(Chamonix) is located at the foot of Mont Blanc, in the very southeast of the Haute-Savoie department. Considered the historical capital of skiing, the resort is located at an altitude of 1035 meters, but almost 90% of all ski slopes are above 2000 meters ( highest point lift - 3842 m). Chamonix has been used as a mountain resort for about two hundred years, and therefore a vast and very diverse recreation infrastructure has been formed here, not only in winter, but also in summer. Like Megeve, Chamonix is ​​a member of the most prestigious association the best resorts Best of the Alps (BOTA).

The winding 16-kilometer valley has 3,000 hectares of specially prepared slopes, 69 marked trails (21% green, 33% blue, 32% red and 14% black) with a total length of 140 km , conditionally divided into several autonomous ski areas.

• The Breven-Flegere region (Le Brevent, La Flegere) lies at the foot of the La Flegere plateau (la Flegere, 1900 m) and on the slopes framing the Chamonix valley from the south. You can get here by lift directly from Chamonix, as well as from Argentiere and the village of Les Praz (les Praz, 2 km from Chamonix). On these sunny slopes there are many interesting slopes of different levels, including the "mixed" ("green" and "blue") route No. 2, the more difficult "black" No. 1 (length 9.5 km, height difference - 1490 m) , a long track L "Index - Les Praz (length -7.5 km, drop - 1400 m) and several short "blue" and "red" slopes, as well as interesting sites for mogul and off-piste skiing. In Le Bosson (Le Bosson, 3 km from Chamonix) there are illuminated pistes for skiing at night, and there is a snowboarding center at the top of the Logs area, perfect for both professionals and beginners.
• The Le Grands Montets area (Les Grands Montets, 1230-3300 m) covers the areas of the Argentiere and Lognan glaciers, having slopes for the most part of the northern exposure. Therefore, it is always somewhat colder here than in neighboring resorts, and abundant snow and large elevation changes provide many interesting tracks. Here you can slide along several steep slopes (Grands Montets, Pointe de Vue and Pylones) to the very, and the longest slope Le Grand Montet - Argentiere has a length of 8 km with a vertical drop of 2070 meters! The most difficult track in the region is also located here - Piste des Pylones (length - 4.1 km, elevation difference - 1260 m).
• Le Tour - Vallorcine - Col de Balme (Le Tour - Vallorcine - Col de Balme) is adjacent to the Swiss border and is famous for its relatively simple (elevation difference - from 1453 to 2270 m, the only "black" track goes into Switzerland ) and always perfectly prepared descents of great width.
• The region of Les Houches (Les Houches) lies in the southwestern part of the valley, in its most gentle part, intersecting with its slopes with areas of neighboring resorts. There are about two dozen simple and gentle (1001-1871 m) trails, which are distinguished by a simple relief and therefore are excellent for beginner skiers. However, it is here that the Kandhar cup track is located, and the track of the famous Mont Blanc tram passes, from the upper station of which (1794 m) there are beautiful views of the valley and Mont Blanc. Quite a lot of trails for beginners are located within the city, in close proximity to hotels - La Vormaine, Les Chosalets, Les Planards and Le Savoy.

From the center of Chamonix, you can take the highest funicular in Europe directly to the top of the Aiguille du Midi (Aiguille du Midi, 3842 m), from where the famous "White Valley" (Vallee Blanche) begins - a 22-kilometer descent through the glaciers Jean, Tokul and La Mer de Glace. This route can only be recommended for well-trained skiers and only when accompanied by a guide. On the border of the Tokul and La Mer de Glace glaciers, there is a cafe La Mer de Glace ("Sea of ​​Ice"), and at the gondola lift of the same name there is an unusual Museum of Ice. Nearby lies the Les Bossons glacier (Les Bossons, 1020-1410 m), known for its Olympic slalom and giant slalom courses, as well as regular night skiing (from 19.00 to 22.00 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays). The length of the descent here is about 2.5 km, but the elevation difference is small - about 400 meters, so you can find many different slopes here.

There is a snow park with a half-pipe in the Lognan area - Les Grands Montets, a boardercross track, 30 km of marked hiking trails, a sports center with swimming pools (including for children), a water slide, a sauna and a hammam, a fitness center, a climbing wall (180 sq. m), a tennis center (6 indoor and 3 squash courts), several ski schools, an indoor Olympic ice rink, a paragliding club and 42 km of flat skiing. The slopes are served by 7 funiculars, 4 cable cars, 18 chairlifts and 12 tow lifts, but the second line of funiculars to the top of the Aiguille du Midi requires a separate subscription (10 euros), as it is not included in the price of the ski pass .

