brochure vallee chamonix

7/31/2019 Brochure Vallee Chamonix

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1000THE MANY FACES OF A GIANT

WINTER 2011 / 2012

CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC VALLEY

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ONE VALLEY, A THOUSAND ECHOS

Here, the beauty

will make you sta

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the people of Va

Chamonix and t

have plenty to sa

As approachable

they welcome yo

In the following p

a living echo of a

4 Snowsports pleasures

6 Freeride

8 Amazing skiing

1 0 1 5 Live the mountains

1 6 1 9 Aprs ski

20 Looking afterchildren

22 Architecturalheritage

24 Culturalheritage

26 Across the border

28 A cosmopolitan valley

30 Events

32 35 Ski liftsSki passes

36 38 Directory

39 What's on

40 Practicalinformation

42 Tourist offices

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Profile

STPHANE DELOCHEInstructor and lecturer at the EcoleNationale de Ski et Alpinisme

THE VALLEY WHERE SNOWRIDING IS A WAY OF LIFE

SKIING INALL ITSFORMS

In the Valley, the first pair of skiswas made in 1893, by a local craftsman.At the time, skiing was simply a wayof getting around. Today, different formsof skiing have developed, from the mostcommon to the most unusual: alpine skiing,cross country, freestyle, telemark, skiingfor the disabled, speed riding and moreThere is a host of ways to enjoy snowsports,on your own, with the family or with yourfriends, from amateur to expert level.

By setting up in the Chamonix Valley, France's NationalSkiing and Mountaineering School has come to the heartof the perfect 'playground' for getting to gripswith all snowsports at all levels.

ENSA, which trains instructors, guides andpiste patrol staff is, at the heart of alpine skiing.This Chamonix institution has been going for more

than 70 years, experiencing, accompanying andencouraging the changes in the sport. Stphane Deloche,a lecturer at the school, runs the French demonstrationskiing team which takes part in Interski every four years."At ENSA we consider that a good skier must also be anelegant skier, a stylist. Events like Interski* are designedto compare, at a European level, methods, techniquesand ways of playing with the snow.It's a really useful kind of 'teaching laboratory'."

* Interski: a convention that brings together all thecountries where skiing and snowboarding are practised.

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AurlienDucroz

Profile

AURLIEN DUCROZTop athlete andWorld Freeride Champion

If we were to show you the places where Aurlien Ducrozgoes freeriding, you just wouldn't believe us.That's what freeride is about: you 'read' the face you'reabout to descend from the valley, seeking out a routebetween the couloirs, rocky outcrops and vertiginous drops,and then you go for i t, buzzing with adrenaline.Aurlien Ducroz, 2011 World Champion in the discipline,divides his time between 'Cham' where he was bornand Brittany where he practises another high-octane sport,offshore yacht racing.

He tells us about his playground. "Our valley is a paradisefor freeriders.

Not only are the different freeriding spots extremelyvaried, but the vertical drop is often more than 2,000 m,which gives you the time to really get into the descent.There are plenty of outstanding faces like the Couloirdes Cosmiques and the Grand Envers, but there are alsoroutes such as the Pentes de lHtel at Le Brvent,which are a bit more accessible providing you havelots of off-piste experience. But be careful: safety isparamount in what we do."

RUSH

A DRENALINE

EXPERIENCEMONT BLANCOFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Now you can get into freeriding on specialcourses where you'll learn to read the terrain,follow the planned route and study snow science.The Grands Montets ski area is the perfectplace for getting to grips with freeriding.

What's more, in 2012 Chamonix-Mont Blancis hosting an event on the famous Freeride World Tour.

In addition, Les Houches has a snowpark designedfor freestyle addicts.


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There are those who like climbing mountains andthose who prefer to look at them. Lionel Wibault,who is both a mountain guide and an artist,likes to combine his two passions.

The Valle Blanche is his domain, and he never gets tiredof it. "Skiing the Valle Blanche, even when you've donehundreds of descents, always remains an adventureThe impressive second section of the Aiguille du Midicable car, the safe but exposed arte you have to walkalong before you can put your skis on, and of coursethe never-ending descent in unique surroundings.Anyone who can ski a red run will find this amazingexperience within their capabilities."A High mountain guide is stongly recommended on thisglacier descent which is neither marked nor patrolled.For the artist and guide, each descent is an opportunity tosoak up the atmosphere, the light and the experience,so he can reproduce it on canvas.

Like his father Marcel, a well-known artist, Lionel Wibaultspends his time exploring his valley either on skisor with paintbrush in hand. "Painting has given mea visual memory of places which i s really usefulas a mountain guide and I also love sharing with myclients the wonder that the scenery always fills me with."

Profile

LIONEL WIBAULTGuide and mountain landscape painter

THE VALLE BLANCHE REMAINS AN ADVENTURE!

PAINTING THE PEAKS

Lionel Wibault likes to receive visitorsby appointment at his central Chamonix studioto show them his paintingsand those of his father Marcel,another famous mountain l andscape painter.

Contact : www.wibault.org


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Jean-Paul Pierrat is a big name in nordic skiing.He is the only Frenchman to have won the Vasaloppet,the legendary race that every cross-country ski racerhas in his sights.

He lives in Servoz, indulging in his passion right at the footof Mont Blanc.

