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Andy has been going back to Chamonix every year for long enough to have a routine: a base in the small village of Argentière, pastries from the bakery round the corner, and one long run at Grands Montets timed to finish just before lunch. This time he went with his two young children and friends. He told us why March has become his favourite month to ski, how to handle a resort spread across several villages, and the moment that made him a very proud dad.
Meet the skier
Andy McGreevy
Advanced skier · 18 years on the slopes
I've been skiing since my teens, and now I'm a dad of two, getting a taste of a whole new side of skiing. From après to ski school, I love everything about a ski holiday (except for that one really cold chairlift at Le Tour!).
"There's so much variety, and it's a great place for groups at different levels."
Pierre à Ric, at Grands Montets. It's super long, with a great spot at the bottom to eat and drink. It's perfect to ski just before lunch!
We stayed at Chalet Falcon in Argentière, a small village right next to the Grands Montets area of Chamonix. There's a bakery nearby (Boulangerie Au Mont Chou) that won the best croissants in France! It's perfect for pre-ski pastries.
March skiing is now my favourite! You get sunshine and fairly reliable snow, and it's not as hectic as February. I always thought I'd want the best snow conditions, but having been to Chamonix a lot before, going in March meant a break in the sunshine and on the slopes.
The snow was really good. Some of the lower slopes were a bit slushy in the afternoons, but that suits my style of easing off after lunch anyway!
Be prepared to hop on and off the buses, because the resort is fairly spread out. Flégère and Brévent are connected, though, so that's a super easy way to start in Flégère in the morning, then head across and down into Chamonix for après.
If you're booking ski school, there's more than one location you can choose. Pick what works for your day of skiing, as this will maximise your time on the slopes.
We did a lot of cooking. Argentière has a surprisingly well-stocked supermarket for it being so tiny! For pizza, head to The Rencard: Nicholas and the team are fantastic.
If you're looking for après, La Folie Douce is the best place for something super lively. I also love the vibes at Le Petite Social in Les Praz (Flégère). It's much smaller, but there's always great music and a good vibe!
Yes, we go every year! There's so much variety, and it's a great place for groups at different levels. It's not the easiest to get around with young kids, but head there in March and there's no snow on the pavements. I'd say it's great for groups, couples, foodies, and families with teens.
Chamonix is really well placed to get the trains into Switzerland (with breathtaking views), and to drive through a mountain tunnel over to Courmayeur. I'd recommend both on a longer stay!
Watching my daughter get her ski school medal! I was a very proud dad.
Just a complete blast: plenty of skiing, sunshine, après, family moments, and good food! And a hot tub on the balcony at the end of the day to reflect on it all.
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