You can also find the Le Majestic congress center with 12 halls, bowling, bridge club, billiards club, casino (open until 3.00), library, cinema with 3 halls, museum, over 100 restaurants, as well as a huge number of discos, bars and a cafe.

The estimated cost of living and recreation in Chamonix is ​​about the same as in other mountain resorts of Haute-Savoie. A one-day ski pass Chamonix le Pass (valid on the territory of Brevent - Flegere, Domaine de la Balme, le Savoy, les Planard, la Vormaine, les Chosalets and Grandes Montets) will cost 36-38 euros for adults (16-59 years old) and 29-30 euros for pensioners (over 60 years old) and children aged 4 to 15 years, six-day - 182-190 and 146-152 euros, respectively.

The O "Lympide sports center can be visited for 5 euros (with a visit to the sauna and hammam - 15 euros, a gym plus a swimming pool - from 9 euros), an hour of playing tennis costs $ 10, an ice rink for adults - 5 euros, children - 4 euros (rental skates - 3 euros).The cost of renting ski equipment depends on the category and season, but on average a set for an adult for 6 days will cost 60-130 euros, for a child - 40-70 euros, a snowboard (full set) - 110- €130 Group ski school lessons for adults will cost approximately €30 (2 hours) to €180 (6 lessons of 4 hours), individual €150 for half a day, €260 for a day. ) - 30 euros for 2.5 hours, 60 euros - for the whole day with lunch, 300 euros - for 6 days with lunch.A ski guide will cost at least 60 euros per person.

The resort has 68 hotels of all categories, more than 4000 apartments of any category and many individual houses and chalets that can accommodate about 9 thousand people at the same time. Rates vary depending on the season and class, while you can book a hotel through the official website of the resort (there is a section in Russian).

The skiing season in Chamonix lasts from mid-December to the end of March on low slopes, in the highlands - until mid-May.

Chamonix (France) - the largest, oldest and most famous resort in It is located only fifteen kilometers from the border with Switzerland, which runs along the Col de Monte pass, and fifteen kilometers from the border with Italy, passing through the Mont Blanc massif. All three borders converge at a single point - on the top of Mount Dolent (height 3820 meters).

Geography and climate

The Chamonix Valley (France), the photo of which is presented below, stretches for seventeen kilometers from Servo to Vallorcine. There are four communes and many small, original villages, each of which is an excellent starting point for a variety of interesting trips through the Mont Blanc massif, towering majestically above the valley. The number of permanent residents of Chamonix today is approximately ten thousand people. However, with the onset of the tourist season, the number of people living in the valley at a time increases to sixty thousand in winter and one hundred thousand in summer. In the mountains, the weather is always changeable and can bring many surprises: having arrived in Chamonix for a week, you can see ice, sun, and waist-deep snow. Webcams are installed on the ski slopes, thanks to them you can always get information about the current situation. On the low slopes, the skiing season lasts from December to March inclusive, while on the highlands you can ride until mid-May.

The legendary city of Chamonix

France is rich in interesting places, but this popular Alpine resort has a special energy. On the streets of a mountainous town, perhaps all the languages ​​of the planet are heard. However, people who come here, although they speak different dialects, have similar feelings and thoughts. They are united by a passion for high mountains and the way of life that they give. And the mountains here are very close, they rise above you every minute, no matter what you do and wherever you go. Just raise your head: Mont Blanc will look into your face - 4810 meters of snow, ice, rocks, heroic deeds, legends, dreams of the future.

Family Les Houches

Would you like to share the joy of meeting Mont Blanc with your children? Then come to Les Houches, a place where you can watch an impressive spectacle that never loses its spectacle. You will see how the mountain peaks rise above the Chamonix valley (France) in all their glory, and at their foot, among the hilly dense forests, hasty mountain rivers, houses crumble. For the first meeting with the mountains it's easy perfect place. The village of Les Houches is located only six kilometers from the city of Chamonix and offers many activities (both summer and winter) for the whole family. Mountain biking, snowboarding, dog sledding, hiking, skiing… It is not for nothing that all skiers come here, regardless of their level of training. The World Cup among men in alpine skiing takes place here.

