Verchaix in the Winter
Verchaix is 5 minutes from ski stations at Morillon and 8 minutes from Samoëns which provide excellent sking and both give access to the Grand Massif ski area of 250 kms of pistes. These link through to Flaine, Les Carroz and Sixt Fer à Cheval. If you want to make an easy start to your ski-ing, try the beautiful blue/green Marvel run at Morillon which takes you down through the trees to Morillon 1100 via the excellent refuge known as the Igloo. Those who have tried it all say that it is one of the most beautiful runs they have experienced.
There are plenty of opportunities for fabulous off piste ski-ing especially in the valleys between Samoëns and Flaine. Ski conditions can be checked at any time during the winter on the excellent Grand Massif website. This will give you full up to date information including details of all pistes. Watch out for the fabulous piste known as Les Cascades which runs from the top of Flaine to the seriously wild Sixt. This is a 20km run – so go prepared.
If you would like a change of scene, the wonderful ski resort of Praz de Lys is accessible from the road to Les Gets. Further on from Les Gets is Morzine. From our base in Verchaix you will be spoilt for choice. If you want to try your hand at cross country skiing, there are runs just down the road in the Giffre Valley or Praz de Lys which is superb for ski de fond.
For the even more adventurous the glacier at Chamonix takes some beating. This involves taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car and coming back via the Montenver tramway. Although the run along the glacier itself is not difficult, the initial descent is challenging and requires you to have harnesses. At the end of the run there is a steep climb up to the tram station. This trip is only available with a guide because of the crevasses and must be booked in advance. It is not a trip for the feint hearted but the run must qualify as one of the wonders of the world.
There are plenty of very helpful ski equipment shops in both Morillon and Samoëns although we recommend Roland Gay in Samoëns who also offers “try before you buy”. There are excellent ski schools in both Morillon and Samoens which cater for all levels. The superb kindergarten in Morillon is located at Morillon 1100. Piste maps are available from us on request.
- Chalet Alice
- 15 Godstone Road
- Old Oxted
- Surrey
- RH8 9JS
- Tel: +44 (0) 1883 732144
- Email Us