Chamonix - one of the oldest ski resorts in France
It goes without saying that the slopes are simply impeccable. Here you will find something for both the experienced and the inexperienced. But to make this year's skiing vacation an absolute success, the surroundings must live up to expectations. That's guaranteed if this year's skiing vacation is in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in south-eastern France. A small village located at 1,035 meters above sea level and at the foot of the highest mountain in the Alps: Mont Blanc.
Chamonix is one of France's oldest ski resorts. And immensely popular with alpinists. The town itself has only about 9,000 permanent residents. But in high season, the population rises to over 60,000 people, enjoying the perfect snow at almost 2,000 meters above sea level. Its popularity is partly due to its excellent infrastructure, with bus access to the five main ski areas in the valley. In addition, Chamonix is located on the border between France, Switzerland and Italy. This makes it an ideal distance to the international airport in Geneva, for example, which is just an hour's drive from the ski paradise.
Once you arrive, a stunning landscape opens up, dominated entirely by Mont Blanc, which rises 4,810 meters above sea level.
Throughout the area there are several ski lifts serving the slopes, which vary in difficulty from the easy ones in and around the town itself at Col de Balme or the southern slopes of Le Flégère. More experienced skiers can enjoy the speed and challenge of the black runs in the Grand Montets or Brévent area.
For skiers looking for a deep snow experience, try the legendary Vallée Blanche with over 20 km of freeride slopes.
In total, there are 60 ski lifts throughout the area with over 172 km of slopes. Most recently, a gondola lift opened in 2022 at the northern end of the Chamonix valley, providing easier access to the Balme-Vallorcine area.
FACTS
GEOGRAPHY: Approx. 80 km from Geneva or 225 km from Lyon. Highest/lowest point: 3,275 m.a.s.l./1,000 m.a.s.l.
PISTS: 57 km green and blue, 76 km red and 39 km black.
LIFTS: 60 lifts, 26 drag lifts, 22 chair lifts and 12 cable cars.
RATES FOR LIFT CARDS: Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass, high season: 74 euros per day, 396 euros per week. Also gives access to ski resorts in both Switzerland and Italy.
AFTER SKIING: Chamonix is rich in bars and restaurants in the town itself. Around the slopes there are also opportunities to buy food and drink.
More than just skiing
First and foremost, Chamonix is one of the Alps’ classic winter sports resorts. But there are other great nature experiences waiting for you. For example, the seven-kilometer-long glacier Mer de Glace, where a new cable car is expected to open in 2023.
Chamonix itself is a cozy town with plenty of fine dining - seven of the town's restaurants are even praised in the Michelin Guide. And two of them have been awarded a star.
On the hotel front, the choice is virtually unlimited. From grandiose luxury hotels to chalets to accommodation in an abandoned monastery.
Chamonix offers plenty of skiing and plenty of things to keep mature non-skiers entertained. All delivered with plenty of alpine charm and, of course, the staggering views of Mont Blanc.
