Visitor reviews for Chamonix

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• January 01, 2009
  Wellster from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  December 18th 2008
  I have recently returned from a trip to Chamonix with a small group of intermediate skiers and felt moved to provide a report of our experiences.

  This was our third trip to Chamonix together in the week leading up to Christmas and it was, by a 'long way' the best ever. The conditions this year could only be described as awesome. However, I should point out that if you are a visitor from the UK, skiing in Chamonix just now (or any resort in Europe for that matter) is a double-edged sword.

  First - the resort.

  Le Compagnie du Mont Blanc has started to invest heavily in the resort and we benefited from the new gondolas and chairs in La Flegere, Brevent and Les Grandes Montets. They really have made a difference and it was good to see the pistes in excellent condition and well marked. We're not yet up to the off-piste Chamonix experience, but given the early season conditions, I'm sure there was plenty of fun to be had by all.

  However, we did find enormous disparity between the resorts regarding the costs of food, drink etc and information. Prices at Les Houches (no longer part of the Mont Blanc ski pass) were off the scale although Gnd Montets was perfectly acceptable.

  We decided to visit Courmayeur via the Mont Blanc tunnel as we were encouraged to do so, but found that our ski passes were not acceptable at the tunnel toll to get the (significant) discount for the journey. We also encountered an unexpected delay of 45 mins going through the tunnel due to 'maintenance'. Also, once at Courmayeur we had to upgrade our passes at the ticket office to gain access to the pistes that took a further 40 minutes. This all seemed inappropriate as the whole point (surely?) of getting the full Mont Blanc pass would be to provide unhindered access the pistes. One of our party had bought his Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass online before our trip but found that it wasn’t valid at Courmayeur without the receipt! All very painful.

  The big thing we all must deal with just now is the GBP - EURO exchange rate. The prices in Chamonix were so much higher than any of us had anticipated or experienced before that we were left with a limit on our enjoyment simply because we could neither afford, or justify the horrific prices for food and drink when out and about in the evenings. Try going out for a night and shelling out £6.00 for a pint (£10.00 in 1 venue) £8.00 for a shot, £8.00 for a starter and see how long your money lasts?

  So, in summary - Chamonix remains, as always, a very special resort with truly breathtaking scenery, awe inspiring descents and a varied skiing experience. Just expect, for this season at least, to have to pay for it.

• December 21, 2008
  Anton from SOUTH AFRICA
  

  I visited Chamonix for an early season break and was fortunate to benefit from the best early season snow falls for several decades. As a strong intermediate to advanced skier I found it to be a challenging and enjoyable resort. Not being a very accomplished off-piste skier (and having brought my 63mm slalom skis with me) I was not really able to take full advantage of the off-piste opportunities, but I could appreciate that they were impressive. The pistes themselves were good and pretty well groomed considering the amount of snow, but not the best I have ever seen. Grading of the pistes was definitely understated, and many of the blue slopes would pass for reds elsewhere. Also I must say that the pistes were not particularly well marked or signposted and it was not difficult to find yourself skiing down the wrong piste, or even skiing off it in low vis. Scenery was fantastic (that is, when the clouds weren't obscuring it) and I liked the town.

  Although not cheap (especially when paying in Rand) I didn't find it much more expensive than comparable resorts in Switzerland or even Austria. I have to agree that many of the lifts are due for upgrading, but am happy to say that there are encouraging signs. The new 3000 person/hour gondola from Chamonix to Brevent opened on my last day and should make a big difference for access to this mountain. A lot of the so-called "high-speed" chairlifts were, however, unfortunately anything but.

  My biggest gripe, however, is the disjointed nature of the resort and the time taken to get to the slopes using public transport. Long walks, long waits and packed buses seem to be the order of the day (especially painful if you are breaking in new boots).

  My summary - if you are in to wild and challenging off-piste skiing, thrive on adrenaline and are prepared to suffer some inconvenience to get it, or if you have your own transport, this is the resort for you. If you are looking for mainly on-piste skiing with easy access, convenience and nice wide open pistes, there are better resorts out there.

  Thumbs up to the guys at Fall-line for their excellent service in customising my new boots (highly recommended) and the girls at Hotel Cretes Blanche for looking after me.

