Chamonix, France

It is difficult to find a more classical skiing resort than Chamonix in the French Alps. This is the place to go for skiiers, snowboarders, climbers and everybody else who loves adventure sports. From all over the world people come for the snow, the sun and the adrenaline rush. You will find an exciting mix of skibums, alpinists, snowboarders, furcoats, families with children and skiiers of course. Not to mention the 13,000 Frenchmen who live there permanently. Chamonix is a cosy town buzzing with activities the whole year around. The town centre is a pedestrian area with shops, restaurants, coffee bars and some hotels. It is easy to let a day go by there just strolling in and out of shops, trying out the latest ski fads, having a beer in the sunshine and just watching life around you.

Several ski areas

Les Grand Montets, Brevent/Flégère and Le Domaine make up the skiing area itself. A little further on you find Les Houches which is more laid back. Brevent/Flégère is easy to reach if you stay in central Chamonix, but just jump in the ski bus to visit other areas. You can visit different areas before and after lunch since transportation between the slopes is quick and easy. Lift cards are available for the whole system or just for a specific part. The choice is yours.

Each area has its own unique character. Le Brévent and Flégère is the hang-out paradise. It is known as the 'sun shelf' in Chamonix - the sun shines all the time, almost. The view is breathtaking - the whole valley below you with Mont Blanc in the background. Get pumped in black pistes or glide leisurely down a blue piste and then stop for a delicious meal with your friends in the middle of the slope. Les Grand Montets is a bit further off and offers a large variety of pistes and off piste possibilites. Most pistes are black or blue but they are long, fabulous and you just want to go another time! Did you train your leg muscles? Then you have no problems leaving from the top going 2,000 meters all the way down to the valley in one go! Le Domaine de Balme offers various pistes, across wide and open spaces and through forests. On the other side of the system you can do right down to Vallorcine in Switzerland.

Ski the Vallée Blanche

Do you love adventure? Then Vallée Blanche is a must! Take the cabin lift to the Aiguille the Midi in central Chamonix and there is the glacier. But make sure you have the right equipment, the right company and the knowledge to ski on a real glacier before you give it a try. It is an amazing trip more than 20 km long and 2800 meters in height from the top to the bottom. Don't miss it!

Bustling with activities

Since Chamonix is alive all the year around there is every kind of service and activities. Swimming pool, cinema, alpinist museum, skating rink, bowling, you name it, you have got it. Dog sledges, snow shoe walks, paragliding, what more can you ask for?

As for restaurants, well French food is delicious and there are lots of places to try it out. Need we say more?

Why not combine a visit to Chamonix in France with a visit to Courmayeur in Italy? Rent a car, go through the Mont Blanc tunnel and in less than half an hour you will be in Italy!