sNOWsh articles

Les Houches A Great family ski resort Lying at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:34:00 -0500

Les Houches

A Great family ski resort Lying at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix

Les Houches is a beautiful village ski resort with spectacular views all the way up the Chamonix valley. Despite the quite low ski resort level of 950m, the north facing ski slopes of Les Houches means the ski resort experiences ideal snow conditions and with the 110 snow canons, there's always great skiing even till late in the ski season. With this excellent snow and the beautiful tree lined pistes, it’s no surprise that the ski resort of Les Houches is home to regular international ski events including the famous Chamonix World Cup downhill course "The Kandahar".

Les Houches offers skiing at every level, including some excellent off-piste skiing through the trees. With its well groomed ski pistes and many great cruisy blue ski runs, Les Houches is an ideal ski chalet holiday location for families and beginners as well as the more advanced skier. On top of this, Les Houches has some of the best priced and quality mountain restaurants in the Chamonix valley being mostly family run and offering fantastic mountain food and wines with individual cosy mountain charm.

Being mostly aimed at families, the ski village of Les Houches is more relaxed than the centre of Chamonix with mostly quiet cafes and charming restaurants. It does however have a number of lively après ski bars to keep most ski holiday makers happy. If it’s a wild all nighter you’re looking for, then it’s only a short ten minute, complimentary bus journey to the many bars and clubs in Chamonix centre.

Chamonix - A ski resort with something to offer all abilities

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:32:00 -0500

Chamonix is a highly popular ski holiday destination as it is much more than just a ski resort. The vibrant town centre has everything to offer - beautiful historic aritecture, many attractive shops and boutiques, a wonderful selection of restaurants from classic savoyard to Michelin starred excellence and a apres ski nightlife to rival any other mountain resort. Chamonix resort also has on offer, a wide selection of non ski related activities so that people of all ages and interests can enjoy their stay.

With its five main ski areas, clearly Chamonix's main attraction is the fantastic choice of skiing.

Ski Areas
Les Houches 950-1900m - is suitable for all ski abilites and perfect for families with great, cruising, tree lined runs
La Flegere 1030-2450m - suits intermediate to adavanced skiiers with spectacular views over the Mont Blanc Massif
Brevant 1030-2525m - neighbours Flegere, and has south facing ski slopes which offer a variety of pistes for skiiers of all abilities
The Grandes Montets 1235-3300m - great for intermiediate, advanced and off piste skiiers and includes a new snow park and border cross area
Le Domain De Balme 1453-2270m - All abilities will enjoy this area with its beautiful tree lined ski pistes bordering on Switzerland

Chamonix Statistics
Altitude - 1035-3842m
Distance from Geneva - 88km, approx 1 hour
Ski area (Chamonix unlimited pass) - 420km
Off piste opportunites - Endless
Ski schools - 7
Number of restaurants (town and mountain) - 54
Number of bars and pubs in town - 18
Number of nightclubs - 3

With our extensive knowledge of the Chamonix Valley and with all the contacts we have, we will endeveour to help you with anything you may need organising during your ski holiday in Chamonix and answer any questions you may have.

Other Activities

You definatly don't have to be a skiier or border to enjoy the beautiful Chamonix valley

If your looking for something challenging to do on you ski chalet holiday, there are plenty of other sporting activities on offer in the Chamonix valley. Or if your wanting a more relaxed ski chalet holiday, why not have a look at some of the cultural and leisure suggestions below.

Sporting activites in Chamonix
Hiking - Chamonix has 17km of marked winter trails in the valley
Snow shoeing - adventure out on your own or in an organised group
Cross country skiing - many routes to choose from
Ski touring - experience the peace and tranquilty chamonix has to offer with our specialist guide Mark
Heli skiing - for that ultimate off piste experience
Sports centre - offering 25m pool complete with slides, jacuzzi, hammam, sauna. The centre also offers tennis, squash and a climbing wall
Indoor climbing wall - situated in Les Houches with over a 100 routes for all levels
Ice climbing
Night skiing

Leisure activities in Chamonix
Dog sledding
Sledging - in Les Houches or Servoz
Ski Joering - an original way to ski - pulled by a horse!
Cinema - Newly renovated, English speaking films
Bowling - 8 international alleys plus games and video room with indoor mini golf
ice skating
Paragliding - experience Chamonix from above

Cultural activities in Chamonix
Wine tasting - experience wines from all over France in the trendy setting of bar Chachacha
Markets - Monday in Les Houches and Saturday in Chamonix
Museums - delve in to Chamonix's past at the Alpine Exibition Centre

Ideal for children
St Bernard dog kennel - The largest breeding kennel in the alps here in Les Houches
Donkey Farm
La Ferme a Payot - Goat farm
Paintballing
Treetop adventure - 70 activities taking you from tree to tree in this 3 hectare park

This is just a selection of whats on offer in Chamonix.