Uncorrupted Servo

The picturesque village of Servo is located near Les Houches. From a height of 812 meters, the Mont Blanc massif, the Aravis and Fiz mountain ranges, Pormenaz, Le Prapion, Tet Nar offer a stunning view. For a long time Servo has been part of the French mountaineering heritage and is well known to climbing enthusiasts. A village nestled comfortably at the foot of the Fiz mountain range, behind past years has not lost its authenticity at all and, like a sentry, stands guard over the valley. To this day, the inhabitants keep the traditions of handicraft, there are many handicraft shops, festivals of handicraftsmen are held here. With a guide, you can visit interesting places, such as the Alpine Museum, the Les Gorges de Diosaz gorge, the Christmas market and many others.

Natural Vallorsin

And how about not in the photo, but with your own eyes to see the red chamois. If you come to Vallorcine, then you are on their territory. Those in love with the Chamonix resort (France) cannot help but love this charming village hidden behind the Monte Pass. An unpretentious ascent and the same simple descent - and you find yourself in another world, a world of calm and silence. The pass seemed to cut off Vallorcin forever from the bustle and noise, allowing people to merge with the magnificent alpine nature into a single whole. The village, which is located right on the Swiss border, has been living in harmony for centuries with untouched fields and forests full of fearless birds and animals. Alone with the wild world around you everywhere, you can replenish your energy supply, depleted by city stresses.

First guests

When the young British aristocrats Richard Pocock and William Wyndham first visited the commune of Chamouni in 1741, they could not even imagine what the consequences of this trip would lead to. The British told about an interesting trip to friends, and gradually everyone large quantity wealthy European tourists rushed to Mont Blanc to see with their own eyes the mysterious and beautiful sea of ​​\u200b\u200bice - a giant glacier that the pioneers admired so much. Local miners and hunters, who knew the mountains well, became guides for them. A start has been made!

From Chamouni to Chamonix

In 1770, an inn was opened here - the first sign of the future hotel boom, which inevitably followed the growing popularity of the valley among climbers. After the conquest of Mont Blanc in 1786, it became especially stormy. Everyone believed that the local mountain peaks were not so inaccessible as it seemed at first. Romantic journalists and writers began to talk about the mountains not as a place full of terrible dangers, a formidable place, but as a reserve of beautiful nature, preserved in its original state.

Now, along with desperate daredevils and adventurers, quite respectable tourists rushed here. Setting a new trend for the hotel business, the first luxury hotel was built in 1816, and in the 1900s, three excellent palace hotels worthy of any fashionable resort were built in the valley.

The construction of roads was a turning point in the history of Chamonix. France, thanks to good roads and convenient rail links, was able to receive guests from all over Europe. During the reign of Napoleon III, in 1866, the first horse-drawn carriages appeared on the village streets, and a railway line was launched between Chamonix and the station of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Les Faye.

mountains accessible to all

Chamonix is ​​a ski resort that hosted the very first Winter Olympic Games in history in 1924. The Olympics have turned it into a real Mecca for winter sports enthusiasts. In the following years, many lifts appeared on the surrounding slopes. At first they took tourists to Planpraz and Glacier, which no longer exists. As the resort of Chamonix developed rapidly, lifts began to deliver vacationers to Le Brevent, Le Fleger, Aiguille du Midi. Today, this alpine territory is not only a popular tourist destination, but also a strategic transport route, connecting France and Italy through a tunnel under Mont Blanc. Chamonix is ​​a ski resort striving to maintain an optimal balance between tourism and transport needs in order to maintain a clean environment.

Ski slopes

Here is the legendary twenty-kilometer White Valley - one of the longest slopes in the Alps. For professionals, the seventeen-kilometer descent of Valle Blanche is provided, the slopes of Grant Monte will satisfy even the most demanding skiers.

Chamonix provides good opportunities for lovers of extreme and off-piste skiing. ski resort famous for its schools, where everyone can learn to ski. Each region has blue and green runs for beginners. Chamonix has this geographical position that, having passed through the tunnel under Mont Blanc, you can also ride in Switzerland and Italy. There is no single ski area, which would be connected by a network of lifts, in the resort. The districts of Le Brevent, Le Tour, Les Houches and others will take seven to fifteen minutes by bus. For owners of spa cards or ski passes, travel is free. Buses run regularly throughout the valley.

How to get there

From any European capital to get to Chamonix (France) is not difficult. The nearest airports are Geneva (80 kilometers), Lyon (226 kilometers), Paris (612 kilometers). The European motorway network runs right through the central part of the city. Chamonix is ​​the only one in which it has its own railway station. Several high-speed trains leave here daily from Paris. Come to Chamonix and enjoy the scenic views, modern pistes, sunny mountain slopes. Unforgettable holiday for you!

