Snow report Chamonix Mont-Blanc, 04/10/2026

Snow condition

In the Grands Montets area, the snow cover below 2000 m has decreased quite a bit. On the north side in the Eald still very good base up to about 1800m north-east and north-west, shreds of grass come out below 2000m. Argentier Glacier is losing more and more cover in the lower part. No bare ice yet, but more and more rocky patches are emerging. Moraines are melting rapidly. The descent is still very good up to 1300 m.

Snow quality

Relatively mild on the north side, even early in the morning at around 3000 m. Snow surface below the Col du Rachasse already hard-packed but grippy and not completely icy. With a little sensitivity, easy to walk on without crampons. Descent Rognon glacier starts around 11 a.m. We were a bit early. Glacier du Chardonnet still icy in the morning but opened up very quickly. Ascent track was in the sun from 12 o'clock. The right ascent variant to Col du Chardonnet is to be preferred. On the left there was again significant rockfall today, right down to the touring track. Good firn to be found at the moment. Timing was not easy today because of the diffuse radiation.

Snow bridges are quite soft from 12 o'clock onwards, even in the flat, no rotten snow yet, but it freezes through at most 10 cm at night and is then very quickly completely soaked and braking snow when the firn is there.

Overall impression

Nice trip to the Argentiere Basin. Very warm as soon as you get into the sun. Very high ski tours are preferable at the moment. Everything below 2500 quickly becomes boggy and is not much fun at the moment and should be enjoyed with caution.