Le Lavancher to Refuge Buvette du Chapeau

• Drive to hamlet of le Lavancher
• Continue driving up the road until you can’t drive any further … park your car [here]
• Then walk up and back on same track to the refuge buvette du Chapeau .. approx 45 mins each way
• The refuge is open for refreshments and is also a good spot for lunch / dinner with great views over Chamonix Town (reservation recommended).
• Option to continue to a viewing platform of Mer du Glace (approx. 15 mins past buvette).
• Check the following links – Instagram 1 | Facebook | Instagram 2

(For a longer option, you can also take the walking track Petit Balcon Nord from Argentiere to le Lavancher … plan for 1hr extra each way from Argentiere to le Lavancher and back to Argentiere again)

Les Nants Chamonix to Refuge Floria

• Start in Chamonix in the hamlet of les Nants – google maps coordinates [here]
• Look for hiking track to chalet de la Floria
• Nice, easy and scenic walk up and back on same track … approx 45 mins each way … incredible panoramic views along the track with lots of shade for hot sunny days … refreshments and lunch options available at chalet de la Floria
• Check the following links – Instagram or Facebook

Le Buet to la Cascade de Berard

• Drive or take train to hamlet of le Buet (over col des Montets)
• Park at le Buet train station – google maps coordinates – [here]
• Walk up the Berard valley approximately 15-30 mins until you reach the scenic waterfalls – la cascade de berard
• You will also find the buvette de la cascade de berard for refreshments and food options [here]
• Historical cave to visit behind the buvette de la cascade
• Via Ferrata de la Cascade de Berard is also located here – very scenic and highly recommended.
• Check the following links – Instagram or Facebook

(From the cascades you can return the way you came or you can complete an easy scenic route as explained below)

• Continue past the cascades and go up the Berard Valley approximately 15 mins before crossing the river at trail point marked Fontana Freda alt 1518m.
• After crossing the river bridge, loop back down the valley and follow hiking trail signs to hamlet of Sur le Rocher
• At Sur le Rocher you can descent back to le Buet or continue a little higher to hamlet of les Granges before heading back to le Buet again.
• Upon return, take a beer or snack/meal at the iconic Le Buet Hotel … this historical hotel dates back to days when there were no roads but only a hiking trail that connected Le Buet to the Chamonix Valley (ask back tender for a look at the photo album that outlines history of the hotel). The outdoor beer garden is a fantastic place to have a small relax after your hike.  A chosen destination of Anthony Bourdain in his visit to Chamonix.

Argentiere – le Planet – Argentiere

• Start point … chemin du vieux four, Argentiere … begin hike by walking in the direction of Chamonix
• Turn left at chalet le Marti into chemin de la moraine
• Continue straight ahead about 500m’s and continue under train bridge onto chemin des Rambles (gravel road)
• Go up track and take the walking track (behind the 2nd chalet on the left)
• Follow hiking trail signs and continue to the hamlet of le Planet in direction of le Tour
• At le Planet, go down thru the residential part of the hamlet and follow the hiking trails signs that take you back into Argentiere whereby you return in a loop manner via chemin du vieux four.
• Check following link for hiking route – Argentiere -> le Planet -> Argentiere– approx 40mins

(For a picturesque extension, take the route ‘Randonne de Peclerey’ to ‘Le Tour’ and then loop back on the petit balcon to le Planet and then onto Argentiere).

I hope this helps … HAPPY ADVENTURES!!!!!!

Click [here] for Best Hiking Trails in Chamonix and Argentiere

Click [here] for The 5 Best Day Trips from Chamonix

Summer chalet accommodation options available here – Luxury Summer Chalets in Chamonix

The post Four Easy Hiking Trails in Chamonix appeared first on Marmotte Mountain.

Tandem Paragliding

Instructors will take you on a leisurely flight! Amazing scenery and a different perspective from anything else when flying out from the Brevent or Aiguille du midi take off areas – Unforgettable! As of 4 years old.

Helicopter Flights

Short on time? A helicopter tour of the Mont Blanc Massif is the quickest way into some of the most breath-taking mountain landscapes on the planet. In the Chamonix Valley, there are several panoramic routes with flight times ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. The flights can be booked in advance but please be aware that they are weather dependant.

