Chamonix - Fantastical Skiing and Snowboarding Experiences in Alpes

While thousands of others are fleeing to the Swiss Alps or the majestic slopes in Colorado, you may want to try something a little different this year, such as a French getaway like no other. High upon the Chamonix Valley ski resort, there are adventures to be had, pristine views, incredible lifts and luxury that can add more adventure and ambiance to your usual skiing vacation.

The Chamonix Valley and Mont-Blanc massif ski resort consists of three separate mountainsides which nestle next to skyscraper glaciers, all of which offer unique and fantastical skiing and snowboarding experiences for everyone whether this is their first time on the slopes or they are expert level.

Located on the north-west area of the Alps, the weather surrounding Chamonix Valley is delightful almost year round and many skiers and snowboarders make their way down the cascading slopes well into May.

Chamonix is the oldest ski resort in the World and has been a top destination for winter wonderland vacationers since it first opened in 1924 and hosted the Winter Olympics. Everyone who visits and experiences the mountains here quips of the views and range of trails and slopes that Chamonix has to offer.

Overall there are a total of six skiing stations and two massive cable cars that transport visitors from one locale to the next and year in and out some of the world's most talented skiers such as Patrick Vallencant come to mingle with guests and take on the challenging mountain slopes, most notably the 4810-meter Mont Blanc trail.

Also new to the area are a top of the line snowboarding park where enthusiasts can strap in and cascade through the hills and valleys at record speed or try one of the newer sporting events, speed flying. This sport has only become recently popular and is a mix between skiing, paragliding and wingsuit flying. It truly is a welcomed and much adored sport for those who are up to the challenge.

For the novice skier, there are plenty of adjoining areas to explore where the hills are less vast and the basic skills can be mastered. With numerous options for off-piste skiing trails that are tailored for those who are just starting out in skiing or are of average ability, everyone who visits Chamonix finds the perfect slope and area for their abilities.

The mountainous areas spread across parts of France and the cable cars will transport vacationers throughout other areas in Switzerland and Italy. There isn't anywhere else in the world can you visit and ski in three different country sides during the same vacation.

Another draw for this skiing location is that it is located in one of the most cosmopolitan areas that Europe has to offer and it is also home to some of the world's most elaborate and luxurious winter chalets. After the long days of winter activities, visitors will need somewhere to rest and the accommodations here are exquisite to say the least.

The Le Chalet des Drus which is located right next to the Alp's trails offers spacious quarters for living, all decorated with the finest furnishings and bequeaths an indoor gym and indoor swimming pool. Guests are treated to round the clock room service as well as transportation services that will take them into the city for dining, dancing and shopping.

If your tastes are more rustic consider staying at the La Ferme du Bois, a renovated farmhouse where the accommodations are within natural wood settings, and an 8 foot fireplace is the perfect place to cuddle up after a long day of outdoor activities. Antique meets plush at this famous and most popular chalet where guests feel at home and relaxed.