The Chamonix cross country ski area offers around 20km of prepared runs just to the north of the town center. The red Bois run is 11.

Back to Chamrousse for an early ski (started at 9am) before the next big storm shakes things up. I did 4 loops of the Lievre Patineur.

Chamrousse nordic park had opened, then closed again following the foehn. Earlier in the week around 20cm of fresh snow had fallen, this had been followed by anticyclonic conditions.

SN Chartrousin were planning on climbing to the summit of the Charmant Som. That meant the road would be pisted and in good condition.

The snow was reasonable good so decided to climb to Emeindras at the summit, or nearly, of the ski runs. Of course the descent was icy which meant it was not too reassuring on cross country skis.

Finally managed to hook up with Thibaut for a lunch ski. He's a fair bit quicker than me so put me under a bit of pressure.

It has been a long time coming but the nearest ski area to work (about a quarter of an hour drive) has finally opened and with good initial conditions.

Practicing 1 and 2 skate around the Sagnes piste.Some sections of ice and visible soil but good skating. +5C at 13h00.

Emeindras - good slidy snow with a few bare patches that were relatively easy to avoid, snow got better as I climbed.