Climbing

The solid granite rock makes Chamonix the centre of climbing from all over the world. From big boulders sitting at the bottom of the valley and hidden in forests, to accessible and picturesque learning walls and ultimately on to sheer and very technical faces. There is something for everyone here with kids’ classes starting at the age of 5 and plenty of easy routes to learn on this is a sport for all ages and levels.

Accro Park Gaillands

The best Accro branching park in the Valley with three levels beginner for the young ones, intermediate for everyone and expert for the really brave – finishing with a great zipwire across the lake!

Horse riding

Discover the valley in a completely unique way to discover the valley. The Centre Equestre du Mont Blanc offers different rides for all levels and timescales from 1 hour up to a several days. Lessons in an excellent location with stunning views also available.

Hiking

There are over 350 km of maintained walking paths with over 170 different routes of varying difficulties. In the base of the valley, at altitude, following rivers and round lakes the Panorama is dramatic and unforgettable.

White water sports

If you love fresh water and excitement, then this must be tried.

Varied ways of going downstream from laughter and fun in eight-man rafts (great for kids) to the adrenalin fuelled excitement of hydro speed sledges The L’arve river is not the hardest or the fastest in the world but snaking all the way down the valley from Chamonix it is a great river to be enjoyed by all.

Mountain Biking

Chamonix is a paradise for bike riding from leisurely rides along the river to psycho downhill tracks. The principal areas are Le Balme with rolling hills and varied difficulty levels at the very end of the valley. And the Les Houches Prarion lift with runs across open fields, through dense forests and prepared routes… this area is great fun!

The Adventure Park of Contamines Montjoie

30 minutes from Chamonix, in the neighbouring valley this is the largest activity park in the Pays du Mont-Blanc.

Scattered all around the lake are numerous adventure activities: tennis, driving range, mini-golf, archery, biathlon, adventure parks, trampolines, stables and donkey trails, climbing and boats on the lake as well as great restaurants – A day here is never long enough and the kids will come home happy and exhausted.

Parc de Merlet

Merlet hosts all the mountain species in a natural setting with exceptional views. You will meet the locals in their natural habitat from upclose. We are naturally talking about the animals like Chamois, bouquetins, marmottes and more

The Gorges de la Diosaz

A stunning walk and adventure on a sweltering day with beautiful waterfalls carved out of the mountain.

The téléphérique de l’Aiguille du Midi

Accessible from the centre of town, the Aiguille du Midi téléphérique whisks you at speed to the very top of the Alpes.

The viewing platform offers you an uninterrupted 360° view over the full range of the Alpes. The views are stretching through France, Switzerland and Italy.  There is a further lift to take you to the very top at 3842m. The highest point in Europe you can reach without a serious amount of walking!

Step into the void – Not for the faint hearted!!! This is a five sided glass cube stuck onto the mount with 1000m of nothing below!!! Very cool to walk (or crawl) on to and get the heart racing!

Montenvers cog train

This traditional cog train is in itself a wonderful experience taking you all the way up to 1913 Montenvers station. An amazing Panorama awaits you there. Overlooking the Mer de Glace, and dominated by Le Drus and les Grandes Jorasses.

The Tramway du Mont-Blanc

This is the second cog train in the valley (and separate) with spectacular views and an utterly charming ride running from the very bottom of the mountain. The train will take you from St Gervais, all the way to the Nid d’Aigle where the view dominates the whole valley, les Dômes de Miage and the Aiguilles de Chamonix. The added bonus is a high probability of seeing mountain goats, Bouqetin and Chamois deer along the way…

Chamonix adventure park

Bringing together a number of very different rides and activities including the mountain Luge roller coaster and lots more for the kids

Le plan d’eau Biotope de Combloux

Only 25 minutes from Chamonix, ‘le lac Biotope de Combloux’ is one of the wonderful places to go on a hot day. Basically, bit of genius bio engineering has created the perfect lake with a swimmable area that has a sand floor and a separate are where the plants continuously filter and clean the water – it is pure, natural and lovely with a large grass bank and a great restaurant showing off the amazing views it is a perfect spot for a day off.