The city and valley of Chamonix is ​​the most famous ski resort in France, and maybe the world. These places have long been perceived as the capital of winter sports and few skiers do not dream of visiting the legendary valley.

And it all began not with skiing, but with mountaineering. After all, the city of Chamonix is ​​adjacent to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, and tourists began to come here already in the 19th century.

The railway made this region accessible in winter, and gradually ski routes became fashionable. It was in Chamonix that the first ever Winter Olympics (1924) was held. The automobile tunnel under Mont Blanc has made the area even more accessible.

Features of the Chamonix ski resort

This is a large alpine resort with a population of ten thousand. Hotels can accommodate up to 60 thousand guests at the same time.

The Chamonix Valley is 16 kilometers long. The city itself lies at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, but the highest ski slopes are located at an altitude of 3330 meters, and the elevation difference in the valley is more than two kilometers. Most of the trails are located above two kilometers above sea level. At this altitude, the snow cover is very stable.

The Chamonix Valley has ski slopes for both beginners and athletes

There are more than 100 trails in the valley with a total length of over 170 kilometers. There are routes of varying difficulty, so both experienced skiers and beginners come to the resort.

One of the longest routes is the famous White Valley (twenty-kilometer descent). There is no single ski area, and the ski valley is divided into several separate areas, which vary greatly in difficulty.

Tourists travel from the city to these areas by bus. Travel time - no more than a quarter of an hour.

High ski areas:

• Le Tour - Vallorcine - Col de Balmes- trails of varying difficulty great views throughout the Chamonix valley.
• Grand Monte– a skiing area with very high slopes and a large elevation difference (1200-3300 meters).
• White Valley- the most famous descent with a length of 20 kilometers. Another kind of record is the height difference (2770 meters). This path is only suitable for experienced skiers and requires great care.
• Lez Ouch- a skiing area with beautiful views, especially attractive for beginner skiers.
• Brevent
• Flegier
• Courmayeur- a skiing area located outside the Chamonix Valley, on Italian territory (the borders with Italy and Switzerland are not far from the resort). You can get to Courmayeur by bus through the tunnel under Mont Blanc, it will take less than an hour.

Low ski areas:

These are ideal places for skiing children and beginner skiers. The Olympic slalom tracks are also located here.

Chamonix can offer outdoor enthusiasts not only ski slopes, but also much more:

Tourists settle in hotels of different categories, there are more than 90 hotels here.

The city has over 100 restaurants and 200 shops, cinemas, casinos, nightclubs.

There are several museums, including the Crystal Museum and the Alps Museum, exhibition halls.

The appearance of the first tourists in the Chamonix region dates back to the beginning of the 19th century

Festivals, carnivals and other events take place from time to time. In general, there is a good infrastructure and it is impossible to get bored.

Those who do not like busy cities can be advised to stay in the surrounding villages: Servo, Les Houches, Vallorcine. There are also comfortable hotels there.

The Chamonix Valley is a success all year round: this is not only a Mecca for skiers, but also an important mountaineering center (after all, Mont Blanc is nearby!), And someone comes here just to walk in the mountains. And yet it is the ski slopes that are the face of the famous Alpine valley.

Approximate prices in Chamonix ski resort

Due to the popularity of the resort, skiing here is not cheap. But the game is worth the candle!

The most significant expense item is the purchase of a ski pass (a special card that gives you the right to ski on the slopes).

Ski passes can be of different types

The Mont Blanc Unlimited elite card allows you to ski on all slopes in Chamonix - and in some resorts outside the valley (Couromayor in Italy). IN this moment(season 2013-2014) an adult one-day "Mont Blanc Unlimited" costs 56.5 euros, a ten-day one - 406 euros, a twenty-day one - 716 euros (you can order a card for any number of days, from 1 to 21, at different prices).

A more economical option is Chamonix Le Pass: respectively, 46 euros for one day, 354 euros for 10 days, 664 euros for 20 days. Such a card gives the right to ski in most areas of Chamonix (but still not everywhere).

There is also a system of discounts, including for children and pensioners.

Booking hotels in Chamonix is ​​somewhat cheaper than skiing. A week of stay in different hotels costs from 100 to 270 euros.

