In reply to philipjardine:
Yep...from their website (and google translate...ha ha):
"info and News: The refreshment bar is currently closed because the snow cover allowing skiers from the Vallée Blanche to go down to Chamonix, is unfortunately not sufficient"
Anyone know how the decent from the Helbronner might be, conditions wise?
I might be game for a descent from the Midi or Italian side on or just after 23 March if anyone is interested...(hopefully pick up some snow by then...). Cheers!