Chamonix Ski Holiday

A half term family ski holiday in Chamonix might seem a strange choice with Chamonix's reputation for extreme skiing, but if you choose your location well, it will be a surprisingly good option. First things first, yes Chamonix does have the best off-piste skiing in the world, and yes it does deserve its reputation as being the mecca for extreme skiing, however, this is only half the story.

Chamonix is a very large valley with peaks that shoot over 4km into the sky, it has four main ski areas that are Les Houches, Flegere, and Brevent, the Grands Montets, and Le Tour.  So if you are skiing Chamonix, and want to be close to the slopes that suit your family ski group, you may want to read on in terms of choosing the best half term ski chalet.

Les Houches

Starting with Les Houches, this has to be probably the favourite family ski destination for family ski groups. The skiing is best suited for younger family ski groups with great nursery slopes, including a travelator (moving carpet), blues and reds, which make it ideal for beginners and intermediates of all ages. Les Houches is a big area and some chalets are some way from the slopes. If ski in ski out isn't an option, make sure you choose something around the Bellevue or Les Chavants area to avoid long walks or annoying transfers.

Flegere and Brevent

Flegere and Breevent, close to the centre of Chamonix is great for older family ski groups where the group are competent skiers and this is probably their sixth or seventh half term ski break as the runs are a step up from Les Houches in respect of the technical aspect and mainly of a 'red' standard. If this sounds ideal for the half term ski break, look for chalets either in Chamonix centre, close to the Brevent or Les Praz, the latter close to the Flegere cable car.

Grands Montets

Then there is the Grands Montets in Argentiere, not for faint hearted and not typically the ideal family ski  chalet location. That is unless the children are now teenagers, have several weeks skiing behind them, and don't mind their slopes steep and challenging. So whilst Argentiere isn't the ideal location for young family ski holidays, it can be a good half term ski choice for older family ski groups with truly confident and competent advanced intermediate skiers. If this sounds ideal for your half term break, look for catered chalets and apartments in Argentiere.

Le Tour

Le Tour isn't ging to win a beauty contest in comparison to Les Houches, but it is a great family ski resort. The skiing has a great mix of blues and reds and is ideal for beginners up to good intermediates. As it isn't the prettiest location, catered chalet prices are typically good if you search on Le Tour. So, if functional, at a good price is you ticket, rather than style and good looks, Le Tour might be a great family ski holiday for the half term ski week.