Food is not the last item of expenditure in resort town. I must say, the higher the cafe is located, the more expensive it is. A skier can have a snack in a cafe in the mountains, near the track. However, it is more economical to take food from the city with you.

In addition, all tourists visiting Chamonix pay resort fee(approximately one euro per person).

Naturally, the cost of air travel, as well as ground transportation, must be included in the amount of expenses.

How to get to Chamonix

There is no airport in Chamonix, so you need to go to the mountain resort by land transport from major European cities.

You can ride in three different ways:

• by bus
• by train
• by car

The tunnel under Mont Blanc greatly facilitates the movement: you can come to the border town from the other side of the Alps, through Italian territory.

Perhaps the most popular route to Chamonix is ​​via Geneva. The airport in the Swiss city is located just 88 kilometers from the resort.

Between Geneva and Chamonix there is a regular bus service (1.5-2 hours), in addition, you can easily order a taxi.

The French city of Lyon with the airport is a little further (200 kilometers). There are regular buses (the journey can take 4 hours).

The road through Paris is 600 kilometers by train. Chamonix is ​​one of the few resorts with a train station. This is a road for the curious - after all, winter holidays can be combined with a cultural program in one of the most interesting capitals.

Rest in the capital of skiing is an extremely exciting activity (although not too cheap). This will be remembered for a lifetime!

Among the ski resorts, Chamonix occupies a very special place: nowhere else can you find such a variety of routes and landscapes, such unusual opportunities.

• highest point: 3,300 m
• Lowest point: 1,008 m
• Length of slopes: 170 km
• Difficulty categories and number of tracks: black - 21, red - 32, blue - 34, green - 13
• Average temperature in winter: -6.7°С
• Number of drag lifts - 12, funiculars - 7, chairlifts and cable cars - 22
• Ski-pass price without Aiguille du Midi: adults up to 59 years old: 38€/1 day, 190€/6 days; children (4-15 years old) and pensioners: 30€/1 day, 152€/6days
• The cost of a ski-pass to the Aiguille du Midi mountain is 10 € / 1 day.
• Season duration: lower slopes: December-March; glaciers: December - mid-May.

France's oldest alpine resort, Chamonix, is located in the southeast of the Haute-Savoie department in a valley at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe.

The first mention of Chamonix in historical documents dates back to 1091. Until the beginning of the 20th century. The main occupation of the population was agriculture. A decisive turn in its history came in 1906-1907 with the official opening of the winter resort.

First held in Chamonix in 1924, the Winter Olympic Games brought the city the laurels of the ski capital of the world. The rapid development of the resort in the second half of the XX century. made it one of the leaders in the development of skiing, which is visited annually by up to 5 million people.

The mountain slopes around the resort are divided into several ski areas. From the center of Chamonix to the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3842m) is the line of the highest European funicular. From here begins a grandiose 22 km descent along the famous White Valley through the Jean, Tokul and La Mer de Glace glaciers. Near the track are the legendary cafe "Ice Sea" and the unusual Museum of Ice.

The area of ​​Les Bossons occupies the glacier of the same name. It is notable for the Olympic slalom tracks and illuminated slopes in the evening with a length of 2.5 km. North of Chamonix is ​​the Le Grand Monte ski area, part of which is occupied by the Argentiere and Lignan glaciers. It is here that the steep and difficult slopes Grands Montets, Piste des Pylones Pointe de Vue and Pylones are located, up to 8 km long and with a height difference of up to 2070 m.

At an altitude of 1,900 m, on the south side of the resort, there is the La Flégère plateau, which occupies the area of ​​Breven-Flégère. In this part of the resort, the whole range of difficulty of tracks with a height difference of about 1400 m is presented, interesting areas for mogul and off-piste skiing. In its upper part is the center of snowboarding.

Situated close to the Swiss border, Les Thur-Vallorcine-Col de Balme has relatively easy ski slopes and is suitable for beginners. In the gentle part of the valley in the south-west of the resort is the Les Houches region, along which 20 easy trails pass with an altitude difference of 1871-1008 m. The famous Kandhar Cup route and the Mont Blanc tram route are also located here.

A snowpark with a highpipe and a boarder-cross track is located in the Lognan-le-Grand-Monte area. There are also 42 km of trails for cross-country skiing on the territory of the resort.

Indoor Olympic skating rink, climbing wall, swimming pool, paragliding and bowling clubs, billiards and bridge, tennis and squash courts, GYM's O'Lympide Sports Center and hiking bring a lot of variety to the leisure at the resort. Many unusual events in Chamonix and its suburbs take place during the July days during the traditional International Mountaineering and Climbing Festival.

