Welcome to the new year, and a bluebird powder day to start things rolling.
Wednesday was quintessential Chamonix up at the Grands Montets top, with a sea of clouds gradually clearing, and the mountains glowing white.
The fresh snow on the top of the ski area was super fluffy bottomless cold smoke, and there was about 30 centimetres of it. About half way down the mountain I could feel the hardpack layer underneath, but it was all smooth and soft.
There are some crevasses on the back glacier that haven't filled over yet, and they can take you by surprise, so hire a guide or stick to the marked piste.
The ski area at Le Tour was looking great in the sunshine at about noon, especially for families and intermediate skiers, but it was a bit chilly with the North wind blowing.
The high pressure has come over us now, though, so we have some sunny days to enjoy the Alps ahead of us.
