Snow report Chamonix, 03/22/2019

Snow condition

This three-day tour leads from Argentiere using the Herse chairlift (28 euros) just above the Argentiere glacier (picture 1) and is similar to the start of the Haute Route (Chamonix-Zermatt). There is enough snow at these altitudes in all exposures. Our final descent from the Glacier du Tour to le Tour was done without unbuckling.

Snow quality

After the last snowfall last weekend, it has been blowing. The glaciers (e.g. du Tour, picture 2, with Mont Blanc in the background) are covered with variable, sometimes crumbly snow. The past few days have been almost windless and sunny. Unfortunately, there are only very few powdery sections facing away from the wind and sun.

The avalanche situation is relaxed, the snowpack has stabilized. Only below the Cabane de Saleina did we see an old snow slab (north-facing).

Overall impression

This three-day CAFGI tour in perfect weather conditions led from Argentiere over the Col de Passon to the Huette Alberts des Ersten and the following day over the Fenetre du Tour (picture 3) around the Aiguilles Dorees to the Cabane du Trient. The last long descent with descent on foot in the Col du Midi des Grands ended in le Tour.