Chamonix Golf Course

Spectacular 18 hole alpine golf course in Chamonix, France

During the winter, Chamonix's 35 hectares of golf course are covered in snow and ice. Situated between the Mont Blanc and the Aiguille's Rouges Massifs, the 6076m long golf course only becomes playable from May 31st to October 1st due to its high altitude.

The first three holes of the Chamonix golf club were built in 1934. It was soon extended to a nine hole golf course, and in 1982 Chamonix invited world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent-Jones to design the last nine holes.

The golf course features numerous bunkers, water holes, woodlands and streams, but is on flat ground. Only two teeing grounds are on a hill, just to remind you that it is a mountain golf course.

Facts and figures

18 hole golf course
6076m long course
Par 72
Open May 31st to October 1st
Restaurant on course
Pro shop
Driving range
2 putting greens
1 pitch and putt course
Over night bag depot
Buggy hire (in advance, weather permitting)
Trolley hire
Golf club and golf bag hire
36 handicap stipulation in July and August

Tarrifs

Low season week days/weekends (opening until 30th June and from 15th September until closing)
46E/56E
Mid season week days/weekends (July and from 1st september until the 15th of september)
66E/66E
High season week days/weekends (August)
76E/76E

Reduced rates for games at the end of the day

Le Golf de Chamonix
35 route du golf
74400 Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Tel. 04 50 53 06 28

Fugitive doc could be back in states in January

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Fugitive doc could be back in states in January

http://www.post-trib.com/news/1953763,weinberger1223.article

December 23, 2009

BY JOSEPHINE MCKENNA, POST-TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT

ROME -- America's most wanted doctor, Mark Weinberger, could be taken back to the United States to face massive medical fraud charges before the end of January.

An Italian court in the northern city of Turin on Tuesday approved an extradition request from the U.S. Justice Department and the FBI after the 46-year old surgeon was arrested near Col Ferret, an Alpine pass on the border of France and Italy a week ago.

Mark Weinberger

A statement released by the Turin Court of Appeal deputy chief prosecutor, Gianfranco Burdino, late Tuesday said the Italian court had approved an extradition request from U.S. authorities after Weinberger had declined to formally oppose it. The same court approved an arrest warrant for Weinberger when he was detained by police on Dec. 15.

"Weinberger has agreed to be sent back to the U.S.A. and so, the Court of Appeal has issued the order to have him transferred to American authorities," Burdino said in a statement released to The Post-Tribune.

"The terms of Weinberger's transfer will be determined by the Italian Ministry of Justice at a date still to be decided."

Court officials who did not want to be named said that since there was no opposition from Weinberger, he could be transferred to the U.S within one or two months.

Weinberger, the "nose doctor" described as the "king of fraud" in the Italian media, was tracked down by police last week in a tent pitched in the shadows of Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc.

After being alerted by Interpol, Italian police had a tip-off that Weinberger had been living in the region of Courmayeur, a sophisticated ski resort at the base of the 15,000 foot mountain.

In a dramatic twist, the doctor tried to stab himself in the throat when police took him in for questioning and he was transferred to Molinette hospital in Turin.

A hospital spokesman confirmed that Weinberger's condition was not serious and police had removed him from his room on Tuesday for questioning. The Post-Tribune was unable to confirm whether he was present in court for the hearing or whether he had retained an Italian lawyer.

Weinberger was indicted by a federal grand jury in Hammond in 2006 on 22 counts of fraud for allegedly overbilling insurance companies for procedures that were either not required or never performed.

The surgeon is also understood to be facing around 300 civil claims filed by patients against him.

Under the extradition treaty signed by the U.S. and Italy in 1983, the two countries recognized a mutual interest in cooperating for the "repression of crime" and the reciprocal extradition of offenders. Requests for extradition must be made via "diplomatic channels" accompanied by arrest warrants and other relevant evidence.

Under the Italian Constitution, the only American offender who may be exempt from extradition to the U.S. would be one facing the death penalty.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome declined to comment on the Weinberger case.