The post Summer Family Fun In Chamonix appeared first on Marmotte Mountain.

Number 2 rule – make sure any requested payments make sense – i.e. bank account is branded and in a country/city that makes sense and is compatible with what the website says and with phone number / address of the business and chalet.  Most rental companies should also accept various payment methods such as CC / bank transfer etc – if someone insists on one type of payment only, beware.

Number 3 rule – if in doubt, have a phone call with the sale’s person and ask questions about the chalet and the local ski area/attractions.  A fraudster will either not be available by phone or will know very little, if anything, about the chalet/resort.

Number 4 rule – check the dates of social media posts – if the rental company has been operating for many years then they are typically legitimate – fraudulent companies close down as soon as possible after they open up for obvious reasons so their social media posts won’t have a long history.

Number 5 rule – do an internet check on the business registration number of the company/person renting their property – any commercial venture will need to be registered and in France all companies are searchable by name and registration number on-line.  In the example of Marmotte Mountain Adventure, you can check the following link – Marmotte Mountain Adventure Business Registration

If you stick with these basic principles then it is pretty straight forward to see who is legitimate and who is not.

Also, if you go straight to the chalet company rather than thru an on-line sales agent, then the chalet company actually receives the full payment rather than having to pay out commissions for the referral – and this always helps the actual person who is running the operation and goes directly into the operation where you will be staying which in turn helps them give you a better experience.

For an up to date list of fraudulent websites recently discovered, you can check the following link; List of Fraudulent Rental Websites

The post How to Recognize a Fraudulent Chalet Rental Website appeared first on Marmotte Mountain.

Please find below a list of 5 of our favourite day trips from the Chamonix valley.

3 Countries in 1 Day

With Chamonix being located so close to the border of both Switzerland and Italy, we have created a day trip for guests to enjoy it all aptly named  – ‘Three Countries in One Day’.

We will pick you up from your accommodation in the morning and provide transport to Switzerland and Italy in one of our comfortable 9 x seater minibuses.

The day starts by heading over the col des Montets and across the border and over into Switzerland.  We descend on a spectacular route down into Martigny (photo opportunities available) before making our way to the very beautiful Swiss mountain town of Champex … here we have the chance to enjoy some breakfast or morning tea besides the lake.

We then continue deeper into the Swiss mountains before climbing the infamous Great Saint Bernard Pass.  On the top of this historical mountain pass, you will have the opportunity to visit the (still operational) Great Saint Bernard hospice and museum or if you prefer, you can also visit the Great Saint Bernard puppy sanctuary – where you can see and pet some Saint Bernard puppies, actual descendants of the original Saint Bernard pedigree.

We then continue over into Italy and down the Italia side of the Great Saint Bernard pass until we reach the medieval town of Aosta.  Here, you will have the chance to enjoy a superb Italian lunch and some time to explore the charming old town of Aosta with its many small cobbled streets.  For those looking for lunch spot recommendations, we can happily provide you with some of our favourite restaurant choices.

After lunch, we take the castle route back up towards Mont Blanc, before making a final stop in the chic mountain town of Courmayeur.  Here, guests have the chance to enjoy an afternoon gelato or an expresso on a café terrace whilst exploring the picturesque old town.  For those people wanting to stock up on some local Italian produce before heading back into France, we will go via a great Italian delicatessen where you can purchase many different local Aosta cheeses, yogurts and locally made cured meats.

Marmotte Mountain Adventure offers day trips for guests to enjoy the ‘Three Countries in One Day‘ and tours can be booked throughout the year for groups of 4 pax or more.  For more details, please make an ENQUIRY or check out our CHAMONIX DAY TRIPS page.

Check out our Instagram post HERE

Check out our Facebook post HERE

Day Trip to Annecy

Thanks to its charming old world architecture and its network of canals, Annecy is often referred to as ‘the Venice of the Alps.’ This beautiful lakeside city is definitely worth a visit in the summer.  You can relax by the water on one of Annecy’s many sunny beaches where you can take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of the lake or you can hire a pedallo boat / motor boat for you and the family. Annecy also offers a good selection of lakeside restaurants and a lively and vibrant old town to explore and discover.  Annecy is approximately an hour and a half away from Chamonix by car and if visiting in August, be sure to catch the Fête du Lac, Europe’s largest fireworks display.

