What boots you’ll need for your winter holiday :
Choose the right boots for your chosen activity – alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, ski touring, etc.
Finding the right boot is key when it comes to skiing, and a pair of boots will probably be one of the first things you will invest in during your winter holidays.

Other equipment you’ll need for your winter holiday :
Skis or a snowboard. Skis have evolved so much over the years, so be sure to choose the right pair for your chosen activity. For some disciplines, skis are still narrow and pointed. The same goes for snowboards. If you don’t have a suitable pair of skis and you are doing something new, like taking advantage of fresh snow to do some powder skiing, don’t hesitate to hire a new pair that day. Doing this will only improve the pleasure you get from your skiing.
Ski poles.
A hat or headband.
Sunglasses or goggles, depending on the weather. Be careful : the mountains are like the sea, the suns’ rays are very strong and you’ll need specially adapted glasses. We strongly recommend category 3 or 4 lenses. Over the course of a week, the wether conditions in the mountains frequently change, so bear this in mind.
Children under the age of 12 must wear a helmet.
Gloves, sunglasses, hats and headbands are not available to rent.

To make your winter holiday easier, you’ll find a large selection of sports shops in Argentière, offering a wide range of equipment to suit all budgets. You will not find it hard to kit yourself out. The ski technicians will help you find the right equipment for your age and level. Have a look at our list of partners and get in touch with them. All of these sports shops also sell ski equipment at competitive prices.

Your winter holiday :
A winter sports holiday doesn’t mean there is nothing else on offer. The Chamonix valley offers a huge selection of sporting, cultural, educational and leisure activities.

If you enjoy shopping, Chamonix has some great boutiques.
Do you consider yourself a gastronome ? Whether you are looking for authentic local cuisine or exclusive restaurants, you will find something for you in the Chamonix valley.
Chamonix also has a fine sports centre with a choice of pools, an ice rink, a gym and a spa. You may want to catch an ice hockey match while you are here – Chamonix are in the French 1st division.
The Alpine Museum, the Crystal Museum, the cinema, events, concerts, there is always something going on in Chamoinx.
For night owls, you’ll find restaurants, the casino, bars, pubs and clubs in Chamonix.
In fact, you’ll find everything you need to have an unforgettable holiday.

Each winter, visitors and locals alike have the chance to experience some of the wonderful events taking place in the valley :
World Cup Skiing Alberg Kandahar. Come to the piste ‘ la verte des Houches’ and admire the most well-known alpine skiing event ; the downhill. While you are there, you could cheer on Antoine Deneriaz, our reigning Olympic downhill champion. You might find yourself sharing a chairlift with some of the world’s most famous skiers, like Hermann Maier, Bode Miller, Giorgio Rocca or even Benjamin Raich. Arrange your winter holiday to co-incide with the World Cup Skiing Championship.

The Talents Aiguilles :
Over the course of this popular weekend, it is ladies first ! A range of events to entice and delight you. On the menu : skiing, of course ! A very special opportunity to try out SALOMON’s range of skis, designed for women, with expert help available. This is free of charge, along with your lift-pass for the weekend. Register at www.salomonwomenwill.com . After a great days’ skiing, spare some time for some shopping, there may be some surprises in store for you. In the evening, there is a concert at the Chamonix ice rink, with free entry to women, of course. This winter, you’ll have the chance to catch Tété and Jehro.