Chamonix
Chamonix is by far the oldest and most established resort in the alps, comprising of 16 villages and hamlets around the main town, at the base of Mt Blanc.
Although Chamonix town is set a lot lower than the main ski areas, free transport is provided by the town to each of the 5 ski areas on offer which offer extensive freeride and freestyle areas on top of the pistes.
Unlike many other purpose built resorts, Chamonix has a very town like feel to it and has something to offer for every seasonnaire. From late night nightclubs to shopping, Cinema’s, al fresco restaurants and bars (yes even in winter) and even a casino, Chamonix has something to entertain everyone.
For the sports enthusiast top of the skiing and snowboarding, Chamonix boasts a large public indoor swimming pool, indoor rock-climbing wall, tennis courts, basketball courts and a world class golf course (in the summer) as well as offering some of the most extreme rock climbing and hiking in the world.
Chamonix is a highly regarded resort/ town by even the most hardened seasonnaires, because of its established feel and diverse range of activities and events, many of who end up settling to live here as expats.