Chamonix , France and Zermatt, Switzerland
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Chamonix overviewThis valley’s 100-year history as a mountaineering destination has earned it the nickname “the world’s highest museum.” Among the “exhibits” are Mont Blanc, the highest peak in western Europe, and La Vallée Blanche, the longest off-piste run in the world — 12 miles long with an 8,858-foot descent.
The plan is to leave the US on Friday, March 1 to arrive in France on March 2nd. The closest airport is Geneva, Switzerland. Take the train from there or where ever you decide to fly into.. Check in Saturday night and ski/ snowboard the 3rd, 4th and 5th. Then hop the train to Zermatt.. Chamonix lodging Options.You want to search Chamonix City Centre. Booking.com has many options. Use Hôtel de L'Arve as a location starting point. and book here or in the vicinity.,
CHAMONIX APRES SKI
Elevation 1904 - chill vibe Moo Bar - Scandinavian ambiance Bar des Cristalliers - French atmosphere Chambre Neuf -- famed Chamonix club that is " a bit crazy for apres" La Folie Douche - apres CHAMONIX DINING OPTIONS
Monkey - Located in Chamonix Sud area, popular social hangout renowned for its street food. Poco Loco - burgers or crepes and apres beer. Bluebird Cafe- great for breakfast and coffee. La Cremerie du Glacier - log cabin located at the foot of the Grand Montets run for fondues, gratins, and croutes. CHAMONIX SKIING
Chamonix's ski area is unlike many other ski resorts in that it is made up of five different ski areas. Two are linked and the rest are separated along the length of the valley.Chamonix-Mont Blanc is made up of 16 villages and hamlets, including the main ski areas of Le Tour (1,462m), Argentière (1,252m), Les Praz (1,060) and Chamonix Town itself (1,012m). The areas to know about are: Brévent and Flégère - sunny south-facing side of the valley and the closest to the town centre. en.chamonix.com/activities/winter/skiing-in-chamonix-mont-blanc-valley/list-of-ski-areas/domaine-skiable-brevent-flegere Les Grand Montets - freeride centre of the valley and home to the largest pisted area. en.chamonix.com/activities/winter/skiing-in-chamonix-mont-blanc-valley/list-of-ski-areas/ski-area-grands-montets Le Tour - cruisey blues and big backcountry. Also head here for great beginners nursery slopes. Les Houches - a 6km drive down the valley, full of tree-lined slopes with amazing views of Mont Blanc. Ideal for beginners and the whole family. en.chamonix.com/activities/winter/skiing-in-chamonix-mont-blanc-valley/list-of-ski-areas/les-houches-saint-gervais-ski-area |
Zermatt OverviewThe Matterhorn. Need we say more? This legendary mountain is one of the most photographed and iconic peaks on Earth. But Zermatt is more than just leg-burning 16-mile runs and 7,425 feet of vert. It’s a snow-and-ice paradise where you can ride a gondola with heated leather seats or explore the ice tunnels and sculptures of Glacier Palace.
At the base of the magnificent Matterhorn that sits on the border of Italy and Switzerland is Zermatt, a charming mountain village. Zermatt is just one of the two ski resorts in the world that offers skiing all year round as the glacier offers more than 21 kilometres of intermediate slopes throughout the ‘summer’ months. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest ski resort in Switzerland, located between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia at an altitude of just under 3,900 metres. Aside from the glacial skiing, this resort is a must-see destination due to the iconic backdrop of the Matterhorn, otherwise known as the Toblerone Mountain. Overlooking Switzerland and Italy, the Matterhorns peak reaches 4,478 metres, making it one of Europe's highest summits. Being that Italy and Switzerland neighbour each other, you can start your day with a few runs in Switzerland and then ski down into Italy for lunch, this resort really brings a new meaning to cross country skiing. The Zermatt village is renowned for its entertaining crowds and live music and is regarded as one of Switzerland's top resorts for social skiing. Every day after sunset, skiers and snowboarders congregate at one of the numerous mountain huts at the base of the Matterhorn for après drinks, the atmosphere here is unmatched. www.matterhornparadise.ch/en/Experience/Zermatt-ski-area You can train to Zermatt on Wednesday the 6th or fly into Zurich to arrive the 6th and then train to Zermatt. Ski/ snowboard the 7th, 8th, and 9th under the shadow of the Matterhorn then train to Lenzerheide. on Sunday the 10th for the International Ski Week in Lenzerheide., Switzerland. Zermatt lodging Option:Hotel Walliserhof Zermatt - Bahnhofstrasse, 3920, Zermatt
Everything in Zermatt is close and within walking distance from the train station. Use this hotel as a location starting point if there are no longer rooms available here.. ZERMATT APRES SKI
Hennu Stall, of course: hennustall.ch then, late night after dinner it's off to the Little Bar: www.facebook.com/littlebarzermatt/ for great music (to include Queen, of course) |
Chamonix, France
Click here for a map of the Chamonix ski areas:
live.skiplan.com/moduleweb/2.0/chamonix_hiver_general.php
live.skiplan.com/moduleweb/2.0/chamonix_hiver_general.php