First tracks above Flégère

At the end of October 2025, Chamonix received an unusual early snowfall. It started on 25 October with a solid layer above 1800 metres, right around the tree line, then continued on 26 October. From the valley you could see the yellow colours of the forest, and just above them a clean line of fresh snow, a sharp contrast that only happens when autumn meets winter for a brief moment.

The ski areas were still closed, but the Flégère gondola was running for the Toussaint holidays, opening at nine in the morning. It gave motivated skiers and riders the chance to reach the mid-mountain and start the season on touring gear. On 28 October the car park was already full, proof that the first snow of the year never goes unnoticed in the valley.

Up higher, the fresh layer offered a few early turns, firm underneath with a light cover on top, enough to feel the start of winter. It was simple and straightforward, just early season snow and people happy to be back on skis.