Chamonix

Chamonix

Chamonix is surrounded by the Mont Blanc’s (4,810 m) impressive mountain scenery. This region’s largest resort offers its guests perfect access to the ski region. Challenging and diverse ski areas, stretching up to an altitude of 3,842 m, all group around the resort of “Cham”, as the town is lovingly also referred. However, the real fun starts off-piste.

Every year extreme skiers and freeriders from all over the world compete here.

Chamonix, venue for the 1924 Olympic Games, is retrospective of a long tradition and is distinctive in its outstanding activities available to tourists, as well as its spectacular scenery. Situated at 1,035 m, there is a fabulous panoramic view for visitors to enjoy.

The “Large Beauty”, as she is called by the locals, dominates the valley with its 4,810 m high snow and ice covered summit. However, even wild and rugged summits such as Drus (3,754 m) or Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m) are not easily overlooked.

The city offers a lively centre with a pedestrian zone, numerous restaurants and cafés, as well as a great aprés ski scene. All the same, Chamonix has retained its typical Savoyard village character.

Mont Blanc

It is called “the roof of Europe”, it is the highest mountain in the Alps and one of the most-visited nature sights. Since the first British explorers published their fascinating experiences back in the 18th century, many tourists have been attracted to this place.

The 4,810 m high mountain is located directly between France and Italy, exactly on the border line, and the countries have been fighting the right of possession for many years. In the north lies the French valley Arve with its popular resort Chamonix, which is the most important base station for the ascent on the Mont Blanc. From here a cableway takes you up to the second highest point of Europe at 3,777 m, bridging a 3 km distance, which the the world’s longest without any support towers in between.

The high alpine resort is known as an international centre for mountaineers and winter sports fans. In the south-eastern part of the mountain lays the Italian resort Courmayeur, in the Aosta Valley.

Round about this massive rock formation of the Mont Blanc and the neighbouring peaks a fascinating ski area has been created. But not only that: if you are not so winter sports enthusiastic you can also take the cable car “Téléphérique de l’Aiguille du Midi” from Chamonix up to 3,842 m altitude to enjoy one magnificent view of “roof of Europe”.

Just as magnificent is a ride with the “Télécabine Panoramique” from Aiguille du Midi to Pointe Helbronner. The cable car stops at various points during its 50-minute ride so you have the chance to take some wonderful photos along the way.

Travel Info Chamonix

• By train: Chamonix (in resort), Martigny (approx. 50 km), Aigle (approx. 75 km)
• By plane: Geneva (approx. 100 km), Chambéry-Savoie (approx. 150 km)