Apartment Buqa

Chamonix & Vallee blanche

Chamonix

Less than 1 hour's drive away from Samoens, Chamonix is considered the ultimate paradise experience for all snow and bike enthusiasts, and those looking for a alpine adventure. The cherry on the cake is the backdrop of Mont Blanc - the highest mountain in Europe - with its majestic glaciers; which can be viewed perfectly from Aiguille du Midi.

The variety of terrain on offer for snow riders of all ages, abilities and tastes make it deservingly the ski capital of the French Alps in the winter months. Such activities include skiing, on and off piste, snowboarding, speedriding, heli-skiing, shoe-snowing and cross country.

The summer season in Chamonix offers a multitude of sporting activities such as hiking over 350km marked trails, mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain biking across 40km of tracks, paragliding, 18 hole golf and numerous water activities.

Chamonix town is also popular for being vibrant and diverse. It offers a great nightlife, a good choice of bars and nightclubs with amazing House DJ's, as well as plenty of shops, attractive boutiques, museums and café's adorning the streets to appeal to all holidaymakers.

Vallee Blanche

Vallee Blanche - or White Valley - is probably the most famous ski run in the world. It is a 22km off piste route from Aiguille du Midi to Chamonix, descending a jaw-dropping 2780 vertical metres! The breathtaking high mountain scenery aside, this run involves ice, rocks, ropes and crevasses and harnesses. Needless to say, a guide is recommended, or at the very least, a group of people. Be prepared for the physical challenge, but it can be done as a day trip, with lots of mountain guide companies specialising in this run. We can personally recommend Fred, as he has been a ski instructor, guide & guru for three generations of the 'Buqa' family over the years. Find him on www.chamsnow.com.