4 adults, 3 kids, 2 oap's :-) would you recommend chamonix? and where!

Hello !

Im new to the site ...and new to ski ing

We are trying to plan a trip for...

2 x Adults (been ski ing before)
2 x Adults total novices!
3 x Kids (2 of which have skied before)
2 x Active - but non skiing oap's!

Would you recommend Chamonix?

Can you recommend any where good to stay?

I have seem some fantastic catered chalets but not sure if they are in the 'whole parties' budget!

Thanks very much - look forward to your advice !

mrsc You have quite a mix of needs within your party. Chamonix is a super town, and a big tourist draw year round, so there is plenty of entertainment and activity for the non skiers' in your party.

Having a car with you, will prove very useful!

Your novice skiers' could ski either at Flegere on a green slope or Le Tour where there are good beginners' facilities.

The children in your party, could do well, it depends on how much skiing they have done, and how confident they are, as Chamonix valley slopes tend to be a little steeper than the "average" gradient.If you want them to learn with other children, there is a children's ski school in Argentiere. IIRC they will collect children in Chamonix for the day.

Chamonix can offer ultra budget bunkhouse to total luxury accommodation. Your challenge will be to keep everyone happy. I can't recommend a chalet as I usually self cater or stay in a hotel.

Here is a useful site to check out some prices.
http://www.chamonix.net/english/home.htm

mrsv wrote:Would you recommend Chamonix?

For a mixed group like yours, personally, no I wouldn't... one of the "features" of Chamonix is that there are several largely disconnected ski areas - and, generally speaking (very), each suits a different level of skier. The skiing is largely away from the town, too, so not only will your skiers be separated by ability but your non-skiers will never see any of them!

So, where to go?

For the non-skiers, and the beginners, a traditional resort centred on an actual town will be much more fun than a purpose-built ski resort. There are several such "ski towns" in the same area (i.e. within easy reach of Geneva).

Take a look at La Clusaz - which has good skiing for all levels and several mountain restaurants that are easily accessible by pedestrians (assuming your seniors are happy riding cable-cars). There are also snow-shoe walking routes, an ice rink, swimming pool, etc. for the non-skiers.

If you have a choice of when to go, then later in the season will probably be better for your non-skiers and younger ones.

Chamonix is a great place, but I'm not sure that it would suit a diverse group (in terms of both age and ability differences). How about somewhere that was also a spa, like Lukerbad or Ovronnaz? Perhaps you should look for somewhere like Verbier, which has very good pedestrian access (right up to the summit at 3330) where non-skiers can meet-up with skiers easily. Alternatively, consider staying in a valley village or on a lake and then driving to different resorts for the day. Or having two cars: one for the skiers and the other for cultural/food/wine excursions? The village suggestion is good - Samoens in France and St.Luc in Switzerland are attractive Alpine villages with chairlifts to their ski areas but pleasant for anyone left behind.