Marmotte Mountain Adventure offers return day trips to Annecy throughout the year for groups of 4 pax or more.

We take you to Annecy via the scenic mountain route … taking in some of the famous Tour de France mountain passes.  When we reach lac Annecy, we stop at one of our favourite lakeside beaches to give you some time to take a swim and a small relax in the sun before heading into the old town for lunch and exploration.  Lunch recommendations available upon request.

For more details on our ‘Day Trip to Annecy’, please make an ENQUIRY or check out our CHAMONIX DAY TRIPS page.

Check out our Instagram post HERE

Check out our Facebook post HERE

Taste of the Aosta Valley

Come join us on for our gastronomic day tour of the Aosta Valley in Italy – aptly named the ‘Taste of the Aosta Valley‘.

We will pick you up from your accommodation and provide transport to Italy via the Mont Blanc tunnel.

In the morning you, will have the chance to discover 2 x local wineries where you will get to taste some outstanding locally produced wine.  Much of the wine that you will taste is made purely from rarely known local indigenous Aosta Valley grapes, providing you with a great opportunity to discover some new and exciting styles and flavours of wine, unique to the Aosta Valley.

Whilst tasting some of the local varieties of wine, you will also have the opportunity to taste some locally produced cured meats as well as some fresh local cheese from the Aosta Valley.

After the wine tasting is complete, we will then transport you to the historical town of Aosta where you will have the chance to enjoy an amazing degustation lunch of 5 or 7 courses.  The chef creates a delicious locally inspired menu, based on using regional products only, with each course being accompanied by a local wine.

After lunch, we have some moments to wonder the beautiful pedestrian streets of the old town of Aosta before heading back up into the mountains to visit a local distillery.  Here, you will have the opportunity to taste and purchase some great quality Genepi or one of two different types of gins, that are all distilled in nearby Saint Bernard mountains.

Marmotte Mountain Adventure offers day trips for guests to enjoy the ‘Taste of the Aosta Valley‘ and tours can be booked throughout the year for groups of 4 pax or more.  For more details, please make an ENQUIRY or check out our CHAMONIX DAY TRIPS page.

Check out our Instagram post HERE

Check out our Facebook post HERE

Tour of lac Leman

Our day starts with an early morning pick up from your Chamonix accommodation before heading to our 1st stop to the magical medieval village of Yvoire.

Situated on the French shores of Lake Geneva, Yvoire is part of the independent association – the most beautiful villages in France. Locally nicknamed the “Pearl of Lake Geneva” (la Perle du Lac Léman). The preserved fortified village is well known for its floral display and has been awarded by the International Trophy for Landscape and Horticulture. Its pedestrianised narrow streets are an invitation for a historic stroll, leading to the calm and tranquil waterfront with splendid views of Lake Geneva, the Alps of Chablais and the Jura Mountains.

We then head onto Evian les Bains where we will have the chance to enjoy a nice lunch and the possibility to visit the famous water spring that has become a world wide household name.

From Evian, we take a short drive before catching a ferry over lac Leman to beautiful Swiss lakeside town of Montreux … made famous by the world class Montreux Jazz festival, held during the 1st half of July each year.  Montreux also became the home of Freddie Mercury of the rock band Queen, choosing Montreux because of its serenity.  A statue monument of Freddie can be visited along the lake shore.

From Montreux we then drive back to Chamonix by taking the scenic mountain route, going via the col de la Forclaz and later the col des Montets before arriving in Chamonix.

For more details on our ‘Tour of lac Leman’, please make an ENQUIRY or check out our CHAMONIX DAY TRIPS page.

Travelling the Heights of the Alps

Chamonix is home to l’Aiguille du Midi.

