Chamonix in January

[SkidadfromMD]

Anyone have experience skiing Chamonix in mid Jan?

Snow coverage decent?

Worth the trip that time of the year or is it too early?

Thx!!

[brownman]

Yes. Been there winters and one summer.
Argentiere and the Grand Montets are usually full of snow by Jan.
Hire a moniteur for an afternoon and really explore the Valley Blanche.
Regardless, the panache of Chamonix is always worth the trip .. especially if you enjoy vin rouge.

Bon Chance.

[da Pimp]

Been there in Feb, March, and summer. Worked for a French company 1998-2001. All depends on the natural base they can accumulate by January. Very chancey, plan on upper elevation slopes but top to bottom is possible of course. The alpine is very different than the valley floor. If snow is light, consider Courmayeur which is the Italian side of Mt. Blanc. Take the train out of the town center and its a great day trip and they may have received more snow depending on which direction any big storms came in from.

Go to the Ecole du Ski (at a small central square, and bus pickup stations across from Hotel Mt. Blanc) after dinner and first thing every day, learn to read the forecast conditions and especially understand the conditions at the various elevations for r*in, snow, sun, clouds, fog. This will determine where you should go - which end of the valley, higher or lower elevation, clothing to wear.

At night, hang out with any scandinavian groups on holiday. Since their booze is highly taxed and expensive at home, they drink like fish and buy for you all night.

[RustyK]

Was there in March 2015. Headed back near there this year. Club Med gives you the guide.

Do it.

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