Why go? Chamonix specialist, High Mountain Holidays, has a portfolio of chalets and apartments with availability this season. As one of the highest mountain ranges in the Alps, the Chamonix Valley has an excellent snow record and is under an hour’s drive from Geneva airport. Its gentle runs makes it great for beginners, while the more adventurous skier won’t get bored, plus there’s a whole host of fun alternatives to skiing in town.
Accommodation: Among the charming properties is La Cabane du Forêt, a one-bedroom chalet ideal for young families. Flanked by an army of fir trees just outside the town centre, the cosy mezzanine space has a slight fairy-tale feel to it and is fantastic value. Downstairs is a kitchen, sitting area (with sofa bed for the children to sleep in) and bathroom, while up a ladder is the king-sized bed. Price: From only £700 a week.
For larger groups there’s Chalet Rimaye (bottom right), in Les Bois, five minutes from the Flégère cable car. Spread over three floors, it sleeps eight people in four bedrooms, while its living areas include a home cinema and log-burning fire to slump in front of after a hard day on the slopes. Sweeping views of Mont Blanc add to the appeal of the place. Price: From £2,200 a week.
New for this season is Cascade, a 10-man bolthole right in the centre of town and ideal for families with older children – it’s in a great location for Chamonix’s buzzy après ski. There are four bedrooms, plus a mezzanine lounge with sofa bed, a lovely open-plan sitting room, modern kitchen and ski lockers. Price: A week from £1,500.
For the ski-in ski-out dream there’s Chalet D’Or (bottom left), a traditional four-bedroom property that connects with Le Tour – a route ideal for intermediate and beginner skiers – and just 50 metres from the ski school meeting point. The eight-man rustic-chic building centres around a welcoming sitting room with open fire, while stupendous views of the valley can be taken in from the terrace. Added comforts include an underground car park and boot warmers. Price: A week from £1,580.
With all the chalets, there’s the option to self-cater or add half board. Ski passes and hire, babysitting and crècheservices are all available.
THE LOWDOWN:
Getting there: British Airways and easyJetboth fly to Geneva. RailEurope (0844 848 4070) offers an overnight service from £151pp return from London to Chamonix, via Paris, which takes 7 hours and 41 minutes.
Travel time: The flight 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the transfer to the resort is under an hour.
More information: Contact High Mountain Holidays on 01993 775540 or visit highmountain.co.uk.