Chamonix

Chamonix Mont Blanc has been at the centre of Alpine exploits since 1760, when a Genevois scientist offered a prize for the first ever ascent of the highest Alp. The town played host to the first Winter Olympics in 1924 which led to significant expansion of the resort. It swiftly became known as the world capital of mountaineering and is now just as famous for its all-mountain skiing.

The Chamonix Valley is actually made up of 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), offering a great range of skiing for all abilities. Chamonix is often considered the best freeride resort in the world, although you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the famous 20km Vallée Blanche glacier run.

Chamonix has one of the highest cable cars in the world, linking the main town to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi at 3842 m. On the other side of the valley, another cable car links Chamonix to the viewpoint of Planpraz.

Although renowned for its sporting activities, Chamonix itself is a charming town with a dramatic setting beneath the cliffs and tumbling glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif. Busy all year round, the town is full of old buildings that have kept their original Victorian and ‘Belle Epoque’ features. Chamonix centre is traffic-free meaning that you can stroll round at your leisure, browsing the huge range of interesting shops, cafes and restaurants.

Chamonix is easily accessible from Geneva Airport with a private transfer time of around an hour and a quarter.

Photo Cristian Bortes, License CC