Update from the Chamonix Valley

Hi everyone, I am now in Chamonix getting ready for the season ahead. Its great to be back. This really is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Today I was up at Le Tour ski area in beautiful sunshine. The snow level is about 1800 metres (top of the Charmillion gondola). You can get a good idea of how much snow there is from the web cams on http://www.chamonix.net/english/webcam/chamcam.htm

Henri enjoying being back on the snow

The above photo was taken just beyond La Vormaine up at Le Tour ski area. While the photo below was taken on the way home in Flegere.

Les Drus through the morning mist behind the Rhododendrons Hotel

I also took a trip round to the new Brevent Gondola and while the area is still very much a building site work seems to be progressing well with the new gondola in place and a new chalet style building at the bottom. So hopefully this new lift will be up and running for the start of the season. It should make a big difference to both access and getting off the mountain at the end of the day!