A visit to this iconic peak that towers over the Chamonix Valley is a must for most who visit Chamonix.   The Aiguille du Midi still holds the record as the largest vertical ascent of any cable car in the world … starting at an altitude of 1035 m’s in Chamonix and climbing to an altitude of 3842 m’s, with a total ascent of 2807 m’s.  The cable car is made up of 2 sections.  The 1st section is from Chamonix to Plan Aiguille at 2317 m’s and the 2nd then goes directly from Plan Aiguille to the peak of l’Aiguille du Midi.

Our day starts with an early morning pick up from your accommodation where we transport you to the base of l’Aiguille du Midi.  You will then take the cable car via Plan Aiguille and up to the summit of l’Aiguille du Midi where you have the chance to enjoy the incredible panoramic views on offer.

You will then continue your adventure by taking the spectacular Panoramic Gondola from France to Italy … this gondola travels over the top of huge glacers below where you have the chance to view the large seracs and crevasses below.

Next you will arrive at Punta Helbronner … you are now in Italy .. here, you will have the chance to photograph even more spectacular alpine panoramic mountainscape … this time looking down into the Aosta Valley and beyond.

You will then descend from Punta Helbronner on the Skyway Monte Bianco … this newly installed cable car slowly rotates as it descends … allowing you to view the full 360 degrees of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif.

You will depart the Skyway Monte Bianco in Entreves where we will meet you and pick you up and take you into the nature park of the Val Ferret where we will organise lunch at a local aosta style restaurant.  After lunch you will have some moments to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the val ferret before heading to Courmayeur for a gelato and an afternoon coffee.

We then return to Chamonix via the Mont Blanc tunnel.

For more details on our ‘Travelling the Heights of the Alps’, please make an ENQUIRY or check out our CHAMONIX DAY TRIPS page.

The post The 5 Best Day Trips from Chamonix appeared first on Marmotte Mountain.

After a busy day in the mountains enjoying the slopes, you can fully unwind in the comfort of your private ski chalet, free from any concerns other than simply enjoying your holiday.

Catered chalet dining enhances the entire experience, ensuring your time in the mountains an even more indulgent experience. Choosing a luxury catered chalet can truly transform your ski holiday—here’s how.

Freedom

A skiing holiday is an active getaway, so maximizing relaxation is essential when you’re not on the slopes. Whether it’s soaking in a jacuzzi, unwinding in a sauna, or enjoying an après-ski glass of wine with friends, your time is precious. After such a physically demanding day, the last thing you’ll want to do is prepare meals or trek to a restaurant. A private chef and hostess ensure a hassle-free holiday, taking care of everything so you can fully enjoy your time with family and friends without the burden of keeping a large group well-fed.

Gastronomic Restaurant Quality

It’s important to note that all chefs employed by Marmotte Mountain Adventure for our catered ski packages are fully qualified professionals with extensive experience in fine dining restaurants—and world-class hotels, often with Michelin star ratings. As a result, the quality of the food served each night is exceptional, making it a true highlight for all who stay with us.

Our chefs don’t cook to a set menu; instead, they select locally sourced produce that is in season and fresh, ensuring the highest quality ingredients in every dish. We also cater to guest allergies and special dietary requirements, taking note of your personal preferences during our concierge pre-arrival process. This allows our chefs to create a bespoke menu tailored specifically for you, based on your individual tastes and needs. Savour a culinary journey that highlights the finest flavours of the region while accommodating your individual preferences!

Fine Wine

Carefully chosen house wine is included complimentary within your catered package, ensuring you have excellent options with every meal. In addition, we offer a premium selection of fine wines available à la carte or as part of our wine pairing dinners. Indulge in an exceptional range of wines, from robust reds to crisp whites, expertly curated to enhance your dining experience. Our staff is on hand to recommend the perfect pairings for each dish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply relaxing after a day on the slopes, our extensive wine selection will enhance your holiday experience and delight your palate.

Door to Slopes Transport

We pride ourselves on providing fast, reliable, and efficient valley transport with our catered packages. In the mornings, step out of your chalet and jump into your minivan, where you’ll be whisked away to your ski area of choice within the Chamonix Valley. Door-to-slopes transfers are included in our catered ski packages, so there’s no need to arrange a rental car, fight for a parking space, or navigate snowy and unfamiliar roads. Our chalet staff will drop you directly at your preferred ski lift, maximizing comfort and efficiency. At the end of the day, we’ll be waiting for you with a warm smile at the bottom of your chosen home piste, quickly escorting you back to the comforts of your luxury chalet.

