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Poor Chamonix Snow Conditions?
Here's Where To go



Q

Where do skiers go when Chamonix snow conditions are poor? - Richard


A

Hi Richard,

We understand this is always a huge risk on snow sport vacations. You can fork out thousands of dollars and turn up when it hasn't snowed for weeks. Unfortunately, it happens.


Chamonix doesn't have a special relationship with Mother Nature.  She simply does not guarantee loads of nice fresh powdery snow and you could arrive with sensational conditions and likewise it may be diabolical.

When conditions are good, Chamonix is absolutely fantastic, and with high altitude pistes it means consistent excellent snow cover.

...but, when Chamonix's snow conditions are poor, the pistes are  just massively steep, icy and moguled.  It's highly unpleasant and skiers can't wait to get off the mountain.

Fortunately, There are the Partner Resorts

This is when the Unlimited Mont Blanc Pass comes to the fore. The more expensive ticket provides full (yes, full) access to the elegant Italian slopes across the border at Courmayeur.

Not only is access to this Italian resort free, but transport on the bus is also complimentary to those on a valid pass.  It takes all of 30 minutes to get there through the Mont Blanc Tunnel and have you standing at Courmayeur's ticket office.

Then, there's Verbier, the other co-partnered resort in Switzerland. The drive takes about and hour and a half.  But, make enquiries, though as the bus service operates only if there is sufficient demand, and if it is not operating, you could take a rental car for the day. It really is worth the trip.


Other Things To Do

  • Ride up the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car to check out the amazing views across to Italy
  • Ride the historic rack and pinion train to Montenvers and see the ice caves drilled into the Mer de Glace Glacier
  • Go shopping. Chamonix is for the beautiful people and there is no shortage of high end retail stores. Naturally, they are located in the best precinct in town
  • Take day trips and visit CERN, Geneva, Annecy, Montreux, Aosta all within an hour and a half's drive from town.
  • Chill out. Eat. Sit with an expresso and enjoy the winter sun.
  • There's the cinema in the middle of town. It's right opposite the post office.
  • Go for a forest walk. That's what the locals do and after school, you'll see the children play outdoors in the forested parks.
  • Check out the ice rink. There may be an ice-hockey game too.
  • Go cross country skiing if the downhill Chamonix snow conditions are too awful. The cross country trails are maintained and "snowed up" by large tip trucks. We loved exploring the terrain around Chamonix and the trails are beautifully beucolic.


You may be interested in:

Office at CERN Switzerlan

CERN
Switzerland
Verbier Ski Resort

Verbier
Ski Resort
Skier mid jump

Courmayeur
Just 20 Min Away

Medieval
Annecy

› › › Chamonix Snow Conditions




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