With new management, this has become a lovely, cheery apres ski bar with live acoustic music, good vin chaud and a crackling fire, filling a much needed gap for a nice bar in Les Praz. It's perfect for coming down from Flegere in winter and has a relaxing terrace and of course the Boulodrome for summer nights. The rooms are very good value too.

www.lesrhododendrons.com/

100 route des tines 74400 Chamonix Mont Blanc
Tél: (33) 450-530-639

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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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A small and friendly snowboard clothing and equipment shop with a really well-chosen selection of clothes (both fashion and snowboard - Analog, Anon, Nixon, WESC, Dragon, Element etc) and a particularly good womenswear section. They also had a good selection of boards for sale and to rent.

Castel des Neiges
Route du Linga
Chatel,
Portes de Solieil
74390

tel +33 (0)450 81 61 79

www.switch5.fr/

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The new downhill track at Vallorcine is a brilliant addition to the area - the top twists through the high meadow before heading down via a fast section with a jump to a long rooty and rocky descent through the trees, finishing off with some heart-pumping hairpin bends.

The lift is only open until August 19 for this year (2007) but hopefully the success will lead to a longer season next year.

www.vallorcine.com/
Starts at the top of the Vallorcine lift, finishes at the bottom. You could also access it by riding across from the Col De Balme lift at Le Tour.

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