"Nordic skiing in the Chamonix Valley is perfectly possibleand it can even be a unique experience, for addictsand beginners alike.

From Les Houches, the Prarion gondola lift takes you upto 1,800 m for some fantastic skiing: guaranteed snow coverand the ideal exposition, and, not forgetting a panorama ofhigh-altitude mountains that is quite rare in this discipline,where one is more used to wooded valleys

The Bois du Bouchet and Argentire are more conventionalbut offer some lovely runs which you can often link togetherin the winter. Servoz and Vallorcine also have some reallyaccessible trails, ideal for beginners.All in all, as for alpine skiing, there's something for everytaste and every level, with about fifty kilometres of trails!"

Profile

JEAN-PAUL PIERRATCross-country skiingchampion

THE NORDIC FACE OF MONT-BLANC

SNOWSHOEING :PADDING SILENTLY

THROUGH THE SNOWWatching chamois, following fox tracksand listening to the silence. Snowshoeingis the perfect way to explore the unspoiltcountryside of snow-covered orchardsand frozen lakes around Servoz.Throughout the valley you'll find waymarkedtrails at all altitudes.


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HERE, THE GLACIERS ARE OPEN EVEN IN WINTER!

With a PhD in geology, Sylvain Coutterand is studyingthe retreating glaciers.

Opposing preconceived ideas is part of his job."Yes, the glaciers are retreating; everyone can see that.But glaciers are not static; they change. During the BronzeAge they were smaller than they are today in our valley!"

For Sylvain, nothing beats in-situ observation."Even in winter, when the glaciers are less activeif you're careful you can get up close to them, andthe Chamonix Valley is one of the few valleys in Europewhere that's possible. My tip would be a snowshoeing walkno longer than an hour and a half: the Chalets du Cerro,with the jumble of the Glacier des Bossons towering above.For both children and adults, seeing a glacier close-upis an incredible experience. If you want to find out more,come along in the summer!"

Profile

SYLVAIN COUTTERANDGlaciologist

SKI TOURING

The Chamonix Valley is home to

countless ski touring routeslasting from one to several days.

To go ski touring you need to bea competent alpine skier with agood knowledge of the mountainenvironment and the snow.Ask for advice at the Office deHaute Montagne about routesand information about snowcover and the local weatherforecast. You can also call upon the servicesof a high mountain guide.


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LEATHERSKIJORING: SKIING HELL FOR

BE A MUSHERFORAN HOUR!

Driving a dog team is a uniqueand very accessible experience.

Professional mushers offer a 15-minuteintroductory dog-sledding sessionbefore you set off with your team, safelysupervised. Eat your heart out Jack London!

Profile

PASCAL BERGUERANDSkijoring driver

"What's this new skijoring all about?"Actually, it's one of the oldest snowsports around.People in Scandinavia started skiing along while beingpulled by reindeer 4,000 years ago! More recently,there was a skijoring club in Chamonix in 1900.

Today, skijorer Pascal Berguerand, who is passionateabout this off-the-beaten-track sport, offers introductoryrides in Vallorcine. "To have a go at skijoring you don't haveto be a champion. All you have to be able to do is takea ski tow! The same can't be said for the driver, who hasto be an experienced carriage driver. We have a specialcircuit of nearly 900 metres which you can ride at a walk,a slow ride, or at a fast gallop if you're experiencedIn skijoring everyone can enjoy themselves at their ownpace, including the horses because they love the snow."

Skijoring is also available in Les Houches with ChristopheAndr, a skijoring driver and high mountain guide.


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CHAMSESSION: MUSIC WITH ALTITUDE

Profile

ANDR MANOUKIANMusician

He's a musician, composer, frequent figure on television,festival organiser, keen travellerWhere does Andr Manoukian get all that energy from?The answer could well be: Chamonix. Andr Manoukian maybe in the media spotlight but he's far from behaving like a'celeb'. He has chosen to settle in this valleywhich his family has fallen in love with. "One day, my wifesuggested we get the children into school and comeand live here. My work is very much centered in Paris,and I thought it would make life difficult.But actually it's a great source of balance for me, a realbreath of fresh air. I spend as much time in the mountainsas I can. I go telemarking and cycling at my own level;in other words I'm no good, but it suits me! Here I comeacross people who surpass themselves and pushthemselves to the limit, but they don't brag about it andthey've been enthusiastic about my musical projects"Because Andr Manoukian, who never keeps still, has greatplans for Chamonix. "At the moment, the town attractsa lot of 'electro' musicians; Its the influence of the freeridescene and it creates a lot of nice surprises. But I thinkthe valley can become a big place for jazz.There's already our summer festival 'Cosmo Jazz' in July,featuring some great music in stunning landscapes,but my dream is to take i t further, creating for exampleartists' residencies that would enable musicians from allbackgrounds to come together and create projects in theseinspiring surroundings." Feel like a j am? Come to Cham!

THERE'S MORETO LIFETHANSKIING

When the skiing's done, get into the beatof a lively and unspoilt valleyThere's something for every taste,every age and every budget!Enjoy the architecture and sceneryand have a great time!


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Profile

PIERRE CARRIERMichelin-starred chef

Until 1860 the Chamonix Valley was an integral partof Italy's Piedmont region, and this explains the very stronglinks that today still unite Chamonix with the valleyson the other side of the Alps.

