Cham 2011

Hey guys,

Me and 3 mates are going to Cham in January for a week (8th-15th) so was looking for tips, things not to miss, best areas to ski etc.

When should we ski each area and what should the snow and queues be like?

Thanks

Well...where to start...

Chamonix is brilliant, you will have a great time. I'm heading back there again this season, not till March though.

There are quite a few different areas and it depends what you are into. For off piste powder, head to Grand Montets (although there is also a park there), for wide open runs suited to beginers, go to Le Tour. On bad weather days, I would head to Les Houches. It is the only area with tree runs really, and that shelters it a bit if it is dumping snow during the day. It also has a good park and some of the best on mountain restaurants. Le Brevent and Flegere is also good as well!!

In terms of nightlife, there is something for everyone. There are lively bars / clubs, a casino, cinema, and regular events, and ice hockey matches. For food, again there is a massive selection. I like the Tex Mex place, La Cantina, but for the best pizza you have ever tasted...head to Le Caveaux...it is awesome!!

me and 6 mates went to Chamonix last season, in terms of skiing/boarding it is amazing... although getting buses is a pain you get used to it after day 1, its certainly more challenging than any resort i had previously been, to, there were never any cues for anything so dont worry about that... the nightlife is good, we used to head to a bar called Chambre 9 which was very lively, live bands, good atmosphere, its next to the train station.... the thing you must do though if you a decent skier/boarder is the VALLEE BLANCHE!...my friend and i did it with a high mountain guide, best ski day of my life, the Auguille du Midi cable car is just the beginning of a the best day you will ever have...

You will have a blast in Chamonix. If you are good skiers I cannot recommend hiring a guide for a day strongly enough. They will take you for a little test to see what standard you are and adjust the trip accordingly. You will go to places you can only watch on mad skiing videos like the 'Pas De Chevre' for example. Personally I would avoid the Vallee Blanche as it can be a little bit like a motorway sometimes- but worth it if things are quiet.

Head to the Grand Montet for the good stuff- I have been skiing and living in Chamonix on and off for 20 years and never get bored of it- there are new places to explore all the time. But only do it if you know what you are doing.

Have a great time!