski legs? You can also get your bearings ahead of heading up the nearby Brévent cable car, with a few turns on the Savoy slopes first. They’re conveniently located just at the bottom of the Brevent (Planpraz) lift.
Chamonix All Year has a number of properties in very close proximity to these slopes. Upgrade your “sofa to piste” time at any number of these apartments close to the Savoy slopes (like below) or near to the Brevent cable car. There’s also our luxury Chalet Henriette (see photo above) which is just minutes away!
