Sports D'Hiver Chamonix
When we hear of France, we immediately go to it’s capital city. Paris; the city of Lights, Fashion, and of course the city of Love. All relevant indeed, until we catch that bug to explore it’s glorious and glamorous snowy peaks. In this case: Chamonix!
One must know, that for nearly 170 years, the small quintessential French alpine town (at the foot of Mont Blanc) was uniquely a summer destination. Acclaimed for its glaciers and in particular the Mer de Glace.
Welcome aboard the little red train known around the world! From Chamonix at 1035m, the charming cogwheel train takes you to the Montenvers station, at an altitude of 1913m on an unforgettable journey.
In 1893, the first pair of skis arrived in Chamonix, from none-other than Norway. Supposing that these skis could well change the lives of mountain dwellers in winter, local craftsmen and blacksmiths began to produce replicas. For years after, skis became a means of travel around town and between mountains when means required such.
Starting on pairs of rustic wooden planks, we find ourselves years later still in love with this magical place. The mystique of Chamonix, captured in photographs and vintage ski posters, reflects the ruggedly spectacular scenery.
Après-ski is an art form in Chamonix. Restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, and even a casino fill time not spent on the slopes. There are more than 100 restaurants in Chamonix and 14 mountain restaurants. Choices range from the Chalet le Cerro, a quaint wooden chalet serving traditional foods of the region with a view of Les Bossons glacier, to L’Eden which serves classic French food with a modern twist. Cafés offering a fantastic array of pastries should not be missed.
It is no surprise that Chamonix continues to be one of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps. With the combination of exceptional winter sports opportunities and the beauty of this high-altitude alpine town, it is hard to beat. Not to mention its parties. So dust off those ski boots, book your flights, and head to the land of Winter Royalty for a trip you will surely remember!