America's most wanted: doctor found living in tent on Mont Blanc

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0500

America's most wanted: doctor found living in tent on Mont Blanc

Mark Weinberger, a plastic surgeon wanted by the US since 2004 for healthcare fraud, pictured in Italy.

On 21 September 2004, Michelle Weinberger woke up on the 79ft powerboat that she and her husband, Mark, owned as it rocked gently in the waters of a marina on the Greek island of Mykonos.

"I put my hand on his side of the bed, and I remember feeling it empty," she later told the US television channel NBC. Weinberger leapt from bed in alarm to find that her husband had vanished, taking with him his passport and money he had stashed secretly on board.

It was the beginning of a five-year flight from justice that ended this week even more strangely than it began, almost 6,000 feet up in the Italian Alps. Two officers of the paramilitary Carabinieri, led by a mountain guide, trudged up to the southern slopes of Mont Blanc to find one of America's most wanted fugitives living in a tent. He was surviving in temperatures as low as -18C on dried and tinned food and snow he melted on a portable stove.

Dr Mark Weinberger, a 46-year-old ear, nose and throat specialist, was tonight in a secure ward at the Molinette hospital in Turin recovering from a wound he sustained when he tried to take his own life at the Carabinieri station in Courmayeur, below Mont Blanc.

The US authorities have 40 days in which to apply for his extradition. He faces trial on 22 counts of healthcare fraud, having previously been indicted by a grand jury.

Brought up in a prosperous New York suburb, Weinberger was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and the UCLA medical school. He later worked with one of Chicago's most renowned plastic surgeons before opening his own practice, the Weinberger Sinus Clinic, in Merrillville, Indiana.

The "nose doctor", as he came to be known, met his future wife, 12 years his junior, in 2000. "He just swept me off my feet," she said. "He was the kindest, most gentle man I had ever met."

Weinberger proposed to her eight months later in a Rome piazza while on holiday, and they were married in characteristically ostentatious style in three separate ceremonies in the US and Italy in 2001.

Michelle Weinberger later said she reckoned her husband was earning $200,000 (£124,000) a week, performing between seven and 15 operations.

They owned a house in a wealthy lakeside neighbourhood of Chicago. Mark Weinberger travelled to and from his surgery in a chauffeur-driven limousine. He employed maids, cooks, a personal trainer and a skipper for his boat. Every month, his wife recalled, he would take 10 days off to enjoy his seemingly abundant income, often jetting off to Europe to indulge a passion for idling in the Mediterranean.

The first hint of trouble emerged in October 2002 when a lawyer acting for the estate of a woman who had died of throat cancer filed a complaint with the Indiana department of insurance. The complaint claimed Weinberger failed to diagnose her cancer and instead carried out an unnecessary operation on her sinuses that was paid for by her insurance company.

The lawyer said he was subsequently contacted by dozens of the doctor's former patients who alleged that they too had had surgery they suspected was unnecessary. A similar complaint was filed by a second attorney on behalf of 25 former patients.

As the malpractice suits piled up, Weinberger arranged what he said would be a very special 30th birthday party for his wife. He flew her, her mother and three friends out to the Greek islands and promised her a present that would be "something that only the movie stars have". Before disappearing, he bought her two expensive diamonds.

It was small recompense, though, for what she was about to discover. The unpaid berthing fees on Mykonos alone came to $40,000. Their boat was seized by the Greek authorities. Weinberger's practice owed $5.7m and was eventually auctioned to meet his debts.

But the oddest discovery, and one that perhaps holds the key to his life on the run, was that the doctor had a room at his clinic which his employees dubbed "the scary room". It was crammed with survival gear. And the equipment, including even a water filtration system, had been shipped to Europe before he left.

The fugitive surgeon was sought by the FBI. He featured more than once on the Fox television show America's Most Wanted, and was supposedly sighted as far away as China. His wife continued to defend him after he vanished.

"I hope he's safe, and I still love him," she told the Chicago Tribune in October 2004, adding: "We can relocate. We can live on an island in a hut." The Carabinieri who lifted the flap of Weinberger's tent on Tuesday morning had been alerted to his presence by a mountain guide, an Italian police official said. They did not immediately reveal that they suspected his identity. They said they had used an excuse to convince him to accompany them to Courmayeur and that Weinberger tried to persuade them he just "wanted to live a life in the wild".

After it became clear that they knew who he was, the runaway doctor asked to go to the lavatory. There, he whipped out a tiny knife he had secreted in his underwear and plunged it into his throat. But despite being an expert surgeon, he missed the artery he appeared to be aiming for, and the Carabinieri hustled him away for first aid.

