Chamonix Brings You A Skiing Adventure

Nestled beneath Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak, and protected by a closed valley, Chamonix is one of the best known ski towns in the Alps. It is also France's oldest. It was here, in 1924, that the first Winter Olympics were held, and Chamonix thrives from its 76 ski runs and extensive conference facilities.

Chamonix is a busy and picturesque Alpine town, with 10,000 inhabitants. The resort remains busy, even in the summer. Its distinctly Savoie character and many Alpine lodges and restaurants, which sit astride a gushing river, make it a pleasant place to take a break from the slopes. From most points in town, you can admire the stout flat-topped Mont Blanc (4,785m).

In the village, you'll find more than 14 restaurants and dozens of hotels, resorts and guesthouses, boasting 10,000 beds in total. Chamonix also has a casino, cinema complex, several discos and a very commendable museum covering the history of mountaineering. A kindergarten is also on hand with ski school for toddlers (tel: +4 50 53 22 57) and for children ages 4 to 12 years (€300 for six days).

There are 147kms of ski runs in the immediate valley sides, serviced by 47 ski lifts, with a further 655kms of runs in the region. In fact, the longest run is a mind-boggling 21kms. The village sits at 1,035m above sea level; additionally, the world's highest ski point at 2,807m, is below the 3,275m Les Grands Montets. Skiing is suitable for all ages and levels with more than 20 per cent of the runs for beginners. In addition, 300 instructors are on hand to give you assistance.

Farther up the valley is the village of Argentière, which offers quieter alternatives and access to Les Grands Montets. The ice caves are also a popular attraction if you get tired of the piste. One excursion that should be on everyone's list is a gondola ride to the top of Mont Blanc. The views are magnificent and from here you can descend into the Italian Alps on the other side.

The season runs from November to April, with the best conditions considered to be in early March. Cheap rates are offered until mid-December and towards the end of April. Chamonix is only 50kms from Geneva and is accessible by train via Annecy - to which you can catch a high-speed TGV train from other regions.

Skiing in Chamonix

Chamonix is France's oldest resort and one of its most established, boasting five ski areas comprising of 76 runs. It sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak, and is a bustling Savoie town with lots of après-ski activities.

Chosen as the first host of the Winter Olympics, in 1924, Chamonix village sits at an elevation of 1,035m and offers the highest ski run in the world, at 2,807m - below the peak of Les Grands Montets. It has 10,000 hotel and guesthouse beds and 14 restaurants, as well as a casino, sports centre, and day care centre for children.

Altogether there is 147kms of ski run in the Chamonix valley, made up of 76 runs; 21 per cent of these are suitable for beginners, 31 per cent for intermediate, 35 per cent of advanced skiers and 13 per cent for experts. Forty-five lifts, with a capacity for 52,000 skiers per hour, give you plenty of access to all areas. There are 7 cable cars, 5 gondolas, 17 chairlifts and 16 surface 'pullers'. The longest run is an incredible 21kms off-piste on the Vallee Blanche. In addition, there are a further 655kms of runs in the region.

Away from the slopes, there are plenty of activities and facilities for après-ski. Activities and leisure facilities available include: ice-skating (natural and artificial); indoor swimming and tennis; paragliding (summer); saunas; sleigh riding; a sports centre; squash; curling; bowling; indoor climbing, snowshoeing and winter walks. There are also a number of discos and restaurants, as well as some excellent shopping.

The season begins in late November and runs until May. The best conditions are usually in early March and the lowest rates are in early December or April.

Chamonix is 88kms from Geneva, where there is an international airport; from there, buses or hire car are the most suitable means of reaching the resort. Alternatively, you can catch the high-speed TGV to Annecy and take the mountain train from there. A gondola takes you up and over Mont Blanc into the Italian Alps.

Transportation to Chamonix

Chamonix is tucked away in the Alps and getting there invariably involves a connection, whether you opt for rail, air or a combination. The most practical way of getting to Chamonix is by flying to Geneva and catching a connecting bus. Alternatively a combination of Eurostar, TGV and local SNCF trains will get you there after an eight-hour journey. Many arrive on a package deal, which pre-arranges all transport.

By car, Chamonix is about 880kms from Calais; driving time is nine hours and the toll roads cost about €100. If you plan to fly to Geneva and hire a car, the route to Chamonix is relatively straight-forward, covering a distance of 88kms. Chamonix is located 80kms southeast of Geneva, Switzerland, and driving time is about one hour via the Autoroute Blanche (A40) motorway. Chamonix is 226kms from Lyon and 612kms from Paris.

By train, you can catch the high-speed TGV to Annecy, from where the journey by regular SNCF train is about 30 minutes, as it winds its way up the valley. This particular train is an antique electric train, and the journey is a charming one, offering excellent views of the valley. Rail services from Geneva to Chamonix aren't very practical, involving several changes.

The nearest international airports to Chamonix are in Lyon and Geneva. The latter is a more popular choice as there are direct bus transfers from here, taking about 1 hour, 30 minutes. From Lyon, you can travel by train to Annecy and connect to Chamonix or take a bus transfer. Annecy has a provincial airport.

There is also a gondola service which rises up over Mont Blanc and descends into Italy on the other side, offering a unique way of approaching the valley.