Extra Bonuses

In addition to our exceptional catered services, we offer several extra bonuses to enhance your stay:
• Daily Breakfast: Begin each day with a delicious spread of cooked and continental options, expertly prepared by our chef and host team.
• Daily Afternoon Tea: After a day on the slopes, return to the chalet to enjoy a delightful afternoon snack with coffee, or relax with a refreshing cold beer.
• Daily Housekeeping: Our attentive staff will ensure your chalet remains clean and tidy throughout your stay.
• Personalized Menu Planning: Our chefs will work with you to create customized menus that cater to your dietary preferences and tastes.
• Ski Pass Assistance: We can help arrange ski passes in advance, saving you time and hassle upon arrival. For early booking ski pass reservations made before November 30th, greatly discounted rates are available for non-peak weeks.
• Exclusive Local Experience: Our concierge service can connect you with the very best private ski instructors and high mountain guides, handpicked to ensure quality.

With all of these extra bonuses, the choice is clear: a catered ski chalet is the perfect solution for your holiday.

Want to find out more about our delicious food on offer at Marmotte Mountain chalets? Get in touch for information about our catered chalet packages.

Book your catered ski chalet today.

The post How a Catered Chalet can Transform your Holiday appeared first on Marmotte Mountain.

The French Alps are particularly convenient for European snow enthusiasts. Many resorts are in close proximity to the Swiss and Italian border and specialise in catered chalets. It is only a short fly or drive away from all European countries. The country offers a variety of ski resorts with a good range of difficulty, the best off-piste action and traditional architecture.

Many resorts now boast a wide range of hotels and apartments, but nothing beats the authentic ski chalet experience. When imagining a ski holiday, the majority of people will visualise a picturesque mountain chalet with views of snow-capped mountains. The French Alps has them in abundance, so how do you choose which one to stay in? The surrounding area of the chalet and the nearby ski resorts play a huge part in your holiday, so read on for the best chalet destinations in France.

Argentière

If you want to visit the birthplace of winter sports, then head to the Chamonix valley for some serious skiing. With one of the highest altitudes, Argentière offers unparalleled snow quality all season and is the gateway to the famous Grand Montets ski resort. There’s plenty more to do here apart from ski too. With traditional architecture and day trips available to nearby Italy and Switzerland. The small village has a number of charming chalets to rent, with spectacular views of the Argentière glacier and other snow-capped peaks.

Chamonix

Chamonix town is one of the most visited ski destinations in Europe and the world. If you’re going to visit the French Alps, then why not stay at the foot of the mountain range’s most magnificent peak, the Mont Blanc. Chamonix has a long history of mountaineering and winter sports. It boasts one of the most exciting off-piste runs on the Vallée Blanche. As an established Alpine town, Chamonix has a lot of accommodation options to cater to its thousands of visitors, including a wide range of deluxe chalets.

Courchevel 1850

Located in the Trois Vallées ski area, this is an upmarket village with reputation for decadence. One of the best features of Courchevel is its novice appeal. There are loads of beginner slopes for non-skiers and children to try out. The nearby resorts of Méribel and Val Thorens accommodate the intermediate and professional skiers. Renowned for attracting the rich and famous, you have the pick of luxury chalets in Courchevel. but be prepared to pay for it.

The post Top Chalet Destinations in the French Alps appeared first on Marmotte Mountain.

Brief background of experience, places, cuisines & specialities

I was 16 when I started my first job in a kitchen. It was for a busy restaurant as a kitchen hand, although I worked off site in the prep kitchen on weekends so I could attend school on weekdays. My passion for cooking definitely started here and I started my apprenticeship the following year. After completing my apprenticeship under the guidance of Josh Tyler (Tylers Pantry, Batemans Bay – 1 Hat), I set off on a personal mission to gain experience and put practice to my new skills. This took me around the world with the first stop being Whistler in Canada. It took a lot of persistence but I eventually landed my first job as a qualified chef at the well renowned Bear Foot Bistro.

