Chamonix, France- home to the first winter Olympics in 1924 and the birthplace of modern day extreme sports. When we first started thinking of locations for our Europe, a Chamonix ski tour was at the top of the list. Rich in history, culture, and surrounded by some of the most majestic peaks in the world, this valley has dedicated itself to be one of the most highly sought after destinations in the world. Iconic peaks such as Mont Blanc and the famous Aiguille du Midi are among the many famous landmarks that lay within this incredible valley. One week in this valley is not nearly enough time but it allows an individual the opportunity to get a peek into the life and breath of Chamonix. There are so many reasons
Why You Have to Ski Chamonix, France! The trip is 7 nights and 8 days of skiing in the Chamonix Valley as well as Courmayeur, Italy and Verbier, Switzerland. On one pass (the Chamonix Unlimited) it provides users with a wealth of opportunities to ski 3 countries in one week, experience 3 different cultures and sample some of the best skiing in the world as well as Italian cappuccinos. Even with a low snow year, one can still easily find powder on a daily basis. All you need is a good guide (highly recommended!), a sense of exploration and an open mind to ski touring or hiking to the next valley. We had the privilege to have Hank de Vre’ on our trip with us this year. Hank is a legendary photographer in the ski world and has been photographing the sport over the last 30 years. Each guest has the opportunity to not only have their pictures taken in this iconic location from a legendary ski photographer, but also to go home with a collection of professional photos from an incredible trip.
Ski Chamonix Day 1
One of our main goals at LGA is working with local businesses, individuals and guides in all of the areas we visit. Not only does this support the local community but it’s also a small way that we can give back to the areas we visit. Without these areas our experiences in life would be limited and it helps to maintain the culture for the next generations of skiers and adventurers. Our home for the week would be the
Chalet Cosmique nestled in the Les Pelerins area of the valley, about 10-15mins walking distance to the center of town. Gilles and the team at the Chalet of everything dialed in for a week of skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking the valley as well as local knowledge to some of the lesser-known hot spots. Today is a rest day for most but with the crew of skiers and snowboarders we had on this trip, it would soon be a day on the slopes skiing the Grand Montets. With a little fresh snow and a couple openings of the clouds, our guests quickly got a glimpse of what was in store for the week. At night the crew of the Chalet Cosmique starts the week off with an incredible dinner cooked in the chalets kitchen. In true tradition the food was outstanding and we enjoyed the time getting to know everyone on the trip.
Ski Chamonix Day 2
Our first day of skiing Chamonix and what a better way to start by going up to the Grand Montets. This is the best lift served mountain in the valley if you want to ski some big laps as well as multiple glacier runs if the conditions are good. It is also the start for the famous Haute Route ski tour over to Verbier and/or Zermatt. The ski area starts in Argentiere at 1252 meters and ascents all the way up to 3275 meters or 6,600+ feet of vertical! Not a bad way to start the ski trip. Our first descent into the Argentiere Glacier, after taking in the views of
Mont Blanc, the
Aiguille du Midi, the
Valle Blanche/Mer de Glace, was a mix of conditions but given the recent warm weather it was still a great run. As always you need to stop at the hut to have a hot drink or refuel before you go back up. We had some great powder turns from the top section and over to the Bochard lift. With typical high alpine fashion the clouds rolled in around midday, but that did not stop us from going back up to the top for one more glacier run and some powder turns. With everyone feeling good it was worth the 6,600’ foot descent back into town to end of the day. A quick hot tub soak and après at the chalet, ends the first day with amazing views of the mountains and a perfect Chamonix sunset. As always the food the team cooked at the chalet that night was top notch, the Haute Savoie wine flowed with local cheese, meats, and baguettes and the stoke was high for everyone on their first day in the Chamonix valley.
