Chamrousse 1,700

I would appreciate any help and advice that can be given regarding the resort of Chamrousse 1,700. a group of 7 adults and a 13 year old are looking for a cheap end of season trip (24/3/2012. we are mixed ability but would not use ski school. Historically we ski Austria but thought we would like a change. Any first hand knowledge about the resort ie, snow end of March, the skiing, night life etc would be fantastic or other possible resorts. I look forward to the forums help.

Hi We went to Chamrousse 3 yrs ago and LOVED it. Sadly prices have risen or we'd have gone back.
We were all of intermediate ability, though hubby and I were low intermediate and the kids far better. We found the area challenging and beautiful runs. The beatuty of it also was, we could ski down a blue, while the kids did a red almost adjacent to us, so we could see them regularly at various points down the mountain!
The view right at the top is breathtaking and it is a good run right down to the bottom.
We went early January and there was plenty of snow. The area is also accessed immediately, no lengthy gondola ride to get up there! (Though there is a ski area further up the resort, accessed by free ski bus, which uses a gondola to get to the top. Those runs were open at night sometimes and there were some VERY difficult runs there! I think you need a seperate lift pass for that area though. We did not use ski school. There is a small kids lift to get your hand back in if needs be. Then a lift so far up where you can ski down a green one side or a blue the other. Then you can get a lift further up and so on. You can do various stages up the mountain until you feel comfortable. When you get your skis and boots you need t take your passport. Crystal didnt tell us to do this, so we were ages getting them as we had to go back for pp's!!
Night life I think was limited, but as we go with our kids, now 17 and 13, (this was 3/4 yrs ago) we use our evenings walking sledging and playing football in the snow! There were a few bars I think along the front, but certainly not shades of Ibiza! lol. If you are in the chamrousse apartments there is a free swimmig pool/sauna etc. Outdoor! But we all had a swim and enjoyed it.

We have skied for 7 years and we all agreed this was one of the best ski areas we've been to. of course, advanced ski-ers may not agree, but for beginners and intermediates it's perfect and the scenery is amazing! have fun!

i went to chamrousse 2 years ago and thought it was excellent. lovely place and when the genoble valley fills with cloud it is a stunning view

Many thanks to you both your replies have been very helpful, enjoy any trips you have planned.

Interesting to read different opinions, because Chamrousse for me was very limited.

In fairness I prefer the really large linked resorts, i.e. 3-valleys, and Chamrousse is more 'local' and so would be a great confidence building resort if you like to find a favourite run and go round & round.

I don't do much night life myself, but there was a nightclub/bar in the main shopping centre, think prices were alleged to be £7.50 a pint. And I do remember paying £25 each for melted cheese & dried bread [they called it "fondue" which justified it of course. :thumbdown: ] Needed to book restaurants 'cause they filled up very quickly.

At 1700 there was a buffet restaurant associated with the apartments where you could buy vouchers for the week. Basic food but the staff were friendly (family run as I recall).

But late March? Chamrousse in not that high. 2000m max? Check the snow history. I know it rained on us one day!

A great family resort,with plenty to entertain early intermediates but a few surprises such as the Mens and Womens Olympic runs with great dips and swoops for more advanced skiers.
We stayed in the Domaine de l'Arselle at Chamrousse 1750 which is great for families as there's easy access via chairlift to the slopes and a small selection of shops, bars and an on-site restaurant too. If you opt for staying at Chamrousse 1600 the fast gondola will whisk you to the top of the resort in minutes where as previous people have said, the views are magnificent.
For skiing in March, it's difficult to be sure. The resort has plenty of artificial snowmaking and we may get a long season. You might be better opting for a slightly higher family resort in the same region - Oz en Oisans or Vaujany with easy access to the Grand Domaine of Alpe d'Huez are only half an hours drive further from Grenoble.
Look at www.skicollection.co.uk for holidays to Chamrousse or www.peakretreats.co.uk for Vaujany and Oz en Oisans

smartski, you are obviously a good skier! I did say advanced skiers would probabkly think differently. It was perfect for us, and as I prefer to stick to blues really, and the odd gentle red, I'd still love it now. The kids are pretty good skiers but even they would enjoy it again I think. We went for £1200 for all four of us including skis boots and the free lift pass, but since then, prices have shot up, otherwise we'd have gone back. I never used any bars. when we go self catering, i cook everything. We take pasta, rice, and tins of curry, stewing beef etc etc plus cup a soups, biscuits cake and what have you. The food is dear in the shops too, so I only buy bread and milk, I take everything else! If you're not going out you can take less clothes to make up for it lol

Discodee wrote:smartski, you are obviously a good skier!

That is my mantra, say three times every morning :lol:

Discodee wrote:I did say advanced skiers would probabkly think differently.

You did. I should have added that there are some very pretty runs, "ours" ?? I think it was... beautiful gentle slope through the trees. And a challenging black at the other end of the resport (can't remember the name)

Discodee wrote: we go self catering, i cook everything.

you've lost me now...do not understand...! :shock: