CHamonix Mont Blanc

Even a hundred years ago, we knew that the bottom of Mont Blanc in Chamonix Mont-Blanc was going to be a very popular skiing destination. Chamonix Mont Blanc has shops dealing in everything from tacky souvenirs to high tech climbing gear.

You’ll experience the lovely view of the mountains and the energetic nightlife, to the point where you just won’t want to leave. It is not the perfect commute from the town to Chamonix Mont Blanc, but it allows for the resort to preserve the feeling of a realistic commune, instead of being build for the purpose of a resort. Due to this fact, most people overlook this small inconvenience.

At the other side of the valley lie Les Grands Montets and the Aiguille du Midi, both great ski ranges; at the far end of the valley, you can use Le Tour for a tree run. Practically all the slopes, with the exception of Les Houches, are above the treeline meaning that Chamonix Mont-Blanc has a good snow record.

Obviously, Cham is primarily far-famed for it’s unrivalled off piste skiing. Those of you looking for a greater skiing challenge can try Chamonix’ high alpine area on for size. You can hardly do justice to the incredible off piste and back country terrain that Chamonix Mont Blanc has to offer. The Grands Montets is a good start. The drop is around 2000m and you don’t even need to hike. From the Aiguille de Midi the infamous Vallee Blanche is a 22km descent. The run isn’t inordinately tough but you do beed a guide. The only disadvantage about the powder in Chamonix Mont-Blanc is that it’s there for a matter of minutes.

Despite that, you can still have fun with the colorful residents of Chamonix, and enjoy the clubs and bars they have to offer. The MBC, about a 5 minute walk from the center of the resort, has a good repoutation for homemade beer and a year round clientele. Another area to check out is the Rue de Moulins, which is just off the main road and is chock full of lively bars.

Chamonix is the opposite of your typical high altitude, resort built for the purpose of being a mountain town. Unless you are based next to one of the ski mountains and stick to it, you’ll have to drive or catch a bus.

But Chamonix Mont Blanc is definitely worth the trip. Do you like your vacations to be snowy and wild? Then give Chamonix Mont Blanc a shot.

Advantages

  1. A substantial amount of off piste for the more advanced skiers
  2. Home to the infamous Valley Blanche
  3. There are a mammoth amount of different areas for you to discover
  4. A proper French Alpine ski resort

Disadvantages

  1. A good number of different mountains, mixed capability partys are likely to have to split up
  2. Don’t come to Chamonix expecting gourmet food on the slopes
  3. Its a busy town with a large choice of road traffic

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