How to get there

The address: Chamonix Mont Blanc, Chamonix Mont Blanc
Website: www.chamonix.com

Ski resorts in France
Chamonix.

Chamonix: about the resort

Chamonix is ​​one of the oldest ski resorts in Europe and France. It was here that the first Winter Olympic Games were held in 1924. Chamonix is ​​one of the best resorts for freeriders and confident skiers, suitable for lovers of different slopes, this resort is recommended for connoisseurs of apres-ski and historical resorts. Beginners will not feel very comfortable in Chamonix - the ski area for beginners is small and located below, near the resort, where the snow is not in the best condition.

Official website of the resort: www.chamonix.com
Chamonix piste maps: http://www.chamonix.com/plans,14,fr.html
Website in Russian: http://chamonix-montblanc.ru

Recommended: confident skiers, freeriders, non-skiers, lovers of luxury accommodation and apres-ski, tourists who want to combine excursions and skiing.
Not recommended: for beginners, those who are looking for a large connected ski area and the opportunity to ride "to the door".

Pros:
- One of the oldest and beautiful resorts Alps.
- A variety of interesting landscapes.
- Moderate prices for accommodation.
- Lots of entertainment for non-skating.
- Excellent opportunities for freeride and expert riding.
- Good opportunities for excursions.

Minuses:
- There is no single (for the entire valley) system of lifts.
- Old ski lifts in many ski areas, queues are possible.
- Heavy traffic.
- Expensive ski passes.
- Skiing down to the hotel/apartment is almost impossible.
- The trails leading to the resort are usually not in the best condition.

Chamonix: pistes and facts

106 tracks: 14% green, 34% blue, 38% red and 14% black, for a total of around 120km of pistes.
Longest track: about 19 km.
Ski area: 308 ha
Lifts: 20 cabins, 27 chairlifts, 18 drag cabins.
The highest point of the ski area: 3275 m (Grand Monte)
Height difference: 2023 meters (from Grande Monte to Argentiere)
Snow guns: 96
Ice Skating: The White Valley (Vallee Blanche), which starts below the top of the Aiguille du Midi lift, is the best route for freeriding. There are no prepared tracks in this sector. Guided ride recommended.

Chamonix is ​​beautiful at any time of the day, but the evening city at Christmas and New Year's time is most striking. Chamonix welcomes guests with a myriad of lights, clean air and an indescribable smell of holiday anticipation.

This city is so old, comfortable and cozy. However, what else can you expect from a ski resort with a 200-year history!

Chamonix is ​​surrounded by mountains from all sides - it is difficult to find a place where one of the peaks would not be visible. The most majestic view opens from a height of 3842 meters from the Aiguille de Midi, where you can climb in 20 minutes by cable car (one of the highest in Europe). It is striking not only the panorama of the mountains, the valley, the glacier that has opened up, but also how people could build such a monumental structure at such a great height. And, of course, Chamonix is ​​Mont Blanc: the most high mountain Western Europe is visible from different points of the valley, and especially well - from the slopes above the resort.

How to Get to Chamonix

By plane

Regular flights from Russia are carried out to the international airports of Geneva, Lyon, Milan, Turin. Charter flights from Russia to the international airports of Grenoble, Chambéry, Geneva (www.gva.ch), Lyon (www.lyon.aeroport.fr), Milan and Turin (www.aeroportoditorino.it). The nearest airport is Geneva (1 hour by car, distance - 99 km).

By train

The TGV train from Paris arrives at Le Fayet on Saturdays and Sundays (journey time 5 hours). Next - transfer to the Mont Blanc Express train, line Saint Gervais-Le Fayet-Vallorcine and arrival at the station in Chamonix. Additional Information: www.voyages-sncf.com

By bus

Daily scheduled bus service Geneva-Chamonix by SAT (www.sat-montblanc.com). Advance Ticket Bus Lines: Chamonix Bus (www.chamonix-bus.com), Chamonix Transfer Service (www.chamonix-transfer.com), Cham Express (www.chamexpress.com), Mountain Drop Offs (www.mountaindropoffs. com).