If there is one area of life that knows no bordersit is certainly gastronomy, as Pierre Carrier, the founderof the 'Maison Carrier' who runs two famous restaurantsis fond of saying. "People often think that the local cuisineis about no more than fondue and tartiflette.But the first of these is from the Valais, and the secondis a fairly recent creation. The 'Mont Blanc' cuisine knowsno borders. It draws inspiration from the French sidebut also from the Aosta Valley in Italy and the Valais inSwitzerland. Italian delights such as truffles and Fontinacheese have their place on the table here, alongsidevegetables from the Arve Valley, veal and porkand the incomparable chimney-smoked hams."

Before you do it on foot this summer, do the foodie versionof the tour of Mont Blanc!

THERE ARE NO BORDERS WHEN IT COMES TO GOOD FOOD

FOODIETREATS ATEVERY

ALTITUDEWhether you have a sweet tooth or prefersomething savoury, the Chamonix Valley servesup a host of culinary delights. With gastronomicmenus, unforgettable little regional dishes andplatters of mountain specialities savoured on themountainside, theres something for every tasteand every budget at the foot of mont Blanc.Bon apptit!

Excessivealcoholconsumptioncandamageyour health.Enjoyresponsibly.


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A FAMILY-FRIENDLY VALLEY

Profile

THE CLAISSE FAMILY

"As soon as we finish one holiday, we can't wait to comeback."

The Claisse family with their four children are frequentvisitors to the valley. For them, it's a family tradition."We've been coming here to recharge our batteriesfor four generations; it really is the perfect placefor a holiday and the kids love it!In both summer and winter, it's a really pretty valley.

Our children learned to ski at the age of threeThe valley has great facilities for kids. And then there'ssledging, swimming, the museums, the skating rink or simplywalks in the snow; here, we're never short of things to do!"

SKI SCHOOLS

The ski schools take children from the ageof three at the snow nurseries inLes Houches, Chamonix-Mont Blanc(Les Planards and Le Savoy), Argentire,Le Tour and Vallorcine.


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Profile

CHRISTINE BOYMOND-LASSERREHeritage guideAuthor of heritage books

JOLLE PACCALET-DARTIGUEPEYROUAuthor of heritage books

When you're at the foot of Mont Blanc, you inevitably turntowards the mountains. But, in our Valley, the roofs,faades, windows and doors also have plenty of storiesto tell.

Christine Boymond-Lasserre and Jolle Paccalet-Dartiguepeyrou are there to teach our visitors to lookaround them.

"You have to look beyond the rather stereotypical imageof the mountain chalet or Alpine farmhouse.

If you look closely you'll notice that all the buildings differconsiderably from one village to another. What's more,our valley has experienced a tourism boom and the streetsbear traces of different periods: Art Nouveau, Art Decoand neoclassicism rub shoulders with buildings fromthe 1930s and 1970s which really deserve to be understoodand appreciated.

These days we are also rediscovering the area's historicalholiday villas, the 'extravagances' that have left us withsome little architectural gems. Learn to take your timeas you walk around: our valley deserves it!"

TA KE T HE T IM E TO LOO K AROUND YOU

REMNANTS FROMHISTORY

The valley's museums offer different approachesto Alpine culture.

With the Maison de lAlpage in Servoz, the MuseMontagnard et Rural in Les Houches, the Muse Alpinand the Muse du Montenvers et de la Mer de Glace inChamonix, you have plenty of opportunity to uncoverour treasures. The Espace Tairraz in Chamonix is nowhome to the brand new mountaineering centre,as well as the Museum of Crystals, a particularityof the valley.

Our heritage guides offer guided tours ofthe Chamonix Valley.


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Profile

ROGER FRISON-ROCHEWriter, journalist, guide,adventurer and explorer

The Chamonix Valley's biggest legend was born in Paris.Roger Frison-Roche, the legendary author of THE classicFrench mountaineering book Premier de Corde, tooka little piece of his valley with him to the furthest reachesof the Sahara desert. His daughter Martine Charoy Frison-Roche keeps the memory of this outstanding mountaineeralive. "My father was the first person not born i n Chamonixto get in to the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix,which at the time was a very select group.

His parents were from the Beaufort region and asit happened he was born in Paris, arriving in the valleybefore the 1924 Winter Olympics, for which he was thesecretary. Most French mountain enthusiasts are familiarwith Premier de Corde and Frison-Roche's fascinationfor the Hoggar Mountains in southern Algeria. But inaddition to his writing, he worked actively to encourage'La Compagnie', which he referred to as his "secondfamily", to open up internationally and provide its guideswith a modern status and modern standards of protection.Today he lives on in the hearts of everyone who knowsthat a passion for mountaineering knows no borders."

For more information about Roger Frison-Roche visitwww.frison-roche.com

THE HOGGARROGER FRISON-ROCHE, FROM CHAMONIX TO

RogerFrison-Rochewithhis daughterMartineCharoyFrison-Roche

Ph.MonnierDocumentAmisdu VieuxChamonix

FrescooftheguidesofChamonixConceivedandpaintedbyA.Frescowww.a-fresco.com


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Profile

FABRIZIA DERRIARDMayor of Courmayeur

ANOTHER MONT BLANC AWAITS YOU: AVANTI!

THE VALAIS: DIP INTOSWITZERLAND

The Swiss canton of Valais, with its promise

of superb skiing and stunning scenery, isjust down the road from the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley. When it comes to culture,this winter the Gianadda Foundation inMartigny is showing a retrospective of thework of the famous contemporary Swisspainter Ernest Biler.

Less than half an hour from Chamonix, Fabrizia Derriard,mayor of Courmayeur since 2005, likes to introduce'the other Mont Blanc' to her French neighbours.

"The easiest way to come here is to use the fast andfrequent coach service. What surprises visitors whocome to the Aosta Valley is both the similarities andthe differences! You are in Italy, but at school the childrenare taught in French. You are 25 minutes from Chamonix,

but in the mountain restaurants you'll discover Valdostangastronomic specialities. Until 1860 we were part ofthe same kingdom, and we remain close cousins today,sharing the same great treasure: Mont Blanc."An amazing mountain that really deserves to be seen fromthe 'other side' too!

Aosta Valley website: www.lovevda.itValais website: www.valais.ch


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Profiles

EVA SANDELGARDFreeriding hairdresser

HIDEMI YOKOYAMASki instructor

ANDY PARKINClimber and artist

EGOR SFreeride a

"I first came to Chamonix in 1989, but it was notuntil 1995 that I came to live here, working asa hair stylist at the foot of Mont Blanc. Here,I've learned both French and snowboarding!"Eva was more successful than she ever dreamed,becoming French and Swedish moguls champion.Having achieved that, she took up freeridesnowboarding, where she picked up threeconsecutive world titles at Xtreme Verbier.

"Fitting in here is easy if you make a bit of aneffort to learn the language. Chamonix is not aseasonal resort but a real international town, andthat changes everything!"

The Chamonix Valley has a legendary reputationall over the world, and every year almost90,000 Japanese tourists come here.

Hidemi Yokoyama tells his story: "Passionateabout the mountains and skiing, I arrived i nChamonix in the 1970s once the valley hadbecome fashionable. I have never regretted mydecision. Every landscape here is stunning. Here,the people are friendly and the atmosphere isvery sociable. It's a very cosmopolitan andatypical place, and that's what gives it its charm."

"I was born in England, but my life only reallystarted in Chamonix. I came to live here to learnhow to climb. Contrary to what you might think,it's a perfect place to start out because there areroutes at all levels. As a child I used to like lookingat lithographs and paintings of the Chamonixarea, and that's how I got to know the valley.Today I combine my two passions,painting/sculpture and climbing. It's a reallyamazing place where you feel alive."

"In 2003 I feits architectSince then I hthe holidays,a wonderful Every winterthe hope of bOlympics, whmy home tow

They came from Japan, Sweden, England and elsewhere too; they fell in love with the Chamonix Valley and have ended up settlinghere. We meet these Chamoniards by adoption, people who have come to symbolise the cosmopolitan nature of Chamonix.

STAYED!THEY CAME, THEY SAW AND THEY


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Profile

GUILLERMO FAYEDMember of the French alpine ski team

KANDAHAR: "AT THE START, THE WHOLE VAL LEY IS WITH ME!"

A piece of advice to skiers: the 'Verte des Houches'is not a green run but one of the fastest downhill coursesin the World Cup and the home of the legendary Kandahar.It's two minutes of breathtaking action for the spectatorsmassed along the course, but above all for the racers.One of them in 2011, the ski racer Guillermo Fayedfrom Chamonix, shares his thoughts with us."For me, racing here was an intense experience.

At the start you look out over the Chamonix-Mont BlancValley and the town where I was born, but I felt thatthe whole valley was behind me too, shouting itsencouragement. You hear the noise of the crowd right upuntil the moment you start. Then you're off and you canno longer hear anything. It all passes very quickly.

Because even though the organisers try to slow down racesthese days by setting up winding courses, you reach speedsof over 140 km/h. At the finish line you once again hearthe noise of the crowd. I come across friends, my formercoaches, the people who trained me and it's thanksto them that I'm here. It's a unique feeling!"The Kandahar is truly amazing.

WINNERS OF

THE KANDAHARThe Alpine Ski World Cup Arlberg Kandaharwas first held in Chamonix in 1948.

The big names in alpine skiing that have wonfame on this legendary course: Didier Cuche,Bode Miller, Kjetil Aamodt, Hermann Maier,Giorgio Rocca, Guy Prillat, etc.

A date for your diary : 4th and 5thFebruary 2012 for the next Kandahar.


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Skiing in the Valleya variety of places andatmospheres that everyonewill love!

Make the most of our 'Early Season' and 'SpringSkiing' special offers: MONT BLANC Unlimited: 3 daysfor the price of 2 days and 25% reduction on the priceof the 6-day pass.

Hands-free card required, non-refundable but reusable:3 euros

DocumentnoquotedbyCopurposesandandconditio

C on se cu ti ve d ay s A du lt s 16 -64 ye ar sReduced rate 4-15 years

and 65-74 yearsVeterans 75 years and

1 day 51,50 44,00 26,00

2 days 101,00 86,00 50,50

3 days 150,00 127,50 75,00

4 days 191,00 162,50 95,50

5 days 232,00 197,00 116,00

6 days 255,00 217,00 127,50

MONT-BLANC Unl imited1 pass... 3 countries! The entire Chamonix Valley and more besides!Treatyourselfto THEski pass,whichgivesyouthe freedomtoski notjustthe wholeof theChamonixValleybutalsoour partnerskiareasat Verbier-4Valleysin SwitzerlandandCourmayeurin Italy.

