Brand new precise GPS readings conducted on the 15-16th Oct have registered that Mount Blanc numbers 4810.7 m. Monte Bianco is layered by a thick ice cap which has grown by 2.3 metres in barely 2 yrs furthermore more unexpectedly the bulk of the snow and ice has almost doubled up . At least that’s as reported by the professionals.

The mass of ice was computed for the maiden time in 2000. It was calculated at 14500 cubic metres above 4770 meters. It equaled merely 13600 metres cubed in 2001 possibly owing to the heat with +ve temperature as high as 4850 metres alt.. Notwithstanding the ice has nearly doubled up since then and today equals 23000 cubic metres.

Chamonix’s respected near by weather forecaster Donald Zuniga stated the development in the size of the ice is one of the perverse results of global warming: Snowfall hasn’t increased generally in the Alpes simply with global warming we are having more hotter prevailing westerly air currents that bring rain at lower altitudes however in summertime this translates to significant snowfall that rests higher up than 3900 m elevation hence the amount of the ice is expanding. Compare that to the situation in winter when snow crystals are extremely cold and are moved by the wind so do not rest on the summit.

Chamonix village is not just renowned for Mont Blanc it is also a well renowned ski town and alpinism centre with many ski deals and self catering chalets to be had. Furthermore at only 1 hour from Geneva airport it is unbeatable for a ski weekend.

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