Its all about Sunspots!

What's that you say? What's a sunspot? Solar acne? Why do I care? Sunspots, Siberian snow cover, sea level pressure, air temperature, and ‘atmospheric energy flux' are (apparently) some of the most important factors used by scienticians to predict long range weather and in particular seasonal temperatures and we look like we may be in for a doozy.

Global climate change, El Nino and Rumble's backside have all contributed to some weird weather in recent years but it looks like this winter North America and Europe should be cold with a good deal of precipitation - Good news if you like snowboarding!

Now of course proponents of chaos theory will tell you that a butterfly could flap its wings in China and change all this but I've got my fingers crossed, and my mate in China has already nailed about 40 of the blighters…

Catered Chalet Holidays – Get amongst it!

This season we have got chalets in Chamonix, France and our new one Saalbach Hinterglemm Austria (which incidentally got a sh!tload of snow last season) and while they are filling up fast we still have New Years week (commencing the 28 th December) available at both resorts. As an added incentive if one were needed, on both these properties our New Years package includes 10 days for the price of a week. So if you haven't booked up yet what are you waiting for, do you like January in this country or something?

The Brits take Argentiere by Storm

No, thats not Argentina... we've already stormed them. Since last year there has been a cracking atmosphere in Argentiere town. Always known to locals as a little British corner of Chamonix , Argentiere has gone from strength to strength. Now with one Italian bar, three French, and four English bars in town, all of which have been renovated in the last two years, the place has become one of the best scenes in Europe . Live bands, local and international djs, happy hours, skate ramps, internet and ps2, pool tables and late night licenses, Argentiere is on baby! It was only a matter of time. Find out about Argentiere... »

Argentiere Self-Catered Deals:

Apartments at Les Grandes Montets, Argentiere

We have studio and duplex apartments (a combination of which can cater for any group) right on the mountain. All are practical at blinding value, on the slopes, and in town. By the mountain, we are talking 100 meters to the cable cars accessing one of the biggest ski areas in Europe . By in town we mean right in the middle if Argentiere, next door to Mick Wood's famous Skate 9Bar, and down the road from Posh John's Rusticana. What more do you need on your snowboard trip!

Weekly (from £112pp for 7 nights)

Weekly Apartments are available year round on the mountain at Les Grandes Montets, in Argentiere. There are 4 categories; studios for 2, large studios for three, open plan duplex' for 5, or closed bedroom duplex' for 6. All apartments have either showers or baths with constant hot water, ready to go kitchens, and balconies looking over Argentiere Forest , The Grandes Montets or the Mont Blanc Massif. Week long adventures »

Weekend (from £76pp for 4 nights)

We have all our apartments available in January, March and April for 4 day breaks. Come out on Thursday night, board for 4 days, and get back to work for Tuesday morning. Only lose 2 days paid holiday. Weekend Hideaways »

Seasonal (from £1500/pad/month)

We have one duplex apartment left for the season, or on a monthly basis. This apartment takes 5, either a couple, and 3 individuals, or 5 individuals, and has ready to use kitchen and a bath with constant hot water. Seasonal Paddage »

Chamjedi.com

All visitors holidaying in Chamonix should drop by on our old friends chamjedi.com. They are on the Chamonix pulse, and have full listings on all cool bars, restaurants, and equipment shops in the Valley. Don't forget the oracle, where you can ask any question about Chamonix , search what others have asked, and find out what the Oracle has replied. Other bonuses are the beautiful ‘seagulls', equipment exchange, and photo gallery.

Airport Transfer Service

ATS are our new transfer providers. They reckon they are “your link between the airport and your European holiday destination”; we believe them. With a fleet of spanking new Renault Masters who is to argue. Go here to get a transfer from most airports to most ski stations. Sit inside a nice new Renault Master...

Drive fast cars rather fast....

Well, technically this has absolutley nothing to do with snowboarding, unless you are one of those who rips it through France in a Porsche to get to the slopes. If you haven't quite got a porsche yet, then check out Supercar Experiences, the UK's official supercar experience & hire company... yes, thats right, drive ferraris / lamborghinis / porsches / fast things on the road in the UK. Blimey. Search, by price, 0-60 time, top speed and location... Drive a blinking great Ferrari on the road and leave the riff raff behind.