A(nother) local’s guide to Chamonix

Meet the local

Name Aurélien Ducroz
Profession Pro big mountain skier
Years lived in Chamonix 41

WHY I CHOOSE TO LIVE IN CHAMONIX…

Well, actually I was born in Chamonix. I am very lucky!

Why is it so special? Because of the surrounding mountains, which are incredible. We get the north side, the south side, and so every day you can find good snow, anywhere, on any kind of slope. Also, the lift infrastructure we have here is just amazing – the Aiguille du Midi téléphérique is something truly unique in the world. And we have the Grand Montets téléphérique too, which will bring you from Argentière up to the top of Grand Montets at 3,300m in just 20 minutes. Also, Chamonix is not only a ski area but a real town with a rich mountaineering history. All of this makes the place so special.

BEST RUN FOR A WARM-UP…

Head up to the Grand Montets area. You go up the first lift and then take Bochard gondola, and from there you have a really nice red run on Bochard all the way down to Argentière. It’s a very long slope, and you can go a little bit off-piste at the top and then follow the run through the trees all the way to the bottom. It’s one of my favourite warm-up runs for sure.

FOR EASY-ACCESS OFF-PISTE…

There are many places where you can find some really nice easy-access off-piste. At Brévent, on the south side of the valley, you have some great steep couloirs and natural bowls. For something a little easier, head for Le Tour in the Balme sector, where you can find some nice bumpy little off-piste areas that are good for beginners and intermediates.

TO FIND FRESHIES DAYS AFTER A STORM…

It depends on the wind, but really you can find good powder and fresh snow in a lot of places. Of course, in Les Grand Montets, you find the best and most abundant snow, because it’s on the north side, so there’s no sun effect. But it gets pretty busy there. So, sometimes when there is a big storm and we get snow all the way to the bottom, I go to Les Houches, which is kind of the beginner area of the valley. But there you’re sure that no one is going off-piste, and you can enjoy some fun powder days with no crowds

FOR A BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE…

Well, you have to go up to the Aiguille du Midi, of course.It’s a glacier area, so you must have a mountain guide with you. But it’s a really wonderful and amazing experience for a backcountry adventure.

THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN CHAMONIX…

Is that there is always something to do. Of course, in the winter, you can always find good powder, because of all the different aspects of the mountain we have. But if it’s a really bad weather day there are so many things to do in town, because Chamonix is a real mountain town. There is so much to do in summer too, like mountaineering, climbing and biking. And of course, something that is very special is the view.

I’m born here and every morning I look out the window and I am always amazed by how beautiful it is.

DON’T LEAVE CHAMONIX WITHOUT…

Going to the Aiguille du Midi. It is a true experience. Skier, or non-skier, just go there and check out the view. Check out the immensity of this mountain.

FOR A MOUNTAIN MEAL…

My favourite restaurant is called Le Refuge de Lognan, by the Argentière glacier on the Grand Montets side. It is a typical old house where you can enjoy a great typical Savoyarde meal.

FOR APRÈS-SKI VIBES…

There is a lot of big après-ski in Chamonix, but the most well known is still Chambre Neuf, situated at the top end of town near the train station. Great for live music and a post-ski drink.

FOR FOOD DOWN IN TOWN…

At Mumma you get something really special: Asian-fusion tapas with a great atmosphere; it’s a real experience.

FOR LATE DRINKS AND MUSIC…

Rue des Moulins is the place for late-night drinks for sure, you will find everything here – a good atmosphere, drinks and music.

FAVOURITE HELLY HANSEN ITEM FOR RIDING CHAMONIX…

I love the whole ULLR range, but my favourite item is the Elevation Infinity 3.0 Shell Jacket, featuring HH’s top-of-the-line Lifa Infinity Pro waterproof-breathable technology and a host of functional features.

We say ‘another’ guide to Chamonix because of course we’ve featured this legendary ski area more than once. For more inside tips from another local, check this out: