Mon 24 Oct 2022 • Katie Bauer
3 Bucket List Items in Chamonix, France
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Time to adjust your altitude and get some winter wonderland items crossed off that never-ending bucket list.
Skiing (and après) in the Alps
If you’re going to check winter skiing in Europe off your bucket list, and you’re not starting at Mont Blanc, what are you doing? As Europe’s tallest mountain, standing at approximately 15,777 feet, we can safely say this is some big mountain energy. Chamonix sits at the base of this giant and feels the quintessential French alpine town, complete with every type of year-round adrenaline activity adventurers could be looking for. It’s a world-renowned ski area, yet still not tourist buzzy enough to be super, super packed. There is terrain for all levels, whether you need a bunny hill refresh or are ready to shred the black diamonds straight away. And it’s not truly a successful day on the slopes without a bit (or a lot) of après-ski. Even if you didn’t hit the powder that day, you’re still obligated to participate in this time-honored tradition. And really, who could say no to a couple of brewskis and some warm fondue after a chilly day in the snow?
Montenvers Train & Mer de Glace
All aboard the ~literally~ magical-looking train from Montenvers to Mer de Glace, AKA the sickest ice cave we’ve recently seen. After a 20-minute ride winding through the mountain forests, you’ll arrive at a vista overlooking frozen glaciers where you can take a bubble lift down to the cave entrance. Not only will you get your step count up walking down there (try over 500 stairs), but you’ll get to experience venturing through an actual glacier while it’s still accessible. Each year, it is meticulously recarved for visitors like us to step inside and quickly feel like we’re transported to another world. However, it also continues to move further and further away, so get there while you can. Now that we’re ice-inspired, we’ll take on some luge shots, and probably a Smirnoff Ice or two, back at the chalet. Ice Ice Baby.
Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
~Everyone knows I'm in over my head~ Okay, that’s enough with the early 2000’s lyrical puns. What you definitely won't get enough of, though, are the STUNNING views that come along with taking a ride on the famous cable car line to Aiguille du Midi, also known as the highest peak reachable without hiking (which you won’t find us doing in this snow). The cable line holds the world record for the highest vertical ascent, getting you within touching distance of Mont Blanc itself, though we rec keeping your hands inside the vehicle at all times. Once you reach the top, there are restaurants, a panoramic platform, and even a glass walkway over the mountain to explore if you’re brave enough. And for the real thrill seekers, Step into the Void is an 8ft glass box suspended from the side of the peak, more than 3,000ft above the glaciers below. We know where we’re headed first.
You heard it here first. SYB is hitting the mountains this March for a winter wonderland ski extravaganza in Chamonix, and we want YOU to be the first to experience it with us. It’s chilly days tearing up the slopes, followed by warm nights by the fire with a hot toddy in hand, hanging with your new best friends. Welcome, this is SkiYogaBeer.
