In winter, there is very good snow cover, the air is cold and dry with temperatures ranging from +5°C to -10°C. Chamonix hosted the first ever Winter Olympic Games in 1924. The exploits of great French champions such as James Couttet and Guy Périllat, have marked the history of skiing. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels are well-served in a variety of differing areas around Chamonix. Le Tour and Les Houches offer cruising Blues and Reds; the former has stunning new runs towards Vallorcine and the latter tree-lined runs are ideal for getting the turns going. Both areas are perfect for beginners or lower intermediates. Le Brévent and La Flégère are a bit steeper and in parts more technical, with Reds and Blues the order of the day, and places to get to grips with those off-piste turns. Les Grands Montets: here the days are never the same with steep Reds (how many people have said that they would be Blacks in other resorts?) culminating in the Grands Montets cable car, allowing a run of 2047 vertical metres. Aiguille du Midi/Vallée Blanche: if the pistes are not enough, why not take a high mountain guide and ski 24 kilometres and 2800 metres vertical, surrounded by the glory of the high mountains? If you are a Red run specialist in control, or someone who likes to go steeper, there are different routes to suit different tastes. All the ski areas have traditional mountain restaurants with terraces and bars to enjoy the sun, staggering views and the total ‘ambience’ of skiing. |
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