10 days to go! Optimal conditions for the 13th Kandahar in Chamonix, on the Verte piste in Les Houches

On the 29th December the FIS snow expert will assess the snow and safety conditions on the piste in Les Houches and will no doubt give the official go-ahead for the sixth event on the 2005 World Cup circuit.

Chamonix and the village resort of Les Houches are preparing for three days of festivities. The entire valley is already in Kandahar mode and impatient to share one of the greatest alpine events with the 25,000 expected spectators.

Numerous activities are planned throughout the valley to accompany the three days of festivities for the downhill and slalom events:

In Les Houches:
The downhill will be launched at around 11.30am with a flying patrol of wing-suited men who will fly over the Verte piste. Same again on the Sunday at around 12.30pm for the second leg of the slalom (depending on weather conditions).

Throughout the week-end on the edges of the piste, at the start and at the finish area and in the village centre, the group Marabunta will play its percussion to liven up the air.

In the library in Les Houches, from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th January: The first ever winter Olympic Games in Chamonix in 1924. An exhibition of early postcards retracing the era.

The work of the author Pierre Vitalien will be presented at a dedication séance at the Tourist Office in Les Houches on Saturday 8th January.

In Chamonix
The Place Balmat in the town centre will be in full Kandahar swing with the podium and a fashion show at 5pm and the handing out of the race bibs at 6pm. An occasion to see the ski racers up close! Window dressing competitions, music and fanfares will put Chamonix in the heart of the Kandahar action. Without forgetting the Gay-Couttet photography exhibition in the Espace Tairraz. A century in Chamonix through the eyes of this local family of photographers: five generations, a family history.