Get a train to Lake Annecy for the day (or night)
During my ski season, I was lucky enough to get an extra day off (in addition to my one day off a week). So I made the most of it and went straight online to check out trains to Annecy. Once you’ve been in one town for four months, it can feel a little odd (usually I use weekends to explore different places), so when I got two consecutive days off I headed for Lake Annecy. I knew how beautiful it was as I’ve holidayed there quite a few times with my family before. So off my boyfriend and I went – hopped on the train and stayed a night in Lake Annecy . Not everyone was as lucky as I was to get two consecutive days off so if you don’t, then wake up early (sunny day preferably) and you can catch a late train back. It’s fairly easy to get to, the journey is stunning and Lake Annecy is so pretty!
Buy some macaroons from… well any of the shops
When in France, macaroons are a must and there are so many flavours to choose from and practically every other shop in Chamonix is a Macaroon shop so you won’t struggle to tick this one off the list. These macaroons melt in your mouth so this one is a necessity!
Go for an away day to Courmayeur and/or Verbier
Not strictly a non-skiing alternative, but something different none the less. If you opted for the Unlimited Ski Pass – you’ll get some days included at Courmayeur and Verbier. Catch the bus with a group of you – I went to Courmayeur and it was quite exciting going away for the day. Once we got back to Chamonix we ended this great day with some après ski, which takes me to my next point…
Hit the Après ski at Chambre Neuf
Chamonix isn’t a ski resort full of après mountain parties, but Chambre Neuf fills this void! Straight off the slopes, head here and you’ll be dancing on tables and swinging from chandeliers… well, not quite but you get the idea of the type of atmosphere you can expect from Chambre Neuf!
Have a picnic and play some football next to Lac des Gaillands
So once spring had arrived in Chamonix, it was actually pretty warm down in resort. So every sunny day there was, a big group of us would go to Lac des Gaillands – we ate food, played football (girls vs boys) and just had a whole lot of fun in this pretty little space. Time spent here really sticks out as fond memories in the spring and it’s only about a 20 minute walk from town and a pretty one at that. So on a sunny day, get yourself down to the lakes.
Get the clan together for an Indian at Annapurna
I went to Annapurna Indian quite a few times over the season. It was so tasty, good value and a great place to get all your group together and have a refresh from the French and Italian food you’ve probably eaten your way through over the season.
Go up the Aiguille de Midi