• December 03, 2008
  Joni Mac from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Re: Orshi comments.
  "Your boyfriend swapped his snowboard and went up the Aiguille du Midi - after a death walk he got separated from his friends, nearly fell down a crevasse and slept in a ice cave on the Mer de Glace".
  Sounds like:
  1. He didn't bother to get a guide - being one of the highest off-piste glacial runs in the world with massive crevasses that are covered by snow - getting a guide is pretty much a must.
  2. He got separated from his friends - off-piste you never leave your friends. It's rule no. 1. Always plan where you are going to ski and where you are going to meet. Always carry a transponder (and know how to use it) especially if you are somewhere like the Aiguille du Midi. This is basic off-piste stuff.
  3. Didn't he take a mobile phone with him or radio, may of been an idea... there's loads of other stuff to mention. However, all I wanted to say is, the rest of Chamonix, Le Tour, Brevant, Flegere, Grand Montet is like any other resort and safe for families and groups to ski/board and have a brilliant time.
  If you are going up the Aiguille Du Midi, do yourself a favour and get and guide and make sure your level is good enough to do it. The scenery up there is amazing and breathtaking plus it's a brilliant run to do if you go with a guide and are experienced enough. Just use some common sense...

• December 02, 2008
  anthony from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I couldn't agree more with Tom. The lifts do require upgrading and this process is underway and there are queues on weekends but that's to be expected given the proximity to Geneva and, more importantly, its sheer magnificence as a ski resort. It's unparalleled in Europe and only Zermatt ranks close. The ski area is vast, varied and the scenery is breathtaking. The town has witnessed a significant improvement in recent years and has transformed itself from a dull and dreary working town into a lively and bustling resort which suits all tastes and budgets. It embodies all the ingredients of what is so great about skiing.

• December 01, 2008
  dan from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  "Rest of the nightlife is 100% tatty pubs full of drunk, unshaven blokes on lads trips to the mountains or chavvy kids "doing a season".
  Town itself is full of horrendous concrete blocks out of a communist country and full of mid to low-class English blokes and French families on a tight budget i.e. zero style or class whatsoever. Go to Verbier instead then.

  [Comment by editor: I have changed some 'emotive' text so that the review is suitable for 'family viewing'.]

• December 01, 2008
  JonnyH from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Whoah, is "Ski Lover" talking about the same Chamonix I know? I've been to Chamonix about a dozen times over the past six years, mainly because I have family there, but also because it is an awesome place. You cannot help but be won over by the scenery, working town atmosphere and many impressive traditional style buildings and architecture in the town centre and surrounding areas. If you go to Chamonix Sud yes, there are a few appartment blocks, but Ski Lover makes it sound like Central Moscow Housing estates from the 80s, which Chamonix is nothing like. Regarding the shops - there is a real variety from top designer outlets to local ski/snowboarding shops, obviously not London - but you came to ski, right? The bars are good, you just need to look around and ask where's good to go. As for the weather I have encountered some of the best days snowboarding here ever. With big dumps of snow at night and blue bird days. Chamonix is a great place to ski and snowboard. Yes if the weather sets in you can be limited as a lot of the skiing is above the tree line (like most is in the Alps), however, find the tree runs over at La Tour or use your free day away to ski at Courmayeur, which, on the other side of Mont Blanc, will generally be sheltered as the weather is dropping in Chamonix. If not, chill out and have a spa day or go snow shoeing or cross country skiing - you're on holiday - use your imagination. As for the ski lifts, Chamonix is going through serious modernization of all its lift system. Brevent has been done for this season, (yes Flegere is older but you can ski over their from Brevant - a great warm up in the morning!). Grand Montet is alway gonna be busy (it's some of the highest skiing in the Alps), but there are two lift systems going up there and it's quick to get up, La Tour has been re-done from Valocine and the front lift is always quick. The bottom line is, if you want to ski/board enjoy amazing scenery (the best I have ever seen in Europe), good eating, lively bars and great little town centre, go to Chamonix. If you want to party, get up late, everyone speaking English, sunny weather - go to the Canary Isles.....

• November 25, 2008
  Zotar from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  It seems from reading the reviews here it is a bit 50/50 on what Cham is like! I have worked here and been probably 20 times or so since- why? Because the skiing is about as good as it comes. Yes, the place is not ski in/ ski out and there can be queues - but most of that is secondary to the awesome skiing you can get. To be honest I have been a lot, and queuing only really takes place at peak times- i.e. during Feb, so just avoid it then- you would queue anywhere at that time.

