Chamonix, France
You think your kids will turn 18 and that’s the last time they’ll be seen dead with you. Not so, at all, that’s when the fun starts. When everyone can do their own boots up, no one needs a babysitter and you can all meet for apres, the good times take on a whole new meaning.
Nina Solerno, owner of Jindabyne’s stunning Chalet Alpina hit Chamonix this month with her 3 adult kids. “It was great for late teens and young adults as well as oldies, there were some really cool places to eat and drink”. People don’t dine until later in the evening in French resorts so Nina recommends booking ahead in restaurants and requesting the second dinner seating.
Le Cap Horn is great for the later dinner session as the place transforms into a fun place where everyone is dancing on the tables. Afterwards head downstairs to Les Caves for nightclub vibes, it’s great fun too. Rue des Moulin is THE spot for loads of fun bars and restaurants and Bar’d is a fave with locals. Midnight Express is good for steak and frites in a baguette, great for a cheaper on-the-go option. Moo bar is a great option for acres and Elevation is awesome for decent breakfast.
Where to Stay?
By sticking close to the town centre, you can walk to restaurants and bars easily on foot and there are buses to connect you to different lift areas when it’s time to ski. Brevent lift is closest to town and there’s plenty of accommodation options close by.
Nina’s kids grew up in London and Brussels, they are former ski racers and frequent visitors to Chamonix so know their way around the mountain on snow. For navigating the resort, Nina suggests planning ahead for the day as different areas aren’t linked so you can’t just wing it. “The snow quality was good when we were there, which made the off-piste amazing”. Price-wise Nina feels Chamonix is still accessible to a range of skier budgets from the uber-wealthy to skiers watching carefully every cent. “If you eat in the village the prices are reasonable but eating on-mountain it was very expensive, for 2 coffees and a water it was around AUD$27”. Plan ahead, bring water and snacks in a backpack and look for accommodation that allows for eating breakfast and dinner at home.
To get to Chamonix from Australia, Nina flew Emirates. “Any airline that has a stop to Geneva will be the quickest. From Geneva airport, Cham Express and Cham Van transfer reasonably airport to door and return”.
For more Chamonix info on younger kids, ski school, lift prices and more tips, listen to Loving the Snowlife interview here.
