Chamonix
At the foot of the Mont Blanc peak lies the Chamonix valley - a place that will delight everyone. It is a small mountain town in the Haute-Savoie department (Rhone-Alpes region), which was practically unknown until the 19th century. It was then - in 1786 - that two daredevils first climbed "mont audit" ("the cursed place"). When the highest peak in Europe was conquered and its bad reputation was overcome, mountaineering enthusiasts, artists and scientists began to come to Chamonix. Today, the resort is one of the most famous ski resorts in France.
In addition to the mountain itself, which impresses visitors, there are 400 other peaks, over 70 glaciers and 7 valleys, among which Chamonix is located. The first Winter Olympic Games were organized in the resort, and the first mountain guide association was founded here. Snow, conquering peaks and the winter element - Chamonix is irresistibly associated with it. The world's longest cable car is also located here, running from the resort to the peak of Aiguille du Midi. It was established in 1920. With the cable car to Pointe Helbronner, the top of the Aosta Valley in Italy, you can travel across the entire Mont Blanc massif by cable car.
Chamonix Valley
The rich offer of the Chamonix-Mont Blanc valley consists of 4 communes: Chamonix itself, Valloraine, Les Houches and Servoz. Tourists are attracted by the attractions of 6 main centers - in addition to the town, Le Brévent, Les Houches, La Flégère, Le Tou and Grands Montets invite guests. Mountain hiking enthusiasts will find countless routes here (their total length is as much as 310 km). Well-organized infrastructure is an additional incentive.
Ski slopes
What interests skiers most are, of course, the slopes. There are 69 of them (8 green, 28 blue, 20 red, 10 black), and their total length is 108 km. The Grand Montents station tempts with unmarked trails, a snow park and long ski runs. You can ski here until May 10. In turn, at La Flérège station we are guaranteed beautiful weather - which is explained by its colloquial name, "solar station". The Le Tour/Blame station is suitable for skiers of all skill levels, and Les Houches has something to raise the adrenaline for those who like challenges - there is the famous "La Verte des Houches", the world championship downhill slope.
One of the biggest ski attractions may be the descent from Aguille du Midi through Valle Blanche. From the edge of the Valle Blanche glacier, for the truly experienced, there is a dozen or so kilometers of descent through the glacier crevasses to the lower part of the Mer de Glace. It's a wonderful expedition and an amazing experience, but at the same time it involves a lot of risk, so it's not for everyone. Adrenaline hunters who ski off-piste (through glaciers and on steep couloirs) can most often be found around Grand Montets, a peak above the Argeniere glacier. On the other side of the valley (Augilles Rouges massif) there will also be a lot of couloirs, especially in the Index and Flegere area.
Season tickets
Ticket prices are not the cheapest, but, for example, after purchasing "Mont Blanc Unlimited", you can use the slopes in three countries without restrictions (the slopes of Chamonix, the Italian Courmayeur, and the Swiss Verbier). A one-week pass for an adult costs EUR 299, a two-week pass costs EUR 500. However, if you use the "Chamonix Le Pass", you can buy a family package for 2 adults and a child, then the second child can ride for free. Such a one-day package costs EUR 154, and a weekly package costs EUR 706.80.
Campsites in Chamonix
Hotel accommodation offers are also not very cheap, although their conditions would certainly satisfy everyone. Campsites are more financially advantageous but closed in winter, and thanks to their atmosphere, beautiful views and the efforts of their owners, they attract many caravanning enthusiasts. The three-star Camping L'Ile des Barrats is worth recommending, offering 49 pitches among greenery. Depending on the season, you pay approximately EUR 24.30-28.30/day (2 people, a car, a place for a tent or trailer and access to electricity).
If, on the other hand, we choose Camping Mer de Glace, a campsite with a beautiful view of Mont Blanc, for 2 people, a car and a tent or trailer you have to pay, at different times, from EUR 20.60-25 / day. There is a laundry room, a children's playground and Internet access.=
However, if we decide to go on a winter trip to Chamonix with a camper or trailer, we can easily park in the town's parking lots, unfortunately without any facilities for camping vehicles.
Who else attracts Chamonix?
In fact, it must be admitted that Chamonix attracts mainly skiers. We will meet various types of mountaineers and freeriders (enthusiasts of extreme mountain biking) here, but this does not mean that there is nothing interesting for others. On the contrary - you can go to the cinema, play bridge and even go to the casino. There is also a wide range of local SPA centers where you can visit a beauty salon and undergo aromatherapy or Shiatsu treatments (acupuncture without needles).
So you can see that under the Roof of Europe there is a small but rich tourist resort where everyone can spend a unique holiday.
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A writer by profession, a passion of a cat. One day he will see what is behind the Urals - good to Vladivostok. So far, when he can, he enjoys the sun of the countries of southern Europe. And it's also fun;)
