Best area in Chamonix for Intermediates/Advanced

A bunch of us are skiing in Chamonix soon. 4 of the skiers are advanced (can ski most things) but 1 skiier is more intermediate (red/black kind of level). What would be the best area in Chamonix to ski in first?

Le Tour is probably one of the easier ski areas around Chamonix to start on,in my opinion.I also liked Brevant/Flegere.Enjoy!

Go to Le Tour, few cruisey type of runs for whole group to get their ski legs back. Then if you want to get adventurous some steeper stuff (nothing crazy) and some easily accessible offpiste (read avalanche warning though, area is more dangerous than it "feels"). Also some good restaurants in car park area if you get worn out on first day ?.

Le Tour is the easiest, but I think Brevent-Flegere may also suit you, it's some where between Grands Montets and Le Tour in difficulty. Plus if you are staying in town Brevent cable car is the nearest. You may find Le Tour a bit boring and your groupe sounds like everyone will handle Brevent-Flegere area without problems and there is a bigger variety of runs and you don't need to go off-piste for challenge. Off-piste at Le Tour is accessible but there is a perfect terrain trap. With this season's snowfall you may want to stay within marked runs.

am3111 wrote:A bunch of us are skiing in Chamonix soon. 4 of the skiers are advanced (can ski most things) but 1 skiier is more intermediate (red/black kind of level). What would be the best area in Chamonix to ski in first?

When do you go ? i have returned today and currently the avalanche risk in le tour is very high ( some were evacuated 2 days ago ) brevent also completely closed on 21st for piste control. we skied a lot in les houches which was really good and great powder conditions. sure to be open and lots and lots of varied runs ....... just be aware of the chamonix bus system ( its terrible ) if your hotel has a shuttle service use it or you will be faced with 2 choices ( no 1 fight your way through the masses who decend at the end of the day or no 2 sit in the pub across the street and wait for them to die ) both busy options but very worth it for some great skiing. mostly best of luck and your going to love it. the place is intoxicating and you wont want to leave... enjoy

Guess you had a good time then Matt? :D

Just on the bus system, is actually very good (I live there and never felt need to buy a car). When you arrive, locate nearest bus stop and have a quick read of times and numbers. Try to avoid rush hr, buses before 8am are always empty and nice way to start day having a coffee at bottom of lifts before they open at 9am. Ski early and finish early is the best way in Chamonix. If you take 09:30-10:30 busses will be crowded of tourists and same if you return late 16:30-17:30. Let's be honest nobody can ski flat out from 9am until lifts shut at 4pm anyway.

Ranchero 1979, I've just spent a few days in Chamonix. The Mulet buses were everywhere! Never seen them before, do you just flag one down?

BTW Did some Pit digging and Snow Stability Tests with Tinderbox Ski School. There is slab and it will release, though not easily. I guess it all depends how much weight is on top!