Local Information

For the best web site for all general information from airlines, airport transfers, weather, nightlife, restaurant, ski passes etc then please go to www.chamonet.com. This covers almost everything. However, I have added a few extra contacts to make your stay more enjoyable. Please note, if you have booked the chalet through Mountain Base, they will also help organize anything you wish.

WEATHER

It is important that you remember that Chamonix has a very localised weather system. If it is looking cloudy then it is worth having a look below at the weather in various nearby resorts.

For Chamonix web cams pls look at http://www.chamonet.com/webcam.php

Courmayeur is 30 mins from the chalet and sometimes has a completely different weather system. http://www.igluski.com/resortmap.cfm?methd=webcam&rid=89

If it is snowing hard, one of the best places is Megerve. The restaurants are superb and the trees are everywhere helping with visibility. Less than 30 mins drive.
http://www.igluski.com/resortmap.cfm?methd=webcam&rid=39

Verbier is another potential resort (1 hr 15 ) from the chalet.
http://www.verbinet.com/webcam/verbier/12/

Also, Portes de Soleil which includes Morzine and several others is about one hour’s drive.
http://www.avoriaz.com/index.jsp?c=9725&exp=42186

GUIDING

We have used a very experienced mountain guide for many years called Fred Charlet. He is approx 280 euros per day.

fredvero.charlet@wanadoo.fr

+33685691777 mob – best during the day

+33 450543181 home – best at night

HELI SKIING

Although it is against the law in France it is possible to do from Courmayeur and La Thuile in Italy which is less than 30 mins drive. Switzerland is also very good and a little further. The best thing to do is to email or phone Fred above and he will organise everything. It is truly worth it. Budget for approx 100 euros per person assuming 4 persons plus the guide.

SKIING BY MOONLIGHT DOWN THE VALLEE BLANCHE

Get the last lift up, have dinner and drinks and then ski down by moonlight with a guide. Talk to Fred again!

LESSONS

The ski school in Les Houches can organise all lessons +33450544879. However, if you would like to book direct then you can try Olivier Perillat who is excellent on +3366 211 7130 or olivier.perillat@tiscali.fr or Michael on
+33 618202814.

FANCY A COMPANY COMING TO YOU AND COOKING IN THE CHALET?

Mont Blanc Reception - please look at www.montblanc-reception.com - 0033 (0)6 12 76 66 99

SOS Cuisine - 0033 (0)45 50 54 42 87

Miranda J Reek - 0033 (0)45 53 25 46

www.goodcookco.com - email is caroline@goodcookco.uk.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

Please look at the web site above. However, below are usually very good.

For ease and a nice atmosphere and good food it is hard to beat the La Ferme des Agapes, Place du telepheriique
+33 450 54 50 69. This is on the corner in les Houches by the telepherique. If you are tired and want a log fire and good food at reasonable prices, give it a go.

Atmoshere - +33 450559797 infos@restaurant-atmos.fr. In the centre of town with traditional and regional cuisine. Vastly improved.

Les Gorges de la Diosaz +33 4504720 97 infos@hoteldesgorges.com. A charming restaurant hidden in the village of Servoz where the chef Boris proposes a creative and refined cuisine.

La Maison Carrier +33 450530003 44 route de Bouchet. Authentic savoy cooking around the fire place, regional meals and rural specialities, large sunny terrace facing Mont Blanc

Le Matafan +33 450553542 mont-blanc@chamonixhotels.com A refined, light and inventive cuisine in exceptional surroundings. Lunch served in the garden.

Le Sarpe +33 450532931. Traditional and Savoy cuisine.

Jus de Pomme in Lavancher is also very good.

RESTAURANTS UP THE MOUNTAIN

Many of the restaurants on the mountain in Chamonix are appalling. If iyou are skiing in Argentiere, then ski almost down to the bottom- there is a right hand turning through the trees (careful!) for the Cremerie. Can drive there but must have chains on. V good and need to book. +33 450540752.

Further up in Argentiere to the left of the lift called the La Herse is a very simple but very rustic. After lunch you often have to walk up but it can be very enjoyable. Do not take beginners anywhere near it- been roasted more than once by skiers losing their temper with me!

If you are skiing in Flegere or Brevent then go to La Bergerie at the top of the bubble from Brevent. Good place to meet if some of your party are non skiers.

In Vallorcine, there is a very good restaurant called La Ferme des 3 Ours +33 450546306. A very enjoyable evening can be had over there as well a good lunch- book a taxi as the road is winding and half an hour from the chalet.

SKI HIRE

If you go the nearest ski hire shop opposite the nearby lift and mention the chalets they should give you at least a 10 % discount.

For more information please email bobcamping@btinternet.com.