What's covered by the MONT BLANC Unlimited pass:In France Unlimited access to the ski areas in the Chamonix-Mont Blanc Valley: Les Grands Montets (includes Lognan - LBrvent-Flgre, Balme ski area (Le Tour - Vallorcine), Les Houches ski area, La Vormaine, Les Chosalets, Le Sa Unlimited access to 3 major attractions: Aiguille du Midi Cable Car (access to the Valle Blanche), MontenversMer de Glace (Valle Blanche return route), Mont Blanc Tram (from Saint Gervais - Le Fayet).

In Switzerland The Verbier - 4 Valleys ski area (included in passes valid for 6+ days): an 'unlimited' ski area, fantastic for all sA collection of linked, high-quality ski areas that give everyone an opportunity to enjoy an amazing day's skiing

In Italy The Courmayeur ski area (1224 m - 2624 m): this warmly welcoming ski area just 20 minutes from Chamonix ball abilities in sunny, wooded surroundings with the bonus of some great Italian food and delicious lunch opport

The Monte Bianco Cable Car to the Valle Blanche from Italy.

The benefits linked to the MONT-BLANC Unlimited :Free daily shuttle buses to Courmayeur and back (reservation required), reduced rates for the Mont Blanc TunnAiguille du Midi Cable Car, plus lots more on offer at compagniedumontblanc.com or on +33 (0)4 50 53 22 75.

Profile

PASCAL CROZChef des Pistes atLes Grands Montets

Keeping the ski area safe, ensuring the pistesare perfectly groomed, maintaining the signage,training the piste patrol staff: this is what Pascal

Croz's job involves. He tells us about his 'patch',the Chamonix-Mont Blanc Valley."The Chamonix-Mont Blanc Valley does not consistof one ski resort but of several ski areas facingdifferent directions.These different areas offer some extremely variedskiing for all abilities, from the family-friendlyruns at Les Houches and Vallorcine to the pistesat Les Grands Montets at over 3,000 m.Anyone looking for something new or keen onexploring can very easily spend a day at Verbier inneighbouring Switzerland or Courmayeur in Italy.The diversity on offer in the Chamonix-Mont BlancValley is a real plus."

Ski lifts

32Boundary of La PoyaBoundaryof MONT-BLANCUnlimited

Boundary of CHAMONIX Le PassBoundary of Les Houches


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OUTDOOR ACTIVIT IES INDOOR ACTIVIT IES

ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS

Directory

Activits Stations Tlphone Web

L'attelagedeCouteray Skijoring Vallorcine +33(0)6 1517 30 23

Skijoeringmont-blanc Skijoring LesHouches +33(0)6130833 58 www.skijoeringmontblanc.com

Huskydalen Dogsledding Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0) 684993467 www.huskydalen.com

EvasionNordique Dogsledding Vallorcine +33(0) 682095003 www.evasion-nordique.com

Indiana'venture Treetopcourse,Adventuretrail LesHouches +33(0) 662672851 www.indianaventures.com

Paint-BallChamonix Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0) 607360151 [email protected]

Sledgingareas Sledgingruns Servoz +33(0) 450472168

LesHouches +33(0) 450555062

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0) 450530024

Vallorcine +33(0) 450546071

ParcdeloisirsdeChamonix Sledgingrun Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0) 450530897 www.chamonixparc.com

Skatingrinks Naturalskating rink LesHouches +33(0) 450545299

Naturalandartificialskatingrinks Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0) 450531236

Artificialskatingrink Vallorcine +33(0) 450547520

Cross-countryskiingcentres Chamonix +33(0) 4505311 15

Vallorcine +33(0) 450546069

ChamonixMont-BlancHlicoptres Helicopterrides Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0) 450541382 www.chamonix-helico.fr

Activits Stations

Indoorclimbing LesHouches

Climbingwall Chamonix-Mont-Blan

Bouleshall Ptanque(boules) LesHouches

Sportshall Weighttrainingroomandgym Chamonix-Mont-Blan

Tenniscourts Chamonix-Mont-Blan

Watersports centre Swimmingpool,saunaand steambath Chamonix-Mont-Blan

CinmaVox Chamonix-Mont-Blan

ChamonixCasinoTablegames, slotmachines,jackpots,shows andentertainment

Chamonix-Mont-Blan

Activits Stations Tlphone Web

LaCompagniedes nes Wa lks w ith do nk ey s L es Hou ch es +3 3(0 )4 50 47 2 6 1 8

levagedeSaint Bernard Kennels visit Les Houches +33(0)4 50 47 23 60

ParcdeMerlet An im alpark,an im al feed ing LesHouches +33(0)450534789 www.parcdemerlet .com

LaFermePayot Goatfarmvisitwithgoat'scheesetastingandfarmshop L es H ou ch es + 33 (0 )6 8 7 4 1 71 5 7 w ww .l af er me ap ay ot .c om

LaFerme deVallorcine F ar m sh op s el li ng c he es es V al lo rc in e + 33 (0 )4 5 0 54 6 9 42

