Ski Holidays

Geneva 1 hr 30 mins

One of the few serious contenders for the title of World`s Most Famous Ski Resort , Chamonix Mont Blanc (as the resort prefers to be known) has the world`s biggest lift-served skiable vertical drop of 2,807 metres ( 9,209 feet ), one of the world`s longest runs through the Vallee Blanche at 22 km ( 13.7 miles ) and staged the World`s first Winter Olympics in 1924.
Chamonix`s history has been traced to Bronze Age times and its current status was confirmed in a report as far back as 1751 when the locals were described as the most uncompromising men in Europe . Ten years before that Englishmen William Windham and Richard Pococke had been on the first recorded tourist trip, reaching the Mer de Glace. The first skis in the valley were spotted in 1893 and by 1907 one of the world first cable cars, `Les Glaciers` was in operation (since removed). Six more were to follow between 1927 and 1963. The Mont Blanc Tunnel opened a few years later ensuring first rate access infrastructure in to the future. Chamonix Mont Blanc itself is a lively town with its own character, not just one created every winter season and reinvented every summer. That character reflects the attitude of its residents and of most visitors - a true love of the mountains.

Apres Ski

Chamonix has plenty going on throughout the night, while Argentière is more relaxed more informal. • Jekyll, Wild Wallabies, Dicks T-Bar, The Pub, Casino (Chamonix). The Office for its après ski snacks and Stones Bar (Argentière).

Eating Out

• 3-course meal from approx. €27 • Fondue evenings around €34 (meat or cheese) including wine and dessert • Crêpes from €6 • La Bateau Ivre, Le Chabichou, Le Chalet des Pierres, L'Eterlou, Le Montagne and Le Bistro du Praz, all of which serve a wide selec

Activities

A bustling, lively town, Chamonix is also ideal for non-skiing activities • Sports centre in Chamonix with tennis and squash courts, indoor heated pool with waterslides • New fitness centre with sunbeds, sauna, Turkish bath • Heli-skiing • Paragliding • S

Other Amenities

There are lots of tough mountain sports.