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Parent Category: News

MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS 21/11/2019

Little has changed since last week’s update apart from a partial opening of the Grands-Montets ski area this weekend, (more information ici).

The snow remains insufficient for off-piste skiing.

The open lifts will give ski tourers access to the top of the Grand Montets and so into the Argentière sector.  However, the season is just starting and from the information received so far, the glaciers, (Rognon, Argentière) are very treacherous, (numerous crevasses and fragile snow bridges.)

For the moment, skinning up at the Balme /Tour sector is feasible, (could change given a forecast for foehn, warm winds).  The descent below Charamillon is stony and involves walking.

The conditions for ski touring are more favourable in the Aosta valley.

There is little information concerning the mixed routes and “high mountain”. There is quite a lot of new snow but there is little cohesion and probably not much ice.  It is unlikely there will be much activity this weekend, given the forecasted foehn weather.

There is no change in the conditions for hiking.  It is recommended to stick to the valley trails, (below 1800m) and to be properly equipped, (good footwear, poles etc.)  The Montenvers train remains open.   

It is still too early in the season for ice climbing and snow shoeing.