whiteout at chamonix

for weeks i was reading snow reports - and news stories - about the lack of snow in the alps during the mildest winter on record. "people are taking the chair lifts up - and hiking," one acquaintance wrote from geneva.

but luckily, elliot must've done some hot snow dance in his oxford boxer shorts because two days before our arrival at chamonix, it dumped 40 centimeters of powder in one night - and it never stopped snowing the whole time. on monday and tuesday, i managed to carve fresh tracks on every run at grands-montets.

i took this photo at le tour during a brief moment when it cleared up. for a clearer view of le tour, and the stunning aiguille du midi, from last season, click here.