What is it about Chamonix that makes it one of the most popular winter sports destinations in the world? The answer is simple. Mountains. Very big mountains.
Chamonix is a French alpine town nestled in a valley below the mighty Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. The mountains surrounding Mont Blanc are extremely impressive, and indeed imposing, with many peaks over 4000 m, and huge glaciers flowing down almost to the valley floor.
Chamonix was one of the first mountain tourist destinations in the world, and as a result of this tourism, the world famous "Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix" was formed in 1821.
Set against the back drop of the Mont Blanc range, Chamonix town has some beautiful buildings, some fantastic shops, and a great range of restaurants, bars and even nightclubs. There is also plenty of accommodation available, from 5 star hotels and luxury catered chalets, through to small studio apartments.
The skiing in the Chamonix valley is not for the faint hearted. The slopes are steep, and there is a lot of glaciated terrain on which high mountain guides are recommended.
One of the most famous off piste itineraries in the world - the Vallee Blanche - starts from the top of the Aguille de Midi cable car at 3842, just a km under the peak of Mont Blanc. From there, after enjoying the views from the restaurant at the top, skiers and boarders walk down a knee wobbling "snow arrete" - a thin icy path with Chamonix on one side (nearly 3000 m down) and yawning crevasses on the other side, 1000 m down.
Once this scary walk has been completed, you can clip into your skis, and embark on a fantastic 25 km off piste run, surrounded by majestic peaks, ice falls and massive crevasses. The skiing can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be - the main route down is no more difficult than a easy blue run, whereas some of the more difficult routes have pitches of 45-50 degrees.
Even on the easy route, it is highly recommended that groups hire a guide. Although the skiing may not be too taxing, there is an ever present and real danger of crevasses, and if someone in the group were to injure themselves, there are no ski patrols waiting to come and help.
That being said, the Vallee Blanche is a truly remarkable day out, and one that should be on the wish list of any skier or snowboarder.
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White-Peak Holidays offers self catered
ski chalets in the
Chatel, part of the Portes du Soleil ski region of France & Switzerland
