Mont Blanc — Attraction in Bonneville

Here you can climb to the summit of a mountain or dip your toes in a crystal clear lake: in the shadow of Mont Blanc in the Alps, the pure air will soon have you feeling refreshed and relaxed. In winter, ski resorts tempt you onto the slopes then afterwards recharge your batteries at invigorating mountain spas and magnificent restaurants and places to stay. In the summer the fresh air and natural beauty of the Alps are an invitation to disconnect from the pressures of daily life. Hike across the peaks and through fragrant meadows, enjoy an exhilarating white water rafting ride, or discover the artisans and their traditional crafts – there’s so much to do…

Must-sees in the Alps

Whenever you visit the Alps, you’re guaranteed breath-taking views in the French mountains. Pre-ski season watch as the first snowflakes fall on the slopes, it’s quite magical. Then when the snow settles, take your pick from downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and Nordic Skiing to conquer the Alps. Non-skiers and families are also perfectly catered for in the Alps with cosy mountain spas, snowshoeing and sunny terraces, ideal for those who want an active break or simply to relax.

Where to ski in winter

With 112 resorts, Savoie and Haute-Savoie offer mountain holidays for everyone. The 3 Vallées make up one of the largest ski areas in the world. Sophisticated Courchevel combines skiing with a spot of superb shopping. In Méribel you’ll experience an authentic Savoyard atmosphere in traditional chalets. Reach for the sky at Val-Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe at 2300 metres high (2,515 yards). For lofty mountain sports, Tignes will float your boat: the 2 Alpes, Val d'Isère and Alpe d'Huez are among a handful of resorts where you can ski in the summer. Avoriaz is a fully pedestrianised resort (except for sleds!) and hosts a unique series of contemporary art exhibitions and music festivals each year. And from Saint-Gervais or Chamonix, discover the famous Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France, on the slopes of Mont Blanc, one of the most legendary peaks in the world.

How to spend summer in the Alps

Summer in the mountains is the perfect place for wandering. Thousands of kilometres of marked trails are perfect for hiking, mountain biking and cycling. The forests make for an idyllic playground with many tree climbing courses. And, there are white water experiences galore, from a canoe, kayak or raft. But if you feel like something a little less strenuous, take a tour of the Alps or the grand lakes such as the unforgettable Lake Annecy or Lake Bourget…

From sport to relaxation in the heart of the Alps

Whether you seek a totally relaxing holiday, a high adrenalin sports break or something in between, the Alps will suit your needs. When the weather is good, hop aboard a sailing boat on Lake Annecy and follow the historic route Napoleon took on his return to France from exile in 1815. Maybe you you’d like to try paragliding, hiking and sleeping overnight in a mountain refuge, or discover the arts and crafts of the mountain artisans. Winter brings many types of snow sports including the unusual, like diving under the ice, flying down a zip-line or a bracing horse ride over powdery snow. Whenever you visit, take time to be pampered at one of the many luxury spas. From salt walls to ice caves, beauty products created from mountain specialities like donkey milk and bee pollen, the Alps are the perfect place to recharge...

Ofcourse the mountain itself is magnificent, no need to remind you of that. In 2018 I made it to the top with a 6day guided tour (including climbing Gran Paradiso) it was spectacular. See below for several tips and tricks which can definitely come in handy when conquering this beast:

No climbing / Alpine / Trekking experience? Use a guide. This should be a common sense rule. Tape your heels! Prevent getting blisters in the first hour of your hike, taping your heels will be a real life-saver on the long run. Next to that, bring enough blister plasters. When in doubt of what equipment to bring, DON'T buy it in advance. Just check with your guides and buy stuff at Chamonix. I bought sunglasses, a jacket and gloves in advance, these were apparently not fitting for a Mt blanc hike. So I needed to buy all this equipment again at Chamonix. The shops are pretty cheap here, I recommend buying most of your gear here together with your guide. (My additional hiking pole was cheaper in Chamonix than back home in the Netherlands!) Sunblock 50+ is mandatory and essential. Including lipstick 50+ sunprotection. Without climbing the Gran Paradiso first, I would not have made it to the top. You definitely need to acclimatize first and get used to using your gear, e.g. crampons. Hiking poles! I normally never use these on dayhikes, but they are essential on a multiple dayhike like this Fitness level - This is a difficult one, but you definitely need to be in a really good shape. Cardio is essential. Example of tests: Run 10k within 50 minutes. Run 20k within 120 minutes. Treadmilling on the highest degree for at least 3 hours. No matter how fit you are, altitude sickness can kick in any minute. Listen to your body and take it easy when needed. Accept that there's a 30% chance you're not going to make it to the top due to weather restrictions. Bring enough power bars, nuts, beef jerky and of course water. Next to that, do not overpack. Keep your backpack light. How many to bring exactly? Your guide can tell.

I climbed with 'montblancguides.com' and highly recommend them. The trip was just perfect. Professional guides allowed for a perfect balance between being responsible, safe and still have...

Mont Blanc (French: [mɔ̃ blɑ̃]; Italian: Monte Bianco [ˈmonte ˈbjaŋko]; meaning "White Mountain") is the highest mountain in the Alps and the highest in Europe west of the Caucasus peaks of Russia and Georgia. It rises 4,808 m (15,774 ft) above sea level and is ranked 11th in the world in topographic prominence. The mountain stands in a range called the Graian Alps, between the regions of Aosta Valley, Italy, and Savoie and Haute-Savoie, France. The location of the summit is on the watershed line between the valleys of Ferret and Veny in Italy and the valleys of Montjoie, and Arve in France, on the border between the two countries.The Mont Blanc massif is popular for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, trail running and winter sports like skiing, and snowboarding. The three towns and their communes which surround Mont Blanc are Courmayeur in Aosta Valley, Italy; and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Chamonix in Haute-Savoie, France. The latter town was the site of the first Winter Olympics. A cable car ascends and crosses the mountain range from Courmayeur to Chamonix, through the Col du Géant. The 11.6 km (7 1⁄4-mile) Mont Blanc Tunnel, constructed between 1957 and 1965, runs beneath the mountain and is a major trans-Alpine...