Where to stay - Chamonix - France

Chamonix is a beautiful Alpine town, witness to over 250 years of climbing, and more recently, skiing history. The architecture is very different to the usual purpose-built resorts, and the town is full of fin de siecle hotels and villas. As a result, don't expect much doorstep skiing - a bus or car journey is par for the course, unless you stick to one mountain. Accommodation can be found spread along the valley from Servoz to Vallorcine, but transport by the local buses is good, and free during the day with your tourist card.

Whether you want to stay in one of the charming and atmospheric boutique hotels or a youth hostel, there is something for every budget. There is also a wide range of chalets and apartments to choose from. Being centrally located is good if you plan to make the most of the exuberant nightlife or the shopping, but in terms of being close to the lifts you are likely to have to travel anyway.

Best for

Families:
Out of town areas are good for active families as they tend to be close to the activity areas that are scattered throughout the valley. The small hamlet of Les Bois and the pretty village of Le Praz are both close to Flegere (with its good beginner slopes and sunny aspect), the golf course and nature trail. For close vicinity to the Les Gaillands climbing wall, the areas of Les Pelerins, Les Bossons and Les Gaillands itself offers a huge range of chalet accommodation and family run hotels.

Party-goers:
Cham Sud is the place for the 18-30 package holiday crowd that pile into bunkhouses and budget accommodation. With a large Scandinavian contingent Cham Sud has the bars and nightlife on its door step, in a purpose-built, self-sufficient environment.

Best first-lift:
Stay in Le Praz for Flegere, Argentiere for Grand Montets and Le Tour. The pretty village of Montroc lies between the two. Closest proximity to the centre of town is Brevant, a steep walk from town or a drag-lift from Le Savoy nursery slopes.

Variety:
Chamonix specialists for 18 years, Bigfoot own 50 chalets and apartments (catered and self-catered), plus one hotel across the valley.

Luxury:
Tailor-made packages with the Dynamic Concierge Service creating luxury trips to enjoy Chamonix to the full.

Accommodation

Chalets

For many, the beauty of catered chalet holidays is the food - breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course evening meal with free wine - and someone to cook it and wash up afterwards. You have the freedom of your own space rather than the more formal environment of a hotel which can be great if you are with a group of friends and can take over the whole chalet.

Hotels

Hotels tend to be the more luxurious option, often with welcome facilities such as steam rooms, swimming pools and on-site bars (although check out the luxury chalet operators too). They are often the best option for short breaks but at peak times even they may demand a minimum stay of one week.

Self-catering

If you prefer to be your own boss then you should think about self-catered accommodation. You have to be fairly organised to shop and cook after a full day on the slopes and eating out every night can add up, although take-aways are an option, and you have the chance to check out some of the local restaurants too.

See our list of guidebooks

Chamonix

Report date:	30 Apr 2008
Last snowed:	29 Apr 2008
Fresh snow:	25cm
Lifts open:	7 out of 43
Snow depth
Lower slopes:	0cm
Upper slopes:	640cm
Piste information
On-piste:	Powder
Off-piste:	Powder
Resort runs:	Closed

Snow conditions

Fresh snow providing some great skiing

Weather

Snow expected later today