Alpineskiing

Snownursery

Snow-boarding

Speedriding F reest yle F reerid e T elemar k

Skiingforthedisabled

Cross-countrySkiing

Skitouring

Snow-shoeing

Mountain-eering

Iceclimbing Paragliding Resorts Telephone Web

colede SkiFranais desHouches LesHouches +33(0)45054 4879 www.esf-leshouches.com

coledeSkiFranaisdeChamonix Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)45053 2257 www.esfchamonix.com

colede SkiFranais d'Argentire Argentire +33(0)45054 0012 www.esf-argentiere.com

colede SkiFranais deVallorcine Vallorcine +33(0)45054 6167 www.ecole-ski-vallorcine.com

volution2 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

LesHouches +33(0)45055 5357 www.evolution2-chamonix.com

corider LesHouches +33(0)6616032 55 www.ecorider.org

SkiSensations Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)6821059 22 www.ski-sensations.com

AssociationInternationale desGuidesdu Mont-Blanc Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)4505327 05 www.guides-du-montblanc.com

AventureenTte Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)45054 0511 www.aventureentete.com

ChamonixAventure Vallorcine +33(0)6804258 49 www.chamonix-aventure.com

ChamonixExperience Argentire +33(0)45054 0936 www.chamex.com

Compagniedes GuidesdeChamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-BlancLesHouches +33(0)4505300 88 www.chamonix-guides.com

Maisondes Guidesde Vallorcine Vallorcine +33(0)45054 6069www.maisondela

montagne-vallorcine.fr

OdysseMontagne Servoz +33(0)45091 2083 www.odyssee-montagne.fr

PeakExperience Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)6206318 52 www.peakexperience.com

Peakpowder Argentire +33(0)6890651 03 www.peakpowder.com

PrestigeOutdoorSpecialists Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)6802083 70 www.prestigeoutdoor.com

UC PA Cosmique Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)45053 1205www.ucpa-vacances.com/

centre/chamonix

UC PA LesGlac iers Argentire +33(0)45054 0711www.ucpa-vacances.com/

centre/argentiere

AAhautvol Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)6800324 74 www.hautvol.fr

AbsoluteChamonix Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)6082392 65 www.absolute-chamonix.com

AilesduMontBlanc Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)6204655 57 www.lesailesdumontblanc.com

AntcimesSummitsParapente Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)68401 26 00 www.summits.fr

ChamonixParapente Chamonix-Mont-Blanc +33(0)66184 6150 www.chamonix-parapente.fr

MOUNTAIN PROFESSIONALS

After the day's skiing, discover all thebenefits of recharging your batteries in ahigh-altitude spa.

Body and facial treatments, relaxingmassages, sauna, steam bath and more

Welcome to a valley of well-being!

Activities Resort Telephone Web Activities Resort

A ct iv it ie s Re so rt Te le ph on e W eb


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Directory

Saturday 3 December:Nordic Monster Test in Chamonix,nordic sports discovery day

Sunday 4 December:Christmas market in Vallorcine

Thursday 22 and Friday 23 December:Christmas festivities in Chamonix

Christmas holidays:Christmas market in Argentire

Saturday 24 December:Arrival of Father Christmas at La Poya, Vallorcine

Friday 23 December and Saturday 24 December:Arrival of Father Christmas in Les HouchesFather Christmas will tour Les Houches from 4pm,arriving in the village centre at around 6pm

Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 December:Night slalom competitions in Chamonix

Saturday 31 December:New Year firework display in Les HouchesVillage square from 7pm onwards

Monday 2 to Sunday 8 January:Russian Orthodox New Year festivities

Friday 21 to Thursday 27 January:Stage of the Freeride World Tour:International freeride competition in Chamonix

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February:Kandahar:Alpine Ski World Cup events in Les Houches andChamonix: Men's Downhill and Men's Super CombinedLots going on

Friday 10 to Sunday 12 February:Les Houches Telemark FestivalOn the pistes of Les Houches from 9am to 6pm and atthe Espace OLCA from 9pm.Competition, demonstrations and film showingEvening concert.

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 February:French Ski Orienteering Championships in Chamonix

Wednesday 22 February:Les Houches Kids Contest - 10th year, competition forchildren aged 7 to 14: Cross, Freeride and Big Air

Friday 24 FebruaryChamonix en Rouge: a tribute to the ski instructors

Friday 24 to Monday 27 February:Losar 2139, Tibetan New Year in Les Houches, organi-sed by the Lions des Neiges Mont-Blanc

Sunday 26 February:Run & Skate in Chamonix: competition combining run-ning and cross-country skiing

Tuesday 13 March:La Verte lEnvers in Les Houches:Night climb of the famous La Verte downhill run. Partof the Mountain Ski Tour.

Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 March:Les Piolets d'Or in Chamonix: celebration of theworld's best mountain ascents of the year

Monday 12 tCorsican Fes

Wednesday Family Film FA week of filorganised es

Thursday 31Mont Blanc Sof tomorrow

Childcare facilities

Garderie des ChavantsDay nursery for visitorsLes HouchesTel. +33 (0)4 50 54 43 [email protected]

Municipal day nurseryLes HouchesTel. +33 (0)4 50 54 48 [email protected]

Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture(youth centre)Tel. +33 (0)4 50 53 12 [email protected]

Culture in the Valley

Maison de lAlpage ServozTel. +33 (0)6 70 61 07 [email protected]

Muse Montagnard et RuralLes [email protected]

Muse alpinChamonix-Mont-BlancTel. +33 (0)4 50 53 25 [email protected]

Espace TairrazMuse des Cristaux - Espace AlpinismeChamonix-Mont-BlancTel. +33 (0)4 50 53 12 24

[email protected] Guided heritage toursEvery Thursday at 10 a.m. in Chamonix

Servoz libraryTel. +33 (0)4 50 47 28 [email protected]

Les Houches libraryTel. +33 (0)4 50 54 39 [email protected]

Les Plerins libraryChamonix-Mont-BlancTel. +33 (0)4 50 55 92 97

Library/media libraryTel. +33 (0)4 50 53 34 82

Argentire libraryTel. +33 (0)4 50 54 03 06

Vallorcine library

Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 44 08www.vallorcine.fr/-Bibliotheque

Accommodation

Details of accommodation availability inthe Chamonix-Mont Blanc Valley are onthe Tourist Office websites.

Brochures are also available on requestfrom the 4 Tourist Offices.

Servoz/Les Houcheswww.servoz.comwww.leshouches.com

Chamonix-Mont-Blancwww.chamonix.com

Vallorcinewww.vallorcine.com(Accomodation section)

Business tourism

Salle municipale Jean Morel - ServozTel. +33 (0)4 50 47 21 51

Espace Olca - Les HouchesTl : +33 (0) 4 50 55 50 [email protected]

Bureau des congrs - ChamonixTel. +33 (0)4 50 53 75 50www.congres-chamonix.com

Cinma Vox - Chamonixmeeting roomsTel. +33 (0)4 50 55 89 98

Events Diary/what's on


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A C C E S S GETTING HERE

Road From FranceAccessible directly via the Autoroute Blanche (A40),which connects with the European motorway network.

Via SwitzerlandMotorway to Martigny, Col de la Forclaz, Col des Mon-tets.

Via Italy:15 km from the border via the Mont Blanc Tunnel.Road travel information: Tel. +33 (0)4 50 53 05 51

RailSNCF railway stations in the resortsSt Gervais - Le Fayet / Vallorcine / Martigny (CH) line.Connecting TGV services: Annecy, Bellegarde, Geneva,LausanneSNCF information:Tel.: 3635 (from France)www.ter-sncf.comwww.voyages-sncf.com

Air Geneva International Airport(88 km / 55 miles)Tel +41 (0) 22 717 71 11

Lyon Saint-Exupry International Airport(220 km / 137 miles)Tel +33 (0)8 26 800 826

Haute-Savoie Mont Blanc Airport(Annecy - 90 km / 56 miles)Tel +33 (0)4 50 27 30 06

Coach services& airport transfersDaily connections with Geneva and Italy.

SATTel/Fax +33 (0)4 50 53 01 15www.sat-montblanc.com

Alternatives to the car: unlimiteduse of rail and bus services throu-ghout the Valley

Mont-Blanc Express TrainThe SNCF line serves all the villages fromSaint Gervais/Le Fayet to Martigny (Switzerland),via Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentireand Vallorcine.Travel on the SNCF line from Servoz to Vallorcineis free and unlimited to holders of a Carted'Hte guest card provided by your accommodationprovider on arrival.Trains run approximately every hour.Information: at SNCF railway stations

Tel.: 3635 (from France) or on the websites:www.ter-sncf.comwww.voyages-sncf.com

Bus / Shuttle servicesScheduled urban transport services throughoutthe Valley (free between Servoz and Le Tourto holders of a Carte d'Hte guest card providedby your accommodation provider on arrival).

Chamonix BusTel +33 (0)4 50 53 05 55Fax +33 (0)4 50 55 95 [email protected]

WEATHER / SAFETYCAR PARKS / TAXISPRIVATE TRANSPORT

EMERGENCY NUMBERS / USEFUL NUMB

Car parks in Chamonix4,000 parking spaces.3 covered car parks: Chamonix-Sud, Saint-Micheland Place du Mont-Blanc.Parking for up to 1 hour: free.Free'Les Mulets'shuttleservicearoundthe towncentre

Chamonix Parc AutoTel +33 (0)4 50 53 65 71

Car parks in Les HouchesLe Tourchet: 60 spacesCentre village: 80 spacesLes Chavants: 200 spaces

Taxis, private transportA list of taxi firms and private transportoperators is available on request fromthe Tourist Offices.

Mto France7-day forecast updated 3 times a dayTel +33 (0)8 92 68 02 [email protected] bulletins posted at the Maisonde la Montagne and Tourist Office.

Mto Chamonix5-day forecastwww.chamonix.com

Espace Mto siteMountain weather information and safety display.Free admission.

Maison de la MontagneOpen Monday to Saturday from 9amto 12pm and 3pm to [email protected]

Office de Haute-MontagneA central point providing comprehensive informationon conditions and safety in the mountains.