Taxi/car
The fastest way to get to Chamonix is ​​from Geneva Airport, in about 1 hour and 40 minutes; from Geneva - 1 hour; from Turin - 2 hours; from Milan - 3 hours; from Lyon - 2 hours; from Paris - 6 hours. By car in Chamonix, follow the A40 autobahn (in France). When leaving Switzerland, follow the highway to Martigny, over the Col de la Forclaz and the Col des Montets. From Italy, the road goes through the Mont-Blanc Tunnel, linking Courmayeur and Mont Blanc. For information about the Mont-Blanc Tunnel, visit www.atmb.net The following taxi companies are recommended: Abac Taxi (www.abactaxichamonix.com), Chamonix Taxi (www.chamonix-taxi.com), Alp Taxi (www.alp-taxi. com), Taxi Buton (www.taxi-buton.com), Taxi Garny (www.taxy-garny.com), Taxi Servoz (www.taxiservoz.com)

Ski passes in Chamonix

Skipass Chamonix le Pass
Ski areas: Brevent-Flegere, Balme, Grands Montets without Lognan-Grands Montets, Les Planards, le Savoy, les Chosalets, la Vormaine For 6 days: 252 euros for adults, 214.60 euros for children 4-15 years old.
For 13 days: 494 euros for adults, 419.90 euros for children.
Discounts on family ski passes: when buying two adult ski passes, the 1st child in the family gets a 50% discount, the second one rides for free.

Ski pass Mont-Blanc Unlimited:
All Chamonix Le Pass + Aiguille du Midi ski areas, Helbronner cabanas, Montenvers train, Courmayeur ski areas and Monte Bianco funicular. The ski pass from 6 days includes the opportunity to ski in Verbier (Switzerland).
For 6 days: 299 euros for adults, 254.20 euros for children 4-15 years old.
For 13 days: 540.50 euros for adults, 459.40 euros for children.
Children under 4 ride for free (a document confirming the age of the child is required).

Skiing in Chamonix

Unlike many French resorts, Chamonix does not have a large combined ski area, a significant part of the slopes (there are 155 km of them in Chamonix) are in the Brevent / Flegere, Le Tour and Grands Montets areas. The first skiing area, which unites Brevent and neighboring Flegère, is located directly above the city, here you can find a sufficient number of comfortable slopes for intermediate and confident skiers.

Le Brevent/La Fregele (1095-2525 m)
One of the most beautiful places in the Chamonix valley is Le Brevent, a peak located on the south side of the valley directly opposite Mont Blanc. This is one of the most popular ski areas among our tourists. It should be borne in mind that from the top point of the lift (cabin), from the mark of 2525 meters, only black tracks lead. The rest of the ski area is good for intermediate skiers. Le Brevent is also famous for off-piste skiing and is quite popular with snowboarders. However, Chamonix can only be called a resort well-suited for snowboarding (except for freeride) – the abundance of narrow trails that look like roads does not please the “boarders” too much. Beginners are advised to master the first turns on the training track in the resort itself or go to the neighboring ski areas, where there are many green slopes.

Easy and comfortable trails for beginners are located in different parts valleys. These are Volmaire, le Chosalets, les Planards, les Pelerins, le Savoy.

Chamonix is ​​also huge selection apres-ski entertainment. The resort has long been famous for its coffee shops and delicious pastries. The city has 14 bars, 80 restaurants, more than a hundred shops, 7 discos, cinemas and even a casino. It is good to come to Chamonix with the whole family, even if 1-2 people ride - there will be entertainment for everyone. Like most French resorts, Chamonix has dedicated kids clubs for all ages.

The Le Tour area is a good place for beginners and advanced, and snowboarders will also like it. And for those who are looking for thrills, it is better to go to the Grand Montets - this is where the world-famous area is located, very popular among freeriders. Perhaps, only Belaya Dolina, a famous glacier zone with a 20-kilometer freeride route, can boast of a greater attraction for experienced skiers. For the sake of unrealistic, bewitching impressions from traveling through the Vallee Blanche, it is worth coming to Chamonix at least once.

White Valley (Vallee Blanche)
Climbing the Aiguille de Midi and admiring beautiful views, experienced skiers descend the White Valley. This is a 22 km glacier descent, with no limits or markings.

Photo: Andrey Kamenev

You can go down the main route in the White Valley on your own in good weather, and if you follow the tracks, the risk is quite small. But you should keep in mind that this is a glacier, many cracks are covered with snow, and several deaths occur annually on off-piste routes in the White Valley. To pass along the ridge from the upper station of the cable car to the beginning of the descent, you will need crampons, it is better to fasten your skis to your backpack. But to see the most beautiful places in the White Valley, it is highly recommended to hire a guide.

