May is a great time to be in the alps. The resorts are quiet (or closed altogether) as are the refuges. With a flexible approach to objectives there is lots to do at this time of year and this week has seen the transition from winter to spring, with the snowpack transforming at most levels. Th... more>
I'm now back in the Alps after completing a further week in Norway. Temperatures continued to be on the warm side (maybe 2 to 4 degrees at sea level) which sent us searching for higher options. Luckily around Aurland (where we were based) there are opportunities to drive up to around 1200m whi... more>
I've been delivering more avalanche avoidance courses in the Chamonix Valley this week. The Alps are experiencing a great snow season with 'little and often' being the norm puntuated by the occasional massive dump. Again I worked out of the Grands Montets resort which has a great transceiver p... more>
The Vallee Blanche is Chamonix's most famous off piste run. At this time of the season it's often a guessing game as to its condition and it's something of a gamble to se... more>
The snow remains in great 'wintry' condition at higher altitudes around Chamonix. Tamsin and Alison, who are about to ski Elbrus are acclimatising and taking advantage of the good skiing conditions. We first skied a 'Gros Rognan' variation of the Vallee Blanche. Clear visibility on the arête l... more>
The touring season has started and whilst temperatures are definitely getting warmer it still feels wintry with plenty of fresh snow. I've been skiing in and around Chamonix this last week and visited Grand Montets, Les Contamines and skied the Vallee Blanche. The Vallee Blanche was a last min... more>
The Vallee Blanche is perhaps the world's most famous off piste run - and for good reason. Around 2800m of descent over 17km amongst an unrivalled vista makes this a 'must' for many skiers. There are a number of variations to the Vallee Blanche - the Voie Normale being the trade route of mode... more>
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