Favourite spot for those…
1. In search of the gentle, cruising pistes?
- Franki: For families I would personally say that The Grands Montets would be their best option. At the bottom of the lift you have the Panda Club Ski School for the children and the runs off at the top of the lifts are quite wide and great for cruising. For beginners I would recommend investing in some ski lessons and heading to the Brevent area. This is close to the town centre and therefore should skiing not be quite your cup of tea, you won’t be far away from the endless other opportunities available in resort.
- Kylie: Le Tour is the place to go for wide open piste, suitable for beginners; you also get the added advantage of being able to head over the back side of the mountain into Vallocine, Switzerland.
2. In search of powder?
- Franki: I’m not the best with off piste, I would ask Kylie! However if you are looking for a bit of a challenge then the Vallee Blanche is a really exciting off piste itinerary run. The slopes aren’t particularly hard, you just need to know how to ski off piste and you must take a guide.
- Kylie: On a powder day there are so many great off piste areas to explore, which is what makes Chamonix such an amazing ski resort. Some favourites are Combe de la Pendant on Grands Montets (or as the locals call it the Le Lavancher bowl). A wide off piste open bowl that allows you to pick your own path down and joins back up to the chair lift. Also a great place to head is the top of the Grands Montets gondola. This gondola takes you up to 3,275m and the snow up there is lighter and dryer. There are endless options to take up there, but if you know your way you can engineer it to end up back at a lift, so no hiking required. If not, a guide will be more than happy to show you the way!
3. In search of the slower pace of life?
- Franki: For non skiers there is plenty to do. Watching the world go by, sitting in one of the resorts’ fine bakeries. Taking the lift up to the Aiguille du Midi, catching the train up to the Mer de Glace for spectacular views and some lunch options, or you can take the train over to Martigny in Switzerland for some shopping.
- Kylie: A must do for non-skiers (and skiers) in Chamonix is to go through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy and visit the Thermal baths of Pre Saint Didier. It’s only 30 minutes from Chamonix and is a fantastic day out.
4. In search of the ultimate bragging rights to impress friends at a dinner party?
- Franki: From a foodie point of view, I’d say dinner at Bistrot –it is Michelin starred along with the Albert Premier in resort centre. The Cabine located on the golf course, is the perfect spot for long lunches sat by the huge fire. Perhaps not conducive to a round of 18 holes!
- Kylie: The possibilities are endless for this question when you are in Chamonix. There are countless routes you can do here that you will never experience in any other ski resort. The Vallee Blanc is one of the tamest ones and a good introduction. One that I personally did was a full moon ski down the Mer de Glace and back to Chamonix town centre. Incredible experience. Do get in touch to find out more.
5. In search of the complete skiers tan?
- Franki: I would say the Bergerie is a really lovely option for those wanting to top up their tan on a sun drenched terrace. Located on the Brevent mountain it boasts beautiful views as well. Or the sun terrace at the Hotel Aiglon is a prefect option in the resort centre. You can have lunch there and use the outdoor pool and spa which are open to non-residents.
- Kylie: I’d have to agree, Bergerie is the best restaurant on the mountain for cuisine. But for the best views; Le Panoramic restaurant. Located at 2,525m, you would struggle to find a restaurant with a better view than this (see above!)
For further information, or even to hear more on Franki & Kylie's wise words, contact us to arrange your perfect skiing holiday in one of Europe's most exciting resorts...
