There's more than just mountains in Chamonix?

I'm not sure what made me decide to climb up climb up Mont Blanc. Maybe that second glass of wine gave me the bravado or just a fool hardy notion that I was just as fit as I was 10 years ago. I was in for a rude awakening as we arrived in Chamonix feeling ill-prepared for 2 days of training and one day of climbing the highest mountain in Europe.

Excursions and trips such as this happen all over this beautiful region and for 3 days, you can be tested and prepared by some of the best guides in Europe. We had a fantastic trip of walking glacers, climbing through blizzards in late June and sharing a few drinks with many bearded people that I can't recomend this town enough. Whether or not I managed to stand on the top of Europe is for another blog but for now, the purpose is to illustrate that Chamonix, one of the best ski resorts of Europe, isn't just about it's mountains.

Chamonix is a picturesque Alpine town just on the border between France and Italy. It's back-drop is dominated by Mont Blanc whose peak it eternally covered in ice and snow. The town has a sleepy feel to it but maybe because of the summer, things tend to get a little quieter. In the summer months, the town is packed with climbers, canoeists, walkers, adrenaline junkys and those who want to get away from the beach in the summer and look at an alternative holiday instead. There's so much to do here that 2 weeks is certainly not enough to experience everything but you can have a good try.

There are many companies that can offer you any kind of adventure holiday here but the beauty of this area is that even if you aren't experienced, so long as you have the right gear you can take advantage of some of the many sports on offer here. Of course if you're going off the beaten track, fighting rapids or climbing a mountain at 3am, then you should be looking at getting professional help. From the novice to the expert there's something for everyone.

The entertainment doesn't just stop on the hills and mountains. The restaurants are also of a good quality with anything from french, italian, chinese, japanese and any other cuisine you care to mention. I ate one of the best fondues I've ever had in a great restaurant overlooking the river that cuts the town in two. There numerous are cafes, bars and nightclubs to ensure that the evenings are just as fun as the day.

Accommodation in Chamonix is also cheaper during this period and there are some excellent chalets and apartments that are empty and crying to be occupied. Choosing a ski resort for a summer holiday destination has always been last on my mind but but I'll certainly think twice the next time I decide to go away.

Looking for a hotel in Chamonix? Need an apartment to rent in Chamonix or perhaps a chalet or apartment on the mountainside of Chamonix?
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ART: Skiing in France

If you are fond of skiing, then France is the destination for you. In France there are a number of skiing resorts. These resorts offer you a variety of options but one should consider your skill level before choosing the resort. French resorts are scattered across seven mountain ranges. Chamonix, Alpe d’Huez and The Three Valleys are some of the main ski resorts in France; each one is offering a different and varied skiing terrain.

Chamonix is considered the birthplace of mountaineering and is located on the foot of the Mont-Blanc which is also on the list of World heritage sites. This resort is full of visitors throughout the year and the resort has on offer something for everyone. The official ski season starts around mid-December and runs up to 8th May. Though the altitude of the resort is as low as 1035 m most of the ski areass are located at a height of 2000 m. There are three different ski arenas, which are well connected by very capable shuttle bus service and a special sightseeing train. Grands Montets the so called Mecca for skiers is the specialty of this resort. Tramway du Mont-Blanc, France's highest cog railway takes you to the top of the Aiguille du Mid. For a change you can enjoy walking on the 17 km of footpaths through the picturesque landscapes. A large sports complex and The Alpine Museum are also on offer for the visitors at this resort.

Alpe d’Huez has got the nick name 'L'Ile au Soleil' and is located in the Grandes Rousses mountains. It is ranked the fifth largest ski area In France. This skiing resort is widely popular among the beginners of skiing due to its wide gentle slopes and the availability of ski schools. These local ski schools have a great reputation in giving the beginner the best start. For intermediates in particular, this resort offers a wide range of choice of blues and reds. Among other things available at this resort are a sports complex, good child care and lively night life.

The Three Valleys is the largest ski area in the world. The three valleys is the formation of four different resorts namely: Courchevel, Meribel, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens. A variety of ski options are available here according to the skill level of the skier. Courchevel, Meribel offers easy trials for the average skier, where as Les Menuires, and Val Thorens are destinations for the experts.