Here’s a few things it may be handy to check in advance – travel advice, ski hire etc, a list of things you may find it useful to have, and a note of what we provide for you.
Travel
Whether you’re flying to Geneva, driving to Chamonix, or haven’t decided yet, we’ve got lots of useful info on getting here. Check whether you’re using the French or Swiss side of Geneva airport, for flights and car hire – see our travel pages for full info
Do you need a car? Pros and cons here. Make sure you have your airport transfer booked if you aren’t driving.
Equipment, Guides & Lessons
Arrange any equipment hire you may need, and book guides if you’ll be doing any guided activities
Lift passes
You will need the “Mont Blanc Unlimited” if you want to visit the Aiguille du Midi, whether just for the views or with a guide for the Vallee Blanche off-piste itinerary.
http://www.chaletlaforet.com/
http://www.chaletlaforet.com/
“Le Pass” covers the three main ski areas but excludes the extras above
I would generally say to go for the “Mont Blanc Unlimited” as it gives you maximum flexibility for your time, plus access to the Aigulle du Midi which is arguably Chamonix’s top attraction.
You can pre-order online at https://www.montblancnaturalresort.com which is often a good option as the online deals are usually better. Opt to collect it rather than have it delivered here, the post is not fully reliable in my opinion.
Pre-ordered or not, it’s best to get it when you arrive on Saturday afternoon as Sunday mornings are often very busy. You can buy or collect it in Chamonix centre or at the Flegere lift base – this is probably easiest.
Insurance
Make sure your travel insurer covers you for any activities you’re intending on doing, as some of them have specific exclusions about mountain sports. You can buy the Carré Neige cover as part of your ski pass for a few extra euros per day but it is worth noting that it is fairly basic cover, to get you off the mountain and into hospital.
If you’re from the UK or other EU country, make sure you have your EHIC card to get free treatment in France. This is free to get, and will make things very straightforward if you should need any treatment.
Travel money
There are plenty of cashpoints in Chamonix, but a lot of cards give you a very bad rate of exchange. UK-based guests should check out http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/ for the best deals on travel money – the differences are pretty big! Prepaid cards are very handy too.
It’s best to take some cash as well – work out the approximate amount in Euros, and then shop around to order it it well in advance. You can often pick it up at the airport, or get it delivered.
If you’re driving, some Euros for the tolls are handy (around 6 euros total) as the cash machines at Geneva airport dispense Swiss Francs only.
Things to bring for the chalet:
Swimming things for the hot tub. N.B. If you’re intending to swim in Chamonix pool as well, remember that men need to bring trunks, as board shorts are not allowed! They are fine for the hot tub, of course.
Flipflops for going out to the hot tub – this is important to keep the water clean.
Slippers – the tiled floor of the kitchen can be a bit cold, and they are wonderful to get into after a day in hiking or ski boots
If you have an iPhone the Chamonix App is well worth downloading. A bit clunky, but lots of useful info.
I’ve also written a blog post on clothing for winter in Chamonix which might be useful
Things you don’t need to bring:
We provide hairdryers, all linen and towels, waffle cotton robes and hand soap.
In the kitchen, you’ll generally find a selection of spices, salt, pepper etc. We provide eco-friendly washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets and laundry liquid.
