The weather has calmed down a bit in the valley! The snow has melted down to around 1700m. It rained quite heavily last weekend.
For walkers venturing into Chamonix, we'd like to remind you that we're in between seasons: too much snow at altitude for classic hikes and not enough for snowshoeing. The trails are heavily snow-covered from 1700m (and therefore impassable) and some have been damaged by the heavy rain of the past week (for instance access to the Chapeau buvette, see photo). However, it's still possible to enjoy the sunshine (when it's there) and the beautiful colours on the paths near the valley floor. The footpaths are slippery and you need to be properly equipped.
The petit balcon sud between Chamonix and Argentière is still not recommended, nor is the petit balcon nord between Le Tour and Argentière (parts of the trail are eroded). Due to a major landslide, the paths in the tête de la Jorette area (Montagne des Posettes) are prohibited by decree. We'd like to take this opportunity to remind you how much we value your feedback from outings so that we can spread the word!
For those looking to climb a little higher, the Chailloux chalets or Loriaz are still a good options (with snow on the upper slopes).
The return of the sun means that ski tourers can get out their skins at La Flégère. With the rain-snow limit above the Index last Sunday, the surface of the snow cover is often hard and frozen. The road to the village of Le Tour is still closed, and there's no snow down there anyway! The ski areas are still closed (the Grands Montets is due to open on 2 December, snow permitting).
In the high mountains, there's been little or no activity, but there's plenty of snow and the wind has (as usual) been blowing hard (watch out for accumulations) . Some of you will no doubt have taken advantage of this weather window to check out the mixed conditions.
OHM Chamonix
After the snow, the flooding...! It’s certainly been a strange month!
The heavy rain (rain-snow limit above 3000 m) and the associated melting of the snowpack have had a major impact on the footpaths in the valley, which have been badly damaged. Surveys are underway and we don't have much information yet, so please let us know what you see! Some sections of path have been completely washed away, while others may still be unstable (unstable boulders etc.). This is particularly true of the petit balcon nord (Le Tour-Planet sector) and sud (Nants-Floria-Caisets sector) and the access to the Chapeau buvette, which should be avoided.
At altitude, there is still a lot of snow above 1600-1700m.
So hiking is complicated at the moment (but come on: it's not really the season any more either)! We know that the Bérard cascade, Loriaz, the Blaitière alpage, the Cerro and the Chailloux alpage don't pose any problems (there are certainly others!!!).
As far as snowshoeing is concerned, it's still a bit early days (not enough snow on the possible itineraries).
The Flégère gondola has reopened after the bad weather. The snow pack has been soaked up to high altitude. It is still waterlogged and not completely consolidated, but it is gradually drying out. In the "moyenne montagne", it snowed a little last night (between 8 and 15 cm depending on the area and altitude). This prevented refreezing at depth but generally improved things. The latest news is that you can skin from about 1700m.
OHM Chamonix
Winter’s hanging around before a forecast milder spell from tomorrow....
The storms have been (and will be) coming one after the other, and it has snowed regularly down to 1000 m, even though the snow has not lasted at this altitude. There is a bit of snow from around 1100m. Above 1500m, there are significant amounts (20-25cm at 1500m, 70-80cm at 1800m). Snow cover and the risk of avalanches should therefore be taken into account when choosing your outings, whatever the activity (hiking, skiing, etc.).
These are winter conditions, which means that hiking opportunities are very limited and mainly restricted to below 1500 m. We would remind you that virtually all classic summer hikes are not possible in these conditions, even with snowshoes (steep terrain, avalanche risk, etc.).
Thanks to very good snow cover for the season, ski touring is possible above Flégère (gondola open but ski area closed) or at Le Tour (skis on from the car park).
OHM Chamonix
Winter has come for the Toussaint (All Saints) holidays...!
It snowed down as far as the valley floor last night… It’s white down to 1000 m. This morning there was between 40 and 50 cm of snow at 1900 m! And it's going to snow again!
The weather remains very bad for mountain activities.
There has been no activity in the high mountains. We'll have to wait and see when (if) the good weather returns. For the moment, it's snowing hard!
There arent many opportunities for walking between the snow showers..
The mountains are now well covered in snow above 1500m. Take a look at the webcams (if you can see anything) to get an idea.
At present, most of the classic hikes (lakes, balcons) above 1800 m are out of the question, even for seasoned hikers.
As you can see, depending on the weather and snow cover, you'll have to make do with short walks below 1700 m (some ideas here) to get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful contrasts with the snow and autumn colours.
Snowshoes might come in handy if you want to go as far as Loriaz (but I'm not sure if the weather will play ball over the next few days).
For ski touring enthusiasts, we'll let you take a look and then tell us how it goes, but don't forget the rock skis!
For those lucky enough to be climbing in the sun in other parts of the world, enjoy it for us too!
As a reminder, the Aiguille du Midi, the Montenvers train and the Planpraz lifts shut this Sunday. Flégère is running from Monday until 26th November.
OHM Chamonix
The off-season is well and truly here! The Indian summer seems to be behind us and winter is just around the corner!
