I have just returned from an excellent weeks ski holiday in Chamonix.
The part that really made it for us was the fantastic hotel - Les Balcons du Savoy. We (4 friends) stayed in a self-catered apartment and it was simply brilliant - I would say it was worth a lot more than we paid. The apartment was spacious, well maintained and immacuate with a well stocked kitchen (utensils etc). We had a balcony which caught the sun all day and looked over Mont Blanc. The hotel pool is excellent and steam room (although you are supposed to pay sometimes you can sneak in) was welcome at the end of a hard day on the slopes! The staff were also incedibly good - very friendly and helpful all week at all hours. I cannot recommend it highly enough and would go back there again with no hesitations.
The hotel is very well placed for the Brevent/Flegere area being a 1min walk to the beginning of the lift system up there. It is a 3 min walk to a bus stop for Le Tour/Le Grand Montets, and 5 mins into the main town. Fantastic location.
We really liked the fact that Chamonix is a town in its own right rather than made simply for the skiing and the nightlife was great (once we found the hot bars!). We didn't eat out much as we cooked in the flat but there are plenty of restaurants - particularly serving local specialities such as Tartiflette and Fondue. The variety of places to ski was brilliant - if conditions were not great in one places somewhere else would be good. Not that conditions weren't good - plenty of pow pow and off piste conditions great. Ability levels are well-catered for and we rarely skied the same run twice. The only thing is that beginners may have to ski in a different area to more advanced riders - one of our party was learning and was often elsewhere and had to come meet us for lunch as some areas (e.g. Grand Montets) aren't as good for beginners as others. The most extensive pass also includes Courmeyuer in Italy - well worth a trip (our on a sunny day - bellisimo!) - through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Do not miss a trip up the Aguille du Midi cable car to the highest point, even if you dont want to ski down (get a guide if you do). The views are absolutely incredible at 4000m!
The only downside to Chamonix was the length of time we had to waut for buses - they need to be far more frequent. However hiring a car would solve this and really it didn't detract from the holiday. And girls - there were about 8 men to every one girl. Bear this in mind...
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Advantages: Lots and lots and lots of varied runs to choos from, busy night life, plenty of nice places to shop and eat Disadvantages: Rather expensive
bugsy 12.08.2000 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Chamonix
Advantages: picturesque scenery, lots to do, great for activities and especially in winter its buzzing Disadvantages: the weather - it can be cold and rainy even in summer, a little quiet if you're not mad on activities
uptowngirl 14.08.2003 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Chamonix
Advantages: Lots and lots and lots of varied runs to choos from, busy night life, plenty of nice places to shop and eat Disadvantages: Rather expensive
bugsy 12.08.2000 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Chamonix
Advantages: picturesque scenery, lots to do, great for activities and especially in winter its buzzing Disadvantages: the weather - it can be cold and rainy even in summer, a little quiet if you're not mad on activities
uptowngirl 14.08.2003 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Chamonix
Advantages: Good location, luxury accommodation, stunning scenery, good for families Disadvantages: Doesnt snow in the summer!! --but i believe you can still stay :)
Mar 15th, 2008
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