This is a gem of a place, the nicest chalet I've ever stayed in. It had a lovely welcoming feel, so warm and friendly - it was the perfect mountain retreat for us.

It's close to the Flegere ski lift and within staggering distance of some good bars and restaurants (though we spent more evenings in, lazing on the sofas with the playstation or Scalextric!). Lovely views from the balcony and garden too.

Sleeps ten, including a double in the cute mini-chalet in the garden.

Les Praz, Chamonix
www.chaletlaforet.com

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For the best ski or snowboard holiday look no further. I spent last season there and
the staff at Marmotte Mountain made the whole trip. Great skiing and snowboarding is guaranteed and the hospitality was the best I've ever come across.

Without doubt book and go - you will have the time of your life in the most serene environment with a nightlife to get the most party-hungry excited. I can't recommend it highly enough. It is God's back garden.

Marmotte Mountain Retreat, Argentiere.
Tel : +33 (0) 6 82 89 15 23.
www.marmottemountain.com

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A fine website with 100 or so 5-10 min video clips/narratives on Chamonix & Mont Blanc Massif - follow 'Rubriques/Topos' to get there & enjoy it (they all talk French though)!

www.tvmountain.com

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Chamonix has changed over recent years - either you want to be part of the huge 'Brit Pack' or try to learn and feel the mountains. Whether alone or with family I most strongly recommend (for the price of a few tanks of petrol) hiring a fully qualified French mountain guide (or Aspirant) for a few hours, who will also be a ski instructor. He/she will know exactly where to go and when, get priorities on transport and above all, take as much time as necessary to make you feel and understand the mountains. Their enthusiasm and knowledge is infectious!

If you enjoy each other's company you can probably exchange phone numbers - I skied with a guide and his son by invitation on a Sat morning for a nominal fee. Instead of instruction, my wife was taken to see a recent avalanche and cross and see some snow bridges.

To ski Vallee Blanche in a collective group is just a rush to get the guide home as soon as possible - with your own guide the day is yours and with good relationship you can be taken far away from the crowd in safety in an incredible landscape.

I just give a general warning, that Chamonix's piste gradings (blue/red/black) can be much more demanding than elsewhere!

Bureaux des Guides (Chamonix or Houches)

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Three powder fields at the Grands Montets often untouched by the masses, which connect the top and the bottom of the mountain so you can ride/ski for 12km (2km vertical) non-stop; nice! See how many you can do in a day.

From the Les Grands Montets Cable Car, the Hearse Chair, or by traversing from the Bochard Bubble, drop towards Argentiere high on the glacier wall (stay high at all costs). Keep left at the little restaurant/hotel, and then drop towards the trees keeping your direction (if not go left), and then connect back to the home run.

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