Chamonix Skigebiet Guide

First time in Chamonix and left disappointed because we where paying premium prices (340 for 5 day Mont Blanc pass) but not getting a premium product. lift system needs modernising and an increase capacity at a few pinch points. I was surprised that there's really only a day's skiing in each area and if you don't have a car you're reliant on the dreaded bus to get to the different areas in the valley, e.g Argentire and Les Houches. There should be a pass for just these areas as everywhere else on the Mont Blanc pass are too far away and would only be beneficial for those with a car on a touring holiday. A bug bear of skiing in France is the cost of dining on the slopes, big money for an inferior product and very few toilets. There was better value to be had down in the town and there is a good vibe in the town center. Becketts Irish bar was good, free pool and reasonable drink prices. We didn't have ideal ski conditions, too mild and also had a stomach bug so if we had fresh snow skiing would have been a better experience as there does seem to be plenty of off-piste here. So it would have made up for the deficiencies in the product here. Going to Les Arcs next, which is ski in-ski out so if that doesn't impress then back to Austria and Andorra.