Chamonix is a lively and picturesque town dominated by the 4807m high peak of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe - the Aiguille du Midi cable car takes sightseers and skiers to 3842m where you can enjoy the view at this dizzying height or ski the Vallee Blanche run on the Mer de Glace glacier down to Chamonix. The full length of this exhilarating run is 24km but snow conditions may force you to catch the mountain train at Montenvers for the last part.

Famous for its steep terrain and off piste opportunities, Chamonix has five main ski areas along the valley, with a regular shuttle bus transporting skiers between each one. The valley also has three small ski areas, suitable for beginners and young children, which are not linked with other runs. 6km down the valley from Chamonix centre is the village of Les Houches, with a further 55km of pistes available on a separate ski pass or the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass.

On either side of Chamonix centre are the base stations of the Aiguille du Midi cable car and a new gondola lift to Le Brevent (2525m) which is linked to La Flegere, also accessible from the village of Les Praz; these south-facing slopes have incredible views of the Mont Blanc chain and snowboarders flock to La Flegere in fresh snow when its boulders and steep drop-offs turn it into one big snow park. Further up the valley at the village of Argentiere, the slopes of Les Grand Montets offer some challenging skiing both on and off piste but there are some decent intermediate runs as well as the new Snow Bowl park. La Balme sector at the top of the valley above Le Tour has plenty of sunny, open slopes and is ideal for less experienced skiers, with a nursery slope next to the village at La Vormaine.

Chamonix has plenty to offer those looking for non-skiing activities. The more adventurous can take a helicopter ride over the Mont-Blanc chain; alternatively you can relax on a scenic journey on the Montenvers Railway or simply explore the town centre with its wide choice of shops, bars, restaurants and discos as well as a world-class casino and cinema. The town’s large sports centre offers an indoor and outdoor ice rink, tennis and squash courts, swimming pool complex and a fitness centre.