European Ski Laws

In late April and early May of last year I stayed in the Youth Hostel a mile outside Chamonix. It was cheap, something less than 15 Euro or so, and deserted.... only a couple other people there. Cheap dinner was available. Though not refined by any means it was servicable and I would not hesitate to get a couples room with my wife when we go back, but she is pretty game for rustic.....your results may vary. Having limited French it was a little rough getting everything settled, (only a little attitude from one clerk). We were tolerated thereafter and later recieved some good advice to boot. A bus runs out there from town every 1/2 hour or so but we walked it a couple times when we came home late. We were able to buy a membership card at the hostel. Can't say how it crowded it would be earlier in the season, but it can't be bad, it was a huge vacant place built to handle the summer crowds. Be advised I think they were closing for the month of May just after we left. BTW I am not a youth at 56 and there were a couple ladies older than us staying there one night. It was interesting visiting with the mix of a half dozen travelers during the evening meal. This experience peaked my interest in economy hostel travelling. I ended up staying at the hostel in Geneva, though it was very busy and I had to share a room with some real youths who were only slightly noisy when they came in late. Not sure if you can reserve at busy hostels, maybe get there early in the day. You can call em if you are resourceful enough to get the numbers. There must be books on this. good luck

Forgot to add that i saw some hostels in Zermatt but they were considerably more expensive, I recall ~ 40-60 Euro or so. I think I found them thru the tourist office. Don't know about Cervinia it seemed more of a resort vs a town like Zermatt with dozens of small hotels, hostels, pensions. In March we stayed in a small hotel down valley in Cervinia. I might be able to dig up the name but I saw dozens down valley, but some were closed due to low season.

In late April and early May of last year I stayed in the Youth Hostel a mile outside Chamonix.

Was this the Gite Vagabond? Long narrow building right on the bus line down the valley?

I second the recommendation about getting insurance to include the helicopter flight. I got hurt in the French BC and was very grateful to have it. We were with a guide who had a radio and the chopper was there in less than 10 minutes. Knowing the language would have helped. Once inside the chopper I was at the mercy of the system.