From Canada I then moved back to Sydney, Australia where I found that my time spent at the Bear Foot made it slightly easier for me to get my foot in the door. I landed a job at a 3 hat restaurant, Guillaume at Bennelong, located inside the Sydney opera house. Through working long 18 hour days with rarely a day off, I continued to develop my skills and gained a new confidence in the kitchen that allowed me to chase my next job opportunity, this time in a Michelin stared restaurant.

In my pursuit for continual varied experience and acquired new skills, I found myself moving to Japan. I quickly found a great position working in a small one star Michelin star restaurant called Kamimura in Hokkaido, Japan.

After 6 months in Japan, I followed my love for the mountains, cooking and new experiences and relocated to Chamonix, France. I have now been in Chamonix for 3 consecutive winter seasons, privately catering in Ski Chalets. During the summer I am working as a private chef on a wooden sailing boat down in the Mediterranean, and back to Chamonix for the winter.

How long have you worked for Marmotte Mountain Luxury Ski Chalets, Chamonix?
3 amazing winters

What is the difference between a private in-chalet gastronomic experience and dining in a restaurant?
The personal touch, when your job is to cook for just one table, you really get to treat them. The guests have an opportunity to offer information about the style and type of food they enjoy, as a chef this is where challenge begins and also where I find most of my inspiration.

Do you enjoy cooking in this intimate setting which allows you to interact with guests?
Yes of course, I place a tremendous importance in the freshness and quality of the food I prepare. I believe that the food we eat is a key player in how we feel, our moods, energy levels and general wellbeing. For this reason it is a great challenge and a pleasure to cook for a group of people over a period of time.

What is your favourite French dish to prepare?
Fresh baked bread.

What is your favourite international dish to prepare?
Clear Asian style broths, made with bone stocks and fresh cut vegetables

Do you have a particularly memorable experience to share during your time as a Marmotte Mountain chef?
Numerous powder days after cooking breakfast is the first thing that springs to mind. Then of course the guests have also been enjoying the same mountain, in the evenings they arrive back to the chalet on a high from skiing all day and continue that buzz in to the night, perfect. Looking after guests with such a bright and happy energy is the most memorable part of my time cooking for MM.

What is the must-try cuisine when people visit Chamonix?
Personally, I would have to say the local cheese, bread and wine. Keep it simple.

How do you make the guests feel special?
The small details, every person has slightly different eating habits, I like to try to pick up on these and offer food inspired by my observations.

What’s the best thing about being a chalet chef?
Freedom. It is a seasonal position, which means each year I have to choose it. I choose it because I enjoy it, its definitely what I want to do be doing. In turn I can fulfill the tasks that my “job” entails with great pleasure. We’re always up for a challenge, the food is constantly evolving, and one week is never the same as the last.

Take a visit to our gallery section to see some images of Sam’s food served in the luxury chalets.
CLICK HERE

Back to Gallery Page CLICK HERE

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Whether you want to do something a bit more exciting than host dinner for Christmas this year, or you’d like to learn a new activity as a family, winter holidays are extremely popular. Wherever you decide to get your winter scenery fix, follow these four tips to plan the perfect getaway.

Book early

We can’t stress enough how important it is to book early once you’ve decided on your winter holiday destination. The holidays are the busiest time of year for airlines and travel companies, so the earlier you book the better. If you plan on going away during school holidays then hotels will also be in high demand. For ski resorts, winter is obviously peak season so you’ll have to be quick if you want to secure your first choice accommodation.

Compare travel options

If you’re travelling to a sought after ski destination, then you may want to compare different holiday packages and travel options. Many groups prefer to book a ski chalet, which means they are flexible when it comes to travel arrangements. If you’re planning to fly, check if the airline is going to charge extortionate fees for checking in your ski gear. Sometimes it’s cheaper to take the Channel Tunnel or a ferry and drive to your destination, although this takes longer.

