CHAMONIX - THE BEST SKI RESORT AT THE FOOT OF MONT BLANC
The town of Chamonix - the alpine prestigious skiing capital of the World was in fact unknown until 1741 when two British (Windham and Pococke) published a story about a beautiful valley and the glacier that like a sea cuts through Mont Blanc, starting the “Chamonix fame”. Over the years the little town at the foot of Mont Blanc (the highest peak of Europe - 4807 m) has slowly developed to the vibrant ski resort. In 1924 it even hosted the first Winter Olympics.
Chamonix is one of the most alluring places for mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders in the world. The dramatic mountains entice more and more to ride the steep faces, or simply get to the top and feel the liberating void. It is simply a winter wonderland but even outside of the snowy season you will find here plenty of activities/sights that can fill your itinerary with excitment and awe.
HOW TO GET TO CHAMONIX?
The nearest airport is in Swiss Geneva but your alternative might be also French Lyon. There are daily bus/van that offer transfers/mountain drop offs from/to Geneva airport. Personally I used the Mountain Drop-Offs shuttle but there are plenty of other options available (e.g. Ouibus, Flixbus) You can book it online. The journey takes only 1,5h.
WHAT TO DO & SEE IN CHAMONIX (VALLEY)?
Aiguille du Midi - (Needle of the Mid-Day) where from the top of 3842 m, you can enjoy the most unique panorama in the world. This is a remarkable mountain station from which you can start the Vallee Blanche descent, but there’s also lots to do even if you do not ski. From the city centre of Chamonix, just within approx. 20-30 minutes of the Aiguille du Midi the cable car (open all your around except for annual maintenance & extremely bad weather conditions) takes you to the completely another level. You get closer to the summit of the majestic Mont-Blanc without hiking or climbing. It is actually two stage journey. I mean there are technicaly speaking two cable cars, first to Plan de l'Aiguille and the second to the top station of Aiguille du Midi. There is also an elevator that was built within the rock that takes you to the top terrace of the station at an altitude of 3842m where you can step into the Void (a glass box with more than a thousand metres of empty space beneath your feet), enjoy a unique lunch in one of Europe’s hghest restaurants and simply admire the breathtaking Summit of the Europe. The approximate recommended time to spend in Auguille du Midi is between 2,5-4h.
Montenvers Mer de Glace - Hop on board the famous little red railway train and arrive at the foot of the famous Mer de Glace glacier, at an attitude of 1913 m. Price: 33,5 EUR or a part of the Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass. The Panoramique bar’s terrace located at one end offers you a breathtaking view. Grab a glass of Aperol Spritz or exquisite meal, sit for a moment and enjoy the bliss. 500 steps down and up away from the gondola, there is also the Ice Cave - a man made cave cut into a living glacier. You can penetrate the innards of the Mer de Glace.
Hiking at the Lac Blanc - It is a hight attitude mountain lake that offers the incredible panormama over the Mont Blanc massif. It is just 2h of hike from the Flagere lift. Recommended: from Mid June till the end of October.
Skiing and Swnoboarding - Chamonix offers a number of slopes for all levels: from the very beginners to the advanced/extreme. You can choose between its 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent). You can find detailed information and prices on ski passes: Chamonix Le Pass & Mont Blanc Unlimited HERE. If you are interested in some winter affordable packages, you might want to check out UCPA - French outdoors charity.
Paragliding with Fly Chamonix - Take off either from Brevent / Planpraz 2000m; Plan de l’Aiguille 2300m; or Aiguille du Midi 3842m and fly high above Chamonix with mind-blowing views of the Europe’s highest mountain and the glacier des Bossons. Price: 110/300 EUR plus lift ticket.
Dog Sledding and Husky Rides.
VENICE OF THE ALPS - ANNECY
Chamonix is also a great base for nearby cities/attractions such as Swiss Geneva or French Annecy. The last one is particularly charming and in fact got a nickname of the Venice of the Alps. It has even its own Carnival. With its stunning Lake Annecy, the cabbledstone streets and myriads of canals, the Pont des Amours or Palais de l'Isle, Annecy is straight out of the fairly-tale and make you want to stay here a little longer than planned. On a first Saturday of August the city sparkles and becomes the background of the Lake Fireworks display. Perhaps, it is time now to book your (next) trip to France?
