Snow report Chamonix, 03/30/2017

Snow condition

Compared to the beginning of February, little has changed in the high altitudes, it has actually gotten worse. Not much is visible, even after the heavy snowfall, which is said to have brought well over a meter. At lower altitudes, most of it has already disappeared again. However, the region still has the most snow in the Alps as a whole. We did a high traverse to shorten the approach. That saves a bit of time. But it can be unpleasant in the morning when it's still really hard in one place. There was more bare ice than at the beginning of February.

Snow quality

We had firn on the Aiguille d'Argentiére from the top. Hard, wind-pressed snow on the shaded side. It has certainly changed again in the last few days. The best quality is certainly to be found at medium altitudes.

No spontaneous avalanches. A lot of steep stuff being done. Snow cover made a good impression. Be careful on the moraines away from the main glacier due to daytime warming. Don't forget the stones in the sulz.

Overall impression

Super beautiful tour to the Aiguille d'Argentiére with a strenuous summit push. Without acclimatization, you will struggle here, as the tour can be done in one day from the Grand Montets ski area. But you are never alone here. Descent to Le Tour still possible. The Trento glacier down to Trento is also good.