Chamonix

Heading to chamonix for the first time in January and hearing mixed reviews so starting to panic a bit

There are 4 of us, all which I'd describe as average intermediates. Will we have plenty of scope.

Being 4 lads in our twentys we enjoy the odd beer so what about après ski? Is it as expensive as everyone tells me?

Cheers

NI1987 wrote:Is it as expensive as everyone tells me?

Cheers

There is enough Apres-ski in Chamonix to meet the demands of all budgets, from Michelin * to McD's.

It's an amazing place. What "mixed reviews" have you heard?

Thanks, I'd just heard that the resort catered mainly for beginners and experts with nothing in between for intermediates.

Maybe a silly question but I take it snow is a given in January? Having skied for the past 3 seasons in Andorra with pretty poor conditions we wanted somewhere to guarantee plenty of the white stuff.

There is tons of skiing for intermediates :D Some winters have more snow than others, that is true of everywhere. Last December Chamonix struggled to open slopes because, so much snow fell so quickly.

Typically Chamonix pistes are open December to May. Ski tourers and Chamonix locals carry on into summer/autumn..... -)

Some fabulous Chamonix mountain photos on the Idris Skis Blog

http://www.idriskis.com/blog/

I second Bandit. Plenty skiing in Chamonix for all levels. Lot of ski areas with runs which will keep intermediate skiers happy.

As per above should have a fantastic vacation. Where are you planning on staying in town?

Chamonix is a proper town, with 10 000 plus residents. Hence food, apres ski is very reasonable, really completely upto you how much money wish to spend.

Skiing, plenty of choices, your legs will be shot before you run out of options. If you are decent intermediates I would suggest a VB. If you PM me can suggest plenty of good guides. Depending on snow I would suggest one day in each of the main ski areas, all very different and all good. Courmayeur is also good option for a day trip.

Food on mountain is not the best except for Les Houches and Balme (restaurants near car park) others I would forget. Personally I always make or buy from Chinese lady in Chamonix Sud. Late lunch in town is also good option.

If no car make sure read bus time table (search engine:-Chamonix bus). Otherwise you will end up being one of those annoying people claiming you had to wait for bus ?. I mean you don't turn up randomly at train station or airport. Anyway buses before 8:30 and you should be able to get a seat.

Planning on being home most on Jan, so feel free if have additional questions.

ha-ha, Ranchero, I like what you said about buses. So true!

Thanks guys. We are staying in chamonix-sud in a place booked through snostation.com.

I think we are goin for the chamonix area pass which I don't think covers courmayeur. Are there lifts within walking distance of the town or are buses essential?