Maps, Plans and Transport

Here are some personal tips and local knowledge on getting TO the chalet and exploring FROM the Chalet. If you're driving and coming from Chamonix (probably most likely if you're driving from the UK, flying into Geneva, coming from Italy via the Mont Blanc tunnel or somewhere else in France) follow signs for Martigny and Argentiere. After Argentiere signs for Vallorcine. Le Buet is located after you have driven over Le Col des Montets and before you reach Vallorcine and approximately 20mins from Chamonix. You won't miss it and we'll send you detailed instructions on booking anyway. In extreme weather conditions they close Le Col des Montets (even if not closed, winter tyres and/or chains advisable which are pretty standard in car rentals from Geneva now). If they have closed it they run an eccentric vehicle contra flow system through the railway tunnel from Montroc Le Tour to Le Buet - you can't make it up...Check on the Chamonix websites for up to date info but rough times of tunnel opening 0730-0915, 1250-1415 and 1750-1915. Le Buet railway station has one train an hour going each way (North to Vallorcine and South to Le Tour, Argentiere and Chamonix). We find the train is brilliant and don't need to drive at all (unless you're feeling a little bit lazy and want to drive round to the station car park from the Chalet - 2 mins). You can buy the necessary public transport pass from the Tourist Information Centre in Vallorcine (on the left of the road as you come down into Vallorcine) which covers all trains and buses for the period of time you need. If you want to drive to the different ski areas there are car parks close to the main bubbles in Vallorcine, Le Tour, Argentieres and the various areas of Chamonix. They tend to fill up quite early, especially in Chamonix, so the early bird usually wins. (Have a look at the town plan links above which show parking areas) Ski hire is available in Le Buet right next to the hotel or alternatively in Vallorcine (Location du Ski) right next to the ticket office for ski/lift passes and near the bubble. They are both run by the same family who are also near neigbours in Le Buet. You should mention that you are staying at Chalet Lampisterie. There is a small supermarket in Argentiere (entering Argentiere from Le Buet side, turn left into first car park you see on entering town, drive through car park to right and supermarket down on the right hand side). There is also a basic grocery store in Vallorcine (on the right hand side as you drop down into the village). We won't bore you any more as there is a folder at the chalet as well which adds various recommended restaurants etc.