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I'm thinking about making a trip to Chamonix for a few weeks around the Christmas holiday (maybe Dec 7 - Jan 7). Does anyone have any experience climbing in Chamonix around this time? I'm looking to do gullies and ice faces if possible...i.e. Swiss on Les Courtes, Gabarrou-Albinoni, Ravanel-Frendo, Charlet on Dolent, Couturier on the Verte, Lagarde on Les Droites, etc. Anything up to around TD/TD+. How has the weather been at that time over the last few seasons? Are there typically some options for climbing? I've been to Chamonix in March and during the summer months, but never in early winter. Any thoughts? Also, what is the hut/cable car situation at that time? It seems the Midi is open but most of the huts are closed...winter rooms only. I guess the other cable cars are open as well.

Also, I'd be interested in finding a partner for climbing during this time.