Ski Chamonix 2009-2010 from $1065*per person
Includes airfare from New York, transfers from airport to hotel, 7 nights hotel stay, and breakfast each morning

"Mont Blanc and the valley of Chamonix, and the sea of Ice, and all the wonders of the most wonderful place are above and beyond one's wildest expectation. I cannot imagine anything in nature more stupendous or sublime."

The words of Charles Dickens in 1846 have been echoed by millions of visitors to Chamonix in the years since they were stated. Chamonix is considered the grand old lady of alpine resorts by being one of the first ski resorts in history. The atmosphere here is traditionally French and charmingly beautiful.

General Information
When you arrive in Chamonix, you are able to feel the heritage of the charming and traditional village. Chamonix attracts a wide range of people from French families to active Americans and British. The enormous peak of Mont Blanc rises next to the village and allows for some of the most beautiful scenery. The resort lies in the middle of the valley between the Mont Blanc range and the Aiguelles Rouge mountains.

The center of the village is car-free and filled with cobbled streets and squares. The beautiful old buildings keep the interest of those walking on the streets. Host of the 1924 Olympic Winter Games, the area provides ski lovers with plenty of possibilities to keep busy for an extended vacation.

Skiing/Snowboarding
The skiing in this area is spread out over nine villages and 13 ski areas. There are about 145 trails for a total of 87.5 miles. Chamonix has seven lift areas corresponding with the ski areas of Aiguille du Midi, Les Grands Montets, La Flegere, Le Brevent, Les Houches, and Le Tour for a total of 49 lifts. There are 19 draglifts, 16 chairlifts and 13 cable cars. This allows 51,262 people per hour up the lifts.

Skiing at Chamonix is very challenging. Chamonix impresses both intermediate and advanced skiers with difficult slopes. Beginners should not fret, though, since 49 percent of the trails are suitable for them. Beginners should head to the nursery slopes at La Vormaine, Les Chosalets, Les Planards, and Le Savoy.

Intermediate skiers have a total of 39 percent of the trails at Chamonix. For those bold skiers, the areas of Les Grands-Montets, Le Brevent and La Glegere are sure to appeal. Twelve percent of the trails at Chamonix are rated advanced. There are moguls, runs with both rock cliffs and powder, and beautiful off-piste runs.

Chamonix will be a paradise for any snowboarders. There is a funpark and a half pipe on the Grands-Montets. Chamonix offers extensive free-riding opportunities with both piste and off-piste possibilities.

Night skiing is possible on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights at the Bossons massif.

Although there is no heliskiing allowed in France, you are able to make easy trips to Italy if you are up for trying it.

Cross-country skiers will appreciate the fact that Chamonix is where the first Olympic cross-country races were ever held in 1924. There are miles and miles of beautiful cross-country terrain.

Snowmobiles are available for rent here, but you should plan on taking a guide or signing up for a tour due to the extensive terrain. Another activity to ensure that you take a guide is ice climbing. The ice climbing around Chamonix is difficult and dangerous. You should be in good shape and well-prepared before attempting this activity.

Children's Ski and Winter Activities
Families are very welcomed at Chamonix. There are plenty of ski schools at reasonable prices to accommodate children over three. There are discounts available on lift tickets and children under four ski for free. The resort also has many daycare centers and these centers have English-speaking staff.

Apres-Ski
If you have any energy left after a long day of skiing at Chamonix, you will definitely find something to do here. Since France is known as one of the best places for food, the restaurants here are incredible. There are 14 bars, 80 restaurants, and seven discotheques in Chamonix. The pedestrian center can get very busy after the skiing is finished for the day.

The casino is open in the evenings. There is a cinema that will allow you to watch French films as well as movies in their original versions. You can even catch an American film every once in a while.

Attractions
Since there is an ancient history in this area, Chamonix serves up plenty of opportunities to discover this part of France. A walk around the town will afford views of old churches, monuments, and beautiful old villages.

Day trips are available to cities like Geneva and Annecy. About 18 miles from Chamonix is the old Savoy village of Megeve. If you'd like to country-hop, Italy and Switzerland are right across the border and within one hour to an hour and a half drive.

Lift Facilities
Chamonix has an older lift system. Although it may not be ultra modern or high-tech, it is safe and fairly quick. There are 19 draglifts, 16 chairlifts, and 13 cable cars. The cable car at Aiguille du Midi may be a bit slower, but the view of Mont Blanc at 12,605 feet is breathtaking.

Les Bochards has a new lift system and you won't have to wait more than 10 minutes for the lift. There is also a new cable car from the Brevent to the Flegere. <<pricing>>

Snow Conditions
Due to the high elevation at Chamonix, the snow average on the top of the mountain is usually good. Chamonix uses 54 snowmakers on the smaller areas and on most of the beginner areas. The north-facing slopes can have good snow until May while the south-facing slopes may have a little problem as the temperature rises.

Avalanche risks are always an important point at Chamonix. The radio will announce of any information or dangers and it is best to always be aware of your surroundings.

Travel Time
Although it can look like a difficult resort to get to, the Geneva airport is only 55 miles away. There are buses that run daily from the airport to the resort. Another option is to fly into Paris and take the five-and-a-half hour train ride to Chamonix.

For more information or for package rates please call us at 888-222-2110.

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