Chamonix, Ski Capital of the World

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Chamonix, Ski Capital of the World

People come from all over the word to vacation in Chamonix. Chamonix lies in one of the most spectacular valleys of the French Alps. Reminiscent of the Himalayas, the area is dominated by deeply crevassed glaciers and the cloud-diademed peak of Mont Blanc.

The Aiguille du Midi, a solitary spire of rock near Mont Blanc's summit, has postcard-perfect views. Chamonix is the perfect place to come for a weekend break, a winter holiday or even longer; stay for the season in chamonix.

This lively alpine town offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for sport or a stroll, adventure or relaxation, you will always find something to do. Everybody experiences Chamonix in their own way.

With a wealth of Summer Alpine Activities together with the bustling centre full of shops, restaurants and bars, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc really does have something for everyone.

Winter Attractions

Chamonix is a winter wonderland! Everyone must try a holiday in Chamonix at least once. The Chamonix Valley is consistently rated as one of the top ten ski resorts in the world, catering for every taste and ability. However, a winter holiday in Chamonix does not only offer great Skiing and Snowboarding. Whether you are a hardcore extreme sports enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet winter break, Chamonix has something to offer everyone.

An All-Year Round Resort

Chamonix is just as beautiful and awe-inspirng in Summer as it is in Winter. Much like in the winter a Chamonix Summer Holiday will appeal to almost everyone. Whether you are searching for an activity holiday or a relaxing break, a Chamonix Summer Holiday offers you both. See our information pages to see in further detail what you can do (Chamonix Information)

Skiing in Cham

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Skiing and Boarding in Chamonix Chamonix offers a multitude of slopes for all levels, each ski area having its own merit. Tremendously long slopes, skiing through the trees, freeride and off-piste, beginners slopes : an infinite number of possibilities for snowriders and mountain lovers alike.

Whatever your skiing style or choice of ski speciality, come and join the ski professionnals who know how to teach you the essential techniques whilst making it a pleasure all the way.

Chamonix's skiing extends over 3 main areas : Brévent/Flégère, offering south-facing slopes and exceptional views of the Mont-Blanc chain, the Grands Montets, high altitude north-facing slopes which dominate the village of Argentière and the Balme area, wide open slopes at the top of the Chamonix valley, bordering on Switzerland. The sister resort of les Houches lies at the opposite end of the valley and is accessible with the Mont-Blanc Unlimited ski pass.

Chamonix also offers 3 smaller valley ski areas, ideal for children, beginners, or for experimenting new snowriding techniques.

Need a babysitter in the Chamonix Valley or Morzine and the Portes du Soleile? Contact Baby Cham now!

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Baby-Cham.com.

http://www.baby-cham.com

We are the leading babysitting agency in the Chamonix Valley, helping parents enjoy the break they deserve in this historic region. Now in our third year, we are very proud to be spreading our wings into nearby Morzine.

Whether you need childcare for just one evening, a full day or full-time, Baby-Cham is here to make the search easy. We provide the highest standards of customer care both in selecting babysitters and ensuring the quality of service they provide. We recognise a family vacation benefits from some adult moments without the children. Our service allows you those moments and peace of mind. No more searching! Just one phone call is all it takes, and we'll find you a babysitter to suit your needs.

Call us on Skype baby-cham.com or +33 (0) 614 55 52 87 or click Here for our contacts page. Bookings can be made during normal office hours. Please note we can only operate on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend booking early.

How to wax your board, or skis

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400

How to wax your board, or skis. (The MBL Chamonix Way!)

Pick a nicer day than we did! If its Snowing / Raining then do it inside, Hot Wax and water don't mix well!

This is what you need.

Somewhere to support your board at waist height. We use some builders trestles, perfect!

kit:

1: Iron (Make sure it has no holes in the base) 2: Scraper (A bit of rigid plastic - not a credit card) 3, stiff brush. 4: Wax. 5: Base Cleaner and Bog roll (Optional)

Wax.

Choose the right wax for the conditions. we used 0 to -4 deg C Cause it was a bit warm.

Step 1: Scrape as much wax as possible off the base of your board. Phew!

Hint #1: Hold the scraper straight across the base but at a slight angle off vertical

step 2: Now scrape some more because we know you left a bit!

Step 3: (Optional) Spray the base with your base cleaner liquid. "God that stinks"

Hint #2: Don't Drink the cleaner.

