Chamonix, France, is not a city for those looking to lie by the pool. From its legendary off-piste ski run to the exhilarating new Step into the Void attraction, a glass-enclosed box located 3,842 meters above ground, Chamonix will get your adrenaline pumping year-round.
Located in the soaring peaks of the French Alps, Chamonix is near several mountains that are perfect for skiing, mountain climbing, and exploring.
Vallée Blanche is one of the most notorious off piste, or unmarked ski runs in the world. With a treacherous vertical slope of 2,700 meters, this mountain is not a beginner’s expedition.
You can also go mountain climbing around Valle Blanche. There are incredible views this high up.
For a less skilled approach, the Aiguille du Midi cable car runs up the mountainside, offering transportation for skiers and a panoramic view of the Mont Blanc. The views alone will get your blood pumping.
Located atop the mountain (and included in the price of your cable car ticket), the newly launched Step into the Void attraction offers an exhilarating view and photo opportunity over a 3,842-meter glass bottom drop. The terrifying glass box, which will officially open in June, claims to be the highest tourist attraction in Europe. This is not for people who are afraid of heights.
Meanwhile the Mont Blanc gondola shuttles summertime visitors over the mountain to the Italian city of Pointe Helbronner.
Here, you can take in the views with a true Italian pizza before returning back to France and Chamonix.
Another option for panoramic mountain views is the Montenevers railway, which cuts a dramatic scene against the stark mountain views with its fire engine red cars.
The 20-minute journey offers views of the Mer de Glace glacier and the Les Drus mountain range.
In the cooler months it’s the perfect locale for a fireside lunch at the Grand Hotel du Montenvers, where you can warm up over local fare and picturesque window views.
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