Chamonix is located in the Haute Savoie department of the Rhone-Alpes region of south-east France and has a reputation as the european capital of Extreme Adventure Sports. At 1035 metres above sea level, it's the largest town in a deep and narrow valley that runs from Servoz (780m) at the south-west entrance of the valley to the Col du Balme (2200m) above the village of Le Tour, at the north end of the valley. Chamonix's "Extreme" reputation lends much to the Mont Blanc.
The Mont Blanc Massif creates the south east side of the Chamonix Valley. Two separate lift systems enable adventurers to rise from the valley floor to 3300m and 3842m, in a matter of minutes. It is this fast access to high mountain terrain, that makes Extreme Adventure so accessible.
Chamonix is more than the 'Capital of Extreme', it is a summer and winter mountain resort. A busy day in summer will see more visitors than a busy day in winter. In summer, Chamonix attracts walkers, predominantly from France, but many from all around the world. Climbing and Mountaineering are both very popular, with a wide range of difficulty, from easy beginner to hard core Extreme.
Winter activities of snowboarding and skiing offer the same range of difficulty, easy beginner slopes to Extreme Off Piste.
Chamonix is highly accessible; Geneva Airport is just 1:15 hr by road and Geneva is beautifully located at the centre of western Europe. Also, Chamonix is a gateway to north west Italy, though the 11.6 km Tunnel du Mont Blanc which has taken road traffic under the Massif since 1965.
Winter Activities and winter sports in Chamonix Mont Blanc: What can I do in the Chamonix valley during my winter ski holidays? Fancy a bit of skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, cross-country skiing, ski-touring, mountaineering, ice climbing, ski joering, paragliding or snowshoeing? Well, then you've come to the right place: the Chamonix Mont Blanc valley.
Latest Events in Chamonix! All the events that will take place in Chamonix Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley region. We provide here a list of all the events that will take place all year around in Chamonix. The UTMB, the Cosmo Jazz Festival, the Freeride World and more
Summer activities and summer sports in Chamonix Mont Blanc: There is a multitude of summer activities on offer in Chamonix. Enroll in a paragliding school or take a tandem flight. Try the thrill of white water rafting or canyoning.
Eating and drinking in Chamonix is just as important as the skiing. Chamonix Mont Blanc has lots of great bars for the perfect 'Apres Ski' and superb restaurants, whether you are in the centre of town or on the slopes. Try a Gastronomic or a local Savoyarde dish. Drink cocktails and party at the well known Chambre 9 or relax with a delicious glass of wine at the Quartz Bar...
