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WELCOME TO CHAMONIX FRANCE - MONT BLANC

Situated in the north of the Alps, at the foot of Mont-Blanc massif, Chamonix is a resort very close to the point of the border between France, Switzerland and Italy. It is considered to be one of the most perfect destinations for winter sports in Europe.

Although not very large (it has about 245 km ²), the city annually has millions of tourists attracted to both the possibility of mountain sports, and the wonderful landscapes that are in the area. Located within the neighboring Saint-Gervais-les-Bains village, Mont Blanc peak (4808.75 m) is probably the main tourist attraction. In addition, in the area there are several other peaks exceeding 4000 meters high: l'Aiguille Verte, La Dent du Géant, Les Grandes Jorasses, Le Mont Maudit si Le Mont Blanc du Tacul.

With a considerable length (the year Chamonix was dated from is 1091), the city has a rich history. The fame has its origin in a travel journal published by two English aristocrats who discovered the Chamouny valley during an expedition from 1741. The description of the wonders that have fascinated curiosity raised two personalities travel time so that at the end of the eighteenth century, the Chamounay (now Chamonix in 1916) was already a favorite destination for aristocrats, although access in the area was quite difficult.

After building the first luxury hotel (Hotel de L'Union, in 1816), the region became a real tourist attraction and with the opening of the st. Gervais Le Fayet - Chamonix railway, in 1901, the city located at the foot of Mont-Blanc developed into a favorite destination for winter sports lovers. Organizing the first edition of the Winter Olympics in Chamonix in 1924, was cthe event that triggered a real hysteria among tourists from around the world. Today Chamonix has over 5 million tourists annually.

You can have an immersive journey through the history of tourism in Chamonix if you visit the Alpin Museum (89, avenue Michel Croze, tel: +33 (0) 450 532 593) in the city. Arranged in the oldest of the three palaces built in the village, the museum offers a detailed picture of the evolution of Chamonix tourism and some unusual collections of crystals and minerals in the area.

Currently, the city has become a kind of sacred place for ski enthusiasts. Depending on weather conditions, the ski slopes are open from December to May . Three main areas are partially covered : Brevent / FLEG (which provides a superb Mont-Blanc panorama.) Les Grands Montets (in the north, overlooking Argentière town) and Balme ( from Switzerland).

Les Grands Montets (1235 m - 3300 m)

The three tracks on the slopes of Argentiere, Lognan and Pendant offer many possibilities for ski and snowboard lovers, extending peak season until May. The Lognan area is arranged as a snowpark and a boardercross.

Brevent / FLEG (1030 m - 2525 m)

The two areas are connected by a rope. The area is highly sought by tourists because it offers an extraordinary landscape of the Alps in all their splendor. The ski tracks here meet the demands of very different categories of skiers.

Balme (1453 m - 2270 m)

In an extraordinary mountain environment, this area offers many possibilities to ski on two different sides. In the Charamillon area, the tracks are very large and quite smooth, offering a splendid view of the Chamonix valley, while in the Vallorcine area, near the border with Switzerland you can ski among the trees.

Les Houches (950 m - 1900 m)

In this area there are trails through the woods arranged so that nature can be admired in all its beauty. Nearly 23 acres are landscaped with artificial snow tracks to offer quality snow, regardless of weather.

Besides these very popular part hardcore skiers by and by the professionals, Chamonix is a resort known for the fact that there may be born passion for winter sports. There are many trails for children and for beginners or for those who want to experiment with new techniques of skiing, equipped with parking, luxury restaurants, etc.. Les Chosalets (located 500 meters from the Lognan area cable car), Le Savoy (in the heart of Chamonix), La Vormaine (Balme area) and Les Planards (the largest area for children, consisting of 4 tracks) are the most popular slopes for beginners.

Chamonix is visited not only by wintersports enthusiasts, but also by tourists who want to simply feel the strong air of the mountains or want to spend a holiday away from the monotonous world of modern cities. Those who are not skiing can admire the mountain scenery of the Alps in all of their greatness.

Route Montenvers - Mer de glace is one of the most beautiful mountain train routes in the world, offering tourists the opportunity to admire the huge Mer de glace impressive panorama and other famous massives (Les Grandes Jorasses Dru or Les).

Quick useful information: N205 national road passes through Chamonix (2x2 lanes), an extension of A40 motorway which stops in Fayet town, near Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. The territory is located at the entrance of Chamonix Mont-Blanc tunnel, which links France to Italy, and Chamonix resort to Courmayeur town.

Chamonix - France - Challenge Mont Blanc - Perfect vacation in France