s0ulbucket
Member
Going out to chamonix at the end of February. Was wondering if anyone has suggestions for restaurants, bars, coffee shops, trails, general advice, etc?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Chamonix recommendations?
- Thread starter s0ulbucket
- Start date
animator
Active member
Where in Cham? There’s 4 resorts in the valley, Grand-Montets is the only one worth your time unless the snow is insane. GM has some of the most raw exposed terrain I’ve ever skied. If you like cliffs rocks and not knowing if you’re gonna fall off a huge cliff, go GM. If you like tree skiing and the snow is good enough, take the drive through the tunnel and ski Courmayeur for a day. Never had a deeper day in my life than at Courmayeur, place is awesome. Super steeped in ski culture and it doesn’t get the same amount of people/tourists that Cham does.
s0ulbucket
Member
I think we will be staying near la flegere area
14472061:animator said:
s0ulbucket
Member
Sweet, thank you so much for the insight!
14472118:animator said:
Professor-Modelo
Member
14472061:animator said:
++
went to cham like 7 years ago and the snow coverage on the french side of the tunnel was pretty bad so we skied courmayeur every day but one. definitely get over there OP... it is very very sick
Best advice on this thread. Obviously, go have fun and explore flegere and grand montets and all the goods on your own. But if you’re going all the way to chamonix, being with a guide will unlock beyond epic skiing potentials. It’s like a cheat code for the mountain and the terrain there, you just won’t be able to find as good of snow and ski terrain as you would with a guide. In a perfect world, I’d ski the first day or two solo, then have a guide in the middle and then have another day solo to round off the trip. Chamonix area is just too fucked to not take advantage of having a guide show you around.
14472655:Ghini said:
prettygood
Member
14472663:bob_dole said:
you just extended the best advice - do like this guy said, be stunned by the area and ride solo the first day. But then definitely book a guide to have a completely new experience and more fun the rest of your stay. if you're new in town, chambre neuf is the place to go to for apres. and don't take this the wrong way, but since i have no idea about your mountaineering skill set; always be aware that chamonix is different and challenging. unfortunately some are not and the death rate of this place could be lower than it is.
s0ulbucket
Member
14473209:ajbski said:
That’s actually pretty close to when ill
be there too. What I’ve read is that you can take a bus from the airport to chamonix and that there is plenty of public transport to get around once you are there
s0ulbucket
Member
14473225:ajbski said:
Fair enough!
Dustin.
Active member
French food is my favorite in Europe, so pick the price point you want for that meal and send it and you won't be disappointed. Eating in Switzerland sucks since it's extremely expensive. Even when the food is awesome, you just feel ripped off even if you can afford it just fine. Zermatt is very cool, but Chamonix is my favorite place to ski in the region by far. I would honestly just do it right and ski the shit out of Chamonix's infinite slopes rather than spend a ton of money and time going to other ski spots.
GM and Argentiere are worth your time, GM is best by far. GM is pretty manageable even if you haven't skied in Europe very much, but if you take the tram you need to study where you are going. You can go off onto the glacier and end up in extremely dangerous terrain, but if you are skiing smart it's fairly obvious where to go and not go alone. When I ski GM, I go with a partner and ride with a crevasse rescue kit. Both Argentiere and GM have easy access to terrain with enormous cliffs off the sides of very easy skiing, so study up where you are going and don't go ripping around in low visibility solo without any clue what's in front of you.
The French ski like we do in the US, but leaving the pistes is a "ski at your own risk" endeavor. Skiing in between the runs in the middle of GM is fine and dandy, just be smart when you hit something new.
GM and Argentiere are worth your time, GM is best by far. GM is pretty manageable even if you haven't skied in Europe very much, but if you take the tram you need to study where you are going. You can go off onto the glacier and end up in extremely dangerous terrain, but if you are skiing smart it's fairly obvious where to go and not go alone. When I ski GM, I go with a partner and ride with a crevasse rescue kit. Both Argentiere and GM have easy access to terrain with enormous cliffs off the sides of very easy skiing, so study up where you are going and don't go ripping around in low visibility solo without any clue what's in front of you.
The French ski like we do in the US, but leaving the pistes is a "ski at your own risk" endeavor. Skiing in between the runs in the middle of GM is fine and dandy, just be smart when you hit something new.
Ghini
Active member
14473532:Dustin. said:
Came back to point this out.
1 meter outside the pistes is off piste. Yes even if it is between pistes. Legally talking of course. But really, do not think everything between pistes is safe, it is not. Yes of course they try to keep things clear on off pistes slopes that could end up on a piste, but it is not like the US inbounds system. Also, check your insurance for off piste rescue.
3mania
Active member
14474581:Ghini said:
When i skied at Val Thorens, i only skied in between the pistes. It was easy to check out most of the mini golf type sections from the lift, sometimes hard to figure out how to get there, but i never felt like i was into anything super dangerous doing that. I know Chamonix is way crazier terrain.
