Hotel Richemond, Chamonix, France

I used to live in Chamonix so it was great to have a holiday in one of the great landmark hotels of this fabulous old town. Richemond has a delightful old French appeal with high ceilings and slightly faded grandeur throughout. The rooms are large, comfortable and with tall windows offering glimpses of the mountains. The food was superb and delivered in a silver service style. Chamonix is not a ski-in, ski-out resort and a car is a real bonus to trek the long valley between seperate ski areas. The bus service is reliable but uncomfortable as you invariably have to fight to get on and stand for the duration. The ski areas are good but not as large as you'd expect - the place only really comes into its own when there is lots of snow. The off piste is unparalleled anywhere but it is also a very dangerous arena - so hire a guide! The town is fantastic with good restaurants, good bars, good clubs and a real cross-section of nationalities. Chamonix's pistes are by-and-large much steeper than elsewhere, perched as they are so high on stupendously steep mountains. However, the views are some of the best in the alps and the runs are exhilarating. Grands Montets in Argentiere is the most popular, but the linked Brevent/La Flegere area offers some of the most varied terrain. Le Tour at the head of the valley offers smooth cruising down wide blues, while Les Houches at the opposite end of the valley is its own mini-resort and good for families. On the whole - Chamonix is good for adventurers, but definitely not for beginners.

Apres Ski: 4/5

Iain Greenhalgh

Thoroughly impressed by the Richemond. Excellent staff, very friendly and always helpful. A good breakfast selection gives you all you need to get going, and the egg boiler is a nice touch! There's a lift to the upper floors for the less energetic, that doesn't descend to the boot room, however it's the right side of the hotel for easy access and a short stroll to the ski bus stop. Conveniently located, it's within easy reach of some good restaurants and bars, and a short stroll to Chamonix-Sud, or the train station for day trips.

Apres Ski: 4/5

Gregory Fortune