CHAMONIx

Based in the valley at the foot of the Aguille du Midi lies the traditional old town of Chamonix, a beautiful Alpine town with over 250 years mountaineering history.  With its extreme reputation and Mont Blanc name, one might argue it's the number one Alpine ski resort.  

Chamonix is split into many ski areas with traditional villages and hamlets scattered along the 20km long valley. This gives you the choice of skiing a different area each day, satisfying skiers and snowboarders of every ability.

Skiing and Boarding in Chamonix

Chamonix offers a huge variety for both skiers and boarders.  The valley is split into 4 separate ski areas, Les Houches, Brevent/Flegere, La Domaine de Balme (La Tour/Vallocine) and Grand Motet.  There is a local bus which runs throughout the day to each area, but for flexibility a car is always useful.  Groups with mixed abilities must be aware that due to Chamonix's set up, beginners might not be able to meet up with advanced skiers for lunch, as the beginner areas are separate to the 4 main ski areas. However, the advantage of the beginner nursery area being separate from the other slopes means there is no worry of other people speeding past.
A lot of Chamonix is quite challenging, so to start off it is probably best to head to La Tour which has the most gentle intermediate terrain out of all the areas. Strong intermediates can do the Vallee Blanche with a guide and enjoy stunning views of the glacier.
For both advanced and expert skiers the itinerary runs from the Grand motet and the renowned Vallee Blanche (guide highly recommended) with its stunning glacial views are a great place to explore. There is a huge amount of off piste and back country to ski.  You will be hard pushed to find better in any other European ski resort.

Apres Ski

The traditional town of Chamonix has plenty of shops, cafes and bars to sit in and relax whilst admiring the stunning dramatic peaks above you. There is a list of bars the length of your arm where you can enjoy apres in Chamonix town.  You certainly won't be without choice, there is a bar suited to all apres ski preferences be it, popular with the French locals, or one with a more British feel. However, the apres scene is slightly different in Chamonix due to the detached nature of the different ski areas.  Most people will congregate in Chamonix later on in the evening when the town really wakes up.  For those who don't like to wait until later, Chambre Neuf, opposite the train station, is a good choice with happy hour prices, live music and a pub atmosphere.  For some great chicken wings, and good beer the Canadian owned Micro Brewery de Chamonix (aka MBC) is a 5 minute walk from town and a popular place for a bit of apres.  The Jekyll also does a bit of live music, often later on, and is also great for a spot to eat.  If you follow sports, or fancy a bit of pool or table tennis 'Barred Up' is a good choice. The list is endless so to name a few other good'uns check out The office, Monkey Bar, Grand Central, The Catina, Le Vagabond and La Choucas .

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