Vintage Season?

March is here and the snow keeps on falling. Unusual but true. We've had over a meter of snow here in Chamonix in the last few days.....and its March!! Unbelievable. Its just easing off now, so lets hope the sun comes out in the next few days. Especially now the half term rush is over it should make for some classic conditions .... even saw some comments on a Cham chat board saying that 05-06 is shaping up to be a vintage season ... whats the low down from you people in other resorts? Vintage season?

Not sure if its cool to answer your own posts, but .....

Was up at Flegere in Chamonix Valley. The ski area starts at about 1900m and goes up to about 2500m. At 1900m there is a big pole stuck in the ground with the metres marked off on it. It was showing a snow depth of 3.5m!! To have 3.5m of snow in mid March, means that its going to be a long season. Add to that the excellent snow we had at xmas and NY, and I think its fair to say, Yes! This is going to be a Vintage Season!!

Anyone thinking of a last minute excursion to the slopes, then do it! Today we have clear blue skies, lost of snow and pistes in great condition!!!

chaletinthemountains wrote:...means that its going to be a long season.

Do you know when the lifts shut in the Chamonix valley? Any possibility of them staying open an extra couple of weekends? I know some of the French Resorts open early on an occasional basis but not sure if they ever stay open later than planned... any idea?

Cheers,

it can happen like that. the lifts stay open later if the conditions are right, although usually on a restricted basis (in the same way they open sooner at the beginning of the season). but its too soon to tell yet, i wouldnt expect them to make that sort of decision till closer to easter.

Serre Chevalier has already announced that it it extending the season until 28th April.

In Chamonix the officual dates are 8May for Les Grands Montets and 23April for the others. But thats the usual closing dates. No decision as yet on whether they going to extend! Its snowing on the pistes at the moment, so we can only hope!!!!!