Chamonix’s Sweet Spots
Sweet Spot - an optimum point or combination of factors or qualities
Chamonix - a resort area near the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy
People often ask us “so, what's your favourite place to ski in Chamonix?”. The answer is that neither Breezy nor I have a favourite domain or even a favourite run. Yes, the Vallee Blanche is an fantastic run and has so many variations it can challenge any level of skier. Yes, Grands Montets has some amazing terrain for off-piste skiing and boarding. And Yes, the Vieilles Luges in Les Houches is probably the best mountain restaurant in the whole valley.
The truth is that in different snow conditions and weather conditions every domain in Chamonix has its advantages and disadvantages which either makes it the best place to go or a place to avoid. Then you have the factor of individual ability. So here is a few ideas for you all.
When it's dumping snow head for Les Houches or St Gervais but get there early to avoid the queues and find a parking space!
Les Houches has loads of tree line skiing and boarding. When you wouldn't be able to see Jack Mullarkey out in the open you will at least be able to see which way is up when surrounded by trees. Having said that, wrap up warm as there are a lot of chair lifts. If you do get cold swing by the Vieilles Luges for a great hot chocolate from Claude and Julie, the ambiance is fantastic.
St Gervais came on to the MBU ski pass last season and also has a load of tree line stuff to shred up. It also has the advantage that fewer people go off-piste in St Gervais so you are more likely to find some freshies to play with. Something about powder snow sticking to fur.
Find your feet at Domain de Balm.
Also known as Le Tour, this domain has some wide open pistes with fairly gentle gradients and is ideal to get your legs going for the first run of your season. It also has some of the best off piste terrain in the valley however you can't see most of it from the lifts so it's difficult to learn and sometimes downright dangerous without a guide. If you have a vehicle or fancy taking the train, head over to Vallorcine to access the domain. It's so much quieter at the lift, a beautiful ride to get there and sets you up straight away for a great day. Do check the lift situation before heading over as the Vallorcine lift does get closed for avalanche risk.
Fresh trackin' Flegere.
A couple of days after a fresh dump you can often find freshies at La Flegere. From the top of La Floria drag lift you can access some awesome terrain and as long as it stays cold. Your best bet is to use the Brevent lift from the valley floor and ski over to La Flegere. The Flegere uplift is really slow and goes even slower when it's windy. The Brevent lift is super quick so even if it looks busy the queue will move quickly.
Saturday Chicken
Have I mentioned the Saturday Chicken? Every Saturday there is a brilliant market in the Place Mont Blanc, Chamonix. Loads of really nice local produce and a trailer doing the best roast chickens. Grab some fresh bread and a chook or two to take up the hill for a picnic; some mayonaise and a pocket knife and you are sorted. All of the ski domains in Chamonix valley have an indoor space called an “Hors Sac” where you can take stuff to eat or if it's nice you just pick a spot with a view by the piste. A couple of tips – ask for some juice when buying the chook and they will ladle it into the bag (for dunkin' bread) - double bag the chook before putting in a rucsac – rose or white wine goes really well with it.
In short, wherever you stay get chatting with your hosts to get the right information to make the most of your precious hoilday time. It can make the difference between having a good ski trip and a great one.
Why Chamonix?
Chamonix has something for everyone no matter what ability; you can get in a lift to ski a piste with some people wearing harnesses or even wing suits, but there are no edges and anyone will chat to you. It's inspiring! Oh, and then there's Courmayeur, Verbier, Les Contamines... all included on the MBU ski pass.
This ia guest blog from Ski Breezy This is the 17th year Breezy and Alun have been in Chamonix running their chalet in the winters. They ski 5 days a week and love exploring. Breezy is on downhill skis and Alun telemarks and snowboards.