With its exciting slopes, lively atmosphere and its lively nightlife, Chamonix has been one of the French Alps star attractions for both summer mountain enthusiasts and winter sports lovers alike. In fact, the resort is the world’s most famous ski destinations, and has been for decades.
Found in southern France’s Haute-Savoie region, bordered by Switzerland to the west and Italy to the south west, the town of Chamonix is dominated by the Aiguilles de Chamonix mountains, the biggest of which, Mont Blanc, stretches some 4,807m into the blue skies over France.
Not Exactly for Beginners
Mont Blanc is actually the biggest mountain in all of Western Europe, and so it’s no surprise to learn that many of the best pistes here offer quite a challenge for skiers. Still, those of us who aren’t ski champions still have many easier options to choose from – there’s more than 100 marked ski runs across the Chamonix Valley ski area, which encompasses numerous small villages and ski resorts. Balme, Grand Montets, La Flegere, Le Brevent and Les Houches are some of the most picturesque mountain villages in all of France, although only La Flegere and Le Brevent are linked by the ski lifts at present.
Skiers are advised to take care not to overestimate their ability in Chamonix. While the on and off-piste options are incredible for experienced skiers, many of them can be hugely challenging for beginners and so visitors are urged to seek advice from their resort about which slopes to take on.
Legendary Thrills
For experienced skiers however, there are no such concerns. Rather, they urged to get out there and enjoy the sensational ski runs that Chamonix has to offer, such as Aiguille du Midi’s 24km Vallee Blanche, a famous off-piste run that is distinguished as the longest lift-served in the world.
And, for off-piste skiing, Grands Montets is highly recommended for its extensive terrain park, with runs suitable for all ages and skill levels, though newcomers to this area are advised to get themselves a guidebook before skiing off into the distance.
Currency: Euro
Budget for one week: Over €1000 per week
Taxes and gratuity: Tipping is recommended
Official language: French
Area: 245.46 km2 (94.77 sq mi)
Population: About 9514
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: Europlug, Schuko
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- 100V Japanese appliances: Japan to U.S. reducer transformer
Other key facts:
- Elevation – Summit 10,745 ft
- Total Runs – 69 Slopes
- Snowfall - 264 in./year
Images courtesy: Reza;rcaucino - Fotolia.com; Myrtille MLB - Fotolia.com
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