Chamonix, France offers the best of the French Alps: Gorgeous powder, Olympic history and that certain “je ne sais quoi” that can only be found in a French village tucked away in the mountains. Families with young children and beginners will find gentle slopes at, Les Planards, Le Savoy, La Vormaine and Les Chosalets.

Experts and thrill-seekers can find sweeping views of Mont Blanc at resorts like The Grands Montets and Le Domaine de Balme. High speed chairs and trams whisk skiers to the top of the mountain for long runs that provide time to take in the surrounding beauty and step away from the crowds and noise of daily life.

Skiiers and snowboarders can find all they’re looking for in the mountains surrounding Chamonix. World-class snow parks? Check. World class lifts? Check. Scenery that can only be found one place in the world? Check. If high speed and high intensity is your thing, Chamonix can deliver. If you prefer the quiet beauty that can be found in fresh tracks during backwoods skiing, Chamonix offers that too.

Only the high-mountain Alps provide the hills, the snow and the history to make your skiing adventure all you’d hoped for and more.