Snow report Chamonix, 02/12/2017

Snow condition

Argentiére Basin: Glacier is quite well covered with snow, most crevasses are covered. However, larger crevasse zones are still open. Caution is always advised with these glaciers and at this time of year. For High Traverse, for example, much more snow is needed. In the area of moraines/glacier-free zones there is also rock contact. It looked good in the Grands Montets ski area. But I think the snow conditions were below average, a lot of blowing, I don't have enough experience to make an accurate assessment. 2 stars.Flégere - Valé de Berard:Good snow conditions in the Flégere ski area. There could certainly be more at lower altitudes. Less snow than on the other side. Everything can also be done in Val Berard. A little better here. 3 stars.Val d' Arpette:Good snow conditions from the parking lot. A lot can be done. No significant differences to the Chamonix side. 2-3 stars.

Snow quality

Argentiere Basin: Lots of wind and mostly with crust. But still reasonably rideable. Of course, everything in the area has been plowed over. Y-Coloir was done on Friday and Saturday. Looked like good snow on Friday. 2 stars.Flégere - Valé de Berard:Top powder on the north side. Close to the ridge with wind influence, but only the first few vertical meters. Sunny side crispy and possibly firn. 3-4 stars.Val d'Arpette:There are areas that have been heavily blown in (south->north). Here north-facing wind-worked but still good to ski. Sheltered very nice snow, but these areas were rare. 3 stars.

Drift snow is the current problem. Flégere - Vale de Berard made the safest overall impression. In the area of the Argentiére hut 2 small snow slabs triggered by skiers. Val d'Arpette was the most difficult to judge. The drifting snow did not make a particularly brittle impression. Play safe, everything is skied here in all conditions anyway. Don't let that influence you. Avalanche in Tignes today with many fatalities.

Overall impression

Wonderful days. Even when the snow is not quite perfect in places, the scenery simply knocks your socks off. High up in the Alps, you can safely let a little time pass before setting off. Much better than in the east. For a decent spring, however, more snow is needed here too. For more information on this region, follow the reports by Pete Houghton (Peds) or Salta.