What's new in Chamonix this winter 2017-18

New snow making facilities being built at Grands Montets, which they've been working on since the end of August. They're using water captured from the Argentiere glacier to supply snow canons, 10 new ones will be in place on the blue piste Coqs by this winter. Cost: €1.44 million.

Patagoniatiptop are offering women the chance to join a new 3 day camp where you'll learn all about backcountry ski touring, gear, techniques and lots of handy tips. Instruction will be from ex-World Cup ski racer and certified ski instructor Ella Alpiger and IFMGA Mountain guide Federico Arletti. Ski touring weekends are also available.

Beer O'Clock opened this summer in the centre of Chamonix, a unique concept where you pull your own pints of IPA or speciality ales. Down in Les Houches Le Solerey, next to the Tourchet beginner slopes will be opening up as a much anticipated microbrewery.

Action Outdoors will be offering a new introductory course on ski touring this winter. The week long course is split into two sections, with the earlier part of the week focusing more on ski technique, both on and off the piste, as well as technical training on avalanche safety and how to use avalanche rescue equipment. The second half of the week will introduce people to ski touring, focusing on moving safely as a group, as well as training on ski touring equipment and technique. There with be 2 full days of touring towards the end of the week.

One of our favourite pizza restaurants has branched out and opened a pasta restaurant called La Pasta at Place Balmat, across from the post office in the centre of Chamonix. Pop in for authentic Italian dishes finished off with panna cotta or tiramisu.

Chamonix town hall launched an electric car scheme in August this year, which is open to anyone to use. There are three cars to use, based in Chamonix centre or Les Houches. You book and pay for the car for a minimum of 1 hour, through smartphone app OneBlip which is now available on Android and iOS. It costs 7 euros an hour and after the first hour you're charged by the minute. You'll need a Paypal account to be able to set up an account and have a valid driving license with no less than 3 months left on it.

A new bistrot restaurant / cafe O'74 has opened up on Rue Joseph Vallot, just along the road from Satsuki restaurant on Rue Joseph Vallot. They'll be offering French cuisine in a contemporary setting.