  I cannot believe that people are complaining about the weather- for gods sake this is the mountains!! Basically to summarise a lot of this - if you are serious about your skiing and are up at the crack of dawn to get the best of the snow then Chamonix is for you. I have been to many places and this beats anything hands down. If you are an intermediate, who wants to get up late, waddle to the lift and complains about the lack of sun - you should probably be in Soll or Bulgaria or somewhere like that.

  As for nightlife, Chamonix is a 'working' French town and there are loads of bars and restaurants, you just might need to look off the main street for the good ones- same for prices- eat/drink on the main drag and it's expensive. Think about i - the French eat out a lot, do you think they pay the prices on the main street?? It does have Michelin stared restaurants as well.

  Lift system - some old some new - the better (harder) areas I have never had a problem with. For example the Herse charlift on Grand Montets- 6 man detachable chairlift - I have never queued for this, ever, and it has the best bumps to play on! They are investing a lot in the system- New Brevent life in Dec 08 for example.

  Chamonix has something for everyone - but if you are a 'lazy' tourist and expect everything on your doorstep and everyone to speak English then try somewhere else! If you love the mountains- there is nowhere better.

• November 17, 2008
  mattg from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  "Public transport and availability of taxis in town is dreadful meaning you are forced to drink/drive all the time. "
  Who forced you to drink/drive?
  Stay at home please.

• September 16, 2008
  DC from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Have to say Chamonix is AWESOME! Have been twice and will be going twice in the 2009 season; off piste is fantastic. I have visited a lot of European resorts and some Canadian; Cham beats em all. If you think the lift system is antiquated, try Scotland. Cham's not about class, it's about mountains.

  [Editors comment: text that is aimed towards an individual has now been removed]

• April 21, 2008
  Tom Travis from UNITED STATES
  

  I want to counter some of the very surprising negative comments about Chamonix. The cable cars may be old, but they get the job done, and efficiently and quickly transport skiers up to the mid station or summits. The gondola at Bochard on the Grand Montet is new and rapid, and La Herse chairlift is a new, six person speedy lift. Also, Le Brevent has three quite new, speedy chairlifts, and a new high speed six person chairlift whisks skiers up the main slope of La Flegere. The chairlifts on the Vallorcine side of Le Tour are also new. So Chamonix has made a major effort to upgrade and improve its lift system.
  The biggest problem with lifts, is that when there is insufficient snow to ski from the mid-stations down into the valley, the wait to access the lift back to the valley can be long at Le Brevent and La Flegere. The way to avoid the wait, is to return to the valley before 3:15 PM, but not everyone wants to depart this early. At the Grand Montet this is rarely a problem because the Rierre a Ric trail down the mountain has snow-making.
  One commentator said the weather is permanently bad. This is a ridiculous statement. The weather is no better or worse than most of the Alps resorts. Indeed, the weather has been clear and rather mild on the majority of the many days over 25 years that I have skied at Chamonix. This April it was sunny for four days and cloudy and sometimes snowy for three days when I was there. The bad thing is that when the weather is cloudy, foggy or snowy, visibility can be difficult since most of the skiing is above tree line. But many ski stations in the Alps are above tree line.
  Chamonix has a reputation for difficult slopes. However, the majority of the slopes at Le Tour, La Flegere, Le Brevent and Les Houches are blue and red in difficulty. The most difficult area is the Grand Montet, but even there the groomed pistes are mostly reds and easy for an intermediate skier to do. For excellent skiers the slopes at the Grand Montet are an endlessly challenging and exciting.
  A reviewer said that none of the slopes are groomed, which is false. Every area, including the Grand Montet, cuts pistes into the snowfields and grooms them well. At the Grand Montet, for example. one can ski groomed pistes down verticals of 2072, 2428, 2564, and 3345 feet.
  A reviewer said a positive is that there are "some good" views. I have skied all over the world and regard the views at Chamonix to be unsurpassed in beauty and splendor. Nowhere else in France or Austria are the views so spectacular. In Switzerland, at Saas Fee and Zermatt, and maybe Grindelwald the views come close, but I still prefer them at Chamonix.
  A reviewer says the town of Chamonix is filled with Soviet style concrete bloc architecture. Yes, there are a few unfortunate concrete apartment buildings above the main street, but overall, Chamonix retains its architectural tradition and charm. It is a lived-in French town, with far more architectural interest than the modern ski towns of Les Trois Vallees, Val d'Isere or Verbier. Also, along the valley are small traditional towns that, largely, retain their original architecture. Chamonix is full of excellent restaurants--French, Italian, Thai, and even Indian. I can't comment about the night-life but there are plenty of bars.
  One reviewer stayed in Les Houches and said access was difficult to a supermarket or to bars. Why would anyone without a car want to stay at Les Houches, which is far from the center of Chamonix, and an inferior ski area to boot.
  A reviewer says that one has to drive or take a bus to every ski station. If one stays in town, one can walk easily (but up a hill) to Le Brevent. Otherwise, it's true that one needs transportation to the ski stations in the valley and that is unfortunate. The Chamonix bus system shuttles regularly between the ski areas and is free, but at peak times, the buses get crowded, and that can be uncomfortable. However, I found this year that the buses run more often than in the past and never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a bus.
  A reviewer says the ski ticket is expensive. For an American the multi-day ticket is cheap in comparison to the ridiculous prices charged at US ski areas.

