Chamonix, a resort set amidst the scenic Chamonix Valley, is nestled among some of the highest peaks in the Alps, including the Mont Blanc (4,810 m). The resort itself offers rugged scenery, an ample choice of winter sports and a lively après-ski scene. Chamonix attracts avid skiers, snowboarders and massive party flocks alike, offering a tremendous winter experience. The resort is easily accessible from Italy and Switzerland, with the closest airport being the Geneva International Airport, about a one-hour drive away, and the closest train station being in Lyon, France.
The resort includes 145 runs amounting to a total of 140 kilometres. The longest run in the area is 21 kilometers long. Some 13 percent of the runs, however, are geared towards mogul skiers. The favorite runs in the area include Le Brevent, Vallée-Blanche and the Grands Montets. The cross-country trails amount to 42 kilometers. Known for its excellent off-piste skiing options and the snowboarding opportunities (a Terrain Park plus two half-pipes) the area offers up to 12,000 hectares of skiable terrain.
Non-skiers can also indulge in a wide array of snow-related activities, such as snowmobiling, ice climbing, ice hiking, sleigh riding, snowshoeing and dog sledding. The resort has a total of 49 lifts with a capacity of 52,660 people per hour, along with 13 cable cars. The Mont Blanc ski pass includes Chamonix, as well as Megève, Les Contamines and Courmeyeur in Italy.
Sightseeing always remains as an option. Local Alpine Museum and the Mont Blanc Observatory, along with the scenic cable car ride to Aiguille du Midi, rising to an elevation of 3,482 metres belog to area’s highlights. Another great activity is a ride on the red cog-wheel train climbing from Montenvers to the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) glacier.
The après-ski scene in Chamonix has evolved into a unique way of life, with multiple restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars and a ritzy casino making for great nighttime experiences. The restaurants range from the Chalet le Cerro, an atmospheric wooden chalet serving traditional local cuisine, to L'Eden, an upscale dining room serving classic French food. The more interesting bars include Le Stone Bar, an Italian-style place with live music and serving good food and wine, and the Cybar, an Internet café and meeting spot. Also, the Casino of Chamonix is quite popular among visitors.