Yes, the cover is still very lean for early Feb; Yes, it’s still very rocky lower down, yes, there are plenty of big crevasses on the glacier and yes, the recent rain snow limit was flirting with the 2000m contour….BUT, there was powder at the Grands Montets today and some very fun skiing to be high in the upper half of the resort. Lots of the Chamonix faithful were in the queue at the Grands Montets to get whisked up to the 3300m top lift and enjoy some fine skiing on most of the terrain accessible from the top lift, front face, Grand Mur, Argentiere glacier, all being enjoyed with fresh tracks today. Lots of attention required, especially in the lower reaches which have a poor base and were rocky despite the shallow layer of good fresh snow on top.
Teams were also touring up the Argentiere Glacier and good tracks were seen on the Col du Tour Noir and Col d’Argentiere areas as well as later in the day, a skinning track was heading up to the Col du Passon.
With the Aiguilles Rouges just poking out of a cloud inversion over the Chamonix Valley
The descent via the classic left bank Argentiere Glacier run was reasonable with a couple of narrow passages requiring care – but skis on all the way. Not great but a lot better than recent conditions and an enjoyable long off piste run from top to mid station.
Now looking promising for more snow over the weekend so conditions should continue to improve. Bon ski.
