Charming Chamonix

Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is an attractive place for professional and amateur skiers, snowboarders and rock-climbers. Chamonix is actually the homeland for mountain skiing, where in 1924 the first Winter Olympic Games were held. The resort is found at the intersection of French, Italian and Swiss borders and rises 1.027 meters above the sea level. One of the longest descents in the world – the legendary White Valley (more than 20 km long) is located in Chamonix.

Chamonix valley offers more than 150 staggering tracks, divided between five territories that are connected with the centre of the city by bus. Those are Granmonte, Brevent, Valle Blanc, Le Tour and La Flegere. For the beginners one would recommend les Houches, Le Tour and the sunny Le Flegere. Granmonte is optimal for the advanced level. Confident riders who seek for extreme sensations should visit Aiguille du Midi, which can be reached by funicular way. A 7000 feet descent from the White Valley glacier allows wonderful views over Mont Blanc.

Chamonix will dispel your idea of what a ski resort must be. None of the tracks descend to the town – ski districts stretch all over the 10-mile valley. Only two of five districts are connected with each other. Some funicular ways are very long, especially when it comes to Granmonte. Local buses are always overcrowded, during several hours weather can change from sunny to stormy one. But, in return for these small nuisances, Chamonix offers excellent tracks that can satisfy even the most exigent skiers. And though this is not the place where you will find ultramodern structures, you will like picturesque Chamonix slopes.

11-kilometre long Mont Blanc tunnel made Chamonix the main stop on one of the liveliest European highways. Tunnel is the easiest way to get to Italy through the mountains. Even drivers interested in skiing and rock climbing stop here. Chamonix is renowned for its famous rope-way, with the help of which you can get to Aiguille du Midi (3842 meters).

Charming Chamonix mountain stream is stretched along the both sides of the river l'Arve. Casino, railway and bus stations, most restaurants and night entertainment venues are located in the centre of the city. You can use ropeway to get right into the mountains. However, to enjoy Chamonix at full and get to its slopes located in different parts of the valley, you will need a car or a bus. You can choose one of the local buses that go from the centre of Chamonix or get to your destination right from your hotel. Relaxing atmosphere of this cosy little town with numerous restaurants, hotels and narrow shopping streets will make you forget about your daily routine.

In Chamonix you can ski all day long and spend the evening in a nice café, sipping beer or wine. Bars are always overcrowded with people of different nationalities, but having found yourself in one of such bars, you will be surrounded by skiing lovers who came here not just for entertainment, but to challenge nature, try their stamina on stunning Alpine descents and leave in good spirits and excellent mood.

Visit Chamonix hotels to reserve a room in Chamonix hotel. www.allrez.com - online hotel reservation.