CHAMONIX VALLEY SKI AREA GUIDE

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1 CHAMONIX VALLEY SKI AREA GUIDE (0)

2 Chamonix, the valley of dreams Chamonix Valley is one of the most famous ski areas in France. Located about an hours drive from Geneva, it is easily accessible weather by train, plane or car. The Valley is composed of five different places: Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière, Servoz and Vallorcine. They are all easily accessible and interconnected with regular trains and buses. The history of Chamonix Valley goes back to 1741 when two English aristocrats discovered what was then called the Valley of Chamouny. They were amazed by the scenery and soon enough, the recital of their journey spread across Europe. Everyone wants to see the wonders of Chamonix Valley such as the mysterious Mer de glace. Step by step, the valley became more attractive with the construction of guest houses, inns, luxury hotels and other infrastructure. In 1786, two local men were the first to climb the legendary Mont Blanc. The main developments (or investments?) were made between the 19th century and the mid-20th century. In 1924, Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games; the 20th century marks the beginning of the democratisation of ski and other winter sports in the area. Nowadays, not only is Chamonix known for its amazing winter season but is also very much appreciated during summer as the mountains offer a large set of activities and sights to see. Key resort information 4 SEASON RESORT 80 RUNS 46% 36% 16% Beginners Intermediate Difficult ALTITUDE SKI LIFTS PISTES SNOWPARKS 1.5 hour from 1010m to 3842m km 4 Genava Airport 2

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4 WINTER IN THE VALLEY Enjoy a fantastic ski area! Skiing in the Chamonix Valley is a blessing weather if you are a beginner or a confirmed skier or snowboarder. Every resort will offer a set of slopes to suit any profile. Taking lifts towards the top of the mountains you will slowly see the pin trees disappear. Also not to be missed for the most adventurous and qualified the spot of La Vallée Blanche for an amazing off-piste session (a guide is highly advised/recommended even if you are a confirmed skier). Chamonix Chamonix is the main town in the Valley. The city offers lots of facilities, shops, restaurant and bars and the centre is bustling during the season. You can also enjoy a safe stroll in the pedestrian streets located in the city centre. There are lots of activities that can suit any profile weather you are a confirmed sportive, a nature lover or a more cultural person. One sure thing is you will never get bored in Chamonix. Our tips for eating and drinking: Le Fer à Cheval for its great French food and an extensive wine list. The Monkey Bar is great for its apres-ski ambiance with live musi, happy hours, ping pong and great food.. Les Houches Les Houches is another town which constitute the Valley. It s about a 15 minutes drive from Chamonix and half an hour if you take the public transport. Les Houches is more of a family resort. In this place you will find the real spirit of mountain Holidays. Walking down the streets, you will come across old bread oven, chapels and other symbols of its history. Our tips for eating and drinking: La Taniere is a hidden gem ski-in ski-out with stunning mountain views and a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy rum and karoake apres-ski at the Pull Up Bar. DON T REALLY INTO SKIING? If you are not that much of a skier or snowboarder, don t worry. There are plenty of other activities to had in the Valley. There is about 50km of cross-country skiing slopes, snowshoe itineraries, hiking, icefall climbing, ice skating, pool, sled, and of course visits of the museums and cultural sights. 4

5 EVENTS IN CHAMONIX VALLEY There are many various events throughout the year such as concerts, sports competitions or festivals. Some of them are quite famous like the Chamonix unlimited festival or the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. Events are also organised on certain occasions like the Carnival, the New Year or La fête de la Musique. In the Chamonix Valley you will find the highest point of Occidental Europe which is Le Mont-Blanc. It is 4 808m high! Just a 15 minutes drive from Chamonix you will find yourself at the Mont-Blanc Tunnel which will lead you directly through the border between France and Italy. Famous attraction to do in Chamonix: Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car and get to the 3 842m top and enjoy a breath-taking view of the Valley. For the most courageous the Step into the Void is a cabin made out of transparent glass and suspended in the void. Take the Montenvers train to go visit the Ice Cave and see the amazing Mer de Glace. SUMMER IN THE VALLEY When the snow is gone and the winter has ended you might think that the fun is over. Well it is not! There are lots of summer activities to enjoy in the Valley. From rock climbing and long hikes in the mountains to relaxed afternoons by the lake or the pool everything is there for you to enjoy a perfect summer in the middle of the French Alps. And if you miss the snow just look up or take a ride on the Aiguille du midi cable car which will take you up to 3 842m where you will be able to see wide areas of immaculate snow. 5

6 GETTING THERE Getting to Chamonix Valley is pretty easy weather you are going there by car, plane or train. Therefore it is a great location for a short week-end trip or a longer stay. Calais to Chamonix is a 8h drive by car if you take the highway From Geneva airport there are many buses. It will usually take you about 1h -1h30 to get to Chamonix. and this is probably the best way to get there. (If you re flight lands in Lyon or Chambery there are trains and buses that can take you to Chamonix the travel time may change depending on your day and hour of arrival.) We wouldn t ecommend about taking the train as if can be a hufe hassle. Chamonix Valley resort ratings BEGINNER INTERMEDIATE EXPERT SNOWBOARDER ACCESSIBILITY FAMILLY FRIENDLY AFTER SKI NIGHTLIFE SNOW RELIABILITY OFF PISTES SHOPS FOOD VIEW PROPERTIES IN CHAMONIX VALLEY 6

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