RESORT REPORTS

CHAMONIX Where is it?: A short hop from the borders with Italy and Switzerland. Nearest airport is Geneva, roughly 90 minutes away by coach. Add another half-hour traveling time to the linked resort of Argentiere. Location makes it a good base for the independent traveler to visit Courmayer in Italy, or the Swiss resorts of Verbier, Crans Montana, or even Zermatt

The skiing:

Sunny slopes, high-altitude skiing up to 3,330m in the main areas and accessible slopes near the valley floor for those beginning. The Aiquille du Midi cable car takes half-an-hour to carry you up to 3,840m for a stunning view of Mont Blanc and the Alps. It is from this lofty vantage point that the 22km descent of the famous Vallee Blanche begins. It is neither marked or patrolled and should only be undertaken accompanied by a guide. Ski-range 1035m-3840m covering 150km and served by 47 lifts. Green 21%, Blue 31%, Red 35%, Black 13%.

Apres Ski:

Lively. The town centre is largely pedestrianised and gets crowded immediately after the lifts close. Choucas video bar is a firm favourite with UK visitors – as is the Queen Vic, which has draught Beamish on tap for stout lovers desperate for a taste of home. Try the Bar Terrasse for live music most evenings. Unusually for France there are a number ethnic restaurants offering Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Tex-Mex-style food.

The Resort:

 Chamonix is the hub for four separate ski areas – Le Brevent, La Flegere, Les Grands Montents and Le Tour. That’s the good news. The bad news is none of them are linked to each other by lifts and to try them all requires taking a bus journey to the main uplift point for each one. Chamonix remains a place for serious skiers – and has the specialist shops to prove it. It is not a typical, purpose-built, high-altitude French resort, as the cobbled streets of the town centre testify.

Who won’t it suit?:

Not good for mixed ability groups or plodders out for a restful cruise. To make the best of the Chamonix – there are 11 different ski areas – requires some effort to get the best out of the terrain available. Those wanting to practice their French could be disappointed as English seems to be the first language in Chamonix during the peak season.

Who will it suit?:

Experts and improving intermediate skiers will love it. Plenty of challenging runs over steep terrain. Throbbing nightlife ideal for the serious party animal.

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