SUMMER::
The chalet is set in its own garden full of flowers fruit and vegetables as well as an orchard, with a south-facing terrace looking towards Mont Blanc, ideal for summer relaxation.
The Chamonix Valley is stunningly beautiful – eternal snows and glaciers of the awe-inspiring high mountains contrast with the green forests, flower-filled meadows and waterfalls, with the evocative sound of cowbells in the distance. There are masses of different activities to choose from for all ages including well-organised sports for teenagers and children: rock-climbing, mountaineering on the glaciers, canyoning, rafting and paragliding, to tennis in our village, golf and swimming in the valley. For younger children there are adventure parks, pony clubs and a playground in the village. In addition there are good markets in local towns, museums and exhibitions, spas to relax in, and of course a huge choice of restaurants, cafes and bars, including two restaurants and two bars in Servoz.
WINTER:
The Mont Blanc mountain range is a World Heritage site........ Its dramatic scenery, Mont Blanc, the Chamonix Needles and the huge glaciers descending into the Chamonix Valley, is unparalleled. The skiing is so varied that everyone can have a wonderful time. For experts it must be hard to beat the mind-blowing high altitude off-piste glacier skiing of the Grands Montets and the Vallee Blanche with their 2000m vertical drops and the ski season extending well into May. For intermediates and beginners there is a huge choice of different ski areas in the Valley, as well as Courmayeur in Italy which is on the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass. We can advise on the best place to ski according to snow and weather conditions and arrange for personally known Ski Instructors or Mountain Guides to take you skiing. Heli-skiing can be arranged. It is helpful to have a car wherever you are staying in the valley, though not esssential, as there is free public transport, by both bus and train.
Non-skiers:
There is peaceful and beautiful walking and snowshoeing in the area surrounding Servoz, through the forests and little hamlets, with spectacular scenery of the Mont Blanc range. Chamonix has museums, cinema, swimming pool, skating rink and good shopping. The Montenvers cog railway takes you from Chamonix to the foot of the Vallée Blanche, in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif. The Mont Blanc 'Express' , with its panoramic roof runs through the mountains from Servoz to Martigny in Switzerland, and the famous Gianadda Foundation which always has first class temporary exhibitions as well as its permanent art collections. For your relaxation there are spa baths where you can pamper yourself with massages as well as lots of fun for all ages at Lavey-les-Bains in Switzerland, or Pré St. Didier in Italy, both within easy driving distance.
Ski:
The Chamonix skiing is made up of several distinct areas. It is helpful to have a car wherever you are staying in the valley although there is free public transport.
Distance to nearest lift at les Houches: 8 minutes by car.
Height of Chamonix: 1000m.
Height of Argentiere: 1250m.
Height of top lift: 3842m.
Vertical drop Grands Montets to Argentiere: 2000m.
Length of ski season: 21 weeks.
Runs in Chamonix Valley, including Les Houches and Courmayeur (included in Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass)
Green: 10.
Blue: 37.
Red: 45.
Black: 19.
Off piste: great variations, from gentle tree skiing at les Houches to the huge open glaciated expanses of the Grands Montets at Argentiere. The famous Vallee Blanche should be skied with a Mountain Guide.
Apres-ski for those with energy left - 2 restaurants in Servoz, plenty to choose from in les Houches (8 mins) and in Chamonix (15 mins) there is a large variety of restaurants, clubs and bars to suit all tastes.
Other Activities:
Paraski, snow-shoeing, ice-climbing, cross country skiing, ski-touring, canoeing, rafting
