From Lyon comes an important announcement from Anne Lambusson, regional directrice of the Reseau Ferré de France.

‘After studying many hypotheses’ concerning the reopening of the Col des Montets rail tunnel on the Chamonix/Martigny line between France and Switzerland, citoyenne Lambusson has fixed on a reopening date of March 22^nd 2014, after nearly two years of reconstruction during which time Chamonix Bus has operated a relief bus service, grumpily and with extreme prejudice (my words, not hers).  On the eastern side of the tunnel, the line between Vallorcine and the Swiss border at Le Châtelard has recently reopened. On the other side, the short section between Argentière and Montroc will open on or before December 21^st.  And from December 8^th the tunnel itself will be open to cars (as usual in winter) when the Col des Montets is impassable or closed because of avalanche danger.

To Chamonix, the pretty way. Near Le Chatelard

I need hardly point out that this is excellent news for Easter skiers in the Chamonix area.  Not only will we once again be able to arrive by the beautiful train ride over the mountain from Switzerland.  We can also look forward to resuming our custom of ending the ski day at Vallorcine or Le Buet, making for L’Arrêt Bougnète or the sublime Hotel du Buet, and staggering out some time later for a short sleep on the train home.