Chamonix

Hi All,

I am off to Chamonix for a week beginning next monday (11th February). First time there, and looking forward to some good offpiste skiing.

Any specific recommendations on parts of the resort (i know it's pretty extensive), or current conditions (lots of snow in the forecast!) would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Geds.

Argentiere has some challenging skiing, and it goes without saying that if you get the opportunity you must do the Vallee Blanche (if only I listened to my own advice).

My friend has just spent a couple of weeks out there and said the snow was fantastic.

Have a great time!

Oh, and don't forget you WILL need a guide to do the VB.

Thanks NellyPS -

Yes, we are planning to get a guide and do the Vallee Blanche. Recommendations on a good guide anyone?

Snow piling up in the forecast!
:-)

Geds.

Mate of mine just got back from St Gervais and is raving about the skiing there, particularly the off piste

Correct me if I am wrong but St Gervais is not part of Chamonix ski area is it?

Edited to add....I was a bit confused wnen we went last year because the St Gervais railway went to Les Houches, but nowhere was anything mentioned about skiing in St Gervais, which I rather like the soind of.

Dids1 you are correct - St Gervais is not part of the Chamonix ski area. Les Houches & St Gervais are on opposite sides of the valley & Les Houches has its own lift pass. (If you buy a Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass, this covers all that Chamonix has to offer, including Les Houches, Grand Montets, Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers train, Tramway du Mont Blanc and unlimited access to Courmayeur and Verbier). St Gervais comes under the Evasion pass, which doesn't include Les Houches.

The ski lifts at Les Houches are run by two rival companies - hence the lack of co-operation when it comes to linking Les Houches & St Gervais. This year we took the tram from St Gervais, up to Les Houches, which was a great way to travel to your ski area. Some of the lifties were wearing Les Houches uniforms & some of them wearing different Les Houches/St Gervais uniforms. We skied down the Kandahar & some of the piste markers say 'Kandahar Les Houches' on them & others 'Kandahar St Gervais' :?

The skiing around St Gervais is great, but it's also a good base for travelling to other ski areas - particularly if you have a car.

Thanks Salski,
It was confusing. How did you get back from the bottom of the Kandahar if your pass didn't cover the lift back up?
Loved Les Houches, also went to La Tour, Argentiere, Brevent and La Flegere.
Area a bit fragmented for me, but I know many don't agree.