Argentiere, France

Tom Travis from UNITED STATES writes:

I have skied throughout Europe and North America, and the Grand Montet at Argentiere is simply my most favorite ski station in the world. I have skied there 10 times and will keep returning. The skiing from the mid-station on its verticals of 4200' to the summit, 2100' on the La Herse lift, and 2700-3200' from the La Bochard lift, are endlessly fascinating, interesting and challenging, limited only by one's own imagination and capabilities. I adore the off-piste Glacier run from the summit, as well as the runs of Les Pylones and La Pendant. The "off-off" piste Pas de Chevre down to the Mer de Glace is fascinating, if not scary. If after skiing from the summit, one takes the long, intermediate run, the Pierre a Ric down to the valley base, the vertical is 6'600'. Wow! The views from the Grand Montet, especially the summit and the rocks to the right of the Bochard lift are incredible. The Grand Montet receives loads of snow and its north face retains the snow, often well into May. After skiing the Grand Montet for days, one can sample the other ski stations of the Chamonix Valley. I particularly enjoy La Flegere, with its glorious views of the Mont blanc range and one of the sweetest bowls anywhere, the Combe Lachenal; as well one has the opportunity to ski the Vallee Blanche, with its 9200' vertical and 10 mile run, and awesome views.

2005-12-25