Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Mountain resort in Haute-Savoie, France.
Located at 1,030 meters elevation, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc extends along the Arve Valley, surrounded by peaks of the Mont Blanc mountain range.
The valley was granted to the Benedictine house of St. Michel de la Cluse in 1091, marking the beginning of documented settlement in this alpine region.
The formation of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix in 1821 established professional mountain guiding standards that influenced alpine tourism worldwide.
The Mont Blanc Tunnel connects Chamonix directly to Italy, while the railway station provides regular connections through the St Gervais-Vallorcine Line.
The commune hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924, initiating the global tradition of winter sports competitions at international level.
Location: arrondissement of Bonneville
Location: Haute-Savoie
Inception: 1091
Elevation above the sea: 2,423 m
Shares border with: Courmayeur, Les Houches, Passy, Servoz, Vallorcine
Address: 70 Imp. des Anémones, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Phone: +33450531113
Email: sg@chamonix.fr
Website: https://chamonix.fr
GPS coordinates: 45.92222,6.86889
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:18
France offers diverse winter destinations spanning both urban and natural landscapes. The Alpine regions contain several ski areas, including Chamonix-Mont-Blanc at the base of Western Europe's highest peak, Les Trois Vallées with its extensive network of runs, and L'Alpe d'Huez at elevations above 5,900 feet (1,800 meters). The Aiguille du Midi provides access to high alpine views through a cable car system, while Lake Annecy presents a winter landscape within the Savoie Alps. Cities across the country display their historical architecture during the colder months. Strasbourg Christmas Market transforms the city center into a seasonal gathering place, Nancy presents the 18th-century Place Stanislas, and Paris maintains structures including Sainte-Chapelle and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Beyond the capital, Versailles Palace stands with its formal gardens, Château de Chambord occupies the Loire Valley, and the Palais des Papes remains in Avignon. The Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral shows 13th-century Gothic architecture, while Mont Saint-Michel stays accessible on its tidal island. Additional sites include the Roman-era Nîmes Arena, Pont du Gard, and the medieval fortress of Carcassonne. The Grotte de Lascaux displays prehistoric art, while Les Eyzies de Tayac holds archaeological sites. Southern regions such as the Calanques near Marseille, Gorges du Verdon, Grande Plage in Biarritz, and Cap d'Ail Beach provide access to Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, even during winter months.
The French Alps encompass several hundred kilometers of ski slopes spread across various mountain ranges. Ski areas such as the Three Valleys, linking Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens, or Paradiski, connecting La Plagne and Les Arcs, provide extensive networks suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. In Chamonix, the Mont Blanc massif offers technical descents, while high-altitude resorts like Tignes and Les Deux Alpes ensure snow cover thanks to their glaciers. Facilities include efficient ski lifts and simplified access from the valleys. Some resorts like Avoriaz stand out for their car-free organization, while others like Val d'Isère and Alpe d'Huez attract skiers with their significant elevation changes and long runs. These destinations enable winter sports from December to April, with opportunities for summer skiing on certain glaciers.
International ski resorts like Whistler Blackcomb, Niseko, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Zermatt offer varied terrain. These destinations provide slopes for all levels, Olympic facilities, skiable glaciers, and high-altitude areas. Some resorts are located on volcanoes like Mount Ruapehu, others in mountain ranges such as the Alps, the Rockies, or the Dolomites.
Mont Blanc
10 km
Aiguille du Midi
5.1 km
Mer de Glace
5.3 km
Vallée Blanche Aerial Tramway
5 km
Grandes Jorasses
10.8 km
Val Ferret (Aosta Valley)
14.2 km
Chemin de fer du Montenvers
506 m
Pointe Helbronner
9.8 km
Bossons Glacier
4.3 km
Dent du Géant
9.3 km
Aiguille Verte
8 km
Vallée Blanche
5.8 km
Mont Maudit
8.3 km
Les Droites
9.4 km
Glacier de Planpincieux
10.8 km
Mont Blanc du Tacul
7.5 km
Argentière Glacier
9.5 km
Mer de Glace ice cave
4.2 km
Grand Capucin
8.2 km
Dôme du Goûter
9.1 km
Le Brévent
2.7 km
Aiguille de Bionnassay
10.4 km
Rocher de la Tournette
10 km
Glacier de la Brenva
10.7 km
Tête Rousse Glacier
8.3 km
La Tour Ronde
9.2 km
Aiguille d'Argentière
12.4 km
Chemin de fer aérien de l'Aiguille du Midi
1.7 kmReviews
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