  I regard the Grand Montet as the single best ski station in the world for its variety of runs down vast bowls, the pistes from the summit, the slopes over glaciers, and the limitless off-piste opportunities. I also love the runs at La Flegere, especially the Lachenal bowl, my favorite run in the world for scenery and an exciting, moderately challenging, curving advanced intermediate down hill, and La Floria is not far behind.

• April 05, 2008
  Sue from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We have visited Chamonix, as a mixed group (ages and abilities), for the last 2 years during the Easter holidays. I can't believe the negative feedback I have just read, as we found it a perfect place for the beginners to learn the ropes last year, and then to practice their techniques this year on the lovely long green runs at Flagere. The intermediates had fun on blues cruisin' all over the resort but especially Le Tour, whilst the more adventurous tackled the reds between Flagere and Brevant, and the experts enjoyed a couple of tours from a local ski guide. The weather was snowy and sunny - just what you want (65cms fell in one day)! Prices are comparable to the rest of the Alps and our chalet (Vert et Blanc) was superb again. Even non-skiers had plenty to do. Queues have to be expected at peak times during the day, but they can be avoided. I have to agree with Matt though that a bit of local knowledge is extremely useful! We will go back.

• March 28, 2008
  matt from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Reading these reviews of Chamonix makes confusing reading - Chamonix appears to be the Marmite ski resort !! I went for the first time over Easter 2008 where I was treated to 80cm new snow and sunshine. I had two very very good days which helped me forget about the prices, poor service and queues. I think you have to be there at the right time and have a bit of local knowledge - otherwise you could end up leaving some of the negative comments here.

  I rode at Le Tour / Grand Montet and there was plenty to do. Compared to most other French resorts I find the shonkyness charming. If you want motorway pistes, fast lifts - better look elsewhere. The mix of customers is also a plus - I must have heard 10 different languages the first day. I will remember charging down the ( bottomless ) Bochard black run in the sunshine, looking uphill to see massive rooster tail contrast against the blue sky and majestic peaks. Those days don't happen often !!

• March 27, 2008
  Ski lover from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Negatives:
  Weather conditions are permanently awful - zero sun and lots of mist and fog (proof is if you go over to Courmayeur it's immediately much better!)
  Lift system antiquated, slow and dirty - well behind most decent resorts - every cable car I went on belonged in a museum.
  Runs are completely ungroomed & horrible - again, well behind most decent resorts - poor mountain infrastructure and signing etc, make the mountain feel dangerous and unpatrolled with the result that the entire resort may as well be designated off-piste.
  You can hardly ever ski down anywhere with resulting enormous queues caused by small antiquated cable cars and second cars often not being used - arrogant lift staff don't seem to care and the concept of customer service is clearly a complete mystery to them.
  Mountain restaurants are awful - often far worse than low-end motorway service stations.
  Public transport and availability of taxis in town is dreadful meaning you are forced to drink/drive all the time.
  Decent nightlife is zero - one grotty club, two moderately upmarket bars where you can't even get table service (or have any ventilation...) and can't even buy a bottle of vodka. Rest of the nightlife is 100% tatty pubs full of drunk, unshaven blokes on lads trips to the mountains or chavvy kids "doing a season".
  Town itself is full of horrendous concrete blocks out of a communist country and full of mid to low-class English blokes and French families on a tight budget i.e. zero style or class whatsoever.
  Shops are all low class and seem to cater only to "outdoor types" with no style and on a very limited budget.
  You have to drive everywhere, the car parks at the ski areas are always full and the ski areas are disjointed and limited.
  At €30 a day, the lift pass is almost as much as Courchevel for a resort with runs and lifts in 10x less good condition and 10x less terrain.
  Useless place to take family or beginners unlike many other challenging resorts which offer something for everyone.

