chamonix january

[slipstream 1985]

got a ski holiday to book. anyone any experience of chamonix in january? good weather, conditions?

[BlueProp]

Me and 3 work mates went in January in 2004 and 2005. 2004 was amazing, it had just snowed before we got there making the skiing brilliant. The following year it rained!! Only had 1 1/2 days skiing.

It's pot luck really. At least you have the chance to drive/bus it to other nearby ski areas.

[Nobby Diesel]

You've got as good a chance of getting the right conditions as anywhere - possible more so.
With several different ski areas covered by the area pass, you should normaly find somewhere thats going to suit.
Often, when the Chamonix Valley is shrouded in cloud, nip through the tunnel and it'll be in glorious sunshine and vice versa.
If the wind picks up, stay low. The chill can be viscious at Le Tour.
I've been there numerous times in Jan and never been prevented from skiing. You will always find somewhere to ski, even if you have to drive out the valley for it.

[Beardy10]

I reckon end of Jan is the best time to go skiing in Europe as there's a reasonable chance that you will get decent snow and it's before the hell that is February and the various European half term holidays. Personally not a massive fan of Chamonix as it seems more of a sausage fest than some resorts and if your group has big differences in ability it can be hard to find one area where you can all do what you want and still meet up for a cheeky beer or lunch...there is a lot of skiing but it's quite broken up.

[Stealth997]

I've been to Chamonix every January since 2001. With the exception of a couple of years, the conditions have been excellent. January 2009 was amazing and we were waist deep in powder most of the time. The off piste in Chamonix is superb as there is miles and miles of it. However, you must hire a guide otherwise you'll be a "statistique anglais". I snowboard and ski but when boarding I use these guys who are very clued up. http://www.mcnabsnowboarding.com/

Chamonix is not for beginners as there is very little in the way of nursery / green runs. Plus the main ski areas are at different ends of the valley. Most people use the "resort" areas to get away from the pistes and onto the mountains - which are stunning. If you're a capable skiier/boarder then you should try the Vallee Blanche which is breathtaking.. http://pistehors.com/backcountry/wiki/Haute-Savoie...

The nightlife and restaurants in Chamonix are excellent also. Avoid the English bars / restaurants.. PM me if you want some details.

[theboymoon]

lived there from 2003 - 2007 (with a few months chasing the snow in Oz in between and a lost summer in La Clusaz)


going for a ski there 3rd week of Jan this winter.

Good time to go, town is quiet, snow should be good, will likely be cold!

[prand]

Sounds like they are getting snow at Chamonix already, you shoudl get some good skiing in!

[standfree93]

Not been in January, but was there 6 years ago in the Summer.
Beautiful place.
We took a cable car up to the top of Aguille Du Midi.
Went inside a glacier.
Went up the funicular railway.
And there is a park where you can go tobogganing.
But not sure how the summer differs to the winter period, but it should be great!
Enjoy.