Try something different

If you've been following the snow conditions in the Alps this winter then you'll be aware that, until this last week at least, fresh snow fall has been somewhat lacking. With big dumps of snow in the lead in to the season pre-Christmas, once the new year settled in, the sun decided to come out... And stay out.

Certainly no lack of snow at the Grand Montets

On our most recent trip to Argentiere, we were a little nervous that the much coveted ski trip wouldn't be quite the same. After all, we do like our powder and the off piste. However, as it turned out, we ended up enjoying some of the best family skiing we've done, albeit lacking the steep and the deep.

How do ski conditions compare to the design of your skis?

Although the pistes were 'firm', they were also fast, and a dream to let loose on. It wasn't long before we got to thinking much more about our skis and the way they worked. And the natural progression followed...

Hard and fast - the Hearse piste at the Grand Montets

... I wonder what it would be like on some different skis..., these different skis are the absolute business, I can really blast the piste on these unlike my own..., I wonder what some top end performance skis would be like..., these performance skis are the absolute business, I must have a pair, etc...

Work those edges!

And so on it went. We had a blast and very soon I'll be several hundred Euros poorer, but have a big grin on my face. So the moral of the tail is that while no snow is definitely not good, different snow might just be the key to a whole new chapter of skiing.

Dynastar's youngest Factory Test Pilot

Head across to Sanglard Sports and hire some skis with 15% discount when you mention StayInChamonix, or better still, book online using our preferential rates. You can also ask Sanglard Sports for a voucher for the Dynastar Test Centre, based up at Lognan on the Grand Montets. With this, and for free, you can take any of their range of skis for a test ride for a couple of hours. (But remember, it'll cost you when you fall in love with them and have to buy a pair afterwards!)

And, by the way, plenty of new snow this week!

Ski Rental Partnership

Last week proved to be a busy one. The new floor is fully installed and the apartment is looking even better than ever. Despite the lack of camera, I managed to remember that technology has moved on in recent years and that I have a camera on my mobile. So here's a picture, albeit not of the usual standards, of the finished product. In case you're confused, that bright glare by the windows is the sun (it's probably been a while since you've seen it!)


We also established a new partnership with Sanglard Sports. StayInChamonix guests can now receive a 15% discount on ski hire from the Argentiere shop. Check out our web site for details.

The ski season isn't far away now, with snow filling in from about the 1900m contour. However, there's still plenty of sunshine in the valley and with the autumn leaves still hanging in there its a real pleasure being out. Despite being just below the snow line, rock climbers were making the most of it on Saturday, with an ascent of the Aiguillette D'Argentiere, high above the apartment.