  Positives:
  Some good scenery which you can enjoy on the rare occasions when the entire mountain isn't shrouded in mist and fog.
  Some good access to off-piste terrain.
  Stunning Aigle du Midi and Vallee Blanche which the town trades on yet you hear of fatalities on it all the time, again reinforcing the impression that this is a dangerous and poorly managed place to ski.
  Proximity to Geneva airport is a real bonus.

• March 24, 2008
  Paul from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  A quick post to address a few points made by Dan of France in his 20 March entry. I have spent the last couple of months in the Chamonix valley and sadly have to leave soon.
  First, I agree with some of Dans points. The lift system generally needs some improvement, especially the cable car up to Flegere, though I do not agree that the the Argentiere / Grands Montets lifts are generally "old / slow": queue times here are generally fine given its popularity (there's a choice of fast chair or cable car up from Argentiere).
  I also agree that Chamonix is geared to strong intermediates / advanced skiers and there is a big step-up from the valley-floor nursery areas to the blues and reds on the mountains. A number of beginners visited me this season, however, and were won over by the spectacular scenery, old-town charm and excellent nightlife.
  Picking up on a few of Dans negative comments:
  - I don't agree that Chamonix is "very expensive": there are plenty of cheap options for eating, drinking and sleeping in Chamonix, which, being a year-round normal French town, has plenty of standard-priced supermarkets, fast food chains, 'happy hours' and competition between the 100 plus eating and drinking venues.
  - Dan said that (at the time of his visit) "very few runs to the villages were open": there are 4 main ski areas in the Chamonix valley (Le Tour, Argentiere, Brevent-Flegere, Les Houches). At the time of Dans post (20 March) runs to the resorts were open in 3 of the 4 main areas. Only Brevent-Flegere's home runs were closed.
  - "If you are not in Chamonix there is literally no nightlife in the other villages". This is simply not true. In Argentiere alone there are 11 bars, 1 nightclub and at least as many restaurants. Bars are generally open til 2am, the nightclub later.
  - "The pistes are unkempt...". Piste bashers operate in all ski areas every night. A minority of pistes are intentionally left unbashed; these are clearly signed.
  - "Poor selection of mountain restaurants - all very expensive..." The standard price for a ham baguette in most restaurants is EUR 4.00 (ie. cheaper than London) and some restaurants do excellent hot meals (main course and dessert) for EUR 12.00. The majority of restaurants offer astonishing views of the Chamonix valley and its amazing mountain ranges.
  Overall, I think the skiing in the Chamonix is excellent, particularly for advanced skiers. Grands Montets deserves its reputation as one of the great off-piste mountains in the world due to its height (1200-3300m), aspect (north facing), contours (huge natural bowls, countless gullies) and gradient (consistently 20-30 degrees: perfect red - black pitches) and quality of snow (currently 500cm at the top: keeps powder snow even when 15C in the valley). Right now, the majority of its huge surface can be skied by strong intermediates: it is not a mountain reserved for daredevils - the joy is that off-piste here is accessible to many.
  The Chamonix valley is not, however, a single purpose built resort so lacks the convenience of many other resorts. This is a product of its history (real living town and villages) and its remarkable geography in surely the most picturesque and extraordinary location in the Alps.

• March 20, 2008
  Dan from FRANCE
  

  Just got back form a week in Chamonix – we stayed in the village of Le Houche.
  I do have mixed feelings about this area. I think you must choose very carefully about coming here – you need to think about what you want from a holiday. I frequently hear that Chamonix is one of the best places in the world but it certainly wasn't for me!
  However, I can see that if you are a very confident expert boarder/skier you will get the most out of this resort. As a decent intermediate boarder and average skier there are dozens of resorts I would have rather spent my money in.
  Good points;
  - There is a lot of challenging terrain, off piste/ski and climbing opportunities for the very extreme people!!!
  - Very impressive, dramatic scenery
  - A choice of resorts to explore
  - The town of Chamonix itself, although not a bustling hub of excitement, was far and away the best out of the 5 in the valley.
  - Regular bus system to connect you to villages.

