Dominated by the dramatic presence of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is unlike any other Alpine resort. Since holding the Winter Olympics in 1924, it has grown into a real working town with all the requisite infrastructure. Happily, however, the alpine charm of the place has not diminished and the town centre remains an attractive, bustling place with an abundance of great shops, restaurants and bars.

THE WINTER Due to the massive scale of the mountains Chamonix has become world famous for skiing and snow-boarding. There is a huge range of excellent intermediate terrain, as well as some of the best off-piste riding in the world.

Chamonix has the highest cable car in Europe which serves the Aiguille de Midi (at 3,842 metres). The descent from the Aiguille into the Vallee Blanche is one of the world’s classic ski routes and can be undertaken by those of intermediate standard and above.

THE SUMMER During the summer months Chamonix is transformed into a huge multi-sport playground with a great variety of things to do. These include hill walking, golf, tennis and fishing, or more energetic pursuits like mountaineering, climbing, paragliding and mountain biking. Either way, whatever you do is enhanced by the spectacular scenery and invigorating alpine air.