New Year in Cham

As it happens, on the first weekend of 2023 we flew out to Chamonix to see in the new year and enjoy a few days on the slopes.

An early Friday flight from Luton to Geneva was simple (and incredibly, new year EasyJet flight prices were very reasonable indeed). We landed early, hopped on the Alpybus (20EUR pp) and in just over an hour were in the centre of Chamonix (full name, Chamonix Mont Blanc; the cool kids call it Cham). It was the transfer of dreams - no twisting, winding, nausea inducing roads for hours and hours, but a straightforward journey in a private minibus to the very heart of the Alps.

Pausing briefly for un sandwich, we set off to find our chalet. We were a group of 12; six adults, six teens, and we were hoping for a social space that we could all enjoy. Stunning Views Chalet (booked on Booking.com) did not disappoint. With big landscape windows that perfectly framed the view of Mont Blanc, this immaculately decorated and styled chalet was delightful. Wearing normal footwear, the chalet was just a 15 mins walk from the town. Wearing ski boots and carrying skis was a different story, but the local free bus meant that if we timed our journeys well, there was room for us to jump on at the bus stop just at the bottom of the road.

It’s a good job that we flew Easyjet because a ski pass in Chamonix is pricey (a family pass for four days was over 700 EUR). But, the price is the price and if you want to get up the mountain, that’s what you have to pay! We bought ours very easily at La Flégère and headed straight up to the slopes. Our group had the full range of ski ability from wobbly novices through to hard-core slope junkies, and whilst fresh snow was a bit lacking so early in the season, there was something for everyone. Green runs all the way for me, thanks very much.

Financing a bottle of coke at the top of the mountain needed you to remortgage, and the Spar in the town was no better for a decent food shop. So if you’re self-catering in Cham, it’s definitely worth finding a way to get to the Carrefour on the edge of town for some more sensibly-priced shopping.

Chamonix is a cute a ski town as you ever did see. A perfect fusion of bars, restaurants, ski and sports shops together with the obligatory souvenir stands and French patisseries make this a mountainous idyll. Skiing aside, and climate change pending, it looked like there would be plenty to do without the snow too, with a big golf course, mountain biking routes and other mountain sports galore. Lucky enough to be there as the clock chimed midnight at new year, we also got to experience the famous champagne cork popping and firework display that the locals and tourists alike all enjoy. Whilst it wasn’t the most raucous new year I’ve ever had, it was a very pleasant way to raise a glass with friends.

We stayed for five days, skied for four, and that was enough for both my aching body and my wallet. But, it was a truly lovely five days, best enjoyed with a big group of friends in a beautiful part of the world. And as we head off home, I thought it best to give you a heads up that next weekend’s activities will be far less chic and much more routine.

Au revoir for now!