  Bad points;
  - Very expensive
  - If snow is not perfect – you are left with lots and lots of ice on some quite steep runs – not for beginners.
  - Very few runs down to the villages were open
  - Which leads to very, very long queues ….
  - ….on a slow old antique, rusty, lift system.
  - If you are not in Chamonix itself there is literally no nightlife in the other villages.
  - Despite a decent bus service – it is still an inconvenience and means it adds more time between you and the slopes.
  - Long queues up and down in Chamonix, La Praz and Argentinere owing to old slow lifts.
  - The pistes are un-kept which means little opportunities to let rip with some high speed carving – a lot of time was spent navigating your way through lumps and bumps. If it wasn't for the poles you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between off and on piste.
  - Poor selection of mountain restaurants – all very expensive with long queues again!
  - The walk up to the gondola

  Overall – if you know what you are going for (i.e some extreme off-piste skiing) and the rewards of your holiday outweigh the bad points, then I suppose it could be brilliant – it's definitely best to stay in Chamonix itself as the others offer very little to do – we stayed in a self catering chalet in Les Houches – only to find the supermarket was 2 miles away and we didn't have a car!!! It seemed like a holiday full of inconveniences – we had a mixed ability group and certainly would not recommend it for this purpose.
  To get the most out of Chamonix you have to ensure you are going for the right reasons and have the ability to make the positives outweigh the negatives. I can imagine that Chamonix, in the right conditions for the right person, offers a very good holiday. But definitely not for us – we won't be heading there again soon.

• March 18, 2008
  sandra from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Had to respond to the pretty negative comments about Chamonix.
  As beginner skiers, we found Chamonix a really good place to ski. The ESF ski school and the beginner slopes were fantastic (le Tours, Les Planards etc). We did not queue very long for any of the lifts, but I do agree with the comment that the European children do not have any manners on the slopes (whizz past at high speed with no consideration for the beginners) or when queuing for the lifts - they just queue jump all of the time!
  The ski buses were regular (albeit packed) and took people to a variety of slopes, depending of your level and where you wanted to ski. This was a free service for all guests staying in the town.
  Our weather was superb - snowing some days, or gorgeous sunshine up on the mountains. The pistes were in good condition throughout out stay.
  I did not find the prices extortionate - in fact, I thought it was going to be more expensive. We had a good lunch, with drinks for approximately £10 - £15 for 2 in the mountain cafe/bar.
  The town is larger than I expected, but this meant there was a good variety of restaurants, bars and shops - I liked & preferred this to a small limited village.
  Overall, we were very happy here, so much so, we have booked another ski holiday here in January, and will try another resort in March 09.
  I may not have had years of experience skiing, trying different slopes or countries, but the initial impression of Chamonix was that it created a perfect ski holiday for 2 beginners.

• March 18, 2008
  orshi from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We went to Chamonix for 2 weeks from 1st March 08. Residence La Ginabelle had a tiny wee room for 4 grown people, no bath, towels changed only once a week, never had a mop, only afternoon sauna and steam room use, and a massive tax on the last day, but workers were friendly.
  The weather was crap, first and last day sunny. Sometimes huge white outs on slopes so you can't see a thing, like 2nd day in Flegere.
  Nightlife is zero but liked La Teracce, lost 40EUR in 20mins in casino, got drunk for a fortune in La Garage night club and once spent 90Eur in a Thai restaurant. Most of the nights we stayed in feeling like high school. Although we took £2500, no money is enough here, so you better play poker with your friends.
  My boyfriend (after swapping boards with his pal) and three others went up to do Aiguille De Midi. After walk of death, he got separated, got lost, nearly fell in a crevasse, where he just lost his board and water. Then he walked for 2-3hours on Mer De Glace and "slept" in an ice cave all night. We were looking for him with the help of brilliant French rescue guys who went out in the dark risking their own lives, then in the morning with helicopters. I hope you enjoyed the wines! The best thing in my life was the phone call at 11am from the hotel that my luckiest boy in the world is there without a scratch.
  Chamonix, never again!

