The little things to know about Chamonix France
...before you book

There's no question, the ski resort at Chamonix France is world class.  It is however, so large that to maximize value, you'll need to pack in miles of pistes in your limited time here.

So, here are some tips to help you avoid the little irritants that can crop up.

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Nonetheless, this first rate resort really is the place for beautiful people and the best parts of Chamonix Valley in France, that is the pistes, hamlets, the town, the clubs, even the transport, lends to making the visitor feel special.

Chamonix France
The Quick Lowdown

Tips On Location

The resort is huge and there are 5 separate regions, each individually massive.  You could spend all day exploring each of the groomed regions - Le Tour, Les Grands Montets, Brevent, Flegere and Les Houches. I suggest a review of the orientation map of Chamonix France and the location of the villages.

What this means is that commuting is unavoidable - it takes an hour on the bus to get from one end of the valley to the other. So be sure your apartment or chalet is close to the bus stop. 

For us, there's nothing worse at the end of the day than trudging back to the hotel. I recommend - keep the distance between the hotel and the bus stop short.

Some hotels do offer a chauffeur service to the lifts. While we would rather pay more so we don't ever have to wait, this is a cost effective alternative.

Tips!

• Don't fall for the advertising that accommodation is close to the Aiguille du Midi lift - this lift does NOT go to any groomed pistes. 
  
  
• If you're purchasing the restricted ticket for Chamonix France, check that your accommodation is close to areas you're able to access on the Le Pass.
  

Chamonix Ski Vacation

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Accommodation  Tips

• If you'd like views at your accommodation, south facing rooms are most likely to have views of Mont Blanc. 
  
  
• If the accommodation is in town, some people consider the rooms facing the square to be noisy, but we love the hustle and bustle
  
  
• Time your visit, if you can to coincide with the World Cup. The home of World Cup Downhill Slalom events is the Kandahar at Les Houches. There's a big out door party at Place Balmat in the center of town during the week of the World Cup.
  
  
• Many hotels do not serve dinner which will require you to dress and head out again.

Street Scene, Place Balmat, Chamonix France

Apres-ski

• The happening place is in the center of town. If you're likely to be getting home late most nights, be sure to budget for taxis. The night bus operates but is a limited service.  Else, select accommodation close to the center
  
  
• There is no shortage of activities whether you're a skier or non-skier. The Tourist office is located just behind Place Balmat and have loads of flyers on stuff to see, written in English
  
  
• Besides the ubiquitous clubs and restaurants, there's a cinema, casino, more than enough coffee and cake places and on the nights you want to chill "at home", there's even a tiny video store for video hires.

The Refuge at Vallee Blanche, France

Plan your week

• It's all here on " Just A Week Skiing in Chamonix?"
  
  
• Be sure to take a guide with you for the amazing Vallee Blanche adventure - and be sure to tip well. It's his job to get you back safely.
  

Family Skiing Vacations

• Who'd think this Death Sports Capital of the World, is just as attractive for family winter vacations!  
  
  
• The trick with family vacations is keeping everyone happy and meeting each family member's vacation expectations. This can be difficult when the skiing skills gap can range from expert to beginner.  It is possible at Chamonix, because it is so vast that there's enough varied terrain for all levels of skiers.
  
  
• We like this winter resort in France because of its proximity to the borders of Italy and Switzerland. Visitors to Europe can take a break from their jaunt through the continent at this centrally located resort in France.

Child Care

• For babies and toddlers under 2, Club Med has a dedicated Baby Club Med service. Club Med is conveniently located right next to the La Savoy lift in town and close to the buses to more challenging slopes.
  
  
• For children from age 3, there are ski schools with combined lesson and child care programs for half and full days.
  
  
• Evolution 2, a ski school has partnered with Panda Club at Argentiere so provide the full instruction for children as well as child care for rest and play time. They can arrange pick up and return with their private mini bus.

Chamonix France For Non-Skiers Too!

• Read more on "Huge Fun for Non-Skiers Too!"

• Be sure to attend the Ice Hockey Games - the mulet goes to the ice skating rink.  France is just as keen on Ice Hockey as the Canadians.
  
  
• Oh, if you'd like a lovely walk, go where the locals walk of an afternoon.  Catch the mulet to the Nordic building. Please remember the etiquette is to stay off the tracked paths - you can see grooved tracks for the cross country skiers - but follow on the outside of the track all the way to the end and catch the bus back to town.

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