Chamonix Among the Best of the Alps
France's Chamonix ski resort has long been touted as one of the world's greatest ski destinations.
Situated in the Northwestern Alps, just a short distance from both the Swiss and Italian borders, France's Chamonix has earned a reputation that puts it far above many of the world's top ski destinations.
This resort was the site of the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924 and its affordability and close proximity to several large European cities make it a popular destination.
Often compared to Aspen in the U.S. or Davos in Switzerland, Chamonix ski resort is for serious skiers. "Chamonix skiers are not quite the same as others," says the resort's promotional materials. Beginners might feel a little lost at this resort, although there are some slopes for inexperienced skiers.
The Mountains
The Chamonix-Mont Blanc ski area is actually a group of mountains, linked by reliable transportation that takes skiers from one resort to the next. Each mountain is a little different and some skiing here requires a guide.
Intermediate skiers can handle some of the terrain that's dished out by this highly-acclaimed ski area. Even advanced skiers will find themselves being tested at times.
The area is dominated by Mont-Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, standing at a towering 15,771 feet high. You won't actually ski Mont-Blanc but rather the slopes across the valley that face the majestic mountain.
All the runs here are quite exciting and most are certainly challenging. The most famous, however, is the 12-mile Vallee Blanche run, the longest in Europe and considered to be one of the most rugged as well.
The lift system here is excellent, but it can get quite crowded during peak season, causing some frustrating waits. But the time spent in line is well worth it when you arrive at the top of the chairlift, at elevations as high as nearly 11,000 feet.
If you're an accomplished skier, you may want to try your hand at glacier skiing, which begins at about 12,500 feet.
The best skiers will also come here to "push the envelope" on the mountains of La Flegere, Grand Montets, and Brevant. Intermediate skiers should stick with the areas of Le Houches and Le Tour.
There are also three parks and a halfpipe for snowboarders, plenty of room for cross-country enthusiasts, snowshoe instruction, and snowmobiling.
Après Ski
In Chamonix, showing your face at the right restaurant or night spot is almost as important as how you fare on the slopes.
Tons of posh eateries and rocking nightclubs line the streets of the village and stay open until the wee hours of the morning.
Shopping
Some travel guides will tell you that shopping here is actually more popular than skiing. While that may be a slight exaggeration, shopping is certainly an active pastime here at Chamonix ski resort.
Shops offer everything from high-end designer ski apparel to jewelry to unique items crafted by local artisans.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Chamonix is to schedule a flight that lands at either Grenoble, 55 miles from the resort, or Geneva, Switzerland, about 50 miles from the slopes of Chamonix.