Chamonix is one of the most accessible of the French ski resorts, with about an hours drive from Geneva airport or seven hours (560 miles) direct routes from Calais.

Over the past 30 years Chamonix has become known as the climbing capital of Europe, but has also acquired a comparable status amongst skiers and snowboarders.

The town itself built in the 19th century will not disappoint with its comprehensive shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, casino and abundant night life all open in the summer and winter.

The cobbled attractive town centre crossing the pretty river Arve provides a convenient meeting place to relax in the afternoon sunshine.

In winter the Chamonix valley caters for all levels of skier and boarder and such is the diversity of pistes you can spend a week in the valley without skiing the same area twice.

In summer, Chamonix is well located for day trips to many other beautiful places including the Aosta valley in Italy, Annecy, Evian and the medieval walled town of Yvoire on the banks of lake Geneva.

No visit to Chamonix is complete without a ride up the Aiguille du Midi cable car the highest in Europe from which the 20 km glacier run down the Vallee Blanche begins.

Beginners are best served by the runs at Le Tour and Les Houches where there is plenty of opportunity to practise those green runs. For advanced skiers the possibilities are endless but must include the Grands Montets at Argentiere, a truly magnificent and dramatic mountain.