Ski Chamonix: resort guide - Telegraph Regular free ski-buses link all these points but can get crowded and aren't always reliable. There are also hourly trains (free with a guest card, and recommended by reporters) to Argentière, Vallorcine and Les Houches (where the lifts are a long walk from the station). The Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass covers not only Les Houches but also Verbier in Switzerland and Courmayeur in Italy. The first is a major expedition; the second is much more interesting, not least because the weather can be good in Italy when it is lousy in Chamonix. And there are free (with the Mont Blanc lift pass) buses through the Mont-Blanc tunnel several times daily. Having a car is useful in lots of ways, and makes that outing to Verbier a practical proposition (though there is a weekly excursion bus too). A lot of very tough terrain, especially off-piste Stunning views wherever you are Amazing cable car to the Aiguille du Midi, for the famous Vallée Blanche Lots of affordable hotels; an excellent short break destination Town steeped in Alpine traditions Other resorts covered on extended lift pass, notably sunny Courmayeur Several separate mountains, widely separated; mixed ability groups are likely to have to split up Bad weather can shut the best runs Still some old lifts, and queues in key spots It's a busy town, with lots of road traffic; not a relaxing place Shady and cold in midwinter Few good mountain restaurants Village charm Lots of atmosphere It's a bustling place, with scores of hotels and restaurants and shops selling everything from tacky souvenirs to high-tech climbing gear. The car-free centre is full of atmosphere, with cobbled streets and squares, beautiful old buildings, a fast-running river and pavement cafes. Away from the centre, there are lots of apartment blocks. There are some disused buildings, and traffic clogs the streets at times. Convenience You don't come here for that The obvious place to stay for the full experience is close to central Chamonix, where you can be a short walk from the gondola to Brévent. But most people just reconcile themselves to life on the buses or trains. Scenery As dramatic as it gets The mountains above Chamonix are not just high - the mighty Mont Blanc is the highest in Western Europe - they are also truly spectacular. The ride up to the Aiguille du Midi is breathtaking in every sense (we've known people need to lie down for a while at the top). Snow reliability Good high up; poor low down The top runs on the north-facing Grands Montets slopes above Argentière generally have good snow, and the season normally lasts well into May. The risk of finding the top lift shut because of bad weather is more of a worry. There's snowmaking on the busy Bochard piste and the run to the valley. Balme has a snowy location, a good late-season record and snowmaking on the run down to the valley at Le Tour. The largely south-facing slopes of Brévent and Flégère suffer in warm weather, and the steep black runs to the resort are often closed. Don't be tempted to try these unless you know they are in good condition - they can be very tricky. Snowmaking was increased at Flégère last year to improve the link to Brévent. Some of the low beginners" areas have snowmaking. Piste grooming is generally respectable. Schools and guides The place to try something new The schools here are particularly strong in specialist fields - off-piste, glacier and couloir skiing, ski touring, snowboarding and cross-country. English-speaking instructors and mountain guides are plentiful. At the Maison de la Montagne is the main ESF office and the HQ of the Compagnie des Guides, which is highly rated (we and reporters have had very good guides from here) and has taken visitors to the mountains for 150 years. Both offer ready-made week-long "tours" taking clients to a different mountain or resort each day. Powderama is run by British instructor Simon Halliwell and offers five-day and weekend courses plus, at peak holiday times, specialized one-day clinics (off-piste, piste, moguls).For several years now there has been a branch of BASS here, with all British and Irish instructors. Evolution 2 was quick to rectify a beginner reporter's disappointing experience by providing an alternative instructor. For families Very limited Childcare is available from some of the ski schools. Evolution 2"s Panda Club is used by quite a few British visitors; reports have been enthusiastic but the Argentière base can be inconvenient. Les Houches has better facilities, with a day care centre and children's club.