Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
limitless
off-piste
(ungroomed) skiing, but first you'll need an experienced guide to
help you avoid hidden crevasses, deadly patches of ice, and avalanche danger.
Non-skiers won't be bored. The lifts described in this chapter lead to top-notch
views.Swimming,saunas,tennis,skating,andclimbingareavailableatChamonix's
Centre Sportif. You can also relax in a spa, go bowling or dog-sledding, and hike
along groomed winter footpaths.
When to Go
High season is usually from December to mid-May. Chamonix is packed from
Christmas through New Year's Day and busy in February and March (during
European winter and spring breaks). It's quieter in early December, in January after
NewYear's,thesecondhalfofMarch,andinApril(butEastercanbebusy).Thanks
to easy access to high-elevation runs, you'll usually find good powder in April and
May, when it's less crowded. Chamonix is one of the great resorts for spring ski-
ing, and you can usually find special spring package deals. Whenever you go, get
an early start to avoid the late-morning (après-ski-party-recovery) crowds.
Tickets
Adult lift tickets covering Chamonix's three main areas, including the lower-elev-
ation beginner areas, are €48/1 day, €90/2 days, €130/3 days, €170/4 days, €215/5
days(about15percentlessforskiersolderthan64oryoungerthan16).Orconsider
theMontBlancUnlimitedpass—coveringalltheareasintheChamonixValley(de-
tails on the websites listed later, under “Information”).
Ski Rentals
Prices don't vary much, so go with something convenient to where you're staying
andaskyourhotelfordealswithnearbyshops.You'llpayabout€14-24/dayforskis
and about €8-12/day for boots.
Technique Extrême
has the best deals on rentals
andgear(tel.0450533825,200Avenuedel'AiguilleduMidi,
www.technique-ex-
treme.com
).
Snell Sports
isarespectedshopthat'sbeenaroundformanyyears(tel.
04 50 53 02 17, 104 Rue du Docteur Paccard,
www.cham3s.com
)
.
Sports Alpins
provides great service (tel. 04 50 53 13 60, 7 Place Edmond Désailloud, Chamonix
Sud,
www.cham3s.com
)
.
Where to Go
It's tough to find one area in Chamonix that offers a perfect mix of terrain for every
level of skier, but here's a rundown of Chamonix's key ski areas:
