He got flights, hotel and car - kudos my friend.
All we had to do was turn up, to have Wil pick us up at Geneva for approx 1.5 hrs drive over to Chamonix. (PS: Geneva airport is bloody confusing with the French side vs Swiss side AND AND the bloody construction work going on all around it!)
So on the first night we stayed at a really nice place called Le Vert.
The room was very nice and comfortable. They appear to be run by a bunch of Kiwi's, Aussies and French. We had a very nice meal there and the Kiwi chef was nice enough to come out and have a chat. Thought a little out of town (beh, we had a car), we would have been happy staying here for our time, but we had already paid for our other place.
General Rating: *** (Not near the action of the main town)
Repeat Visit: ****
The next morning we set off to get breakfeast at the local patisserie, gear and passes. As usual it took bloody ages and we finally hit the slopes of Le Tour (1462m) - Domaine De Balme (2270m) around 11.30am.
It took me a little bit to find my boarding feet but by the end of the day I was turning well! Very cool! I did the red home run!!
So around 1700 we checked into our next hostel, Vagabond, into our private room in the roof!
Unfortunately shared toilet and showers, on the level below, which proved to be quite a pain, literally, as I was once again so sore from boarding! Although not as bad as Dac who injured his knee quite badly.
General Rating: **0.5 (One of the staff wasn't too bright!)
Repeat Visit: ***0.5 (Only if you can get the top private rooms, as the bunk rooms looked very cramped)
That night we had dinner at the hostel as we had paid for half-board - it was likened to some uni student's pasta meal. Then we hit the town to see what was on offer. Went to a bar near the station, as did all the other Loony Tunes and sumo-dressed bucks groups which were in town. (See photos.)
Pics are on ringo if interested.
Dac picked up some Swedish blokes to be his wing-team. He wasn't going to ski the next day so we left him to it. Apparently they tried their best to get into the Ca$hino.
We rose what we thought was early the next day. Totally confusing us was the whole Day-light-savings thing! We were already messed up by being on the continent as opposed to the UK and now another hour ahead!? Sleep, I missed you!
We hit La Flégère (1877m) - L'Index (2385m) which offered the best views in the valley of Mont Blanc. And it was spectacular!
At a 14'C on the top of the inital gondola, we had a spectacular day of blue skies and soft snow (great for me the beginner). I perfected my turns on some long blue runs which then turned into some green runs at the bottom. Perfect for day 2.
I really enjoyed this day, mostly spent by myself as the pro-boys went to Brevent - the next mountain across for some black runs.
The home run had pretty much melted away so we couldn't do that down but the gondola ride was very nice, offering views of Mont Blanc and a great view of the town in the valley. We all ended up with goggle marks, and Loc got spectacularly burnt. Our poor white-boy brother!
We arrived back to find Dac getting happy in happy hour, he was in good spirits despite missing THE BEST DAY! And he though he was ok for the next day.
We had roast pork at the hostel and wandered into town for a walk. We were on a mission for desert and we had chocolate fondue on the mind. But only, we coulnd't find it! Passing the fresh seafood bar and their very very comprehensive desert menu, we were content with anything from there. (I can't name the place but if you go, you'll see the outdoor seafood display!) After checking out the menu, we were convinced that we needed oysters! They were pretty good!
But down to business: Wil and I had the trois chocolates - see photos, Dac had the Creme Bruhle and Loc got the pear crepe. Very very good.
We rolled home for a big day of skiing - our final as the weather the day after was going to be terrible.
The final day we rose early so we could cover two locations. We hit La Flégère again in the morning, before the sun melted away too much snow. But boy was it icy and hard that morning. Being only one of a few on the mountain at 830 in the morning, the snow wasn't carved up at all so my coxyx and knees bore the brunt of that. By mid-morning (more sun and more people) it was great again! And I was awesome. I concentrated on going straight and fast, which is a little scary when you're tearing along trying not to fall at a fast speed. I also worked on turning on steep hills which was great! I can finally say I'm a beginner-intermediate!
At 1200, we drove to Argentiere where we had a pleasent sit-down lunch - and ate more than necessary. The chocolate mousse was supurb!
Wanting a post-lunch nap but also desiring to make the most of the half-day left of snow, we pushed on to Les Grandes Montets (3275m) or for me Marmottons (as you had to pay extra to get up to Les Grandes Montets.
Once again, I bummed around by myself, but this place was great. I think one of the larger destinations, there was a friendly feel to the place and some pretty trees to take yourself out with, if not careful. I was holding my own with the other beginner boarders so was very very happy with my progress.
Though by this time I was completely wrecked from tiredness and took the gondola back to the car, whilst the boys did the homerun. It looked quite good to do, maybe next time!
With the bad weather coming the next day, we dropped all our gear off and quickly got ready for a road trip to Geneva. Dac had a early morning flight the next day so we dropped him off at his hotel, but not until after having a very decadent evening meal at Brasserie-Restaurant de l'Hotel-de-Ville, situated in the old town. I was determined to have cheese fondue and managed to convince Wil into sharing one with me. The other boys had the degustation menu.
We were grateful we had sat-nav, but with so many bloody road works, it was a maze to get out of the airport area.
As expected, it rained all of the next day. We had a nice breakfest at the cafe opposite the art nouveau windowed building, run by a very nice french man.
Went shopping where I bought a climbing harness. We had grand plans about going bowling but they were open from 1400. What else was there to do? We headed towards Geneva, to a French shopping mall to be exact, near Annemasse. Migros was there.....HELLO FRENCH PRODUCE! Amanda went a little crazy buying Bonne Maman jam (Strawberry and Mint, Pear and Chocolate, Caramel, Fig), some Italian balsamic vingear, French cheeses (yes I stunk out my bag), anchovies and some snacks for the plane. Lucky I previously didn't have hand luggage! I was loaded now.
As per usual, delayed with Easyjet, we farewelled Geneva with a lovely rainbow over the main terminal building, very fitting for a great long weekend!
This photo is not fake!
All in all
General Rating: *****
Repeat Visit: *****