The majority of the skiing in the valley is suitable for the intermediate skier. Of the five separate areas, it is only the Grands Montets above Argentière which has given the resort its reputation as a Mecca for extreme skiers. The remaining four areas offer a variety mainly aimed at the intermediate to good skier. The world famous Vallée Blanche off-piste run - an unforgettable highlight of any Chamonix holiday - can be tackled by confident red run skiers whilst the scenic pistes of le Tour offer a range of easy runs suitable for a family day out - with the added opportunity of skiing off-piste into Switzerland.

Alternatively take the long tree-lined descent to Vallorcine and the picturesque train ride home to Chamonix, or take the new gondola up from Vallorcine and ski back to Le Tour. Wherever you choose, stunning scenery greets you at every turn, from mighty Mont Blanc to the amazing glaciers, including the famous Mer de Glace (see photo top right).

EXCLUSIVE ESPRIT MINIBUS SERVICE
Every morning at a set time, our own Esprit minibus takes parents to the slopes. Each day a different Chamonix area is selected and parents are dropped off right outside the relevant lift station. Return is at your own leisure using the local ski buses with a stop a mere 50m from the Sapinière.

FAMILIES
Chamonix is an excellent resort for families who want to do more than just ski together. There is a large sports complex offering all kinds of sporting activities, as well as ice caves to visit, scenic mountain trains and the breathtaking Aiguille du Midi cable car ride up to 3842m to experience.

BEGINNERS
Beginners are well served by a variety of slopes in and near the town centre and the extensive nursery areas in Chamonix town and Le Tour, easily accessible from our Chalet Hotel.

INTERMEDIATES
Directly opposite Mont Blanc, Brévent and Flégère are good all round areas and also good spots for first black or off-piste runs. After fresh snowfalls they are also superb for safe, simple powder skiing. Le Tour is an excellent area for intermediates converting to parallels with spectacular views down the valley, particularly enjoyable for a day's family skiing.

ADVANCED
The Chamonix area, and Argentière in particular, is world famous for skiers wanting a challenge and plenty of off-piste work. The topmost Grands Montets pistes give access to fantastic, exhilarating glacier runs, and the snow cover at these altitudes is reliable throughout the season.

POWDER POTENTIAL
Off-piste powder courses are available from the local guide company, offering wonderful skiing in the Alps' most glorious setting. The famous Vallée Blanche is an incredible 24km descent down a glacier, through spectacular scenery. This memorable day out is suitable for most skiers but must be skied with a local guide, bookable locally.

SNOWBOARDING
Chamonix is one of the best of our resorts for snowboarding with natural half- pipes, gullies galore and vast off-piste options.