Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chamonix Don't Miss List
BY ERIC FAVRET, MOUNTAIN GUIDE, COMPAGNIE DES GUIDES DE CHAMONIX
1 SKIING IN GRANDS MONTET
Chamonix has six main ski areas. Grands Montets is particularly heavenly, with
long off-piste glacial runs, easily accessible from lifts and offering over 6000ft of
vertical drop! Its north-facing aspect combined with altitude, moreover, keeps the
snow really good all winter long.
2 AIGUILLE DU MIDI
The Aiguille du Midi, with one of the highest cable cars in the world, cannot be
missed. Beyond the summit ridge is a world of snow and ice offering some of the
greatest intermediate off-piste terrain in the Alps.
3 OFF-PISTE THRILLS
The Vallée Blanche (
Click here
) has to be seen. But the Aiguille du Midi also
has amazing off-piste runs, such as Envers du Plan, a slightly steeper and more
advanced version of Vallée Blanche, offering dramatic views in the heart of the
Mont-Blanc range. There is also the less frequented run of the 'Virgin' or 'Black
Needle': a striking glacial run, offering different views and a close-up look at the
Giant's seracs.
4 SUMMER HIKES ON MONT BUET
Mont Buet is a favourite. It is a summit in itself and offers outstanding
360-degree panoramas over the Mont Blanc massif and its surrounding range. It
requires a good level of fitness to do in a day, but there is a hut to split the trip in-
to two days, which also takes you into a wildlife sanctuary.
5 BEST-EVER MONT BLANC VIEW
No hesitation: the Traverse from Col des Montets to Lac Blanc. It's as popular as
the Eiffel Tower, for hikers in summer. I love swimming in mountain lakes, so I
like to stop at Lac des Chéserys, just below, where it is quieter: what's better
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