The first few flurries have started to arrive. The question is, will the snow conditions hold up over the winter season? 

While the world has been gripped with climate change and Covid-19, the alps have been gripped with a flurry of tourists and temperatures soaring. However, luckily for us a warm summer can lead to a cold winter. We are starting to see snow fall even in the next few weeks, potentially the next few days. 

El Niño or La Niña?

Over the summer months meteorologists were looking for the signs of either El Nino or La Nina developing, or ENSO neutral conditions. So what does this mean exactly?… El Nino is typically characterised with warmer temperatures in the Pacific ocean, whereas la Nina generally indicates cooler temperatures. More importantly, a strong La Nina can predict better snow conditions across the Rockies in the US and western Canada.

Other Factors

Whilst La Nina is great for snow conditions, it doesn’t necessarily show any correlation with snow in the Alps. However the high pressure-system created by la Nina in the North pacific is also causing high pressure over the polar region. This is definitely favourable for winter conditions, and we can hope for cold air transport over europe. 

So overall, the clouds are darkening, the snowline is creeping down to the valley and we are starting to prepare our skis for what we hope will be a snowy winter. 

Opening dates for the Chamonix lifts:

Grand Montets

14th Nov – 4th Dec 2020: Partially open over the weekends (weather/snow condition dependant) 

5th Dec – 18th Dec 2020: Partial opening everyday (weather/snow condition dependant) 

19th Dec 2020 – 2nd May 2021: Open everyday

Brévent-Flégère

12th Dec 2020 – 18th Dec 2020: Partial opening everyday (weather/snow condition dependant) 

19th Dec 2020 – 18th April 2021: Open everyday

Balme Ski Area (Tour/Vallorcine)

18th Dec 2020 – 18th April 2021: Open everyday

Les Houches

21st Nov – 4th Dec 2020: Partially open over the weekends (weather/snow condition dependant) 

5th Dec – 18th Dec 2020: Partial opening everyday (weather/snow condition dependant) 

19th Dec 2020 – 11th April 2021: Open everyday

Thinking of booking a winter holiday?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch, or or send us an email info@chamonixholidays.com.

We have a great selection of properties, you can see the complete list of properties when you click HERE.