In reply to euanryan:
> (In reply to MG) I think I'd prefer France, I know it better plus I can speak a reasonable amount of French. But I guess we don't really know!
Remeber parts of Italy and Switzerland speak French too. It's difficult to describe the differences in cultural feel but they are there. Size-wise Chamonix and Zermatt are very busy with loads of bars, shops etc, while small villages are quiet and normally cheaper.
>
> We've both climbed up to grade 4 Scottish winter, E4 trad, and 7c sport. Is the general consensus that we'd find most easier alpine stuff boring?
It depends if you want mountaineering or climbing. "Classic" alpine mountaineering is more about covering a lot techinically fairly easy but often exposed ground quickly and safely (think Cuillin ridge maybe) than technical climbing. It also involves a lot of mountain walking and there is a lot of judgement needed about weather, dangers, times etc. Only you will know if you will find this boring. If you are after just technical climbing, Chamonix has lots oflifts that get you close very quickly. Of course it is possible to combine the two on routes like the Walker Spur, but you will have to ask others about that sort of thing!