Sometimes we want something different, such as to practice snow sports on another planet entirely. Welcome to a world that appeals to everyone.

Here, everyone can go that little bit further, be that little bit better. You just have to want it. Set your sights that little bit higher. Pay a little more respect to nature than elsewhere and accept your limits. The Vallee Blanche, frozen waterfalls, high altitude mountains, free style, stop. It’s essential to stop. Open your eyes, keep your strength to tell others of your exploits. Make the most of a town that’s as lively as your imagination

WELCOME TO CHAMONIX ! - Chamonix is the 3rd most visited natural site inthe world. More than 40 nationalities rub shoulders here throughout the year, overcome by the splendour of the site and the endless play area that the Mont-Blanc range offers to fans of all types of snow and mountain sports. We are delighted to show you our “spot”: more than a winter sports resort, it’s a mountain town with a gateway to the universe of high mountains. A town interested in all cultures, attached to its traditions and proud of its identity.

EXCEL - The history of Chamonix is closely linked to the obsession of snow sports and the desire for excelling – right from the first Winter Olympics organised in the valley in 1924, through to the 2007 edition of the Arlberg Kandahar.

On January 20th and 21st, Chamonix hosts the 15th world downhill and slalom Cup.

Yannick Bertrand (left) at the starting line of the Verte, Kandahar 2005.

RESPECT - Whether on foot or skis, we’re moving around a sensitive environment that is home to many species. There are 25 wild animal species in the Mont-Blanc mountain range. Be silent so as not to disturb this wildlife that is weakened by the winter temperatures. Chamonix gives us access to nature: let’s respect it.

To fully enjoy the liberty it offers, be careful. If you ski off-piste, on a glacier or otherwise, never go alone. Consult the High Mountain Office to find out about snow and weather conditions; make sure you have all the essential equipment – Arva, shovel, probe – and learn to use it. Do not hesitate to hire a high mountain guide to discover all the area has to offer in optimum conditions.

A WARM WELCOME - Both modern and traditional, Chamonix is a mountain town with lots of personality, which pays tribute to each era of its history, as proved by its alpine farms, Art deco houses and palaces from the last century. Chamonix is also a town that vibrates all year long. Its inhabitants are strongly attached to the mythical site of Mont-Blanc and to their valley. They will be delighted to welcome you to help you discover their rich historical and cultural background, and their future projects.

Chamonix is part of the international “Best of the Alps” network which groups together twelve resorts that are emblematic of the history of the Alps. They all share the same respect for tradition and an ongoing quest for quality.

FREEDOM - Descend the Vallee Blanche, one of the most famous high mountain routes in the world: amazing landscape of seracs, mind-blowing granite cliffs, endless expanses of snowy peaks... Ride in the midst of the pine trees... Try out the cross-country ski runs for a change. Bask in the sun in one of the 14 mountain top restaurants, overlooking Mont-Blanc.

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Sleep Chamonix

Hotel Albert 1er**** It is a luxurious hotel, a gastronomic restaurant, a Soli Chalet, a farmhouse, a restaurant, a health and well being center…. A paradise next to the center of Chamonix.

Hotel du Bois Prin**** You will appreciate an atmosphere of calm, serenity and luxury. The Hotel du Bois Prin has mixed traditional and contemporary style and has created a welcoming atmosphere.

Hotel le Gustavia*** In the heart of Chamonix at the foot of Mont-Blanc, this three star hotel has a wonderful and sportive atmosphere where comfort and mountain traditions mix well. Built in 1890, it is one of the historic buildings in the valley and remains one of the most preferred meeting points for guests from all over the world

Hotel Oustalet*** This hotel is located at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi, right near the pedestrian center of town, and near the train station. Their typical, little charming Savoyard hotel is family managed and will guarantee you a warm welcoming atmosphere.

Chalet du Bois Chalet du Bois is located in the charming village of Les Houches, 5 kilometers from Chamonix in the heart of a peaceful and relaxing environment. Only minutes away from the ski slopes, the hiking tracks, Italy and Switzerland.

Auberge du Manoir** L’Auberge du Manoir is a small Savoyard hotel with 23 cozy and comfortablerooms in a mountain ambiance. Each room has its own bathroom and separate W.C., telephone and television. Whether it is the flower-covered balconies of summer or the roaring fire in wintertime, the atmosphere is relaxing and pleasant. The hotel is located just a few steps from the town centre. Its garden and rooms offer you magnificent views of the mountains Mont Blanc, Brevent or Flegere.

Excelsior** First, the hotel Excelsior, incarnates the Cheilan family history, specialized in country inn for four generations. Quietness , conviviality, services and human warmth are the Cheilan family's keywords. With its architecture from the beginning of the 20th century, the Tines 'tower', will show you one of the finest point of view on the Mont-Blanc. Les Tines is the last village on the top of the Chamonix valley, along the road wich goes up to Argentiere.

