It's a bit chilly!

Can’t help but wonder what the wind chill factor is when its –5 degrees and its blowing 30 kph. Regardless, it’s cold. Cold enough to give you a damn good ice cream headache when sat on a lift riding slowly into the oncoming wind. Absolutely Baltic in fact.


Amazing then that wee Sam didn’t grumble at all about the cold today. There’s me in my branded ‘Gucci’ kit, from thermals through to Gore-Tex, and there’s he in anything we can find him that’ll fit and won’t break the bank because he’ll soon be growing out of it. Who’s gonna crumble first…?!So its not quite the weather that we had last time we were out skiing – at Easter last year. But all the same, great to be back in the Argentière apartment, at the head of the Chamonix Valley. It’s a quick week, or at least I reckon it will be by the time we hit Saturday, but still long enough to enjoy all the reasons that made us finally decide to buy a place out here.

Have to say that the place is looking good. Our second full winter season and we’re definitely making our mark. The floor which I put down back in November has transformed the place. Already thinking that I might try and find time to come out again later this season and have a go at closing off the double door to the family bedroom, making the lounge much cosier in the process. And maybe find a few hours to hit the trails at the same time, naturally!

Snow Shoes Rule

Nicely back from Argentiere, 'stookie' (that's a cast on a broken bone if you're not familiar with Scot's dialect), Gordon is full of praise for snow shoe trips. Undeterred by broken bones incurred as a result of a try at cross country skiing, plans are already being made for the next trip! Perhaps the photos reveal why!

There's lots of talk about the comparative strength of the Euro against the pound at the moment, but with 2 weeks of blue skies, sub zero temperatures and oodles of fun you've got to admit that its money well spent.


Julia from Tracks & Trails is the person to speak to if you fancy a bit of snow shoeing or some ski de fond / cross country skiing. And she promises that most of her clients don't end up getting plastered, at least until they've hit the pub later that is. (Sorry, terrible joke I know. I'll get my coat.)

It all goes to show that just because its winter, you don't have to be a downhill skier to have a great time staying at our apartment in Argentiere. The Chamonix valley has much to offer, and we're only just scratching the surface at the moment. Tandem paragliding next, then?


And if, like Gordon, it all goes pear shaped out there on the white stuff, you can always take a hike up to a sunny slope side restaurant, and enjoy the sunshine and a glass of the old vin rouge!

Enjoy your break!

Gordon, our man from Clachaig has been out in the apartment in Argentiere this last 10 days or so. We've had the odd text or 2, taunting us with tales of deep snow, blue skies and French wine. It sounds like you don't need to be hardcore skier to enjoy the Alps, even at this time of year.

With walks in the snow and with views like this who needs skiing?! Well, it sounds like a reasonable alternative at least.

And for a view like this, down into Switzerland, how about a day snow shoeing? Amidst the gloating, we detected that Gordon had a fantastic day with Tracks & Trails and an introduction to snow shoes.

However, latest reports suggest that cross country skiing isn't perhaps all its cracked up to be. Within a couple of hours he'd broken his wrist and was bound for the Argentiere clinic, hot on the trail of Kylie (see below)! Ouch!

I should be so lucky...

Chances are that by now you've heard how good the start to the winter season has been. Snow, snow and more snow, ensuring that the Chamonix Valley got one of the best starts to a winter season in years.

Our Christmas guests had a great time and have provided some very positive feedback:

"Can I say what a fabulous time my family had in your Argentiere apartment over Christmas. The apartment was lovely; well equipped and cosy. You have obviously made it in to an apartment that you would feel comfortable staying in - not usually the case! The Christmassy decorations were a delightful addition and with our roaring fire on Christmas Day made our holiday. It was light, spacious, thoughtfully decorated and warm - I don't want this to sound like a criticism, but almost too warm! It seemed a shame to open the windows when things got too toasty, but better warm than cold! The area is lovely and we had a fantastic time in the mountains. What a view from the balcony!!

I loved your apartment and I'm very jealous as I wish I had one just like it! A beautiful setting, a homely, cosy apartment and fantastic owners who genuinely seem to care.... brilliant!"

And it seems that someone told diminutive pop princess and so it would appear keen snowboarder Kylie how good it was this year. Sounds like Kylie and her current have been shredding the slopes of the Grand Montets over New Year, although the 'current' might have over done it a little as local sources report Kylie as last being seen in the Doc's surgery in Argentiere. Ouch!


I've always had a soft spot for Kylie, ever since the Charlene days (well, students watch Neighbours even today don't they?) and the little kids from next door to our flat in King Edward Street in Gateshead used to tease me and my (diminutive) girlfriend that it was Kylie & Jason coming home. (That's the Mrs. now, and the frizzy perm look has gone). I do, of course, have to deny rumours that Kylie booked with StayInChamonix for her New Year retreat. I should be so lucky...

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.

The carpet is dead!

Great. Invest in an apartment in Argentiere so that you can spend lots of time in the fantastic surrounding mountains. Not so this week!

Have spent the last 3 days on my knees with a wallpaper scraper trying to clear the remains of the old carpet from the floor of the apartment. And the good news is that the mission has now been accomplished. The old carpet is now resting in the bottom of a skip in Chamonix and the fantastic new floor is taking shape nicely. Despite still having a fair bit to lay over the next couple of days, its already transformed the apartment, and its looking great. Would love to prove it with a photo with numb-nuts here has forgotten to bring his camera!

Its not all work, work, work. That would be a bit dull. Have at least managed to get out for a bike/run/swim over the last few days. The autumn leaves and the quiet trails through the Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve above the apartment were pretty special!

It's snowing in Argentiere!

Leaving a snowy Glencoe to head to Argentiere at the weekend with a plan to replace the tired carpet in the apartment with a new laminate floor. I've got my running shorts at the ready and the mountain bike boxed, all ready for some exercise and fresh air. But having had a quick look at the web cams I'm wondering whether skis might not be a better idea!

View of Argentiere village courtesy of Chamonix.com

The Grand Montets at Lognan courtesy of CMB

Last year we were skiing on 1st December. Keep an eye on the web cams and keep your fingers crossed for another excellent start to the ski season.