Chamonix vs Zermatt

We are from Canada and it is our 2nd time going to Europe to ski, we went to La Plagne, France, last year and we mainly skied on their blue runs, only a couple red runs. We are looking to either go to Chamonix or Zermatt this year. We would like to know some details about their terrain, village, and the general view from the trails. Any help would be appreciated and if you have a better recommendation please let me know.

IMHO, neither resort is ideal for beginners. Also neither are ski in or ski out. Chamonix is possible by using buses but really you need a car, the areas are spread out, having said that it is a wonderful ski area with some amazing skiing. Zermatt is one of the prettiest resorts in the world. Skiing in three areas, if you are only willing to ski blues you are not really going to discover what Zermatt has to offer. Zermatt is very expensive, probably one of the most expensive in the world, you can ski into Italy where prices are half what they are in Switzerland, however you are almost certainly going to have to ski reds more. Both brilliant places and yet both completely different. For more motorway cruising the 3V is hard to beat.

Zermatt has plenty of beautiful cruise runs, all lift linked. Generally quiet pistes from experience.

Cham is not somewhere i would choose to spend a ski holiday. Noisy, crowded, disjointed, you need a car, some tough skiing in places. I would only got here to do the Valley Blanche on a sunny calm day after an overnight dumping.

Dont want much, do I?

Just to qualify the above statement, from a gentleman who I believe has never been to the resort in winter. Firstly Chamonix is a valley (approx. 14km long) with a town of similar name, as they do in the Alps e.g. Aosta. However Chamonix the town has three lifts within 10 min walk, free bus and a valley train. There is a bus every 10min and the train runs up and down valley every 30min. Ski school will typically collect you from the hotel or somewhere central in town. Want ski in ski out? Stay in Argentiere, Vallorcine, Les Praz, or Les Houches. For more evening options and to enjoy the vibe stay in Chamonix itself (that would be my recommendation). Spent an awful lot of time in resort over last 20yrs and never once with car in the winter.

The biggest difference between the resorts is probably the people. Chamonix caters for all sorts; ski bums - millionaires. If you want cheap and cheerful no problem, if you want a Michelin star restaurant or an exclusive bar every night of the week is also no problem. Chamonix would rightly claim to be the global capital of mountaineering and skiing; where passion trumps the pound in your pocket. That is what I like about the town you can be in a bar with someone who just skied a 60deg slope or with someone who did their first Vallee Blanche (varies from red to black depending on conditions and route). Both will have the same smile and enthusiasm telling their days story. As one N American once told me, "I arrived in town and saw guy with a rope, harness and skis, two days later I was that guy", place of legends. Zermatt is a bit more monotone but extremely nice.

The good news is that both are steeped in history, with stunning scenery and skiing for all and both would be a major upgrade on La Plagne which is nice but you have a lot of nice skiing in Canada. Whichever one you choose am sure will have an amazing time. Looking at your ski level am sure people would say Zermatt is the safe bet and that would be my recommendation. However don't believe too much what you read about Chamonix, there are lots of great blues and easy reds and you can basically hit a different area every day i.e. Les Houches, Flegere, Le Tour and Courmayeur.

Not sure if you have left for Europe or not Canadaskier. If not I suggest you hold off on Chamonix. I am here at present and temperatures have been hitting 9C almost every day for over a week with more to come. The snow is crap and off piste is a ski destroyer.
As Ranchero correctly said Chamonix is a valley. The buses do a wonderful job and you DO NOT NEED A CAR.
I am told this is the worst season in 50 years in Cham and the skiing has been a bitter disappointment after spending the last 6 years skiing in Colorado....which is having a corker of a season this year.
If you want hard packed runs marked out with plastic poles then come to Chamonix. If you want fun skiing then go to Colorado.
The one ray of hope is that a fair bit of snow is forecast for March but that may be BS put out by the resort as well. We'll see.
Hope that gives you some information to make an informed choice. Oh yes.......if you want neverending snow go to Japan. I wish we had. Cheers.

I think it's a very good point that no car is needed in Chamonix, the bus service is superb. For someone who has (seemingly) enjoyed mainly blues, I too would hang on for a bit more experience and make the most of what the place has to offer.

The point made by Richard on the 3v is very valid, plenty of different terrains and pistes to try, and all interlinked......no waiting for buses.

Just a point on recommendations. Have you considered Austria? Lech is a fantastic resort and well worth considering. Personally my choice is the 3V everytime, but good luck in choosing.

Steve