Chamonix Mont Blanc Ski Conditions 2025-04-08 

The First Week of April  | Conditions in Chamonix

April started with some unsettled and windy weather, bringing a few fresh centimeters to the Mont Blanc Massif in Chamonix before a ridge of high-pressure weather set in.  The amazingly clear visibility and warm temps that arrived with the high pressure meant that many lines were visible and lots of options were on the table.  Firm conditions before the light blanket of new snow meant that many of the steep lines remained firm and didn't hold the new snow as nicely as skiers would have liked.

Glacial cirques like the Periades Glacier were holding onto soft cold snow for days after the snowfall.  Ranging from 10-30cm in most places, the new snow skied fantastic where it hadn't been pummeled by the winds. 

We started the high-pressure system by getting our bearings in the Valley Blanche and Glacier des Periades.  Despite many areas of the Mont Blanc Massif being scoured by the high winds, there were nice, quiet, cold snow turns to be had in sheltered coves like the Periades.  The snow turned a bit in elevations below 10k' later in the day on the 2nd as solar radiation and temps moistened the surface, but overall, there was plenty of great skiing in the stunning granite amphitheaters of the Mont Blanc Massif.  

Firm snow on the entrance of the Cosmiques Couloir in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc France. Photo by Zeb Blais.

The last pitch in the Cosmiques Couloir in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc revealed some amazing corn skiing and in the early afternoon hours it skied perfectly. Photo by Zeb Blais. 

Ultimately, the Cosmiques Couloir was holding some good snow, but varied dramatically with elevation and aspect.  We found everything from firm, difficult-to-edge scraped snow, to breakable crust, to wind pressed snow to damn-good powder skiing, and everything in between - it was high adventure on the Mont Blanc Massif!

As the week progressed, the warm weather and new winds took their toll on the snowpack.  The snow settled, blew away and melted in the sun and warm temps.  Up high, the cold kept pockets soft and skiing well, but excellent skiing was certainly becoming more elusive.  

Most Recent Information from La Chamoniard:

JEUDI 09/04/2025

• 
  - Goulotte Modica Nouri: Rimaye passage on the far right on the rock in dry. Chute in top conditions, lots of passages.
  
  - Buet from La Flegere: good walks to the Col des Crochues (crampons recommended
  
  Col de Bérard ras.
  
  Descent via the Col des Cristals, then Tré les eaux.
  
  Always well snowed.
  
  Leave the torrent altitude 1830 to join the summer path.
  
  - Pointe Alphonse Favre:
  
  Stairs to the top and crampons recommended especially for the end
  
  A few meters on the pebbles under the summit
  
  Cold and smooth snow descent
  
  Vallon Bérard still skiable almost as far as the Buvette in combat mode.
  
  Be careful on the bridge just before the refreshment bar, better to put on crampons or to walk on the wooden part (chain partly covered by ice)
  
  - Vallée Noire: the overhanging passage under the Noire is made of hard, smooth snow. Fall forbidden!!

About the Author

Zeb Blais is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and AIARE Avalanche Course Leader based in Truckee California. He loves all the disciplines of mountain guiding - ski, rock and alpine climbing - but skiing is his first love.  In the winter he enjoys backcountry skiing, guiding local and international ski trips, and teaching avalanche courses across the west coast, from Bishop, California to Mt Baker, Washington.