Location: Chamonix, FranceIn a cosy little town, 50 minutes drive from the Swiss city of Geneva, lays the valley of Chamonix. Views of Mont-Blanc greeted us on the first of our four day get-away with snow covering the pine trees as if we were once again in the middle of Christmas.
A well organised destination, we were grateful for the courtesy Mullet buses that loop around the town centre saving us from walking in our uncomfortable ski boots to our first ski lesson at Le Savoy. To my slight disappointment our instructor, George, was a well matured gentleman although he did have thick French accent and taught us how to ski.
Fully confident of our abilities after half a day on the slopes, we joined our more experienced friends on the second day for some more spectacular scenery. We took a ride in the tele-cabin at Brévent only to find out at the top that the ‘green’ beginners run was short and required a further uphill climb. Onward we decided, and spent the day on three blue runs traversing across the mountain, through low visibility and many tumbles to reach a green run by the end of the day.
Along with the skiing, we filled up on delicious quality French food, including a home cooked raclette of melted cheese, potatoes, gherkins and cured meats. With plenty of things to enjoy in the town, the holiday would have been just as lovely without the skiing. Hence Chamonix's popularity throughout the year.
This was by far one of the prettiest places I have been on my travels so far.
A well organised destination, we were grateful for the courtesy Mullet buses that loop around the town centre saving us from walking in our uncomfortable ski boots to our first ski lesson at Le Savoy. To my slight disappointment our instructor, George, was a well matured gentleman although he did have thick French accent and taught us how to ski.
Fully confident of our abilities after half a day on the slopes, we joined our more experienced friends on the second day for some more spectacular scenery. We took a ride in the tele-cabin at Brévent only to find out at the top that the ‘green’ beginners run was short and required a further uphill climb. Onward we decided, and spent the day on three blue runs traversing across the mountain, through low visibility and many tumbles to reach a green run by the end of the day.
Along with the skiing, we filled up on delicious quality French food, including a home cooked raclette of melted cheese, potatoes, gherkins and cured meats. With plenty of things to enjoy in the town, the holiday would have been just as lovely without the skiing. Hence Chamonix's popularity throughout the year.
This was by far one of the prettiest places I have been on my travels so far.
Item 39: Chamonix? CHECK!
