J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Hoop

Thanks for the welcome and info, bandit. We've got a car for the week, so we're pretty flexible.

We'll be arriving lunchtime/evening on 28 Jan, so we'll be skiing from the next day. Our plan was to do a quick scout round the town on the first night, so it sounds like we should find places that suit our tastes and budget.

I know peak periods can be pretty bad for lift queues, but what about the week we're going (28 jan to 4 feb)?

Am I right in assuming that we can expect good snow? I know there's no guarantees, but from what I've read, the chances seem good.

Also, are there free detailed piste maps available at all of the ski areas?
The maps we had in Breckenridge et al in America were fantastically detailed, making the pistes easy to navigate.

Sorry if I'm echoing what others have asked her, but I used the search function and nothing really answered my questions.

I just need some insider information on Chamonix, as myself, the other half and 3 friends are staying self catered for a week at the end of January through to start of February.

Although not exactly experienced, I'm quite competent on skis, having been to Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone and Arapahoe (very spoilt for my first skiing experience!!!). Unfortunately everyone else will be beginners, with at most about 6 hours tuition on dry slopes back here in the UK.

What areas are best for the bulk of our skiing, bearing in mind I'll be with beginners? From what I can gather Brevent/Flegere will be a good bet for most of the days, as they're close by (we're staying a 10-15 minute walk west of chamonix centre).

Is paying for the Mont Blanc unlimited pass overkill? I'm unsure whether we'll get the best out of it, and costs are a factor for some of my group.

What are prices like in Chamonix? Beer, food etc. I'm expecting it to be expensive, and for this to be compounded by the weak pound against the euro. Would we be best off buying drinks and food in for the apartment and heading into town a bit later on in the evening?

Does anybody have any recommendations for other worthwhile experiences other than the skiing? I'd be quite keen on taking the Tramway Du Mont Blanc up to the top, but this is made less attractive by the prospect of Les Houches being closed for the season (any updates on this?).

How about recommendations for bars/restaurants etc for a night out?

Sorry for the 1st post essay. I got a bit carried away.

Cheers in advance!!!