J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by chaletinthemountains

Snow finally started falling again in the Chamonix Valley in the middle of last week. Not exactly a huge dump, but it did provide a gradual build up over several days. But temperatures were still staying stubbornly high, so whilst the snow was falling on the ski areas, it was still green at the bottom of the valley.

Then, last night, the temps dropped and we were all clearing snow off the cars this morning! Local forecast is for more snow today and, with a new disturbance coming in from the west, more snow on the ski areas forecast for tomorrow as well.

The whole valley is blanketed in snow, the place is really looking like a proper winter wonderland .... just as it should be at this time of year! That's great news for the upcoming half term holidays.

If you're looking for a deal, then March is definitely a really good time to look. Plus there's the bonus that resorts are not so crowded, there is a good chance of blue sky and, if the last few seasons are anything to go by, the snow conditions can be great as well.

On the accommodation front its not peak season, so usually there's a good choice of availability. But top tip: don't just concentrate of the price of the accommodation, try to get accommodation providers to be flexible about dates. A mid-week check-in/out means you can take advantage of the bargain seat prices offered by be budget airlines. That can save you way more cash than a simple discount on accommodation.

Finally (and please turn away of you're offended by shameless self-promotion), we are currently running a Flexible Breaks promotion incl flexible check-ins, long weekends, mid week breaks. Basically, design your own holiday. Choose the number of nights you want, choose your preferred arrival dates and email Helen on stay@chaletinthemountains.com for availability.

Full details are on http://chaletinthemountains.com/prices.htm

Took a day or so longer than expected to arrive, but its now snowing

BRILLIANT!!!!!!

Looks like the snows going to start today. This morning, the pressure in Chamonix is already dropping, temps are already hovering around zero and its already raining in Geneva ... all points to snow today!!

Local weather report is saying
TUESDAY: rain-snow limit dropping towards 700 m - expected snowfall towards 1500 m : 10-15 cm.
WEDNESDAY Changeable - fleeting sunny spells rain-snow limit 1000m

fingers toes and third leg crossed!!

Orig@mi was pretty much spot on with his synopsis of the various ski areas here in Chamonix, however the only thing i would add is don't forget Les Houches. Its similar to Le Tour in terms of difficulty level, but is much closer to Chamonix. Les Houches has both wide open pistes and trails through the forest and there are spectacular 360o views from the top. There are a few challenging pistes, however the majority are not too difficult. And if you go there, look out for the Vieille Luge restaurant, its the best on piste restaurant in the whole of the Chamonix Valley!!

For more info on the different ski areas, including maps, have a look at
http://www.chaletinthemountains.com/ski%20areas.htm
or
http://www.chamonix.com/page.php?page=22&r=ski_areas&ling=en
and for the latest version of the Les Houches' ski map along with details of their swanky new lift go to http://www.ski-leshouches.com/pdf/plan_des_pistes.pdf





PS - by the way Le Tour has recently changed its name to Domaine de Balme

Prices in the offer below are in Euros ..... For some reason euro symbol has been converted to a "?"

So prices should read as:
long weekends (4 nights) Euro 1200
midweek break (3 nights) Euro 900
nightly rate (min 2 nights) Euro 375 per night

FLEXIBLE BREAKS in Chamonix!!

Design your own holiday. Choose the number of nights you want, choose your preferred arrival dates and email Helen on stay@chaletinthemountains.com to enquire about availability.

Prices from ?37.50/£25 per person per night (basis 8 sharing) in a quality selfcatered chalet - see http://www.chaletinthemountains.com for details and photos

long weekends (4 nights) ?1200
midweek break (3 nights) ?900
nightly rate (min 2 nights) ?375 per night

These prices include rental of the whole chalet, bedding, fresh towels, electricity and heating. Full details are on http://www.chaletinthemountains.com/prices.htm

Perfect for a long weekend's skiing or a cheeky midweek escape.

Or simply save yourself a small fortune on your annual week away skiing - not only great accommodation at a great price, but also book a midweek checkin and take advantage of the bargain seat prices offered by the budget airlines.

For availability, please contact Helen at stay@chaletinthemountains.com or call her on 00 33 619 12 45 84.

Here's a link to an apartment run by some friends of ours, they rent it out on a self catered basis and its located close to Chamonix town center, so its great if you want to get out and about at night!

http://www.chamonixselfcatered.com/periades.htm