CHAMONIX

Chamonix is a luxury ski resort with high altitude skiing up to 3,842m (Aiguille du Midi), made famous  by having Western Europe's highest mountain, the Mont Blanc (4,810) on its doorstep. It history dates back many centuries and you will therefore find that the town of Chamonix itself is an attractive, historic and with many fine dining and boutique outlets, a luxurious ski resort too. 

Situated at 1,050m, Chamonix is much more than the 'average' luxury ski resort, the lure of Mont Blanc has attracted travellers over many centuries and its mountain heritage is deep within its roots. Mountain and ski shops are in abundance and the skiers visiting Chamonix reflect a wide spectrum of backgrounds and abilities. The architecture is stunning and extensive, the centre a photographers dream with 18th, 19th and 20th century buildings demonstrating its heritage.

The magic of Chamonix - Luxury Chalets Chamonix for the ultimate luxury ski holiday:

With so many visitors from so many countries, It also has a cosmopolitan side tha brings a rich, fun and lively atmosphere and is just one of the factors that here at Luxury Chalets Chamonix, we think, makes Chamonix so special. Another is the fact that Chamonix skiing, despite its extreme reputation, has something for all standards in the Valley, from gentle nursery and beginner slopes (La Tour and Les Houches) through to extreme couloirs (Grands Montets).

In terms of the skiing close to Chamonix, there are two main lifts, one right in the centre (Aiguille du Midi) and the other close to (Brevent) the town centre. Then there is the Flegere Cable car which is just outside Chamonix in Flegere close to Les Praz.

Aiguille du Midi (3,842m - Vallee Blanche)

There are so many things about Chamonix that make it famous, but ask any skier for one particular aspect and the Aiguille du Midi and the Valllee Blanche are most likely to come up.

The Aigulle du Midi is the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,842m (only Zernatt's drag lift at 3,899 is higher) and it is worth taking the cable car to the viewing station, even if you are not going to ski down the Vallee Blanche as theviews are simply breathtaking and the Mont Blanc right in front of you.

If you are considering skiing down the Valee Blanche then we would strongly advise that you only do so with a local qualified Mountain Guide as the terrain is glacier and all skiing is off-piste. You should also be a very competent skier although the classic route can be undertaken by good  intermediates in good snow conditions.  The route itself is 17km long and in good snow allows you to descend 2,800m all the way down and back into Chamonix.

The scenery is spectacular and was are so many of the peaks along the Chamonix Valley, shaped liked needles and on blue sky days take your camera. With your Mountain Guide (Luxury Chalets Chamonix can arrange one for you) you will cross snow bridges covering crevasses, under seracs and also enjoy typically fresh powder on its variant routes.

Brevent (2,525m)

On a cold sunny day when the snow is crisp and fresh, a day on the slopes are a must as it looks directly across at the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc Massif providing probably the most spectacular scenery you will find in the Alps. In terms of the skiing, the Brevent ski area is ideal for intermediate and adavanced snowboard and skiing as it has some great red pistes that are far from simple and one or two more challenging pistes.

For expert skiers and snowboarders venturing off-piste (qualified guide recommended) the Bozon is well worth a visit as the view are stunning  but for the level of difficulty too. Off-piste on the Brebvent consisting of the Col and steep couloirs. The Plan Praz cable-car on the way upi highlights just how extreme and difficult some of the skiing actually is.

Flegere (2,500m)

Many will spend a morning on the Brevent and an afternoon on the Flegere slopes, or vice versa. South facing it again provides stunning views across at the Aiguille du Midi, Mont Blanc Massif and also the bottom of the Vallee Blanche (Mer de Glace). The runs are good for all abilities although generally better for intermediates and competent skiers. The green and blue run is ideal for beginners although some red and blue runs converge near the bottom.

Off-piste in good snow it is an excellent starting ground and very popular with skiers and snowboarders. The more easily accessible slopes and generally wide and whilst steep in places (a mountain guide is still strongly advisable), not in the death defining way some of the other Chamonix slopes can be. Combe Lachenal is one such example  and with good snow and blue skies the camera moments are endless.

Other Ski Areas

For the other ski areas please check out the Argentier (Grands Montets), La Tour and Vallorcine, and Les Houches pages.