Destinationbeyond: Chamonix

The Db Guide: From classic routes to decent apres-ski

For most people when they arrive in Chamonix, it is love at first sight, with its spectacular jagged peaks and glaciers that slice to the valley floor it is the perfect alpine playground. Chamonix is where it all started and is known as the birthplace of alpinism, traveling through these mountains you will see or maybe have the opportunity to ski or climb one of the resort’s epic historical routes, even just walking through the streets will inspire you to get out into the wilderness as the locals stroll by when they return from their day, with a harness around their waist and ice axes strapped to their backpack.

Here is a local guide to give you an idea of what the skiing Mecca of Chamonix is all about, from classic routes in the mountains to where to go for après ski.

Vallee Blanche

All locals love a day up the Midi, and this off-piste route is perhaps the most well-known. It offers excellent skiing in an absolutely breathtaking setting. The plus is that it actually requires only moderate technical skiing ability (beware of the crevasses!) but the high-mountain environment, coming down the steep ridge and skiing past spectacular seracs, makes it so much more special.

Canadian Bowl

A classic Grands Montets line (aka Le Triangle or Combe a Germaine) that can be reached using the Bochard lift. It's a constant thirty-degree pitch, open, varied, and offers great skiing that again only requires moderate technical ability.

Magic Forest

Also at the Grands Montets, amongst other great classic Chamonix routes is: The Magic Forest. Perfect for a bad vis day or on a good powder day to ski some pillows.

Pentes de l'Hotel

These slopes are accessed from the top cable car at Le Brevent. It is known as "THE" classic freeride face and is often used in competitions offering numerous routes of varying difficulty and gradient.

Fuel up on the hill

Cool Cats in the Rue de Moulins is owned by a Swedish woman named Lisa and she is genius in the kitchen. She does artisan hot dogs with extras including jalapeños and cheese or perfect sweet potato fries, and actually just opened her 2nd branch, known as Cool Cats sud, right at the bottom of the Aiguille du Midi. It’s perfect when you’re coming off the mountain in winter.

If you like to sit down for a late lunch then go to Moö. The meat/fish and veggie options change everyday and you can help yourself to a salad buffet all for a very reasonable price. The Scandinavian owners have become locals in the valley and are always warm and friendly. Whilst sitting at the bar you will no doubt over-hear who skied where and tips on finding the best snow as this bar is a great place to hang out for the apres ski, great burgers on the dinner menu too!

Ela is a great take-away option, it offers a mediterranean cuisine with healthy homemade hummus and stuffed vine leaves or a tasty kebab.