Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the legendary birthplace of alpine skiing and host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, is delivering exceptional mid-winter conditions this February. Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc in the French Alps, Chamonix remains one of Europe's most iconic ski destinations, and mid-February 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic time to hit the slopes. Whether you are a seasoned off-piste adventurer or a family looking for groomed runs with stunning views, here is everything you need to know about the weather and snow conditions this week.
Current Weather Overview
Mid-February in Chamonix brings classic alpine winter weather. The resort sits at an elevation of 1,035 meters in the valley, with ski terrain reaching up to 3,842 meters at the summit of the Aiguille du Midi. Temperatures at resort level are hovering between minus 2 and 8 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping to around minus 7 overnight. At the mid-mountain level around 2,440 meters, temperatures remain firmly below freezing, ranging from minus 4 to minus 7 degrees, which is excellent news for snow preservation.
The valley has experienced a pattern of mixed conditions this week, with periods of sunshine interspersed with cloud cover and some snowfall events. Early mornings are crisp and clear, making them ideal for first lifts, while afternoons may bring some cloud buildup. Wind conditions have been generally light to moderate, with occasional stronger gusts on exposed ridges. The freezing level is staying below 1,400 meters, ensuring all precipitation falls as snow across the entire ski domain.
Day-by-Day Forecast
| Day | High / Low | Conditions | Snow |
|---|
| Monday | 5°C / -4°C | Partly cloudy, sunny AM | — |
| Tuesday | 3°C / -5°C | Increasing cloud, cold | Light flurries above 2,000m |
| Wednesday | 1°C / -6°C | Overcast, snow developing | 5–10 cm at mid-mountain |
| Thursday | -1°C / -7°C | Heavy snow showers | 10–15 cm fresh powder |
| Friday | 2°C / -5°C | Clearing, sunny spells | Residual flurries |
| Saturday | 4°C / -3°C | Mostly sunny, light winds | — |
| Sunday | 5°C / -4°C | Fine and settled | — |
Snow Conditions and Ski Report
Chamonix is currently reporting a solid base depth of approximately 70 centimeters at the lower slopes and well over 200 centimeters at upper elevations. The snowpack has been building steadily throughout the 2025-2026 season, and recent snowfall events have refreshed the surface across the ski area. Around 68 out of 82 lifts are currently operational, providing access to a vast and varied terrain that spans five distinct ski areas.
On-piste conditions are excellent, with firm, well-groomed runs in the mornings that soften slightly as the sun reaches south-facing slopes in the afternoon. North-facing aspects and higher terrain are holding the best quality snow, with packed powder and groomed surfaces providing great edge grip throughout the day. For those venturing off-piste, conditions are more variable — recent snowfall has deposited fresh layers, but wind and sun exposure can quickly alter snow quality depending on the aspect and exposure.
The mid-week snowfall forecast of 10 to 15 centimeters of fresh snow at mid-mountain is particularly exciting for powder enthusiasts. This should provide excellent conditions on Thursday and Friday, especially in sheltered tree runs and north-facing bowls where the new snow will accumulate without wind disturbance. Historically, Chamonix averages about 52 centimeters of snowfall during the first week of February, with four snowy days per week being typical for this time of the season.
Ski Area Highlights This Week
Grands Montets
The jewel of Chamonix's ski terrain, Grands Montets offers some of the most challenging and rewarding skiing in the valley. With its predominantly north-facing slopes and higher elevation reaching 3,275 meters, this area consistently holds the best snow conditions in the Chamonix valley. Expect packed powder on the groomed runs and fresh stashes in the off-piste zones after the mid-week snowfall event. The area is renowned for its steep couloirs and challenging off-piste itineraries that attract expert skiers from around the world.
Brevent-Flegere
This linked area provides breathtaking panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks while offering a great variety of terrain for intermediate to advanced skiers. The recent conditions here have been excellent, with well-maintained pistes and some of the most scenic cruising runs in the entire Alps. The sunny southern exposure means some afternoon softening on certain runs, so aim for morning sessions if you want the firmest surfaces and best edge grip.
Le Tour at Balme
Often overlooked by visitors focused on the more famous Chamonix areas, Le Tour at the head of the valley is a hidden gem worth discovering. It offers excellent intermediate terrain, reliable snow cover thanks to its high elevation and northerly aspect, and significantly fewer crowds than the main Chamonix ski areas. The village atmosphere at Le Tour is charming, and the tree-lined runs make it particularly appealing and skiable on low-visibility days when higher, more exposed terrain becomes challenging.
Vallee Blanche
The legendary 20-kilometer off-piste descent from the Aiguille du Midi is a must for experienced skiers looking for an unforgettable alpine adventure. With a vertical drop of over 2,000 meters through some of the most spectacular glacial scenery in the Alps, this route passes massive seracs and crevasses and offers a truly wilderness skiing experience. Current conditions are favorable for guided descents, but always hire a certified mountain guide and carry full safety equipment including avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel. The weather window mid-week should provide an excellent opportunity.
What to Wear and Pack
Layering is essential in Chamonix's variable mid-February conditions. Start with a moisture-wicking thermal base layer, add an insulating mid-layer such as fleece or lightweight down, and top with a waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants designed for alpine conditions. Temperatures can swing dramatically between sunny south-facing slopes and shaded north-facing terrain, sometimes by 10 degrees or more, so be prepared to adjust layers throughout the day.
Essential accessories include high-quality ski goggles with interchangeable lenses for varying light conditions, warm waterproof gloves with a spare pair for powder days, a neck gaiter or balaclava for the coldest mornings and exposed ridgelines, and sunscreen with high SPF protection. The alpine sun at elevation is intense even in February, and snow reflection amplifies UV exposure significantly, making sunburn and snow blindness real risks even on cloudy days.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of Chamonix's efficient train system that connects the valley villages. The Mont Blanc Express runs regularly between Le Tour and Les Houches, making it easy to access different ski areas without the hassle of driving and parking. This is especially useful after a powder day when the roads can be congested with traffic. The train also provides beautiful valley views and a relaxing way to end a day on the slopes.
Avalanche Safety
Mid-February is a critical period for avalanche awareness in the Chamonix valley. The combination of new snow loading from fresh storms, wind transport depositing slabs on lee slopes, and temperature fluctuations creating weak layers means that the snowpack requires careful assessment before venturing off-piste. Always check the local avalanche bulletin from Meteo-France before heading into uncontrolled terrain, and note that the risk level can change rapidly with new snowfall and wind events.
If you plan to ski off-piste in the Chamonix area, investing in a guided experience is strongly recommended. Chamonix has one of the finest networks of certified mountain guides in the world, with the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix being the oldest guiding company on Earth. These professionals can lead you safely through world-class off-piste terrain while helping you find the best snow conditions of the day.
Apres-Ski and Activities
Chamonix town comes alive in the evenings with a vibrant apres-ski scene that caters to every taste and budget. From traditional Savoyard restaurants serving fondue, raclette, and tartiflette to lively international bars and craft breweries, there is something for everyone. The town center along Rue du Docteur Paccard and surrounding streets is easily walkable, and many of the best restaurants are clustered within a few minutes' stroll of each other.
For non-skiing activities and rest days, consider the spectacular Mer de Glace glacier visit via the historic Montenvers Railway, guided ice climbing experiences on the glacier, or a scenic cable car ride up the Aiguille du Midi for panoramic views stretching across four countries on clear days. The town also offers a modern public swimming pool and spa complex with views of Mont Blanc, perfect for recovering tired muscles after a demanding day on the mountain.
Getting to Chamonix
The nearest major airport is Geneva International (GVA), approximately 90 minutes by road through stunning alpine scenery. Regular shuttle services and private transfers operate daily throughout the ski season. Alternatively, fly into Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (around 2.5 hours by road) or Turin Caselle Airport in Italy (approximately 2 hours via the Mont Blanc Tunnel). The town is also accessible by train through the French rail network, with connections through Saint-Gervais-les-Bains providing a scenic and environmentally friendly travel option.
Summary
Mid-February 2026 in Chamonix is delivering classic alpine winter conditions with a promising and exciting week ahead. The combination of a solid, deep snowpack, mid-week fresh snowfall forecast of 10 to 15 centimeters, and a mix of sunshine and cloud makes this an excellent time to visit one of the world's great ski destinations. With the vast majority of lifts operational and excellent conditions across all levels of terrain from beginner to expert, Chamonix is firing on all cylinders this season. Whether you are carving groomers in the morning sun or hunting powder stashes after the mid-week storm, the skiing this week promises to be outstanding. Check back daily for updated forecasts and conditions on WFY24.com.
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Data: WFY24 proprietary models, meteorological services, historical climate data.
