On Saturday, 15 December 2018, the ski areas in Chamonix partially open partially, according to weather conditions.
Despite the fire at Lognan, that took place in September 2018, Les Grands Montets is accessible via Plan Joran gondola and with some effort, it is possible to access the top station, hardcore skiers should practise their ski touring skills.
A few days before the partial opening of the Grands Montets ski area, Mathieu Dechavanne, the CEO of the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc (CMB) and operator of all the ski lifts in the Chamonix Valley, is satisfied: "The clouds are clearing. In addition, we have snow".
It is a positive "vision", considering that, a few months ago, when much of the Lognan intermediate station was reduced to ashes and everything remained to be done: demolition and evacuation of what had burned, protection of what remained, installation of the avalanche triggering system (PIDA), etc.
More Mont-Blanc Unlimited pass sold this year 2018/19
And, as the top of Grands Montets will not open this year, "it does not detract from the interest of coming to ski the domain," says Antoine Burnet, in charge of communication at the CMB. He explains that most people who come to ski the Grands Montets, rarely go to the top. There is so much to enjoy on the Grands Montets domain without the top station.
Already this season 2018/19, the CMB has sold more Mont Blanc Unlimited passes than last year. And we must not forget that the top of the Grands Montets will not be inaccessible for everyone.
The Top of Les Grands Montets
It will be possible to attempt to the summit of Grands Montets by ski touring. Good news for the purists who will be able to find mythical slopes, but without the affluence. But be careful, because it is not a Sunday walk. It is a high mountain route that everyone will perform under their own responsibility, with all the dangers inherent in the practice of the high mountains.
Another option is to hire a mountain guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix office, in agreement with the CMB, has adapted its offer of guided routes on Grands Montets. At the Col de la Rachasses, a sign will indicate the entrance to the "high mountain" zone.
Pedestrians will no longer be able to access Lognan
And for the rest of the Grands Montets, the Plan Joran gondola will be the liaison, with a capacity of 3,300 people per hour. The risk of overcrowding is therefore limited. As for pedestrians, there will be no access, since from the top of the Plan Joran gondola, there is no pedestrian route.
See you on Saturday, 15 December 2018, to see for yourself.
