Advice on going skiing in Charmonix with children

[Sol]

Hi

We are travelling to Charmonix with an 11, 5 and 2 year old in January. We are staying in a place near Les Houches. If anyone can give us advice about skiing lessons for children there, activities or places to visit there with the toddler while the adults go skiing and the older kids have lessons; what to do if the weather is not goo; what to take. Any advice will be appreciate it.

[ClareC]

Chamonix is fantastic! Best to have a car though as the ski areas are not linked.

It's a real town rather than a ski resort so plenty to do if not skiing.

[Sol]

Thank you Clare. Do we rent the car there? Does it need to be a special car for the snow or any car will do?. Sorry I have never been skiing, my husband has, but not for a long time.

[ClareC]

I would just hire from Geneva airport (@ 1 hour away)as would fly there. Just specify the car has winter tyres and include snow chains.

Easier to hire from the Swiss side rather than the French - its much easier to find when returning the car (there are surcharges if you return to the wrong side).

Another alternative would be to drive to Chamonix - you would need to buy/hire snow chains though.