Although there is a huge number of climbers and skiers passing through the Chamonix Valley there is surprisingly little reporting of conditions, and http://www.chamconditions.blogspot.com/ was launched in 2009 by Charlie Boscoe in an attempt to rectify this.
Despite the author's computer illiteracy the site has grown continually since its creation, in no small part down to the following people, without whom there would be no missions, no epics and no post route pub chat.
Peter Riley
Into his 6th decade, Peter has been climbing for 36 years and remains fitter, stronger and more motivated than most people half his age. Originally from the Peak District he specialises in horrific jamming routes, falling over on skis and avoiding ice climbing.
Tom Grant
Fit, talented and psyched Tom would be the perfect partner if he just slowed down a bit! In just 3 months last year he ticked off the Walker Spur, the north face of the Droites and the Peuterey Integral on Mont Blanc, and has "bigger"plans still to come. Should be interesting.
Emma Jack
A skier at heart, Emma made the first complete ski descent of the World's 8th highest mountain (Manaslu, 8163m) a few years back. In doing this she also became the first female ever to make a complete ski descent of an 8000er. Closer to home she lives full time in Cham and climbs, skis and bikes as much as possible. You can find her on - http://www.cloud9adventure.com/en/
Sharon Wray
One of the few people in Cham with a "proper" job, Sharon shames most of us by working full time in Geneva and managing to climb and ski/snowboard at least 2 full days a week. As if this wasn't enough to make most people jealous already, she also lives with Charlie.
A skier at heart, Emma made the first complete ski descent of the World's 8th highest mountain (Manaslu, 8163m) a few years back. In doing this she also became the first female ever to make a complete ski descent of an 8000er. Closer to home she lives full time in Cham and climbs, skis and bikes as much as possible. You can find her on - http://www.cloud9adventure.com/en/
One of the few people in Cham with a "proper" job, Sharon shames most of us by working full time in Geneva and managing to climb and ski/snowboard at least 2 full days a week. As if this wasn't enough to make most people jealous already, she also lives with Charlie.
Matt Livingstone
Having (wisely) decided to leave Yorkshire behind and do a winter in Cham, Matt quickly decided not to bother going back. It would be pretty safe to say that Matt loves all things Cham and is a major convert to skiing, a trait admired by all of us who are keen on avoiding ice climbing.
Having (wisely) decided to leave Yorkshire behind and do a winter in Cham, Matt quickly decided not to bother going back. It would be pretty safe to say that Matt loves all things Cham and is a major convert to skiing, a trait admired by all of us who are keen on avoiding ice climbing.
Vicks Nicholson
Having only moved to Cham in autumn 2010, Vicks has already established herself at the centre of the "scene". Although a keen and experienced skier, climber and mountaineer, Vicks' speciality is dinner parties and BBQ's. She is at www.chaseexpeditions.com.
Will Eaton
Once a Brit and now a drinking-from-bowls-eating-from-mugs Frenchman, Will splits his winters between Cham, The Vanoise and Kyrgyzstan and is probably the keenest skier in Western Europe. In summer he claims to do some work, but still seems to get plenty of cycling, climbing and BBQing done.
Will was killed on the Grande Casse on 2nd May 2013. We miss him.
Caroline Mulligan
She of the silent laugh (see above), Caroline is loosely based in London but seems to spend plenty of time climbing, skiing and drinking in Cham, all of which she does with unmatched enthusiasm. It's universally agreed that if she did live here full time everyone would do more in the mountains, but get considerably less sleep.
Will was killed on the Grande Casse on 2nd May 2013. We miss him.
She of the silent laugh (see above), Caroline is loosely based in London but seems to spend plenty of time climbing, skiing and drinking in Cham, all of which she does with unmatched enthusiasm. It's universally agreed that if she did live here full time everyone would do more in the mountains, but get considerably less sleep.
John Cuthbert
A legend of the UK and Chamonix climbing scenes, John has been around long enough to comment that although 2011's winter was dry - "1991 was worse". Highly competent on all mountainous terrain, John is at his best on mixed ground, his skis and in the cafes of Provence.
A legend of the UK and Chamonix climbing scenes, John has been around long enough to comment that although 2011's winter was dry - "1991 was worse". Highly competent on all mountainous terrain, John is at his best on mixed ground, his skis and in the cafes of Provence.
Jack Geldard
A God amongst men, it is always a privilege to be out with a celeb like Jack. A master of rock climbing, not bad at ice climbing and a "tryer" at skiing, he doesn't seem to miss North Wales.
Ian Wilson Young
Despite having a real job and living miles away in Geneva, Ian seems to maintain a high standard in all disciplines, particularly skiing. This can be quite embarrassing for the rest of us when he just pops over for the weekend and promptly burns everyone off.
Tom Moores
Surely the only good mountaineer from Devon? In addition to climbing Lhotse (8511m) aged just 19 and without oxygen, Tom also managed to go from complete beginner to competent off piste skier in an hour, and skied the Vallee Blanche on his 4th day on skis without a single fall. "He's some man".
Damien McCutcheon
At times it seems hard to get Damo off his race skis or road bike and actually get him into the mountains but when he gets there he has a lifetime of hard trad and winter routes to call on, and climbs harder than most of us who get out every day.
Tristan Wise
With a girlfriend who works with Bear Grylls, 18 foot long arms and a boyfriend (Matt, see above) to climb with, its no surprise that Tristan is good at rock climbing. Another ex-Yorkshireman turned ski fanatic he is pretty handy on his planks too.
Owen O'Keefe
Snowboarder. Say no more.
Snowboarder. Say no more.
. Thanks to everyone else who has appeared, taken photos or supported the site -
here's to plenty more missions.
Charlie