Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Rob Alter

Chamonix provides skiing in a variety of central areas, which are linked by an efficient bus service, and because the resort shares its peaks with neighbouring Courmayeur, a full lift pass gives skiers access to nearby Italian slopes as well. Beginning with Les Houches and le Touchet, beginners can enjoy a broad variety of nursery slopes to find their rhythm before progressing to tougher pistes.

Intermediate skiers can make steady progress in the well-known Vallée Blanche (with a guide) and enjoy the variety and scenery in Flégère before moving on to off-piste, red and black runs. Advanced skiers can hone their skills at the Grands Montets in Argentière, at Brévent, Flégère and le Tour, while all the runs offer some of best powder skiing available in the country.

Not forgetting snowboarders; there are drag lifts in the beginners’ areas, and plenty of on and off-piste terrain for intermediate and advanced boarders at Brévent, Flégère and le Tour, providing opportunities for jumps and gullies.

Chamonix is also a part of France’s mountaineering heritage, perfectly situated for hikers and climbers to explore the local terrain. The