Regarding transport from Geneva to Cham: I prefer booking a bus/transfer service ahead of time over other options. The rates were reasonable when shared with a group vs private and more enjoyable than renting because you can stare out the windows at the landscape as you go up in elevation without worrying about driving. Do some research as there’s a few; I think we used one called mountain dropoffs (this was in 2015 so it’s been a bit). Sometimes the hotels can book this stuff for you if you’re staying in one.
Food: lots of great food options in Cham for all budgets and preferences. I did the touristy fondue night at Le Monchu, and then a few other random spots. There’s an Italian place near the fondue spot that that was great and the host/owner was super hospitable to our large group despite it being a small place.
Others have touched on the main points for skiing unless you have some experience with mountaineering. Agree with the comments on snagging a guide - especially if you are going to head up the Midi. Plenty of people don’t do it but In our case the guide assessed we could ski well and we took a different and more challenging route than the normal run down the mer de glas. Again there are a ton of guides out there so do some research.
Have fun and hope for great snow. Been there for a week with sun baked dog crap snow (party) and a week with 9ft of pow and had a blast each time.
Food: lots of great food options in Cham for all budgets and preferences. I did the touristy fondue night at Le Monchu, and then a few other random spots. There’s an Italian place near the fondue spot that that was great and the host/owner was super hospitable to our large group despite it being a small place.
Others have touched on the main points for skiing unless you have some experience with mountaineering. Agree with the comments on snagging a guide - especially if you are going to head up the Midi. Plenty of people don’t do it but In our case the guide assessed we could ski well and we took a different and more challenging route than the normal run down the mer de glas. Again there are a ton of guides out there so do some research.
Have fun and hope for great snow. Been there for a week with sun baked dog crap snow (party) and a week with 9ft of pow and had a blast each time.
s0ulbucket
Member
14475016:Jonzo said:
Awesome, thanks so much for the rec’s!
yeah I’ve done some backcountry spots like tuckerman ravine before and also do some climbing here and there but will definitely be getting a guide. Super stoked to check it out in a few months!
oldmanski
Active member
Skied Chamonix last March. Flew into Geneva, hired a car, stayed in an Air BnB outside of Geneva and drove back and forth numerous days through the week. Hired a guide one of those days in Chamonix(with the help from fellow NS members)and yes, definitely worth it. I was also able to ski La Clusaz one of those days that week. The hire car did give us(my wife and child) some freedoms to go explore other areas when we were not skiing but was very expensive with the added road tolls.
If I had to do it all over again, I would fly into Geneva, jump on a bus to Chamonix and stay there all week. Use the money I would spend on a hire car and use on some fancy dining with my wife or hire another guide. The public transportation in Chamonix is top notch and super easy to navigate. Go have fun, party it up, eat good food, ski great mountains and take lots of pictures!
If I had to do it all over again, I would fly into Geneva, jump on a bus to Chamonix and stay there all week. Use the money I would spend on a hire car and use on some fancy dining with my wife or hire another guide. The public transportation in Chamonix is top notch and super easy to navigate. Go have fun, party it up, eat good food, ski great mountains and take lots of pictures!
ajbski
Active member
14477900:IndieCHX said:
Where do I find chill ski touring stuff out of Argentiere?
What avalanche bulletin should I be looking at?
I speak some French (Canadian), but not really conversational. When asking people questions, do I start with French or should I just speak english?
what pisses people off over there?
For example I hate seeing people litter here. In so many cultures throwing garbage on the ground is fine, but it really pisses me off. Farting in the tram?
any roads I should be really careful driving on? Cops/speeding wise
is there anywhere that serves legit raclette and fendant in Cham?
have you skied in America? How do blue/red/black trails compare with green/blue/blk/dbl blk here? I saw some go pro videos of black trails and they look super easy, like blue here.
how busy do ski resorts get there? How long do you usually have to wait in the lift lines? 5-20min is pretty average for me, and I know some guys out west wait 30-40min or even an hour on busy days. Should I consider lift waiting times for my plans for the day?
sorry, I’m a bit nervous about this trip.
_money
Member
loving this thread, I am flying into Geneva two weeks from today and yall answered so many questions that I had.
For people that lived in Cham, will public transportation from les houches be fine for 5 days? I am traveling with 7 others, 2 of them being girlfriends with potential of complaining / slowing everyone down / different interests from the boys. I am heavily debating getting a rental car so i dont have to deal with any of that, but personally i would love public transportation for saving money and for a more in-depth experience of the culture (might sound weird but i truly do appreciate it).
Any help is greatly appreciated!
For people that lived in Cham, will public transportation from les houches be fine for 5 days? I am traveling with 7 others, 2 of them being girlfriends with potential of complaining / slowing everyone down / different interests from the boys. I am heavily debating getting a rental car so i dont have to deal with any of that, but personally i would love public transportation for saving money and for a more in-depth experience of the culture (might sound weird but i truly do appreciate it).
Any help is greatly appreciated!
s0ulbucket
Member
14498159:_money said:
How did it go?
