Chamonix, France

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Description of Chamonix:

The Chamonix Valley is bounded on one side by the Mont-Blanc range topped, of course, by the massive Mont Blanc, which, at 15,781', us the highest in western Europe. On the other side of the valley, is the Aiguilles Rouges chain, which forms an almost natural balcony facing the Mont Blanc. Here you will find the most breath-taking mountain scenery in the Alps. All located a short hour from Geneva. Here you will also find some of the most demanding and challenging skiing in the Alps. This resort is dedicated to the serious skier. For the advanced and expert, Chamonix is a paradise, offering long wide runs in dramatically beautiful settings. The world's most often discussed run, The Vallee Blanche,starts here at the Aiguille du Midi, and continues for 15 miles in a 9,115' vertical drop through a white world of fantasy ending approximately 5 hours later. It is an exhilarating experience and, quite fortunately, one that can be enjoyed by the intermediate skier. The two absolute pre-requisites for the Vallee Blanche excursion are a guide, and a camera. The guide to make sure you return from this experience, and the camera so that you can show your friends pictures of sights that would have been impossible to describe.

Chamonix is located at the point where France, Italy, and Switzerland meet and, therefore, has a great appeal to the vacationer as well as the skier since excursions can be arranged to places of interest in all three countries. You can even add a bonus to your vacation in Chamonix, by spending a few days in Paris before returning. It's easy! Details can be found on the main France page, but simply put, it includes a train to Paris, and 3 nights accommodations in a 3 star hotel with breakfast, and your flight from Paris at a very reasonable rate. At this time of the year, Paris is a very friendly city.