• March 17, 2008
  Wendy Doyle from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Visited Chamonix March 2008, and I really don't know what all the fuss is about. Horrible, dull looking town, have to drive to all the lift stations, queues everywhere, no fun apres-ski, no chocolate box atmosphere or lovely looking hotels like in Austria, and hardly any mountain restaurants, but a good view of Mont Blanc, naturally. Weather was crap, no snow to ski back to the town, let alone have the luxury of skiing back to your hotel. Lift system: diabolical, 2 hour queues just to get back DOWN the mountain at the end of the day at Brevent/Flegere and at £195 for a weeks lift pass that is disgusting value. Only saving grace was my fabulous luxury hotel, the Hameau Albert 1er - wonderful and would go back just to spend a weekend there. Have to say.... did the Valle Blanche - a wonderful experience, but the skiing, ambiance, service, facilities and level of friendliness is not a patch on the many many years I have skied in Austria and loved it. Sorry Chamonix lovers - but this place is HUGELY over-rated and run down me thinks.... and I certainly wouldn't take my children.

• March 09, 2008
  Mike from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just returned from Chamonix after my first visit to this resort. I have skied many resorts over the last 25 years of skiing, in most Alps countries and North America so can hopefully offer a balanced view.
  As a ski resort, Chamonix is not beginner friendly as the ski areas for beginners are very small in comparison to the main slopes. There is a big transition between the beginner slopes and the easiest of the main mountain slopes. The cable car lifts are fantastic - but not for the faint hearted!!.
  The positives - for decent intermediates and above the skiing is excellent. Varied terrains of pisted runs and an abundance of off-piste. Steeps, moguls, powder, it can all be found easily as it is easy to pick your chosen areas as you ride the lifts up!! There is a variety of ranges, offering a good scope of gradings.
  The negatives - organisation and customer service is not good. Be prepared to queue - seemingly all the time!! for cable cars, lifts, buses. If you have skied North America this will be a real shock to you and if you are polite and let people through (as we British tend to do) you will never get on. Also that very European thing of queue jumping is all too common. It would be a very simple thing to sort out but would take some investment - something which is sadly lacking. Be prepared to pay over the odds for pretty much everything. Chamonix is an expensive resort to stay in. On the mountain a coffee can be £3 in a paper cup and a beer at the end of the day? The most expensive we found was £10.00 for a pint!! In the town, generally it is about £5.00 a pint.
  Health & Safety is a very secondary consideration. The ski buses with 30 seats can have up to 80 people on them - most of whom stand up as the driver hurtles along.
  Valle Blanche is an excellent run, again not for the faint hearted and is a real endurance test.
  All-in-all, Chamonix is not a place I will be rushing back to.

• January 26, 2008
  Larry from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just returned from a trip to Chamonix! Superb skiing and snowboarding!! Fantastic snow, great off-piste runs, friendly people and a great atmosphere for both singles and families.
  Choose a hotel in the centre of Chamonix to experience the great restaurants and nightlife. Local buses are available to take you to the resorts.
  Definitely agree with other reviews that it is best to book a guide - he will take you away from the crowds and find the best ski areas according to the conditions.
  We too tried Franck Chapon and I would highly recommend him.
  Will definitely be going back!

• January 26, 2008
  jon Hick from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Chamonix certainly ranks as one of the best ski destinations in the world! To get the best out of your visit, book a local French, English speaking, Mountain Guide through Franck Chapon at Chamonix Sport Adventure and experience the Vallee Blanche (longest run in the world), Heli-ski, Ice Climbing, Paragliding, Ski Touring, Ski/Snowboard Lessons.
  A great all year destination!

• March 21, 2007
  Paddy from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Went self catered to Chamonix through PrimaryRentals.com. Would recommend self catered to anyone for the freedom you have in your own place.
  Skiing is, in my opinion, the best in Europe and I have been to most of them! For really difficult skiing Argentiere is a must, whilst Les Houches is great for families and beginners. I guess the only downside of Chamonix town itself is that you end up getting a bus most days to one of the other resorts, but the nightlife is brilliant. Go there!

• February 08, 2007
  Sally Barnett from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Snowboarding in Chamonix again was awesome. The tree runs on the backside of Le Tour are perfect after a dump.
  Stayed at 'The White Place' run by a guy from the UK by the name of Alex. The best placed I've ever stayed, and that's saying something because this was my fifth trip to Chamonix and I've been to Canada and Australia. Check them out www.thewhiteplace.com
  I love it so much I'm planning my next trip out there for the spring conditions and get a little sun with my boarding.

