Ski summary:
Altitude of Argentiere: 1,252m; Top of ski lifts (Les Grands Montets): 3,295m; No of lifts: 1 Cablecar, 1 Gondola, 5 Chairlifts, Numerous drag lifts; Total length of pistes: 24,520m; Blue: 3,020m; Red: 10,150m; Black: 11,150m; Snow-boarding half-pipe; Beginners' Ski Area at Argentiere: Les Chosalets.
Summer in Argentiere:
When the snow melts, locals of Chamonix go hiking, mountain-climbing, horse-riding, white-water rafting, canyoning, paragliding, golfing, play tennis and cycle. These picturesque, glaciated mountains around Mont Blanc are full of maintained, well-marked trails with an overwhelming variety of flowers, plants, plunging waterfalls and natural springs. Look out for the legendary chamois, a mountain goat which looks like an antelope. At the base of the Mont Blanc is a beautiful lake with water sports in summer and a sports centre which even has indoor climbing.
Sightseeing:
The highest gondola ride in the world at L'Aguille du Midi takes you very close to Mont Blanc with breath-taking views. In summer you can cross a glacier and descend over the border into Italy to the ski town of Cormayeur, with its Italian boutiques and delicious cuisine. From here you can return via road or take a train to Montenvers to see la 'Mer de Glace' which is the largest glacier in France. Visitors marvel at the ice carvings and often continue up to visit the crystal cave and the Alpine Museum. The lake at Annecy is purported to be the purest in France and well worth a dip. There is no lack of variety in food or shopping as you can take the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy for pasta, pizza and shopping in Aosta or Milan or drive over to Switzerland to sample the well-known Swiss delights. The Haut-Savoie itself is famous for its 'saucisson', tasty cheeses and other specialities.
Other Activities:
Cross-country Skiing, Paragliding
