Chamonix 2015

Chamonix, known all over the world for its extreme skiing and off-piste access (Aiguille du Midi), is at the same time a town offering numerous different activities available all year long.

Did you know?

Back in 1741, two Englishmen first explored the valley and its glacier (Mer de Glace – Sea of Ice). Their exploits were published in journals all over Europe, which started to raise people’s curiosity about the Chamonix Valley.

In 1783, the first guesthouse in Chamonix was inaugurated and thousands started visiting the valley in the following years, led by many renowned personalities of the time. The first ascent of the Mont Blanc was a success by two local men in 1786. Following an accident, the “Compagnie des Guides” was created in 1821. During the 19^th century, mountain guiding constituted the predominant economic power. In the 20^th century this was followed by the hotel industry, as the construction of hotels became the first priority in the Valley.

Nowadays, Chamonix is famous not only for its extreme adventure sports but also for other attractions such as the cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace with its Ice Cave, accessible from the middle of Chamonix by train.

What to do?

The Chamoix Valley provides access to five independent but easily accessible resorts: Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent. Ski visitors to the Valley have a wide choice of ski areas and slope difficulties to consider. In addition to this, if your ski level permits it, you can access the well-known 20km of off-piste (La Vallée Blanche) with its famous 2,700m of vertical descent.

Downtown and all year long, the possibilities for enjoying yourself in Chamonix are numerous. Chamonix offers visitors spa and health centre facilities, family and child friendly activities (bowling, cinema, and a number of parks and zoos), art and exhibitions, museums, a skate park, inline skating and BMX. Nightlife activities are an important part of the agenda too as Chamonix is well known for its restaurants and bars, ready to please all types of taste.

A list of activities available and information on snow conditions during the winter can be found at www.chamonix.com and/or www.chamonix.net or by calling directly Chamonix’s Tourism Office at +33 4 50 53 00 24.

Accommodation

From the luxurious hotels and boutique hotels facing the Mont Blanc to serviced apartments for rent, Chamonix certainly has whatever kind of accommodation you are looking for. Chamonix’s Tourism Office offers direct links to the hotels, serviced apartments, real estate agencies and other types of accommodation available.

Another site vey much worth a visit is www.chamonet.com. This site has classified the areas of the Valley to stay in by reputation and by what they are well-known for, helping visitors make easier decisions on where best to stay.

How to get there?

GMC Limousines offer direct transfers from Geneva Airport to the Chamonix Valley. The trip – approximately 99km from Geneva Airport - takes less than one hour in one of their chauffeured limousines, always ready and prepared to face the snowy mountain roads. GMC chauffeurs are multilingual and will make your journey an easy and comfortable experience, taking care of every detail for you from the moment you are met at the airport. For more information visit: www.gmc-limousines.com