"Reach Out and Touch the Sky France's Chamonix Valley is one of the most scenic places on the European continent. It's a narrow river valley which houses everything from rock-climbing centers to pulsing bars and pubs, and on both sides of the river the peaks of the French Alps explode thousands of feet into the sky. While there are numerous ways to experience the grandeur of the mountains from Chamonix—boarding the ski lift at Les Grands Montets, biking along the steep ridges, or paragliding off the many peaks—the most accessible might be a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car, a hair-raising ascent that gains 9,200 vertical feet over the course of 20 minutes. From the summit perch you can take in a 360-degree view beneath Mont Blanc, and from this frigid vantage point set nearly at the top of Europe, it's almost possible to reach straight out and touch the sky."

"The crowning glory ofChamonixis undoubtedly Mont Blanc. This emblematic mountain announces itself as soon as you enter the valley, towering 15,774 feet above town. No matter the season, it remains one of the world’s most visited natural sites. Many enjoy the serene lower walks through Alpine pastures full of Herens cows, while others prefer the snow-covered peaks, which must be navigated with ice axes and ropes. When the first flakes fall, the mountain’s world-class resorts lure skiers and boarders of all abilities, whether they’re strapping into bindings for their first-ever lesson or doing 360s in the snow parks."

"While Aiguilles Rouges offerssublime skiingin winter, its true glory is revealed once the snow melts. Named after the granite spires that glow red at sunrise, the nature reserve, which was established in 1974, boasts walking trails at all levels of difficulty. The slopes above the Chamonix Valley entice hikers with a penchant for Alpine pastures, while the elevated Lac Blanc bewitches as it reflects the Mont Blanc massif on its emerald surface. Many hikers devote days to exploring Aiguilles Rouges, taking in fields of orchids as well as wildlife like ibex, marmots, chamois, and deer. To delve deeper into the area’s abundance of flora and fauna, visit the information cabin at the Col des Montets, open May to September."

"A Piste of the Action From rollers to jumps and boxes to rails, Grands Montets Summit Snowpark certainly covers all the bases for freestylers and snowboarders. Located on Les Grands Montets, accessed by the Bochard gondola or the Marmottonschairlift, the snowpark teems with riders of all levels. A recreational track not only allows novices to cut their teeth on freestyle runs, it encourages close critique afterward: The 400-meter-long track with three jumps, eight whoops, and two banked turns is fitted with high-quality video that makes the smallest hop look death-defying. Seasoned riders and clubs tackle the more technical run that meets International Ski Federation(FIS)competition standards."

"Snaking, cracking, shimmering a brilliant blue in places and covered by mystical frost in others, the Mer de Glace displays nature in all its powerful glory. France’s longest glacier stretches for 4.3miles and is over 650 feet deep. Quite literally a sea of ice, it continues to move under its own weight; its surfaces break up, crevasses appear, and pointed columns of ice known as seracs burst from the surface. Though this glacier continues to amaze,it’s slowly being decimated byclimate change—in 1988, you only had toclimb down three steps to reach the ice grotto, which is carved out every spring; now, the ice has receded so much that you have to tackle 430 steps."

"In contrast to the adrenaline-fueled activities on the slopes, the Musée Alpin, located in the former Palais Chamonix, is a peaceful place to explore the fascinating history of Alpine mountaineering and winter sports. Spread over two floors, exhibits go all the way back to when the earliest explorers climbed Mont Blanc in 1786. Viewing the basic equipment used on such journeys leaves one with a deep appreciation for the bravery of the very first climbers. From there, you can learn about everything from when Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, to how the town has expanded over time with modern resorts, all through photos, videos, and intriguing personal accounts."

"Year Round Sports Surrounded by verdant olive-green Alpine mountains with jagged peaks dipped in snow, few outdoor swims match the aesthetic surroundings of the Centre Sportif Richard Bozon. This multipurpose sports center provides an alternative to mountain adventures. Winter revelers remain active indoors with a gym, climbing wall, tennis courts, and swimming pool (Speedos required…seriously). The ice hockey rink lures skaters, and during hockey season, the Pionniers de Chamonix (named for the first mountaineers to climb Mont Blanc) showcase their talents in front of a supportivecrowd. In the summer, the outdoor slides keep the children happy while the Jacuzzis and sauna ease mountain-weary limbs."

"Climb a Frozen Waterfall While Chamonix boasts many thrilling frozen waterfalls for ice-climbing experts, those strapping on their crampons for the first time should try the Crémerie ice falls. Located alongside the road between Chamonix and Argentière, this broad stretch of waterfall, which freezes during winter, allows for several groups at once, and its 45-degree inclines prove popular with beginners. A couple of routes, namely Cerise and Moby Dick, test more-advanced climbers, who navigate past pine trees protruding from mounds of packed snow. Once at the top, enjoy the distant views of jagged Alpine peaks—then switch on the helmet cam for the rappel down."