Snow report Chamonix, 04/25/2017

Snow condition

In my last report, I was more inclined to give it 3 stars. But after some time, I now have a pretty good overview and it's definitely not more than 2 stars in terms of snow conditions. Almost all of the steep sections have some kind of snow-free passage, and many are not even possible. The last kilometer out of the Valleé Blanche is a special kind of treat with rocks and bare ice. When venturing into the upper part of the Mer de Glace, you might want to consider climbing back up to the Midi and taking the cable car down. Even on descents where you think you already know all the holes, you will be surprised again and again and therefore the risk of falling into crevasses should not be underestimated, especially with the forecast of fresh snow in the coming days. Spencer Couloir has quite good snow conditions except for the last quarter of the gully. Then there are rocks and so the end has to be abandoned. You should definitely watch out for the Séracs above the traverse from the middle station. It is better to choose the slightly longer route and go further. Further east, the snow conditions are getting better and better. Mont Blanc is now often done, but is also not in good conditions. Dômes de Goûter is bare at one point.

Snow quality

Without fresh snow, only hard snow. As was the case last year, the risk of falling is quite high at the moment. In the last few weeks, 4 people have unfortunately crashed on well-known runs. So wait for fresh snow in the coming days. It could be good!

Stable conditions. As is so often the case in early spring, the cosmetic amounts of fresh snow came as showers and therefore also as sleet. Sleet was not present over a large area, so it seemed very critical to us. However, you should always have it on your radar and often a small clod is enough to cause a fall.

Overall impression

Fresh snow is needed. There is a lot of steep snow. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether they want to join in or wait for better conditions. But the conditions are not good right now. Nevertheless, the contrast between the green meadows and blossoming fruit trees in the valley and the high mountain landscape, which is still wintry in places, is brilliant. Let's see what May brings.