Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (usually shortened to Chamonix) is a resort area near the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy. At the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps, it's renowned for its skiing. Year-round, cable cars take visitors up to several nearby peaks with panoramic views, including Aiguille du Midi above town, and Pointe Helbronner, across vast glacier fields on the Italian border.
Easily accessible in just 1 hour by car from Geneva International Airport, less than 3 hours from the airport of Milan or 6 hours from Paris, the capital of mountaineering becomes a winter sports resort recognized and winter renowned since 1924, the first station winter Olympics.
History in a few dates:
1091: first official mention of Chamonix in the act of donation of 1 Aimone.
1741: Discovery of the valley by Windham and Pocock.
1786: first ascent of Mont Blanc by Jacques Balmat and Dr. Paccard.
1821 creation of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix.
1860 Savoy becoming French.
1924 first Winter Olympics in Chamonix.
1937 World Ski Championships.
1948: First Kandahar Chamonix.
1955: inauguration of the Aiguille du Midi.
1965: opening of the Mont Blanc tunnel.
Mont Blanc massif is one of the most visited natural sites in the world with the Mont Blanc peak at 4,810 meters or 15,780 feet, the roof of Western Europe; Aiguille du Midi (3842 m), the highest peak in Europe accessible by cable car and offering a 360 ° view of the Alps and Mont Blanc, or the famous Mer de Glace, the cave and the famous red train Montenvers.
Montenvers - Mer de Glace:
Discover the famous Mer de Glace in a winter wonderland at the foot of the peaks of the Drus, la Verte and Grandes Jorasses. Point of departure and arrival of many hiking routes in the Mont Blanc. Cogwheel railway to admire the Mer de Glace and facilitating the return of skiers in Chamonix downhill after the Vallée Blanche and the Pas de Chèvre. It brings you to the Montenvers site at 1913 m. Panorama grandiose glacier of the Mer de Glace, the Drus and the Grandes Jorasses. A wonderful 20 minute journey aboard the famous little red cog for finger giant ice as mythical. On board, time stops... The way to the side of mountains, rises tunnels carved into the rock and several viaducts. The mountain looks and after a final bend, the magic works: you came to the foot of the famous Mer de Glace to 1913 m altitude. A breathtaking panorama awaits you: below the glacier, true witness of climate change in our time!
Ice Cave: On site visit to the ice cave is a journey to the heart of the glacier carved every year, she described life in the mountains of the early nineteenth century. It is accessible either by a path, about 20 minutes’ walk, or by cablecar: beware, about 480 steps separate the arrival of the cable car to the entrance of the cave.
The glaciorium: True indicator of climate change in this century, the Montenvers site deserved a space dedicated to glaciology! The Sea of Ice, training, history, future trends, this is what you can discover by visiting this interactive and educational place...
La Vallée Blanche:
Vallée Blanche is a valley nestled in the heart of the Mont Blanc in the Alps of Haute-Savoie. It is located 3400 meters above sea level and offers several raids including a route that leads, depending on the snow until the town Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
It is a downhill ski out exceptional track of more than 20 km in the heart of the massif. From the top of the needle du Midi (3842 m) to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (1050 m) (or Montenvers train depending on snow). The presence of a guide is necessary for people without ski experience beyond high mountain trail. This route in the Vallée Blanche is legendary for all lovers of skiing off piste. The freeride specialists can to their heart for a long descent of more than 20 kilometers away. However backcountry skiing without tag and unattended is a risky practice. Thus it is highly advisable to be accompanied by a mountain professional. The Vallée Blanche is also a great place for organizing hiking in winter on skis or snowshoes.
Aiguille du Midi, view of the Col-du-Midi, the mountains, the Cosmic and the Chamonix valley. The world's most famous gondola in two sections, from 1035 meters to 3842 meters. The Aiguille du Midi is located in the Mont-Blanc. Culminating at 3842 meters it is the highest of the peaks of Chamonix. On the main summit stands a tower with telecommunication antennas, which represents the current peak. For over 60 years, the famous and highest of the peaks of Chamonix is a major global site. From the center of Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi takes you in 20 minutes to the gates of the High Mountain at 3842 m. From its 3777 m, the Aiguille du Midi and its terraces offer a 360 ° view of all the French Alps, Swiss and Italian. With a lift, you reach the summit terrace at 3842 m, to discover stunning views of Mont Blanc.
The step into the void, amazing! Lovers of thrills will enjoy the new attraction of the site... a technological feat and unforgettable sensations! More than a thousand meters of empty under your feet, in this glass box, picture of 5 of its faces... One small step for the visitor, a big step in the history of the Aiguille du Midi! Thrills guaranteed...
The "tube": A long steel gallery of 32 m for the full tour of the central peak of the Aiguille du Midi at over 3700 m above sea level without retracing his steps.
Vertical space: A special place, unique idea.... The site of the Aiguille du Midi is the start of many mountain races, including of course the legendary ascent of Mont Blanc by the three mountains. Many renowned climbers have left their traces and this is a tribute to these inventive and audacious adventurers, including Rebuffat is the most famous example, that will be created at 3777 m altitude the highest museum in the world.
Espace Mont Blanc: A place of rest and contemplation... It offers a view of the legendary peaks of the massif. Sitting on the benches, facing the large windows, rest but keep your eyes peeled! All year cafeteria and souvenir shop open their doors. The restaurant "3842m" invites you to taste local specialties in a unique setting.
Golf, one of the finest in Europe, with a view breathtaking. Ranked by specialized guides as one of the most beautiful mountain paths, you will discover the excellence in green, white, blue. It's the middle of the world capital of mountaineering that nestles this gem of golf of Chamonix.
Tennis, with the Mont Blanc in the background. Valley Chamonix-Mont-Blanc at your disposal 30 tennis courts in a bucolic environment. Chamonix tennis has 2 squash courts.
Water sports: The Olympic pool Chamonix is part of the Haute-Savoie pools located in a ski resort. Water aerobics classes, swimming and water garden sessions are offered. It is open all year except the open space that opens only in summer. Inside: 25m pool, leisure pool with waterfall, fast river, massage jets, sun beach, Jacuzzi, Hammam, Sauna. Outside pool of 50 m, leisure pools, wading pool with games, waterslide with 3 slides, relaxation area.
Indoor ice rink: Olympic indoor ice rink 60 x 30 m. Try the experience of ice skating in the cradle of multiple champions of France Ice Hockey and Curling Team France. This refreshing experience opens its doors in summer and winter.
Horse riding: rides for beginners or experienced riders (one hour or two hours), outputs half-day, full day or several days are offered.
At certain times of the year, engraving courses in intaglio (copper and zinc), wood and linoleum are available at Chalet Darjeeling.
Alpine Museum of Chamonix: Founded in the late nineteenth century, the backup museum and promotes more than 13 000 collection pieces from the eighteenth to the mid-twentieth century. The museum is housed in a landmark building of the Belle Epoque, a former luxury hotel "Chamonix Palace", opened in May 1914.
Promenade du Bois du Bouchet: This pleasant walk in the footsteps of the glaciers remains at the heart of firs and spruces, allows you to discover the highest peaks of the valley. Many woodland animals are present, especially in the early morning. There are deer, deer, foxes, deer, hares, red squirrels and many birds. At the start of cross-country home, there is a path laid out for the disabled, "the path of Bouchet." Suitable for all handicaps, the shady walk of about 1 km you will only or family to discover the natural heritage. An educational trail is also accessible from the village of Les Bois. There you will find a young forest, glaciers withdrawals witness remains of the activity of a now defunct quarry and open windows on the needles of Chamonix dizzying.
