Location
Chalet Peillex a short walk form St-Jean d'Aulps, which is a vibrant little village with many local amenities. It has a wonderful boulangerie, so the early risers in your party can nip out for fresh croissants and bread each morning. For 'les chefs' in your group, the boucherie (butchers) is excellent. There is also a chemist, tourist information and a small supermarket - Hiut a Huit for last minute necessities. There is a large supermarket 'Champion' on the road to Morzine for all your needs, don't forget carrier bags!
There is a lively apres ski scene in the village itself if you don't want to drive the 10 minutes into Morzine. Le Nationale (0450 384966) is a busy bar which also serves fantastic pizza for the chefs night off! If you're feeling a little more extravagant then we recommend L'Amandier (0450 795073). This is one of the best restaurants in the valley and their menu gourmand is a spectacular four courses of finest french cuisine that you will be talking about for ages. You will need to book as it gets very busy in the season.
Access to skiing couldn't be easier; from Chalet Peillex you have a varied choice:
Ardent is only 15 minutes away and has a free car park. There is a ski hire shop here and also a facility for leaving the hire gear overnight (convenient if you have lots of little ones). Here you can take the fast cable car up to Les Lindarets. From this small valley you can access the huge Avoriaz ski area, spreading from France to Switzerland. It also has a ESF ski school (+33 (0)450 742014) for the beginners in your party. It is worth booking online, well in advance of your trip for the busy weeks www.esf-leslindarets.com.La Grande Terche is 5 mins drive. This is a small ski area in a very pretty valley, perfect for a days skiing for beginners and more competent skiers alike. It has easy parking and is famous for having the longest red run in the Portes du Soleil. More info on La Grande Terche
Morzine is a 10 minute drive. There is a large car park underneath the Pleney cable car station. From here you can access the Les Gets ski area. The town has everything to cater for skiers and non skiers alike. There are plenty of restaurants and bars for apres ski relaxation. We recommend L'Etale (+33 (0)450 790929) for moules frites! Wednesday is market day.