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Play Chamonix

Activities in Chamonix include: • Extensive Snow & Slide Sports • Walking, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing • Panoramic Flights • Richard Bozon Sports Centre Activites • Beauty & Relaxation • Cultural Activities ... and much, much more

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Getting to Chamonix

BY ROAD Direct access via the “Autoroute Blanche” motorway, part of the European motorway network. 16 km from Switzerland via the Montets Pass and 15 km from Italy via the Mont-Blanc tunnel. Road conditions ) 04 50 53 05 51 BY TRAIN SNCF station in the resort. St Gervais/Le Fayet - Vallorcine line Connections with the TGV at Annecy Information ) SNCF 36 35 BY PLANE GENEVA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (88 km).) 41 (0) 22 717 71 11 Daily coach service (4 times a day): Geneva/Chamonix. Timetables: information from the coach office at the station, the Tourist Information Office or www.chamonix.com ) 04 50 53 01 15 (SAT) LYON/SAINT-EXUPERY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (220 km). ) 0826 800 826 HAUTE SAVOIE MONT-BLANC AIRPORT (90 km). 04 50 27 30 06 Private shuttle services to the three airports by minibus: AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICE – ) 04 50 53 63 97 www.a-t-s.net CHAMONIX TRANSFER SERVICE – ) 06 07 67 88 85 or 06 62 05 57 38 – www.chamonix-transfer.com MOUNTAIN DROP-OFFS – ) 04 50 47 17 73 www.mountaindropoffs.com COACH Daily services between Geneva and Chamonix, and regular services through to Italy. Information at the station coach office, open daily from 6.45 am to 10.30 am and from 1.25 pm to 4.45 pm (may be subject to change). Departures from the SNCF station. TEL/Fax 04 50 53 01 15 (SAT). Private transfers between Geneva and Chamonix for groups and individuals at airports and stations. CHAMONIX BUS  04 50 53 05 55 – FAX 04 50 55 95 59 TAXIS Aйroports Chamonix Taxis ) 06 11 27 23 21 Abac Taxi Gopйe ) 06 07 02 22 13 Altitude Taxi ) 06 85 10 72 62 Cham’taxi ) 06 07 26 36 62 Taxi Buton ) 06 07 19 70 36 Taxi Monard ) 06 08 26 84 76 Taxi Rousseau ) 06 07 67 88 85 Station, place de la Gare ) 04 50 53 13 94 HOW TO GET IN THE VALLEY BY TRAIN The SNCF line serves all the villages between Saint-Gervais/Le Fayet, Vallorcine and Martigny. Roughly one train every hour (free of charge between Servoz and Vallorcine with the “carte d’hote”). Information from all SNCF stations (French National Railways) and on ) 36 35 – www.sncf.com BY BUS CHAMONIX BUS. Regular urban transport service throughout the Valley (free for guest card holders). 04 50 53 05 55 – Fax 04 50 55 95 59 chamonixbus@transdev.fr Do you want to know when to get your bus? www.ynfobus.com/chamonix/PDA BY CAR/ BY MINIBUS Rental: CHAMONIX AUTOLOC HERTZ ) 04 50 53 73 68Fax 04 50 53 61 39 – www.chamonixautoloc.com Minibus transport: CHAMONIX TRANSFER SERVICE 06 07 67 88 85 or 06 62 05 57 38 Fax 04 50 53 61 39 – www.chamonix-transfer.com CAR PARKS 4 000 parking spaces. 3 covered car parks: Chamonix-Sud, Saint-Michel (behind the church, Tourist Office access) and place du Mont-Blanc. Parking up to 1 hour free of charge. Reduced weekly rates for guest card holders. Transport in the town centre provided by free shuttles “Les Mulets”. 04 50 53 65 71 (Chamonix Parc Auto). BAROUCHE RIDES The barouche rides start from “La Place de Garmisch- Partenkirchen” (pedestrian area). For 1 to 5 people.Tour of the town (25 min). Bois du Bouchet (40 min.). Plaine des Praz (1 hour). LES “MULETS” The “Mulets” enable you to get around the town centre free of charge. Wait at the easily recognisable stops and let yourself be taken care of! Every day from 24/06 to 2/09, from 8.30 am to6.30 pm (every 10 minutes at peak times and every20 minutes at other times). Circuit: leaflet available from the Tourist Office. Link with the main Chamonix-Bus network. * Shuttles fitted with an anti-pollution regulated engine and a particle filter.

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Practical Guide

Skiing on pistes, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, ski touring, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, paragliding, ice climbing or speed riding, Chamonix offers you the whole range of winter mountain sporting activities so that you may learn, go faster and excel yourself or simply relax. Discover them in total safety with the high-mountain guides, instructors or valley guides.

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