Since Dr. Payot introduced skiing in Chamonix at the end of the 19th century, this resort is one of the most famous meeting-points for ski-lovers in France and even in the world.

The domain is about 145 trails, with a total of 140 kilometers (87 miles). The skiing in the valley is spread over nine separate hamlets and villages and 13 ski areas: the legendary Grands-Montets, Le Brevent and Vallée-Blanche are some of the best skiing trails you can ever dream of. If you add off-pistes possibilities, the domain is more than 30,000 acres of ski-able terrain. It’s not far from other villages and you can escape in Argentière, Les Houches, or in the Italian village of Courmayeur, which can satisfy all types of skiers. You won’t be obliged to descend the same piste again and again: variety is one of the best assets of this resort. There are 49 lifts both north and south exposed—and with 9,000 feet of vertical drop at your disposal, you’ll have quite a time seeing the views.

The trails are mostly above the tree line, which permits a splendid view over all the Mont-Blanc massif, makes the trails wild and the ski much more free. Above all, it makes a fabulous off-piste venue (guides advised).

If you have enough energy to go out after a day on the slopes, Chamonix will definitely suit you. From the French restaurants where eating is an adventure to the numerous bars where it’s impossible to know if you’re in Sweden, Germany, or America, you’ll be busy...

This trip is offered with breakfast and dinner at the hotel. But dining out is a pleasure in France and especially in Haute-Savoie, but you can also escape in a Latin, British, or even Japanese atmosphere if you want to test all the restaurants of the town. Restaurants, cyber-cafés, bars, and clubs can keep you busy all night if you wish.