Step 4: Spread it over the base with bog roll. Leave the stinky stuff on the base for 5 minutes to penetrate the P-Tex.

That's all the filth and grime from your old wax.

Then Clean off with some more toilet paper.

Hint #3: Have lots of bog roll and a bag for rubbish.

Let the base dry for 10 minutes.

Hint #4: Time for a Cigarette break.

Step 5: New Wax!

Make sure your iron isn't too hot, if the wax is smoking then its too hot! Drip the wax on to your base, don't be shy, use as much as you need!

Step 6: Use the iron to melt the drops over your base, make sure to get the wax over the entire base, especially the edges. Move the Iron over the board evenly. Your mum would be proud!

Hint #5: Keep your hand under the board to make sure you don't get the board too hot. If you do then the Glues in the boards may get damaged

Hint #6: Don't let your girlfriend / wife see your new found Ironing Skills!

Let the Wax Dry, Wait 5 -10 minutes until your base has cooled down before the next step.

Step #7: Remove the Wax again! Its no joke, The wax needs to be in the pores of the base, you don't want 3mm of wax! Go Back to the scraper! Look at this picture to see what we mean, on the left there is too much wax, on the right the base is getting there!

Step #8: Using your brush "Structure" the base to remove any more wax.

Hint #7. Move the Brush carefully from tip to tail or visa-versa, don't brush from side to side!

Ste #9: Back to the bog roll. Clean off the wax dust. (Don't use the Cleaner!)

Does your board look better? If you have waxed it right it will definitely ride better, which is the whole point!

Step #10: Where's that powder?

For 30 minutes work you have just saved yourself £10 - £15 and got a better wax than you would get at a shop, why? because you love your board!

Mont Blanc Tunnel

Thu, 20 Dec 2001 12:00:00 -0500

Mont-Blanc Tunnel News
Rumors abound concerning the problems with the tunnel. The ATMB has announced that for security reasons the tunnel will not open before mid-January

Mont Blanc Tunnel information

Mon, 29 Oct 2001 12:00:00 -0500

Mont Blanc Tunnel
Please note that MBL in no way affiliated with the Mont Blanc tunnel, please don't contact us looking for information on tunnel opening etc. More info on the Mont Blanc Tunnel: * site for new management of tunnel - GEIE du TMB * ATMB - official site with info on the tunnel's construction and safety procedures. * Association Pour le Respect du Site du Mont-Blanc - French site about the area.
Inside the Mont Blanc tunnel	courtesy of BBC news
The inquiry into the devastating fire in 1999 led to a radical reassessment of safety needs in the Mont Blanc tunnel. Among other measures, the tunnel has now had fire-resistant sheeting fitted to its walls. More traffic lights and flashing warning signs have been added. Concrete-lined emergency shelters - 37 in total - have been built at intervals of 300 metres. Each is pressurised and fitted with fireproof doors and a video link to one of three command posts. A total of 116 smoke extractors - one every 100 metres have been fitted - while 76 new fresh air vents have been created. Heat sensors at both ends of the tunnel to detect overheated trucks before they enter the tunnel. And 120 video cameras will monitor traffic at all times. The tunnel now has three command posts. The main one is located on the French side, with a back-up centre at the Italian end. A central command post will be manned round the clock by a fire fighting team.

Mont Blanc reaches new heights! 4810.40m

Sat, 01 Sep 2001 13:00:00 -0400

sNOWsh articles

Les Houches A Great family ski resort Lying at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix

Les Houches

Chamonix - A ski resort with something to offer all abilities

Other Activities

Chamonix Golf Course

Fugitive doc could be back in states in January

Fugitive doc could be back in states in January

America's most wanted: doctor found living in tent on Mont Blanc

America's most wanted: doctor found living in tent on Mont Blanc

Chamonix, Ski Capital of the World

Chamonix, Ski Capital of the World

Winter Attractions

An All-Year Round Resort

Skiing in Cham

Need a babysitter in the Chamonix Valley or Morzine and the Portes du Soleile? Contact Baby Cham now!

Welcome to Baby-Cham.com.

How to wax your board, or skis

How to wax your board, or skis. (The MBL Chamonix Way!)

Mont Blanc Tunnel

Mont Blanc Tunnel information

Mont Blanc Tunnel

Inside the Mont Blanc tunnel

courtesy of BBC news

Mont Blanc reaches new heights! 4810.40m

Mont Blanc reaches new heights! 4810.40m September 2001 measured using GPS

Mont Blanc reaches new heights! 4810.40m
September 2001 measured using GPS