What's New in Chamonix for Winter 2012-2013?
Freestyle fun, education at altitude and a new 5 Star Hotel
There may be snow on the trees and powder up high but unfortunately it is still only November so we still have a little while to wait until the ski season in Chamonix kicks off for real. With around a month to go until the ski lifts open, we thought it would be a good use of time to take a look at what is new in the valley for winter 2012-2013 and get ourselves even more excited about what we hope will be another glorious season here in Chamonix.
This winter there is a serious focus on fun in Chamonix and the huge 15 x 9m ‘Big Air’ airbag that was such a big success last year will feature again this season at Brevent-Flegere. Flegere is also going to play host to a speed zone where regular skiers will be able to pitch themselves against the clock and other Chamonix speed junkies! At Domaine de Balme, a permanent slalom course has been installed where skiers input a special code upon entry and then can have their run filmed in HD and made available for download to share with friends. Of all the valley’s snowparks, the Bellevue snowpark has seen the most work and has been developed with the goal of making it more fun for beginners and more technical for expert freestylers. Younger kids have not been forgotten in Chamonix this winter and the Luge, winter Accro Adventure park and new toboggan slopes are all going to be great additions for families coming to Chamonix for a winter break.
Other news from the pistes is that Les Houches ski area has increased its snow making capacity from 75m3 per hour to 280m3 , thereby ensuring snow cover even in lean periods and up at Planpraz the old gondola lift pylons have been replaced. Perhaps the biggest addition to the valley however will be the new attractions at the top of the Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers. At the summit of the Midi, the Mont-Blanc wing has been completely renovated and fitted with large windows giving panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif. A ‘museographic’ space dedicated to mountaineering has been created, the waiting area has been transformed into an exhibition hall, and part of the top viewing platform has been covered to allow shelter from the elements. At Montenvers, a new ice museum has been created and is designed to be an interactive and educational centre where visitors can find out more about the past and future of the fascinating Mer de Glace.
Down in the valley there is also news to report and anyone who enjoys the nightlife side of Chamonix will be pleased to hear that this season there’ll be another apres spot to sample - new nightclub ‘The White Hub.’ The new club has a 500 person capacity and will be open until 07.00, just in time to grab a croissant and head out on the slopes! Or not....Other new additions away from the pistes include the 5 Star Hotel Mont-Blanc Chamonix which is due to open in 2013 and ‘Les Ecuries de Charmillon’ - a new restaurant above the meadows at Balme. The retail therapy in the town itself is also going to be better than ever this year with the addition of several news shops including a Volcom store and a Mammut shop.
Phew - lots of changes here in Chamonix and as the town prepares to celebrate 120 years of skiing this year, we can safely say that this winter looks set to be better than ever. There’s not long to go now so make sure you get your ski passes and accommodation booked and we’ll see you on the mountain.
