Is Chamonix a safe place to ski for a novice?

Question

Me and my little brother have decided on either Chamonix
or somwehere in Andorra but whilst doing a bit of research I found this:

http://www.chamonix.eu.com/death-stats/

I know skiing can be dangerous wherever you go but are these stats especially dangerous?
Mont Blanc (where we want to go) seems to be off the scale!?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I wouldn't attempt Chamonix if you and your brother are both novices although I think that statistics always seem to look on the black side - don't forget though that skiing is a dangerous sport. Have you thought of trying Serre Chevalier which consists of three villages and has a vast range of skiing which is suitable for novices and experienced skiers alike. It is really lovely there and as yet not too busy. Wherever you go enjoy your holiday.

Answer 2

If you haven't skied before and are looking for a safe place with award-winning tuition then Andorra is your best bet. Yes, there will be some Spanish day-tippers carving up the pistes on a saturday, but as Andorra is fairly tame you'll avoid the mad hatters knocking you over the edge. I would recommend Arinsal.

Make sure you are protected with a range of ski wear - both discount and designer brands can be found on http://www.campingworld.co.uk

Source(s):

http:www.campingworld.co.uk

Answer 3

I do not think Chamonix is a good place to go as a beginner with your brother. I think that Andorra would be an excellent choice for beginners and brothers.

I have skied from Pas de la Casa and driven through Andorra to Soldeau and on to the capital. Pas de la Case and Soldeau are connected now (but you need the correct lift pass to access both areas)

The main difference you will find with Andorra and Chamonix is an enormous difference in the price of alcohol, and apres ski. In terms of skiing, Andorra is very suitable for beginners and has lots of British and english speaking tutors. (there will be less British ski instructors in Chamonix due to the French job protection system, although this has improved in recent years)

I think the death statistics will be more related to off piste extreme skiing, which is excellent in Chamonix and in particular on the Mont Blanc massif. This is not something you would be doing as a beginner, and so the death statistics are largely irrelevant.

However, one should look into the number of deaths from inhalation of vomit from excess alcohol and hypothermia in Andorra. It may be quite similar!!!!

Answer 4

I started skiing near Chamonix @ Les Houches. It is a village near chamonix and very close to the mont blanc. There are green and blue pistes for beginners and you can always try a red piste.

I wouldn't try skiing the vallee blanche from l'aiguille du midi in Chamonix though if ur a novice.

Answer 5

Les Houches like the guy above said is really good, and such a nice place. There's another town near Charmonix which is really good - great nursery slopes and then great steeper greens and blues (and maybe reds if you're up for it) for when you get better- called Megeve. Drinks and stuff there is a big expensive though. Also, Les Houches and Megeve and other skiing places eg. St Gervais Le Bettex are all on the same ski pass so you can go around different places. I deffo wouldn't go Charmonix as a beginner.

Answer 6

rest assured - most of those death stats are from ski mountaineers, or those who hike into the backsountry, and a majorty of them die by avalanches. Luckily the actual resort at Chamonix (in bounds and groomed) is avalanche controlled, and just as safe as any other resort.

Answer 7

I believe you know the answer to that so please read the brochures and choose wisely.