Lognan / Les Grands Montets
One of the most famous ski areas in France is located to the west of the city at altitudes from 1230 to 3233 meters. This area attracts primarily freeride and off-piste lovers: there are not so many areas in Europe that combine such spaciousness, excellent snow quality with a variety of terrain and a vertical drop of 2100 meters. You can get to Grand Monte from Chamonix by bus (they are often crowded in the morning), car or taxi.

Le Tour/Vallorcine (1480-2230 m)- an almost ideal place for families and beginners - there are many blue and green slopes. A very picturesque and moderately long blue trail leads from Vallorcina, laid in a pine forest. There are few really steep and truly trails in this area.

Useful information
If your arrival is scheduled for the weekend, it is better to stock up on some euros in cash or have bank card. Exchange offices in banks work from Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings, however, the exchange rate is usually worse than in Moscow. There are no problems with ATMs - there are many of them. A ski pass can be purchased either at the tourist office (t. +33 0450 53 0024) or directly at the ski lifts.

Ski pass Chamonix Le Pass (from 1 to 13 days) gives you the opportunity to climb anywhere in the valley, except for Les Houches (Les Houches) and the second stage of the Grands Montets. The bus ride from Bossons to Tour is free of charge. For ski passes valid for 10 days or more, a photo is required.

The Mont-Blanc Unlimited ski pass gives you the opportunity to ski absolutely on any slopes, including the resorts of Les Houches, Courmayeur (Italy) - with a surcharge for a bus of 15 euros, Verbier (Switzerland) - with a surcharge for a bus of 24 euros, and Megeve (France) - no extra charge. Also, this ski pass allows you to use the buses in the valley for free and get a discount when traveling through the Mont Blanc tunnel (14 euros both ways). It makes sense to buy this ski pass for freeriders, as well as for those who want not to be limited to one ski area.

Price in high season: 62 euros for adults, 51 euros for children from 4 years old and seniors (from 65 years old). There are discounts for families with children. Chamonix ski pass price for 6 days: €299/€254.20 adults/children. Additional discounts apply to ski passes at the beginning of winter and spring, when buying online (at least 3 days before the start of skiing). For families with more than 1 child, it makes sense to buy the Chamonix Le Pass family ski pass, which allows the second and third child to ski at no extra charge.

History of Chamonix

The first inn opened in Chamonix in 1770 and was a harbinger of the tourist boom that swept the resort a little later. Chamonix became especially popular after the conquest of Mont Blanc in 1786. Everyone believed that the local mountain peaks were not at all as inaccessible as it seemed before. Romantic writers and journalists began to describe the mountains not as a formidable place full of terrible dangers, but as a preserved island of untouched nature. And not only desperate daredevils and adventurers rushed to Chamonix, but also quite respectable tourists. In 1816, the first hotel was built in Chamonix, and in the 1900s, three magnificent palace hotels appeared in the valley.

In 1821, the Compagnie des Guides, the oldest and largest association of mountain guides in the world, was founded. And in 1908, the first mountain (cog) railway Montenvers Mer de Glace was inaugurated, delivering tourists to the glacier. Today, this historic railway takes 20 minutes from the center of Chamonix to the foot of the Mer de Glace glacier, the largest in France - its length is 7 km and a thickness of 200 m. However, the turning point in the history of Chamonix was the construction of roads and convenient railway communication which made the valley accessible to guests from all over Europe. Tourists from England, France and other countries began to come to Chamonix to look at Mont Blanc, walk in the mountains and breathe in the fresh mountain air. In 1866, during the reign of Napoleon III, the first horse-drawn carriages appeared on the village streets, and between St. Gervais Le Fayet (Saint-Gervais Le Fayet) and Chamonix a railway line was built. With the advent of trains, Chamonix became accessible not only in summer, opening up opportunities for winter sports and recreation. One of the popularizers of winter holidays in the Alps was Dr. Payo.

The first Winter Olympics took place in Chamonix in 1924, turning the valley into a fashionable and highly popular resort. In subsequent years, many lifts appeared on the surrounding slopes. The first were the Glacier Cable Car (now defunct) and Planpraz, then the lifts began to deliver tourists to Brevent, Aiguille du Midi and Flegere.

Today Chamonix is ​​not only a popular tourist resort, but also an important transport point linking France and Italy thanks to the tunnel under Mont Blanc.

Useful addresses and facts:
Chamonix website in Russian
France itinerary planning
Maps, distances, cost of travel in France