Chamonix January 2008

**wicked** · 10-10-2007, 04:09 AM

How is Chamonix in January snow wise? Planning a trip there in January or February, which is better, does it matter?

I've been to Zermatt/Cervinia, but that was march, I want more powder!

**ulty_guy** · 10-10-2007, 04:23 AM

feb sucks b/c of school holiday crowds. jan is a total coin toss. it is almost always cold, but often quite dry as well. most snow actually falls in march and april.

**TeleAl** · 10-10-2007, 04:55 AM

Go for late Jan or late Feb, before/after the schools are there.

**FFsup** · 10-10-2007, 04:58 AM

I predict you are going encounter hardpack, crud, breakable crust, powder or slush. Or a mix of the above.

**verbier61** · 10-10-2007, 06:36 AM

there will be powder on january 3, 8, 9, 21 and 28. But only above 2950 m on january 8, 9, and 28. Other selected dates will be OK also below that altitude.

**wicked** · 10-10-2007, 07:36 AM

So basically it's like Ultra Gay said, total coin toss.

Hrm, The tickets were so cheap I might just go there anyways, and it will be late Jan, 15 to 23 or so, perhaps even later.
Thanks for the input

**JoeStrummer** · 10-10-2007, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by verbier61

there will be powder on january 3, 8, 9, 21 and 28. But only above 2950 m on january 8, 9, and 28. Other selected dates will be OK also below that altitude.

Thanks, I just booked a chalet in Argentiere for the 8,9, and 10th. I figure on the 10th I can still find some stashes!

**verbier61** · 10-10-2007, 09:12 AM

good, but you are advised that the snow will be heavy like shit (remember it will be rain below 2950 m....) ;-)

**wicked** · 10-10-2007, 11:11 AM

Kind of used to heavy snow, I live in a coastal area, but wtf, shouldn't it be colder in january than in march?!?!?!!? In March 2007 in Italy we had powder at 2500m or so. I don't get it. January up here is cold as shit

perhaps I should just stay home and skin around in the continual darkness

**MakersTeleMark** · 10-10-2007, 11:26 AM

I've skied in Cham in Jan. and I would advise putting it off as long as you can to better maximize your chances for good snow. That said, you will be able to have a fun time if you can't.

**Tye 1on** · 10-10-2007, 11:43 AM

Shamoknee?
You might find some insights here: http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ighlight=gallo

it is pretty weak on weather prognostications however. Don't let that fool ya though.

**Shorey** · 10-10-2007, 12:28 PM

Coin toss is about right. I've not yet blessed Cham with my uber female steeze. I intend to do so, BUT.... last year in Yurp was odd on the weather front, this year is turning into a weird one too - we have spring flowers coming up in the garden don't you know.

**crasvasshole** · 10-11-2007, 01:57 PM

Hi I live in chamonix and January is my favorite month to ski, no crouds, and if there isn't fresh snow to ski it's cold and often the snow becomes wind gromed, smooth, and with the Grands Montets being all north face, well there's probably nothing else like it. Go in january it's great, and if you need a place to stay i rent rooms in my chalet near Argentiere,,e me at vitamin_ski@yahoo.com

**FFsup** · 10-11-2007, 04:14 PM

Hm you mean except for this last januari when it pretty much all melted way and conditions were spring-like, just with no base on southfacing. And ice at GM.

Like always, it's a coinflip. Personally, i like spring the most when you pretty much know what you get. Sunny weather, corn harvesting, and above all no freakishly amped up hunt for powder...

**wicked** · 10-11-2007, 04:36 PM

Classic thread Tye, almost forgotten about it

**splat** · 10-11-2007, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by crasvasshole

Hi I live in chamonix and January is my favorite month to ski, no crouds, and if there isn't fresh snow to ski it's cold and often the snow becomes wind gromed, smooth, and with the Grands Montets being all north face, well there's probably nothing else like it. Go in january it's great, and if you need a place to stay i rent rooms in my chalet near Argentiere,,e me at vitamin_ski@yahoo.com

FKNA Gary - didn't I take a picture of you with a PM sticker on your forehead when we dropped by with dread and jonny rotten?

(if there's anyone that pioneered current day ski bum yanks in cham, it was this dude)

**Rydellen** · 10-12-2007, 02:06 AM

March is normally the best month in Chamonix!

**Hayduke** · 10-12-2007, 02:30 AM

Originally Posted by splat

FKNA Gary - didn't I take a picture of you with a PM sticker on your forehead when we dropped by with dread and jonny rotten?

(if there's anyone that pioneered current day ski bum yanks in cham, it was this dude)

Agreed. He put on a great slide show at that brew pup, royally took the piss out of Gordy and made us all laugh.