Holiday in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

What makes Chamonix-Mont-Blanc special as a destination?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc lies at the foot of the highest mountain in the Alps (4,808 meters) and is considered the cradle of modern alpinism. The first Olympic Winter Games took place here in 1924, and to this day, the town is a mecca for climbers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. The Aiguille du Midi cable car transports visitors to an altitude of 3,842 meters in just 20 minutes — the panoramic view over the Mont-Blanc massif, the Grandes Jorasses, and, on clear days, even the Matterhorn is simply breathtaking. The ski area comprises five sub-areas with over 150 kilometers of slopes, including the legendary Vallée Blanche — a 20-kilometer-long off-piste descent from the summit of the Aiguille du Midi through a sea of glacier crevasses and seracs, considered one of the most spectacular ski runs in the world. In summer, the mountains transform into a paradise for hikers and trail runners: The Tour du Mont Blanc, a 170-kilometer long long-distance hiking trail through three countries, starts and ends in Chamonix. The Montenvers cogwheel train takes you to the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France, where an ice cave is carved anew into the glacier each year. The town center offers a surprisingly cosmopolitan atmosphere with top-notch restaurants, craft breweries, and boutiques. Chamonix is attractive year-round and easily accessible — Geneva is just a one-hour drive away.