Has anyone done the Grand Balcon Sud (or nearby hikes) in Chamonix yet this season? I'm headed there early next week and am curious about hiking trail conditions. I've googled around and plan to ask at the cable car stations but am also curious about any firsthand experience any of you might have!
Posted by
Austin, TX
110 posts
https://www.chamoniarde.com/en/mountain-topics/mountain-conditions has weekly Chamonix-area trail conditions in English.
Excerpt on 14 June 2018:
"The work on the South Grand Balcony between Planpraz and Flegere is finished and the footpath is now open. There is still a lot of snow on Lac Blanc (from the Index and Flegere: crampons essential). No problems to get to the Cheserys lakes and to go down to Tre-le-Champ or the Col des Montets.
The Grand Balcon Nord, between Montenvers and the path descending to Chamonix via Blaitiere is OK. However, there are steep snow fields to cross to reach the Plan of the Needle.
The large boulder which was blocking the path to the Berard valley has been cleared (dynamited!) Above 1700m There is still a lot of snow."
Posted by
OP
61 posts
Thank you! A good resource to have. We ended up hiking it just a few days ago, and it was great until we hit a bit of snow towards the end -- but not impassable! It was a beautiful hike!