Messages posted by : chaletlaforet
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I guess that Gite would be the Vagabond? For cheap and cheerful it's hard to beat - I think for 30 euros they will do half board too, and the food is pretty good. You do get what you pay for (a bunk) and it's not deluxe, but nice and friendly. British run so no language problems. It's pretty close to the train station as I remember so you can get about easily enough.
The other one is the Belvedere in Argentiere which is handy for Les Grands Montets (where I imagine you will be wanting to ride!) but I haven't been inside. Nice old building though. Allegedly you can also stay at the UCPA which again I haven't tried - I imagine you might need reasonable French for this. http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/feb/03/saturday.chamonix.skiing I'd book the airport bus as it does sometimes get busy - or a shared transfer can often be cheaper. Alpybus is the cheapest but have a bit of a reputation for not showing. There are plenty to choose from though. I've found Chamvan to be reliable. ATS let me down badly once, but have been OK the other 5/6 times. They are the biggest so sometimes the only option. Book transfers early because last minute seems to make them less reliable. Early season, nowhere will be too busy so you might as well wait and see. Initial forecasts are good though. Maybe book the flights now, and then go to Chamonix if it's good (or wherever) with Tignes/ Zermatt as a backup plan? I've had good times there at Halloween, never mind early Dec. hope this is handy |
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I find Les Houches isn't great for boarders because it's got a lot of flat spots - I'd say you'd be a lot better off in Chamonix itself, or either Les Praz or Argentiere if you wanted something a bit quieter...The Gustavia (central) or the Eden (Les Praz) are nice....what kind of budget are you thinking of, and what are you looking for?
For what it's worth I think Flegere is the best area for a mixed ability group (though I would say that, wouldn't I! :lol: ) or Le Tour - but Le Tour isn't really a practical place to stay - I think there are a few places but it's pretty out ouf the way. People always look at me like I'm mad when I say this, but I've always found Les Grands Montets to be a good place for mixed groups - there are some nice easy blues and everyone can meet for breaks. And of course it's beautiful. I've been plenty of times with a big mix of abilities - there's normally at least one complete beginner with us - and always had a great time :) If you're having lessons, it might be worth finding out where they will be and basing yourself near there? I made an overview of the learner areas here which you might find handy http://www.chaletlaforet.com/winter/smaller.html http://www.chamonet.com/faq.php has a good summing up of the different areas and their pros and cons. If you're a total beginner it might well be a good idea to get a few lessons at a snowdome first? (NB go to a dome, not a dry slope - they are horrendous for boarders) A lot of them do "learn to snowboard in a day" - could give you a good headstart. Also I cannot recommend a pair of impact shorts enough - they really take the sting out of the inevitable falls, it's a godsend when you're learning. If you can get kneepads too, so much the better! Skate ones are fine. I wear mine all the time, they make it comfy to kneel in the snow. Incidentally if you can go in mid January, you might catch the rather unfortunately named Talents weekend where there are loads of freebies for women - free list passes, lessons, really good discounts. http://www.talents-aiguilles.com/ This was last years' event. Doesn't look too good from the site, I know, but in fact it was excellent. hope this helps :) |
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My favourite time as well :) Lovely and quiet, easy to find accommodation, good snow, no lift queues...
We were in Chamonix from mid December to mid January last year, when the lack of snow in the Alps was a subject of much media hysteria. Well not where we were! We were sending friends phone pics of us and they were calling back saying "I thought there was no snow in the Alps? I saw it on the telly..." We've been several times the week after New Year and were planning to do it again next season but the chalet is booked already...might go the week after instead though :) |
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Thursday-Thursday is always going to be a bit tricky...you could try Bigfoot in Chamonix
www.bigfoot-travel.com/ who do flexible changeovers on quite a few of their properties. They are our agents too btw, (not a plug for us, we are a bit big for you I think :) - but they do have quite a lot of apartments for 6 as I remember, so might well be worth a try. (ps i am not wanting to break any forum rules here so please let me know if I should edit this!) |
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I think the snow in general is not too bad at all, especially on the pistes rather than off them. A good way to keep an eye on condition is the Chamonet snow report
http://www.chamonet.com/snow_report.php which will tell you what's good where - you can also sign up to their Dump Alert to know when the snow does arrive... |
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