The weather over the last 10 days has not been very favourable for mountain activities, but the glaciers (at least at altitude) and the water tables are recovering!
One storm after another. Last night, it snowed down to 1800m in the Aiguille Rouges and a little higher (1900- 2000m) on the other side of the valley. Guess what, the higher you go, the more snow there seems to be!
In the high mountains, there must be quite a lot of fresh snow, with a lot of snow transported by the inevitable wind. Even if there isn't really a window of opportunity in sight (a bit of sunshine this weekend, but its forecast to be windy), beware of the risk of avalanches up there, even on the classic 'short' routes from the Aiguille du Midi, for example. You'll also need to watch out for fragile snow bridges on the glaciers.
With favourable weather, it is still possible to hike in the valley. You will need to adapt to the snow conditions and stay below around 2300m. The paths are quickly greasy and slippery at this time of year, so bring poles and good boots, as well as warm clothing. This is no longer trekking season, so it's best to opt for day hikes.
For your information, several trails are currently closed (particularly in the Argentière-Lognan and Chamonix-Plan de l'Aiguille sectors). For more information, click here!
As a reminder, the Aiguille du Midi cable car, the Montenvers train and the Planpraz cable car are open until 5 November (end of school holidays). After that, the Flégère cable car will be open from 6 to 26 November.
OHM Chamonix
We don't have much to update you on compared to last week, except to tell you to make the most of the fine weather and splendid colours before this coming weekend.
Fans of summer granite will still be delighted by the S faces of the Aiguille du Midi, the Tacul satellites, the Chamonix Aiguilles and, for the strong (ski lifts closed), the Envers des Aiguilles, around the Charpoua, the Moine (except the E face) and the Pierre à Joseph, as well as the Aiguilles Rouges (note that several climbing routes are closed on the Brévent by decree).
Snow and mixed: there are still targets around the Le Tour glacier (technical rimaye on the normal route on the Aiguille du Tour), around the Aiguille du Midi (beware of the very technical 3 Monts) and Helbronner. A team climbed “Rêve Éphémère" on the Grandes Jorasses, with good conditions up to pitch 5, then it got terribly dry. The normal route on Mont Blanc is busy, as are the winter rooms.
Lower down, it's still great for hiking, sport climbing, cycling or any other activity that takes your fancy.
At this time of year, a lot of work is being carried out on the paths and lifts. We would like to remind you that the paths in the Grand Bois and Pré du Rocher sectors are closed. Don't forget to check our regulations page.
For the Toussaint holidays, the following lifts will be open: Aiguille du Midi, Planpraz and the Montenvers train.
The few huts which are still open close on the following dates: Plan de l'Aiguille - 01/11, Les Prés - 28/10, Loriaz - 15/10 and Tré la Tête - 15/10 (extended opening because of the good weather). The footbridge on the Conscrits path is in winter mode.
In the Aosta valley, the Torino hut is open until 31/10 and the Skyway until 5/11 but remember that the Mont Blanc tunnel shuts on 16/10 at 0800.
OHM Chamonix
We are having a beautiful Indian summer. Winter came back for a bit (details in our bulletin last week) but now the sun and mild temperatures are back at all altitudes.
Most high mountain huts are now not guardianed, including the Cosmiques, those on the normal route on Mont Blanc and the Conscrits, which are all in winter mode. Only the Couvercle (until the end of this week), and the Torino are going onto the bitter end.
This fine spell will please granite climbers who still haven’t had quite enough. South facing rock exposed to the sun has dried pretty well and there are lots of places like this at altitude including: the Charpoua basin, Aiguille du Moine (with the exception of the East face where the rimaye is very tricky), Aiguille de Pierre-Joseph, Envers des Aiguilles, Aiguille du Peigne, S face of the Aiguille du Midi, Tacul satellites etc.
For those with an appetite for snow or mixed routes there are still a few to be done including: the classics of the Le Tour basin (Aiguille du Tour, Tête Blanche, Petite Fourche), around the Aiguille du Midi (Cosmiques arete, Pointe Lachenal traverse), around Helbronner (Entrèves, Marbrées, Dent du Géant). In spite of the fact that the huts on the normal route on Mont Blanc are closed, conditions have significantly improved thanks to last weeks snow fall. Watch out for overcrowded winter rooms. Snow stability also needs to be a serious consideration. There was a partial burial under the shoulder of Mont Blanc du Tacul on Sunday and some glacier snow bridges are fragile. The Tacul has not been re-tracked, nor has the Trois Monts route.
Lower down the off-season is perfect for walking, sport climbing, cycling etc.
Fondazione Montagna Sicura - Courmayeur
Funivie Monte Bianco, in agreement with Courmayeur Town Council after consultation with the competent technicians and institutions, and based on official technical reports provided by independent experts, Funivie Monte Bianco announces the immediate
CLOSURE of the “TOULA STAIRCASE” and its consequent PROHIBITED USE
Funivie Monte Bianco will be taking concrete measures to prevent use of the staircase and will provide widespread notification of this closure and prohibition.