Activities and attractions

To make sure you have your dream family holiday, you need to make sure everyone will be happy with the itinerary. If you have young children then check the facilities in your hotel or ski chalet. Is there enough to keep all members of the group entertained? You might want to take a break from the slopes for a couple of days, what is there to do and see in the local area? Choose a destination which has enough attractions and activities for everyone, or a chance to relax in a mountain retreat if that’s more suited.

Insurance

Most winter holidays involve some kind of physical activity, so it’s absolutely essential that holidaymakers are fully insured for accidents and medical care. When planning a trip you should plan for the worst, because you never know what could happen and it’s daunting being away from the comfort of your home. If you fall ill or injure yourself, a private insurance policy can cover the medical costs and extra accommodation and flight changes if required. If you plan on going skiing then you must make sure you have winter sports cover – always check the limitations of the policy you choose.

Where are you heading this winter season?

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When skiing in Chamonix and Argentiere, there is a colour coded system to help people choose the best slope for their ability. The exact same system is used for the mountain biking trails – the easiest routes are labelled green for beginners, while red is for intermediate riders and black for advanced only.

Here are some of our favourite routes you should try out while you’re here in the valley.

Downhill Les Cerfs-Balme

For a thrilling downhill ride, look no further than this breezy route starting at 1850m. Take the Charamillion ski lift up to Le Tour, then freefall down to the bottom and enjoy the ride.

Level: Beginner

MTB Test Trail Les Planards

This challenging test trail starts at Les Planards and finishes at Les Mottets. The difficult uphill route is steep and takes over an hour to get up to Les Mottets. However, the scenery on the 35 minutes back to Les Planards is completely worth it.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Petit Balcon Nord ed Sud

These low altitude trails are perfect for the whole family to enjoy. There are many trails which loop together, so you can choose the length of your bike ride. These trails are well sign-posted and you don’t need to use any lifts to access them. Why not try the full loop of the north and south trails for a full morning or afternoon of riding?

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

MTB Red Trail Chamonix

This highly technical trail takes you from Chamonix to Tines in an exciting ride with tonnes of variation. Start at the Maison Nordique, bike through Les Tines and Les Praz through stunning scenery before returning to Chamonix via Bois du Bouchet.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

If you’re planning on a mountain biking activity during your stay in Chamonix, we can help you arrange bike hire – just let us know.

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If you want your next holiday to be a little more unpredictable, then it’s time to search for interesting destinations and alternative holiday ideas. There are many places you can visit during the summer and not have to worry about overcrowded beaches and avoiding sunburn. Fancy a change of scenery? Here’s some inspiration for alternative family holidays.

Koster Islands, Sweden

Two hours north of Gothenburg lies a picturesque archipelago, with a stunning natural landscape to explore. The best thing about the Koster Islands is that they are completely car-free! It’s like taking a remote holiday from the everyday life. There are loads of activities here for the whole family to get involved in, from kayaking to cycling and discovering the charming fishing villages.

Chamonix, France

Most people in summer visit the south of France to lap up the rays in Cannes or St Tropez – but some of its most loved scenery is actually up north in the Alps. The mountainous region of the Chamonix valley has just as much to offer in the summer as it does in the winter as a famous ski resort. Take part in water activities in the flowing rivers such as white water rafting, or simply do some sightseeing in the charming traditional Savoyard villages. View some of the region’s summer activities here.

South Africa, Africa

It’s not summer in South Africa but it’s the best time of year to spot the wildlife around the watering holes. Taking the family on safari is an amazing adventure, and it’s seriously more exciting than taking them to the local zoo. Lap up the luxury at a game lodge before visiting Cape Town or Johannesburg for some sightseeing and history lessons.

Island Hopping, Thailand

OK so this destination does have its fair share of world class beaches – but it’s such a different holiday experience than anywhere in Europe. South East Asia has been growing in popularity, and if you do it the authentic way (not staying in a five star complex for two weeks) then it’s an incredible adventure the entire family will remember forever. Visit local tribes, bathe elephants, take part in jungle treks and sample the local cuisine. Make sure you take the traditional tail boats to hop from island to island, and it’s also a favourite scuba diving destination.

Make this summer one to remember!

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