• February 05, 2007
  Elle Flynn from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just got back from Chamonix. I was there from 27th Jan - 3rd Feb 2007. No new snow whilst we were there but just enough snow from the previous weeks fall. As a learner boarder I found the green runs sufficient to learn on before I hit the blue runs. I was concerned before I went after reading that Chamonix wasn't good for beginners, I don't understand why people say this?!
  Chamonix is a beautiful place with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops. Buses to the ski areas are very regular, although extremely busy!
  If you visit Brevent for the day, take plenty of money for food/drinks, or a packed lunch, the restaurant is very, very expensive! My favourite ski area was Flegere, as I enjoyed boarding all morning and having a late lunch with a few beers!
  I would definitely go back to Chamonix!

• January 26, 2007
  Björn Hellkvist from SWEDEN
  

  I have been to Chamonix four times, and I must say it is, by far, the most complex ski resort there is in Europe. The different areas provides extremely good possibilities for the intermediate and advanced skier. However, Chamonix is not the place to go to if you are a beginner.
  In two weeks I will visit Chamonix for the fifth time and I am, needless to say, really looking forward to it...

• January 23, 2007
  Tony Wade from FRANCE
  

  I dreamt of going to Chamonix as a child while growing up in Alaska. I've been there a few times now, once to do the Vallée Blanche, once to ski at Brevent and Flegere and a few times just to visit and sip cocktails on the terraces and look at Mt. Blanc - which would fit in nicely back home in AK.

  I found the Vallée Blanche to be very pretty and I'm happy to have ridden it, but wasn't amazed by the riding. The last few Km are very flat. The walk down the arete to get to the spot where we could put our boards on scared me and my drunken Irish colleague behind me teetering on the edge of 2000m of nothing wasn't helping. Got to be done once in your life. I will be going back, but to paraglide there.

  Brevent and Flegere are great spots to ski with Mt. Blanc looming in front of you the views are unstoppable. The only thing I could criticize are the antiquated and, frankly, scary lifts. The rusting hulks make groaning noises at the towers and I had bruises on my arm from where my girlfriend had a death-grip on me! Not what I expected from such a renowned and world class resort.

• September 30, 2006
  Lynn from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I visited Chamonix in March 2006. I have snowboarded in most major resorts worldwide and I can honestly say I had some of the best snowboarding I have ever experienced. The snow was around 1m deep at most of the nearby resorts and the off -piste experience was truly unbelievable.
  Whether you are on your own or with a group, to get the most out of your visit to Chamonix, hire a Chamonix Mountain Guide. A guide will take you away from the crowds and show you the best parts of the Chamonix valley. The guides will also show you how to improve your skiing/snowboarding and how to adapt to the different conditions - well worth the price!
  I would highly recommend www.chamonix-sport-aventure.com

• March 13, 2006
  Stevo from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Went there 8th March 2006 for four days - very little was open! Heavy snow meant they closed most of the runs and at most two lifts in each of the four main areas were open. We had to travel out to Les Houches and further to get skiing. Info in the resort was poor and we were directed to areas which we were told were open only to find them closed. "Communication is a problem" we were told by the less than helpful ticket offices.
  No, I will not be going back

• January 30, 2006
  Simon Heath from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Chamonix 15-22 Jan 2006. Awesome conditions following 80cm of snow on the Tuesday and Wednesday and then beautiful blue skies and sunshine.

  The resort is large with a range of apres-ski activities for all. Grand Montets is definitely the best mountain with challenging pistes and excellent off-piste. Stayed at a private chalet for 8 which was excellent and affordable.

  Visit their website for my recommendation www.chamonixchalet.net/Chalet3_Description.ink

  My only quibble with Chamonix is that it is far from a ski in - ski out resort. To reach any of the slopes it is a 20-30 minute bus ride which is frustrating both in the morning and after skiing.

  Overall, 8 out of 10 for the skiing and resort.

• January 17, 2006
  Richard from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  As a huge fan of Chamonix and frequent visitor I have now taken to organising my skiing independently - with Geneva only an hour away and flights from just £45 why pay package holiday prices! There is plenty of self-catering accommodation available online, but for the slightly more discerning I have found chamonixaccomodation.com to be excellent. Their properties are better equipped and privately owned, and parking, TV/Video, radio/cd players are included in the price (unlike others).
  True, it is not ideal for beginners although I have taken children for their introduction to skiing and have no complaints.
  Chamonix remains our firm favourite destination for both winter and summer holidays.