Maison de la MontagneOpen Monday to Saturday from 9amto 12pm and 3pm to 6pm.Tel +33 (0)4 50 53 22 [email protected]

Fire service 18 - SAMUemergency medical service 15 International rescue numberfrom a mobile phone: 112

AmbulanceTel +33 (0)4 50 53 46 20

Chamonix HospitalTel +33 (0)4 50 53 84 00509, route des plerins Chamonix

Sallanches HospitalTel +33 (0)4 50 47 30 30380, rue de lhpital - Sallanches(includes a haemodialysis centre)

Medical analysis laboratoryTel +33 (0)4 50 53 07 2532, rue Helbronner - Chamonix

P.G.H.M (mountain rescue)Tel +33 (0)4 50 53 16 8969, route de la Mollard - Chamonix

Overnight, Suand public ho Out-of-hours doctDial 15

Out-of-hours dentTel +33 (0)4 50 66 14

17generalpractitioneChamonixandArgentpaediatrics,cardiolog

Full list availafrom the Tour

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Practical information

Les Houches

Servoz

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Mont-Blanc4810m

Genve

Milan

AnnecyLyon

LondresParis

Vallorcine

Lausanne

SUISSE

ITALIE


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Tourist offices

42

Servozwww.servoz.com

Les Houches et Servoz Tourist Office ***Le bouchet - 74310 ServozTel +33 (0)4 50 47 21 [email protected] - www.servoz.com

> Opening hours

From Thursday 15 December 2011 to Monday 30 April 2012Daily from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pmClosed on Sundays and public holidays

Chamonix-Mont-Blancwww.chamonix.com

Chamonix Tourist Office ****85, place du Triangle de lAmiti - BP 2574400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc CedexTel +33 (0)4 50 53 00 24 - Fax +33 (0)4 50 53 58 [email protected] - www.chamonix.com

> Opening hoursChristmas holidays to mid-April: 8.30am to 7pm non stopFrom mid-April: open daily from 9am to 12.30pmand 2pm to 6pm

Office de Tourisme dArgentire ****24, route du Village - 74400 ArgentireTel +33 (0)4 50 54 02 14 - Fax +33 (0)4 50 54 06 [email protected]

> Opening hours December: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12pm

and 3pm to 6pm

Christmas and February holidays:open daily from 8.30am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm

January and March: open daily from 9am to 12pmand 3pm to 6.30pm

April: open daily from 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm

Vallorcinewww.vallorcine.com

Office de Tourisme de Vallorcine**Le Bett - 74660 VallorcineTel +33 (0)4 50 54 60 71Fax : +33(0)4 50 54 61 [email protected] - www.vallorcine.com

> Opening hoursDaily from 9am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 6pm.Other periods: 9am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pmClosed on Sundays and Wednesdays

"FamillePlusMontagne"label:Theresortof LesHouchesis oneof theFrenchresortsawardedtheFAMILLEPLUS MONTAGNElabel.

Thislabelisgrantedinrecognitionofthefacilitiesandservicesprovidedfor familiesand children.Theresort undertakestoprovide apersonalised welcomeandevents andactivitiessuitableforguestsofallagesatgreatprices,withimprovedawarenessby resortprofessionalsof whatchildrenwant.

HolidayplannerPrepareyourholidayin ServozandLes Houchestheeasy waywiththenew onlinetoolavailableon ourwebsites.Telluswhatyou'relookingforandwhatyouwanttodoandwe'llprovideyou withvarioussuggestionswithall theinformationyou needtopersonaliseyour holidaytosuit you.Youcangobacktoandchangeyourselectionsatanytime.Createyourholidayplanner atwww.servoz.comorwww.leshouches.com

LabelNotre VillageTerredAvenir:Thislabel, awardedby theAssociation NationaleNotreVillageTerredAvenir(recognisedby theFrenchMinistryofEcology,Energy, SustainableDevelopmentandtheSeaasan expertbodyintheimplementationoftheAgendas 21by rurallocal authorities),enablesalocal Agenda21 programmeof environmental,economicandsocial initiativesto bepursued.

"BestoftheAlps"isthebrandsharedbytheverybestholidaydestinationsthroughouttheAlps.

Eachmemberof thisprestigiousgroupmeets themostdemandingrequirementsof itsinternationalclientle.

Anultra-moderninfrastructure,theunspoiltatmosphereofa mountainvillage,warm,friendly andtop-qualityserviceandafullrangeofservicesbothsummerandwinterensurethatyou willhavea wonderfulandunforgettableholiday.

The"Bestof theAlps"village destinationswishyou acordialwelcome!

TOURISTOFFICES

Thisbrand provesconformitywith standardNF X50-730andthe NF237certificationrules.

Itguarantees thatthe touristactivitiesand informationandthe evaluationandimprovementof servicequalityareregularly checkedby

AFNORCertification.

11rueFrancisdePressens-93571LaPlaineSaint-DenisCedex- France

www.marque-nf.com

Les Houcheswww.leshouches.com

Les Houches et Servoz Tourist Office ***BP9 74310 - Les houchesTel +33 (0)4 50 55 50 62 - Fax +33(0)4 50 55 53 [email protected] - www.leshouches.com

> Opening hours

From Monday 19 December 2011 to Sunday 15 April 2012Daily from 8.30am to 12pm and 2.15pm to 6.30pmOther periods: 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pmClosed on Sundays and public holidays

Theselabels applyto Chamonix-MontBlancTourist Office.

ALPINE

04-05 FEBRUARY

WOK A N D A H A RCOUPE DU MONDE SKICH AMON I X/L E S H OUCH E S


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EXPERIENCE SUMMER IN THE

CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC VALLEY

brochure vallee chamonix

Documents