| Chamonix is nestled in Europe's highest mountain | | | | A bit tamer in crowd size but just as wild in fierce |
| ranges west of Russia, Chamonix is famous for its | | | | skiable nature is Domaine de Balme and La Flegere, |
| death-defying allure of fearless winter sport athletes | | | | offering natural gullies and housing the largest natural |
| and legendary terrain, making it one of the most | | | | jump in Europe just off-slope. For the ultimate |
| famous and advanced ski areas in the world. | | | | freeskiing experience head to Vallee Blanche for its |
| Chamonix Terrain | | | | 20 kilometers of unmarked pure backcountry glacier |
| Chamonix ski area is a town with a population just | | | | terrain. Amazing views can be found on Vallee lift |
| shy over 10,000, most of who live to engage in a | | | | Aiguille du Midi - the highest cable car in Europe |
| mix of thrilling, treacherous winter mountain sports. | | | | stretching 3,842 meters in height. |
| Skiers flock to Chamonix when snowstorms hit the | | | | Steep powder runs and fast groomed pistes can be |
| monumental Aiguilles Rouges and | | | | found at Le Brevent, Chamonix's second largest and |
| Saint-Gervais-les-Bains mountain ranges, which include | | | | most popular ski area. Both Le Brevent and Les |
| the mystical 4,810-meter Mount Blanc. Terrain here is | | | | Planards are ideal for beginner and intermediate |
| a luscious dessert for advanced and expert-level | | | | skiers, offering comfortable runs for cruising and a |
| skiers, yet the area is large enough to provide ample | | | | fair amount of space for slip-ups and learning curves. |
| choices for all types. The valley itself stretches 17 | | | | Chamonix also offers two courses for cross-country |
| kilometers in length and hosts six different ski areas, | | | | skiing on days when the sun sparkles through the |
| all accessible by car or by the large and efficient bus | | | | soft trees and quite nature. |
| transit throughout town. | | | | Chamonix is a hub for extreme-sports activity, from |
| Grand Montets is the largest and most popular resort | | | | ice climbing to paragliding, backcountry skiing to |
| in Chamonix, and well worth the wait for busy buses | | | | telemarking, and even heli-skiing trips to the border |
| and ski lifts. With an annual snowfall of over nine | | | | of Italy. Because of this, any expert-level skier will |
| meters, powder days bring a constant mass of | | | | agree safety is priority. Watch for hidden crevices |
| first-lift addicts and early-risers out to the slops for | | | | and obstacles when testing your abilities, as it's |
| epic first-track mornings. The summit peaks at 3,300 | | | | always best to go with a guide when embarking on |
| meters, and its Lavancher bowl is a well known | | | | unfamiliar and highly advanced terrain. Transceivers, |
| expert area for lovers of deep powder on narrow | | | | ropes, carabineers and the like are recommended for |
| chutes, cliff drops and cornices. Local and professional | | | | all those who plan to venture through the raw and |
| park shapers carve impressive jumps, rails and a | | | | magnificent Chamonix wilderness. |
| halfpipe to create the freestyle areas. | | | | |