Chamonix & St Gevais Mont Blanc

Chamonix

Nestling at the foot of Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, Chamonix justifiably thrives on its international mountain sports reputation, but the lower slopes are far less snowsure. Kingpin of that renown is offering the greatest lift served vertical skiing in Europe, and the 20km Valle Blanche tour down from the imposing Aiguille du Midi which is suitable mainly for good intermediates and better, and again a mountain guide is recommended.

Chamonix itself has long since become a bustling year round resort which lives for its mountain activities and stunning views. The whole valley is nearly 20 km long, and over the whole sector offers 12 different ski areas. Summer here is fantastic, with great walks, cycling, climbing – an efficient train service serves the valley offering different towns and experiences. Highly recommended winter AND summer resort, with the added bonus of being less than an hour from Geneva.

Accommodation & Après Ski

Accommodation varies from some excellent chalets and self-catering apartments (with pool and spa facilities) in Les Praz and Argentiere to cheap studio apartments in Chamonix Sud. As a town with a population of 10,000, there are many hotels from 1 star up to 5 star, mainly located in the centre.ng in La Plagne.

Saint Gervais Mont Blanc

Lift linked to Saint Nicholas and Megeve, together they span a 300km ski area. The more challenging skiing is to be found on the Megeve side of Mont d’Arbois but trails 141 and 142 down from the Arbois chair of the ridge down on the St Gervais side are equally good. For freeriding head to ‘Espace Glisses’ on Mont Joux which boasts two slalom stadiums, a mogul field and a terrain park. You can also hop on to the century old tramway Mont Blanc which takes you up to 1800m and gives access to the slopes at Prarion/Les Houches.

Accommodation & Après Ski

Locally L’Igloo is a good place to eat and is also a hotel if you fancy staying after dinner. One thing to try in the mountain huts is the tradition ‘la grolle’, this round container filled with several sprouts is filled with coffee mixed with local plum brandy and passed around the table. For pizza go to L’Eterle and for local mountain fayre try Le Galeta.