In the early 1820s, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix regulated and controlled the mountain's slopes. At that time, local guides only serviced the area. However, this all changed when the French government took action because of monopolization.



In the early 1890s, the local guides-along with non-local guides-had to earn a diploma from the French Alpine Club. Though this took some stronghold away from certain locals at the time, today it ensures that the entire community benefits from the increasingly numerous tourist industry.

Chamonix: Geography & Population

Chamonix, France, is located just kilometers from Italy and Switzerland. Moreover, a mountainous chain and valley forms a natural border between the two neighboring countries from northeast to southwest-the Mont-Blanc spine to the south and the Aiguilles Rouges summits to the north.

The mountains were formed long ago by carving glaciers. Chamonix, the town by the same name, is over 1000 meters high. The local residents waver around 10,000 people, while daily tourist numbers fluctuate between 100,000 to 60,000 during the summer and winter months. With hiking and skiing year-round, it's no wonder the Chamonix hotels are booked up early. There's literally not enough beds to go around.

Chamonix: Weather & Snowfall

Weather

- June ? July: -7? to +1? C

- August ? September: +8? to +22'C

- December ? January: -7? to +1'C

- February ? March: -7? to +4'C

Snowfall

- April ? May: 5 cm to 0 cm

- February ? March: 50 cm to 30 cm

- December ? January: 15 cm to 30 cm

(Measurements for 1,000-meter)

Seasonal Recreation

, extends some of Europe's best recreation activities-both in the summer and in the winter you'll have more than enough to keep you recreationally engaged. Some of the seasonal amusements are the ensuing:

Summer Sports:

- Fishing

- Horseback riding (Trails)

- Camping

- Backpacking

- Hiking/Walking

- Biking (roads)

- Mountain biking

- Mountaineering

- Climbing/Rock Climbing

- White water rafting

- Kayaking

- Paragliding

- Bird watching

Winter Sports:

- Gliding

- Speed skating

- Ice-skating

- Snowshoeing

- Dog-sledding

- Cross-country skiing

- Hiking

- Walking

- Ice climbing

- Long distance ski touring

Other Sports/Recreation:

- Mini-golf

- Paintball

- Swimming

- Ice-skating

- Squash

- Tennis

- Weight lifting

- Bowling

- Fitness Centers

- Relax Lounges/Spas

- Casinos

- Cinemas

- Restaurants

- Nightlife/clubs

Chamonix Accommodation

Chamonix, France, purveys for all sleeping statuses. You can become one with nature with camping, sleep over in an always youthful hostel, find a bed in a gite or book accommodation at a Chamonix hotel. Here are some of the easier to find accommodations:

Chamonix Hotels:

- Hotel Le Morgane

- H'tel de L'Arve

- H'tel Richemond

- H'tel Alpina

- H'tel Mont-Blanc

- Les Balcons du Savoy

- Hotel Les Aiglons

- H'tel Excelsior

- Grand H'tel des Alpes

- H'tel La Vall'e Blanche

Chamonix Camping:

- Camping Mer de Glace

- Camping Caravaneige Les Rosi?res

- Camping Les Arolles

- Camping Les Marmottes

- Camping Ile des Barrats

- Camping Le Grand Champ

- Camping les Cimes

- Camping les Ecureuils

- Camping des Deux Glaciers

- Camping du Glacier d'Argenti're

Something For Everyone

If you wanted to spend more than six months in this part of France, you'd have something different to do every day of the week. Or, at best, you'd stay busy most of the time skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, biking and just running amok.

In May, for example, you can grab your bike and ride in the La Montee Blanche or visit the horse show. In June, too, a music festival and full- and half-marathon head the itinerary. In July, you can visit a large second-hand sale. There's something for every palate and every entertainment-minded person during every season.