 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi, i`m off to Chamonix for 2 weeks in September. Will be doing some MTB ing and walking but is there anythig that is ` UN MISSABLE`, any particular area, trips, hidden gems ??
Cheers
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Aiguille de midi first car on a clear morning (not exactly a hidden gem).
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Montmevers railway to see the mer de glace and go to the ice grotto.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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up the argentiere cable car (if it's running) and walk the Grand Balcon du Nord
and I think from the mid station of the Aiguille de Midi you can walk the other side down to Montenvers and then get the train down - that was on my list for this summer but, though we did the Argentiere one, we didn't fit in the Aiguille de Midi side - too many gorgeous walks round here!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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On a wet and horrible day you could do worse than visit the enormous Decathlon place on the Chamonix route out of Sallanches.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Flog up to Lac Blanc and take a classic photo with the lake in the foreground and the Mer de Glace and the Mont Blanc massif behind. While you're there, pop up to the Col du Belvedere for a bigger, but less photogenic, view. Fortunately, there's a refuge by the lake for lunch or, indeed, dinner which stops completely while the sun sets over Mont Blanc.
Another lunch stop might be the Col de Balme. Then take in the airy ridge to Croix de Fer and return via the Aiguillette des Posettes and Les Frettes for a wonderful view down the valley.
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| Quote: |
Flog up to Lac Blanc
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If the Argentiere cable car and the chair just above it (forgot name) are open there wouldn't be too much flogging involved.
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Walking (or riding with the chairlift if it is running) up to the Glacier de Bossons is also a fine experience. The Glacier de Bossons is the obvious glacier if you look from the Chamonix centre up to Mont Blanc.
I would also recommend thinking about buying some gear (mountaineering / skiing gear). Usually the prices are much lower in Chamonix than in the large European cities.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Thanks all, suggestions greatly appreciated 
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The Micro brewery in Chamonix for good food. 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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If you like that sort of thing, the Fondation Gianadda in Martigny is generally a good excursion - museum of Roman artifacts, car museum, art gallery, da Vinci exhibition and sculpture park; and there's an amphitheatre and other Roman stuff around the town.
Just don't forget your passport if you go.
Damien
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@Yellow Pyranha: good recommendation. And I would add that the train ride over to Martigny is gorgeous. Even if you don't be much of a train maniac this train travel is definitely worth a try. Stunning view up to the Glacier de Triente etc. Highly recommended.
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"bargainbill, The Micro brewery in Chamonix for good food."
Not my opinion. It's OK, but not spectacular. Le Bistrot, however, is spectacular and not as expensive as it could be.
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You know it makes sense.
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The Helbronner cable car is a worthwhile trip; it's quite spectacular, but very dependant on the weather.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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These are all good ones! The set lunch at Le Bistrot is an absolute steal, great treat for a rainy day Lac Blanc is done from Flegere not Argentiere but well worth doing! Get the mountain bike guide book from Zero G or elsewhere for some nice routes. Zero G is also probably the best place for repairs etc, though Legend chx in Cham Sud is also good.
Spend a night in a mountain hut - an easy one is the Albert Premier, about a 2 hour walk from the top of le Tour chairlift, with beautiful views over the glacier - though there are nicer ones e.g. the Bellachat if they're open. Ask at the Office de la Haute Montagne opposite the tourist office for recommendations depending on conditions.
From the chairlift at Les Bossons, walk up to the Jonction - amazing views over two glaciers flowing on each side of the ridge you walk on. Have a day in Pila, italy, on the bikes, it's a great area, all lift-serviced, all mtb
You can swim in the outdoor pool at the Hotel Excelsior if you have lunch there - the food's great and the pool's lovely.
With the euro, you'll be better buying equipment in the UK.
some pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaletlaforet/sets/72157594275189777/
it's a great time to go! 
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Poster: A snowHead
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Oh and the Merlet animal park is fun - and the downhill trail from it is brilliant. The Vert hotel usually run a shuttle up and down it one night a week. You can also join a guided group for a walk on the glacier and some introductory ice climbing, which is a lot of fun.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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firebug, awesome photos! I was looking forward to my first summer visit to the Alps in Chamonix in a couple of weeks but now I can't wait!!
Great stuff.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Just returned a multipass which enables you to use multiple lifts in summer I think is a bargain. Walk the Grand Balcon Sud from Planpraz to Flegere/Les Praz.
The Grand Montets cable car in Argentiere is worth a trip up top for a different view. There seemed to be a few mountainbikers enjoying themselves up at the mid station.
With the Aiguille du Midi, watch the weather forecast in the tourist office and reserve it the day before. We were luckily enough to do this and have perfect weather.
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