Fondazione Montagna Sicura - Courmayeur
The mountains begin to wear their winter clothes. The rapid disturbances of the past week have deposited a good amount of snow that will be fed by new precipitation from Thursday.
The Functional Center of the Valle d'Aosta Region indicates in detail that large-scale general circulation is characterized, until tomorrow, by the passage of cooler air from northern Europe, and generally dry and quite sunny weather. Starting Thursday, the entry of an active disturbance from France will bring frequent rain and snow until next Monday at least.
The general snow conditions are not yet sufficient for a good ski mountaineering activity, but the layers of snow that have just fallen should be a good starting point for the upcoming season. As far as climbing is concerned, activity has now mainly shifted to low altitudes and warm regions (Finale, Albenga, etc.): many low-altitude structures in the valley (including cliffs but also long routes) can offer very pleasant conditions if climbed in the sunlight and in the absence of wind. Finally, in terms of hiking, the trails are covered with snow above 1,800 meters. Under that altitude, the southern slopes can always be pleasantly frequented.
Do not forget that the Skyway Monte Bianco is closed for testing and periodic reviews, while the Cervinia area is open from Plan Maison, with the connection to active Switzerland.
Fondazione Montagna Sicura - Courmayeur
The weekend was very favourable to mountain activities with sunny days and pleasant temperatures.
On the other hand, this week looks rather disturbed because of the currents of high altitude, which allow the passage of more humid air (passage already between tonight and tomorrow morning). The weather in western Alps will be changing and characterized by alternating dry and sunny periods and grey periods with very light rain.
In the high mountains, snow was less abundant than it seemed at the beginning: in the sector of Pointe Helbronner, on the glacier, the disturbances did not leave more than 20/30 cm of snow compressed and worked by the wind, while frost has concreted the walls. The sun quickly cleared the rock facing south, but snow is still present on the northern slopes. For the moment, the ice is not yet very well formed, so it is still too early to consider the chutes; climbs in mixed (or even new lines) have already been carried out, but they suppose an excellent capacity of evaluation and management under ephemeral conditions. Strung on the Aiguille d'Entrêves, on the Marbrée, on the Dente del Gigante and on the Kuffner (for this we have no feedback on the specific conditions).
Sometimes, approaches have been made on skis, but for that, it is recommended to pay the greatest attention and the greatest caution: many holes are covered by the snow extended by the wind and are not visible. It is necessary to get into proper coordination (distances) to manage the risk.
Funivie Monte Bianco, in agreement with Courmayeur Town Council after consultation with the competent technicians and institutions, and based on official technical reports provided by independent experts, Funivie Monte Bianco announces the immediate
CLOSURE of the “TOULA STAIRCASE” and its consequent PROHIBITED USE
Funivie Monte Bianco will be taking concrete measures to prevent use of
the staircase and will provide widespread notification of this closure and
prohibition.
The mountains begin to wear their winter clothes. The rapid disturbances of the past week have deposited a good amount of snow that will be fed by new precipitation from Thursday.
The Functional Center of the Valle d'Aosta Region indicates in detail that large-scale general circulation is characterized, until tomorrow, by the passage of cooler air from northern Europe, and generally dry and quite sunny weather. Starting Thursday, the entry of an active disturbance from France will bring frequent rain and snow until next Monday at least.
The general snow conditions are not yet sufficient for a good ski mountaineering activity, but the layers of snow that have just fallen should be a good starting point for the upcoming season. As far as climbing is concerned, activity has now mainly shifted to low altitudes and warm regions (Finale, Albenga, etc.): many low-altitude structures in the valley (including cliffs but also long routes) can offer very pleasant conditions if climbed in the sunlight and in the absence of wind. Finally, in terms of hiking, the trails are covered with snow above 1,800 meters. Under that altitude, the southern slopes can always be pleasantly frequented.
Do not forget that the Skyway Monte Bianco is closed for testing and periodic reviews, while the Cervinia area is open from Plan Maison, with the connection to active Switzerland.
The weekend was very favourable to mountain activities with sunny days and pleasant temperatures.
On the other hand, this week looks rather disturbed because of the currents of high altitude, which allow the passage of more humid air (passage already between tonight and tomorrow morning). The weather in western Alps will be changing and characterized by alternating dry and sunny periods and grey periods with very light rain.
In the high mountains, snow was less abundant than it seemed at the beginning: in the sector of Pointe Helbronner, on the glacier, the disturbances did not leave more than 20/30 cm of snow compressed and worked by the wind, while frost has concreted the walls. The sun quickly cleared the rock facing south, but snow is still present on the northern slopes. For the moment, the ice is not yet very well formed, so it is still too early to consider the chutes; climbs in mixed (or even new lines) have already been carried out, but they suppose an excellent capacity of evaluation and management under ephemeral conditions. Strung on the Aiguille d'Entrêves, on the Marbrée, on the Dente del Gigante and on the Kuffner (for this we have no feedback on the specific conditions).
Sometimes, approaches have been made on skis, but for that, it is recommended to pay the greatest attention and the greatest caution: many holes are covered by the snow extended by the wind and are not visible. It is necessary to get into proper coordination (distances) to manage the risk.