Frenchibre
Member
14478664:ajbski said:
I know it's late but that might serve for others :
you have chill ski touring stuff on Brévent-Flégère, when you climbs up a little to dive down the north faces behind, in Aiguilles Rouges. A classic that is often well marked yet often has very good snow to ski is the Col d'Encrenaz (you park slightly above the Buet village, skin up to the Col, dive down to Bérard valley and enjoy the beer at the arrival).
The coolest classic in Grands Montets is probably the Col du Passon, I let you check this one.
Le Tour village station has a lot of easy access offpistes from the highest skilift, but be careful not to dive in Pointe du Van/Croix de Fer's couloirs, that are very avalanchous.
The avalanche bulletin to read is the BERA, found online on meteofrance (in public datas), it will also be pinned on every guidehouse doors every morning.
In Cham you can just start speaking in english, since 98% of the local pop is now native english...
Regarding what pisses people off over there, I can't think about anything specific, just dont throw things in the mountains ofc
Regarding roads, the whole Chamonix valley from Sallanches to Vallorcine is full of cops. Don't try to exit Chamonix with you car on a friday night after 5 liters of beer.
I cant help you with raclette/fondue restaurants in Cham because it's more a dish you make yourself and eat in family in Savoie/Haute-Savoie, though they are probably good yet expensive. The best way to enjoy a fondue is to go in Savoie, find yourself a local girl and enjoy a brain-melting beaufort fondue with a lot of Chambéry wine.
I've never skied in America, in Cham on north face (grands montets) the reds are often steep and hardpacked since everyone slides on it, pushing the snow on sides with their 100+ mm wide skis, and blacks are often steep mogul walls, which is cool.
In Grands Montets after a massive snowfall, you'd better be parked 1h30 before the opening... Otherwise, you can have a little bit of wait at the very beginning but nothing too much.
s0ulbucket
Member
Thank you very much for the insight!
I am very excited to get to experience your culture and mountains.
I am very excited to get to experience your culture and mountains.
14504889:Frenchibre said:
_money
Member
14504848:s0ulbucket said:
other than the sacred 2017 blends flying off the roof rack and being run over, it was a trip of a lifetime! most beautiful place I have ever visited, I hope you have the time of your life! South Bar had the greatest hospitality for Americans, definitely stop by there for a couple beers! and lmk if you have any questions i am more than happy to help
s0ulbucket
Member
14506821:_money said:
Ah yeah those are sexy sticks. I used to have the 2016 model and loved them. How did those hold up in that area given how much flex they have? I found they were too soft for certain conditions/terrain’s
_money
Member
14506828:s0ulbucket said:
yessir i have the 2016s as well those were some of my favorite skis ever! the 2017s were my homies so i let him use my Mango 100s for the week and I rented some black crows. I definitely see your concern, its very open and steep in a lot of sections but they really didnt have much snow at all, so the bends were fine while they were being used. I would suggest something a little stiffer though so you can really go fast and charge in the bowls and off-piste terrain!
PeppermillReno
Active member
Honestly I'd kind of echo what that dude said about Grand Montets the only excellent skiing is off of that tram unless you are talking about the lower elevations which look sick but need crazy snow.
Hiring a guide for the Agui Di Midi is cool and worth it for a 1x thing but its spending 1 day taking 1 run.
Hopefully you hit it when crowds aren't too bad. Want to do Portes Du Soleil next time.
Hiring a guide for the Agui Di Midi is cool and worth it for a 1x thing but its spending 1 day taking 1 run.
Hopefully you hit it when crowds aren't too bad. Want to do Portes Du Soleil next time.
Monsieur_Patate
Active member
Cham is cool and historic, and it's the mecca of steep skiing, so def worth spending at least a day or 2 while you're visiting the area, but there are other places with terrain just as good and a tenth of the crowds, on both the french and swiss sides. So imo it's worth moving around a bit and not spending your entire stay only in that valley.
s0ulbucket
Member
I’m already here! I only have a pass to the chamonix ski resorts so I’ll be skiing here haha. Sick so far though, I love it
14514189:Monsieur_Patate said:
Rodigan
Active member
14514287:animator said:
Wahey the return of Walter ‘Animator’ Mitty aka the fantasy man of Chamonix !!!!
How is your home mountain of la Clusaz today ? Any word from Candide or Aziz ?
Ps its due to snow tomorrow and i am taking out a group of 12/13 YO’s on a freeride taster session………any recommendations of best places to go , easy access etc ???
As you grew up here and its only a small town i am guessing we have mutual friends or do i need to fall asleep to meet them ?
Tell me more of these amazing stories X
Monsieur_Patate
Active member
14515398:Rodigan said:
Are you going to keep bumping this thread with incoherent rants until he gives you the attention you so desperately want?
You're so cringe my guy, are you triggered because he dissed your favorite vacation spot? Or are you jealous because he's actually a local? Either way, save it for your therapist, no one cares.
Monsieur_Patate
Active member
14516043:animator said:
The irony in all this is that the guy is british lmao