Following the previous blog, here are the last 10 of our 20 accolades………
In 2018 The FLOCON VERT Labelling Committee (Nicolas Hulot Foundation for Nature and Man, the University of Savoie, Teragir, ATD Sustainable Tourism Actors, the Ademe and Mountain Riders) renewed its recognition of the Flocon Vert for the Valley of Chamonix through to January 2021.
Literally translated the “Green Snowflake” is a sustainable certifying label first awarded to Chamonix in 2015. It is an acknowledgment of all the actions implemented by Chamonix in its protection of the environment.
Ski-Lifts.com has calculated the “Airport to Ski Resort Transfer Time – Geneva Airport to Chamonix” as 99km in 65 minutes.
These transfer experts are also complementary of the town’s “authentic look” and traffic-free pedestrian only centre.
TIP: Once you have arrived to Chamonix use your “guest cards” to travel on the bus and train system the length of the Chamonix valley, from Servoz to Vallorcine, free of charge.
Mont Blanc, Europe's tallest peak at 4,807 meters, assures some of the best snow conditions in the Alps for Chamonix. A long lasting layer of white snow, especially at altitude, is, according to the weather experts of this website, “aided by the surrounding glaciers in keeping temperatures low and powder dry”.
While most of the Chamonix ski areas are winding down by the middle of April, Les Grands Montets above Argentière remains open into the first week of May.
Weather to Ski states: “Not only does this area have one of the highest average snowfall figures in the Alps, but its north-facing slopes also reach 3200m, and normally offer good snow conditions well into May.”
Chamonix is not an ideal place to hike in the Alps in summer…it is THE ideal place to hike in the Alps in the summer…So says publication Anywhere we Roam: “wedged between two steep-sided valleys with cable-cars rising up each side. Walking trails criss-cross the area and intersect with the cable car stations. This offers the chance to gain height quickly at the beginning of the day or cut short that descent in the evening.”
Alongside the hike trails of legends, Chamonix also offers a treasure trove of other activities; parapenting, mountaineering, via ferrata, climbing, white water rafting, and mountain biking to name but a few. Anywhere we Roam also insists you visit the Aiguille du Midi, with the highest peaks in the Alps on show, they call it “the best, easily accessible, single view in the Alps”.
Journalist Ana Rosberg states that while “it is one of the oldest ski resorts in the country” top of the line facilities and infrastructure make Chamonix the top European destination of an activity holiday.
Climbing Mont Blanc is the obvious reason why Chamonix attracts so many adventurers in the summer period, however, it is not the only fun to be had in this stunning place (as mentioned above).
Ana also humanises the town in her review noting that a unique and lively mountaineering community ties the town together.
Chamonix takes 7th rung in a list topped by nearby Verbier of the very best ski resorts in Europe, decided by much loved British magazine Tatler, a Condé Nast publication.
While the Tatler team believe the skiing in Chamonix is hardcore, it has a heritage of heroic proportions: “We can thank two Brits for the latter: in 1741, William Windham and Richard Pococke discovered a glacier tumbling down from Mont Blanc towards Chamonix, and their tales of Alpine derring-do put it firmly on the explorer map.”
TIP: We recommend discovering the history for yourself at the Alpine Museum of Chamonix or on one of the guided tours departing from the Tourist Office of Chamonix most Thursday afternoons.
The London Evening Standard rates Chamonix best suited to experienced skiers and thrill-seekers!
Most notable in their ranking is the 20-kilometre long Vallee Blanche “the highest off-piste run in Europe and a thing of legend among the ski community”.
TIP: Take the family all together (the Olianti family and yours!) with Jean Marie as your guide, and Camille as your instructor. This itinerary can suit intermediate level skiers and is an unforgettable bonding experience you will hold close to your heart forever.
170 km over 7 to 10 days and 10,000m of altitude to climb! The Tour du Mont Blanc is a test for all serious hikers in Europe that stretches over 3 different countries: Switzerland, Italy and France.
Whether you start from Courmayeur, Les Houches, Chamonix or Vallorcine, you can take the Tour du Mont Blanc either direction and enjoy panoramic views of the Aiguille de Bossoney, the Dômes de Miage, Mont Blanc, Grandes Jorasses, Mont Dolent…to name just a few.
Established in 2002, Travelers' Choice awards are the highest honour TripAdvisor can bestow. In 2012 Chamonix Mont Blanc was rated 2nd on TripAdvisor. This was the highest ranking to date and voted for directly by visitors to Chamonix. This year Chamonix is 10th, behind mostly beach resorts and historic sites including the French capital Paris in number 1.
In 2012 the number 1 spot in France was also Paris.
Chamonix, as a Mecca of mountaineering, is also a hot-spot for amazing photography. It’s therefore no mystery how the station has gathered more than 1 million hashtags and the largest Instagram community for a French ski resort.
We’re certainly in the right region…8 of the Top 10 “most Instagrammable” French resorts are located in Savoie Mont Blanc!
The image below from Chamonix was one of the most popular Instagram images of 2019; “Victor, a nine-year-old white-tailed eagle equipped with a 360 camera, flies over glaciers and mountains in Chamonix, France, during a preparation flight of the Alpine Eagle Race, an event aimed at raising awareness on global warming.”
