Latest posts for the topic "Chamonix"

Chamonix

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:50:47 GMT

Heading to chamonix for the first time in January and hearing mixed reviews so starting to panic a bit

There are 4 of us, all which I'd describe as average intermediates. Will we have plenty of scope.

Being 4 lads in our twentys we enjoy the odd beer so what about apres ski? Is it as expensive as everyone tells me?

Cheers

Chamonix

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 07:27:58 GMT

NI1987 wrote:Is it as expensive as everyone tells me?

Cheers

There is enough Apres-ski in Chamonix to meet the demands of all budgets, from Michelin * to McD's.

It's an amazing place. What "mixed reviews" have you heard?

Re:Chamonix

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:36:57 GMT

Thanks, I'd just heard that the resort catered mainly for beginners and experts with nothing in between for intermediates.

Maybe a silly question but I take it snow is a given in January? Having skied for the past 3 seasons in Andorra with pretty poor conditions we wanted somewhere to guarantee plenty of the white stuff.

Re:Chamonix

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:00:31 GMT

There is tons of skiing for intermediates :D Some winters have more snow than others, that is true of everywhere. Last December Chamonix struggled to open slopes because, so much snow fell so quickly.

Typically Chamonix pistes are open December to May. Ski tourers and Chamonix locals carry on into summer/autumn..... -)

Some fabulous Chamonix mountain photos on the Idris Skis Blog

http://www.idriskis.com/blog/

Re:Chamonix

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:16:02 GMT

I second Bandit. Plenty skiing in Chamonix for all levels. Lot of ski areas with runs which will keep intermediate skiers happy.

Re:Chamonix

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:17:04 GMT

As per above should have a fantastic vacation. Where are you planning on staying in town?

Chamonix is a proper town, with 10 000 plus residents. Hence food, apres ski is very reasonable, really completely upto you how much money wish to spend.

Skiing, plenty of choices, your legs will be shot before you run out of options. If you are decent intermediates I would suggest a VB. If you PM me can suggest plenty of good guides. Depending on snow I would suggest one day in each of the main ski areas, all very different and all good. Courmayeur is also good option for a day trip.

Food on mountain is not the best except for Les Houches and Balme (restaurants near car park) others I would forget. Personally I always make or buy from Chinese lady in Chamonix Sud. Late lunch in town is also good option.

If no car make sure read bus time table (search engine:-Chamonix bus). Otherwise you will end up being one of those annoying people claiming you had to wait for bus ?. I mean you don't turn up randomly at train station or airport. Anyway buses before 8:30 and you should be able to get a seat.

Planning on being home most on Jan, so feel free if have additional questions.

Re:Chamonix

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:49:03 GMT

ha-ha, Ranchero, I like what you said about buses. So true!

Re:Chamonix

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:55:00 GMT

Thanks guys. We are staying in chamonix-sud in a place booked through snostation.com.

I think we are goin for the chamonix area pass which I don't think covers courmayeur. Are there lifts within walking distance of the town or are buses essential?

Re:Chamonix

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:10:46 GMT

What's the best place for buying transfers from geneva?

Re:Chamonix

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:16:22 GMT

Chamonix is on my list this year, or january maybe. Any pricing suggestions or something is welcomed :D

Re:Chamonix

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:08:19 GMT

You will need a bus to get to ski lifts from Chamonix Sud. The only lift withing walking distance from there is Aiguille du Midi telepherique.

Re:Chamonix

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:49:11 GMT

Noted. Danke!

Re:Chamonix

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:56:24 GMT

NI1987 wrote:What's the best place for buying transfers from geneva?

Several choices here....

http://www.chamonix.net/english/transport/index.htm

Re:Chamonix

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:51:54 GMT

Lot of options to get tranfered to Chamonix. We usually just turned up at the airport - it's very convenient when you can't finish on Friday in time to catch the last bus from town. Always worked.

Re:Chamonix

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:14:10 GMT

Chamonix - sud! Oh dear! I stayed there once and would never go back but that is just to the Chaminix Sud complex .... Chamonix is a great proper town as described above and the Chamonix Valley is amazing for both inters and experts.

Five of us went to Cham.Sud and they put 5 single beds in a small bedroom ... there was literally no floor space. I absolutely refused to stay there and after a long 'debate' they gave us a better place. My tip is to complain hard if you're not happy.

Personally I think the best ski area by far is Les Grand Montets which is easy to get to on the ski bus up the valley.

I am sorry if my adversion to the Chaqm.sud complex is putting you off; please don't let it because the Chamonix Valley is fabulous ... apres ski in Chamonix is great too. Have a great trip!

Re:Chamonix

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:50:10 GMT

I'm looking for a good route to get to Chamonix by car, from Munich, if there's one...

Re:Chamonix

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:09:45 GMT

GPS?:) I guess it might be through Switzerland. via Berne-Fribourg-Vevey-Martigny-Vallorcine

Re:Chamonix

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:25:51 GMT

Yes, gps... i guess there will be about 7-9 hours driving, depends on the weather and traffic... anyway, i'm checkin some routes on viamichelin (hope i'm not spamming)

Re:Chamonix

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 01:34:26 GMT

xDanutz wrote:I'm looking for a good route to get to Chamonix by car, from Munich, if there's one...

I suggest you go to www.multimap.com and click directions. Put in your starting and finishing points and you will get the quickest route. Or get a sat nav!

Re:Chamonix

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 08:30:56 GMT

xDanutz wrote:Yes, gps... i guess there will be about 7-9 hours driving, depends on the weather and traffic... anyway, i'm checkin some routes on viamichelin (hope i'm not spamming)

Once you get to Berne it's about 3 hours. But yes, weather could be a huge factor especially when you get to route de la Forclaz. Driving through Geneva is more reliable but in good weather it's longer.

Re:Chamonix

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 10:06:56 GMT

Yeah!my sat nav never disappointed me :D Thank you guys for your advices.