A classified area of natural beauty, Chamonix combines traditional charm with modern facilities. A town with a genuine Alpine atmosphere and lively all year round, Chamonix's extensive ski domain is shared by Argentiere (just 8km away from Chamonix, and idela for skiers looking for great skiing minus the crowds in larger resorts). A mecca for expert skiers and snowboarders, Chamonix is renowned throughout for its "Grands Montets" slopes.
CHILDREN The "Panda Club" kindergarten welcomes children aged 3 to 12 years, and also offers basic ski tuition. The ESF French Ski School and kindergarten is ideal for children aged 4 years and over who want to start finding their snow legs!
OTHER ACTIVITIES As part of the Skipass Mont-Blanc domain, Chamonix and Argentiere offer an enormous 140km of slopes spanning 2 areas, the "Grands Montets" for experts, the "Tour Vallorcine"- ideal for families. Although renowned as being a mecca for more confident skiers, Chamonix also offers a wide range of gentler blue and green slopes, perfect for beginners, families with small children or those who simply prefer a gentler pace (well, you are on holiday after all...). The resort is also well-served by the ESF French Ski School, who offer both full-day and half-day lessons to children and adults.
Cross country skiing : length of cross country track 42 Km Cross-country skiers and off-piste daredevils can make the most of an impressive 42km of marked trails spread between Chamonix and Argentiere.
THE AREA For non-skiers and anyone else in need of some serious R and R during their Alpine getaway, Chamonix also offers a range of alternative activities, such as a sports centre with an indoor swimming pool and sauna, tennis and squash courts, ice skating, dog-sledding, helicopter rides, paragliding, mountain walks and mountaineering trails. Plus, there are restaurants and nightclubs for evening entertainment, as well as shops and a cinema.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION Chamonix is easily accessible is by transfer from Geneva airport (51 miles) or rail. Lagrange can arrange rail travel and accommodation packages for anyone hoping to keep their carbon footprint to a minimum this winter, so why not call our friendly UK reservations team for more information and prices on 020 7371 6111. Chamonix is a well-equipped resort, and offers all necessary amenities, including a doctors and pharmacy, restaurants serving local and regional cuisine and a municipal swimming pool. This information is intended for guidance purposes only and is not contractual. For more up to date local information, please contact the local tourist office.
The Haute Savoie region borders both Italy and Switzerland, and boasts historical monuments such chateaus and churches in stunning natural surroundings ranging from Lake Geneva in the north of the region to Mont Blanc in the south. A trip to the Haute Savoie offers visitors the chance to experience some of the world's most reknowned and celebrated ski resorts, with Chamonix at the heart of the region's ski activity. For tourists looking for a true Alpine culinary experience can sample regional cheeses, such as Emmental, as well as cheese-based dishes such as raclette, ideal after a long day on the slopes and offering a different style of shared dining experience.
Be a guest to one of the world's most exclusive tables. France, land of gourmets and culinary arts, offers a bewildering array of food and wines from delicious simple fare to exquisite haute cuisine. With over 340 sorts of cheese and 450 quality wines France will satisfy every palate. Beyond gastronomy, from North to South France sparkles with an incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage of famous castles, churches, cathedrals and museums carefully preserved and restored which makes it one the most sought afterand enthralling destination for holidaymakers from around the globe. France takes prides in the rich and diverse tapestry of its magnificent landscapes which have been celebrated throughout the centuries by its many famous writers, poets and artists in words and creations so many of which have become part of the world's cultural heritage and still inspire today's travellers to discover it for themselves. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or want to commune with Nature, whether you wish to step back into history or are searching for an active sporting adventure, France will welcome you with open arms, seduce you with its warmth and entertain you with its wide range of attractions enabling you to achieve that perfect holiday.
A word of advice from Lagrange: French roads are excellent, but not free, so keep some euros handy.
'SKIPASS MONT-BLANC': 12 resorts including Chamonix, Argentiere, Les Houches, Megeve, St-Gervais... (Argentiere, Chamonix, Les Houches etc. are linked by road. Megeve, Combloux and St-Gervais share ski slopes). Height: 850m-3842m. Total pistes: 700km. Total number of ski lifts: 200.
6-day "Skipass Mont-Blanc" lift-pass (08/09 prices): Adult: 255euros, Junior (4-15yrs): 204euros, Child under 4 years free. Prices include inter-resort shuttle buses.
Cross-country skiing: 42km of trails
'EVASION MONT-BLANC':
Total pistes: 440km. 30 green slopes / 53 blue slopes / 69 red slopes / 29 black slopes and 1 snowpark.
6-day "Evasion Mont-Blanc" lift pass (08/09 prices): Adult: 171 euros/adults, 133 euros/juniors (5-14yrs), children under 5 years free (price includes inter-resort shuttle bus).