Town Centre
Chamonix is a beautiful alpine town nestled in the heart of a steep sided valley at the foot of Mont Blanc. The jagged peaks surrounding the town provide some of the most stunning alpine scenery to be found anywhere in the world. It is easy to see how so many of the worlds top skiers and alpinists have been seduced by Chamonix, inspired by the beauty and the challenges of the Mont Blanc range.
Chamonix differs from other ski resorts in that it is a fully functioning town with a large static population throughout the year and full complement of services. The town centre is beautifully kept with well appointed buildings and a grand main square. There is a vibrant and lively feel to the town with a wonderfully cosmopolitan mix of people here to ski, board and climb. There is a significant English contingent as well as large Swedish and Australian populations, the local ‘Chamonards’ can be spotted by their effortless skiing style in even the most testing conditions.
As befits its reputation Chamonix tends to attract the more ‘hardcore’ skiers and snowboarders who take their sport seriously. Ropes and harnesses are usual attire and the person stood next to you in lift is quite likely to be some form of freestyle champion or steep skiing legend. The high standard is inspiring not intimidating and the excitement on powder days is palpable – if you are after fresh tracks you had better be on the first lift!