Chamonix opinions for novice/intermediate

Hi
My group is thinking of heading to Chamonix next year.
I am a bit apprehensive as it looks like a resort for "good" skiers.
I have been on a few trips in recent years and can ski greens and blued reasonably. I can get down reds safely, but not easily. I dont much like blacks but I have been on a couple.

Will I be OK and Chamonix?

Thanks
TS

Of the ski areas in and around Chamonix, the areas of Les Houches and Le Tour/Vallorcine have the most easy gradient slopes. They are at opposite ends of the valley.
I have seen 1st week beginners being taught on Flegere. There is easier skiing close to the cable car.

You will get more from the valley if you take some more tuition to raise your skill level.

Le Tour is a surprisingly good area all round. Although it has mostly easy runs, what it lacks in challenging terrain, it makes up for in character. It's probably one of the best for novices as there are some nice long wide easy runs. The scenery at that end of the Valley is interesting. It's probably one of the few places you can ski with a view of a dam (the Aosta I think). It will be much quieter than the other Chamonix areas and the quality of the pistes is likely to be good. There are also some nice, easy, wide open and lightly tree areas to ski. From what you say about your ability, I think you will love Le Tour, especially for the unusually large variety of moderate terrain.

I can't comment on Les Houches since I have never skied it. It is the lowest of the Chamonix areas, so it suffers first when temperatures rise in the spring. As Bandit points out, they are at opposite ends of the valley.

Chamonix is very varied, but the higher slopes are often windwept and can as aresult be pretty icy. If you're looking for a good snow bowl with a lot less ice you could consider Flaine: Not a charming resort but it does have good snow and has enough runs to keep intermediate busy for a month if you go all over the GM resorts too. - I'd agree largely with Steverandomno re le Tour.

If you're looking for excellent novice facilities I'd strongly suggest Samoens which has an outstanding sleection of novice runs.

I've skiied several times in Les Houches and it's a great resort for beginners/intermediates, and only a 10 minute drive our of Chamonix.

I did my first season in Chamonix, never skied before in my life. Agree with Le Tour and Les Houches as a general all rounder for the less advanced though.

Le Herse in Argentiere is not recommended for beginners.

Yeah, I would head to Le Tour on your first day at least. There is a beginner slope at the bottom of the mountain, and some easy, wide blue and red runs up on the mountain which you will manage no problem. Les Houches would also be good for you guys. I would say to steer clear of Grand Montets as that is where the best skiers/boarders tend to go.

Been to Chamonix a number of times so if you have any specific questions, i'll do my best to answer them.

Otherwise, have a great time.

Hi TS

The first thing I would like to point out is that you can happily remove "novice" from your self description. From your credentials you are definitely plain ol' intermediate... no double barrels for you!

I can't believe that I haven't actually been to Chamonix in the winter yet but know lots of people who do and as its so big its got tons for everyone (yes including gnarly off pisters - but it's not all about that!) There's a really honest write up about it here at skibeginner.com/Chamonix.html for beginners who worried about going.

Anyway - big up yourself, go at YOUR pace and enjoy!