Chamonix
Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Some of the best off-piste skiing in the world, buzzing nightlife and fantastic scenery – this charming resort has been enchanting mountain lovers for 150 years.
Bucket list experience:
i from above
One of the world’s most spectacular cable car rides – and the highest in Europe – takes you 2,700m from the centre of Chamonix to the ‘Plan de l’Aiguille’ mountain station, a height of 3,842m under the shoulder of Mont Blanc (4,807m).
From the station, there are truly spectacular views from terraces that look over the Mont Blanc massif and glaciers, down to the Chamonix Valley and across much of the northern French Alps.
For non-skiers, the cable car provides the opportunity to enjoy the amazing panoramas from the viewing terraces, and to dine at the summit restaurant. For the more adventurous, it provides access to the narrow summit ridge leading to skiing on the famous Vallee Blanche.
Close to the railway station and open all year, the cable car runs daily. The ride (or down) takes a mere 10 minutes, but allow at least two hours for your return trip to allow time to enjoy the views at the top.
It’s only a short walk to the viewing terraces, but altitude may make this feel more strenuous than you would expect. If you plan on spending any time at the top station, remember to keep drinking water with you to relieve the effects of altitude.
For skiers planning to descend the Vallee Blanche a mountain guide is highly recommended – although a popular route, this is still high-altitude glaciated terrain.
It’s best done on clear, sunny days for obvious reasons – in fact, the cable car will not operate in bad weather. Avoid February half-term holidays when queues are likely to be long.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Some of the best off-piste skiing in the world, buzzing nightlife and fantastic scenery – this charming resort has been enchanting mountain lovers for 150 years.
Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Extraordinary ski terrain, exclusive hotels, enticing restaurants – this is the high end of skiing.
Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
With sublime slopes, world-class off-piste and a lively, attractive village, ‘Val’ is one of the world’s great ski resorts.
Valais, Switzerland
Beguiling atmosphere, sensational scenery, skiing for all levels – a world-class mountain resort that’s as busy in summer as winter.