“ Weather in Chamonix in June 24-specifically Mont Blanc ”
 

I'm wondering how cold it will be on the lifts and on Mont Blanc. What kind of extra clothes do I need. Does it rain in June? Is it windy? I'm a wimpy Californian and I don't like being cold. Much of our trip is by train so I'm trying to pack light so I just want to bring the essentials. Also what is the best way to get to Chamonix after arriving in Lyon by train? Restaurant recommendations in Chamonix? Thanks for your help.

Next time, do not click on trip report since you are asking a question and not reporting a situation.

Mountain weather is unpredictable. The Alps are cooler than the Sierra, probably closer to Canadian Rockies weather. A warm sweater and a water resistant wind breaker should cover all possibilities since as a "wimpy Californian" you are not likely to venture out during severe weather.

It is my understanding that Mt Blanc is freezing cold all the time. It's covered in a glacier. If the glacier every melts, it is probably a sign the planet is dying, so be glad it's cold. Just bundle up.

Long underwear is a steal this time of year and it is super lightweight to pack and practically disappears when folded into a tiny square. You can wear long underwear for pajamas after your trip next winter in California.

You have time to buy it from Winter Silks. Purchase not only long underwear, but something to put over your head and neck to keep warm, a balaclava. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen. I would pack a down jacket which, even though it is bulky, is not heavy. You can wear it onto the plane and use it as a pillow then strap it to the outside of your suitcase when you travel. It won't add weight. Here's one for $40 bucks from Land's End:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-es...s&origin=index

The day you go to Mt. Blanc, put on the long underwear, pile on several tops, put on the down jacket.

http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a...5/m/9781037961

http://blog.mountain-spirit-guides.com/?p=1126

http://www.compagniedumontblanc.fr/e...guille-du-midi

http://www.wintersilks.com/longunder...aspx?BRANCH=1~

Obviously, the higher you go the colder it gets, usually 5 degrees fahrenheit for every thousand feet, so check the climate records for Chamonix on the web, figure out how much higher you are going -- I assume by telepherique -- and subtract 5 degrees for every thousand feet of difference. The sun will be stronger but the wind will cool you, and you don't want to go if it is raining or thundering.

Now if you want to go to the summit . . . .

But I couldn't resist looking this up. In the St Bernard Pass, well above the town, the highest temperature for the whole month of June last year was 58F and the lowest was 38F, so some light long underwear as Zeppole suggests will be a much more efficient way of staying warm than bringing a lot of heavy clothing. The cable car goes about 3000 feet above the pass (to around 12,000 feet) so subtract about 15 degrees F from the numbers above -- say, mid 20's to mid 30's.

I was on the Aiguille du Midi last August and it was 23°C at the bottom of the mountain and -5°C at the top. When you are there it might be warmer, it might be colder. You take two different enclosed cabin cars to go to the top, not an exposed chair lift. It can be rainy or windy any month of the year, like many places on the planet.

Chamonix info (including restaurants):

http://www.chamonix.com/welcome,0,en.html

I agree with the long underwear suggestion, but I recommend synthetics or merino wool rather than silk. I'm a long-time skier, and I've tried everything to stay warm!

Go to the REI store in SF and talk with someone in the ski department (or read link below). Many base layer tops are attractive enough to use as outerwear, so you don't have to think you're bringing something to wear for only one day of the trip. If you don't buy at REI, search online for the brands Hot Chillys, Under Armour and Smart Wool.

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/arti...ss+layers.html

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/underwear.html

And don't wear jeans on your Mont Blanc day. Even with a base layer, jeans will probably not be warm enough.