The host of the Amazing Race discusses his travels and his own journey to adventure in this episode of Travel with Hawkeye.
Sun Valley, Idaho. The first of its kind
Episode 151 - In 1936, when Averell Harriman found the Sun Valley Resort in the remote town of Ketchum, Idaho, it was something that had never been seen in the US. Celebrities flocked via the Union Pacific line to this nation's first ski resort. Decades before Vail, Park City and Tahoe, there was Sun Valley.
80+ years later, the resort is stills glamorous and exciting as ever. Kelli Lusk of Sun Valley joins the Travel With Hawkeye podcast to discuss this one of a kind year round resort.
Note: After taping this episode, Sun Valley closed their ski slopes early due to the Coronavirus. We present this podcast as a future travel option.
100 Drives 5000 Ideas
Episode 149 - National Geographic writer Joe Yogerst has compiled 100 amazing drives in the US and Canada including the Space Alien Trail, The Country Music drive plus a few historic drives created for the first 'auto tourist' 100 years ago.
We guarantee there will be at least two things you will hear on this podcast that you will want to add to your bucket list.
A Conversation with Sebastian Modak: The NY Times 52 Places Traveler
Episode 147 - Sebastian Modak was tasked by the New York Times; visit 52 places in 52 weeks. What did he see, where did he visit, what did he learn and how did this experience change him? Find out on this week's Travel With Hawkeye podcast
I may never get to visit 1000 places to swim before you die, and I may never get a publisher to run with my idea, but I can at least start a blog post and keep adding to it as I go.
This site is meant to be crowd sourced. If you have a great beach, pool, swimming hole, hot spring or an exceptional swimming site, please contact us.
If you see an error (or a typo, as I am horrible at self editing) please contact me also. I call it crowd source editing.
THE TOP 5
1. The Antique Pool of Pamukkale, Turkey - aka The Cleopatra Pool
I was lucky enough to visit this pool as a child when my dad was stationed in Turkey at a US Air Force Base. I have never forgotten the white cliffs of Pamukkale (Turkish for 'Cotton Castle') or the Antique Pool
According to legend, this pool was made as a gift by Mark Anthony to Cleopatra. An earthquake in the 7th century toppled the marble columns into the pool, and today you are allowed to swim among the ruins.
2. The King's Pond - Hualalai Resort, Kona Hawaii
This man made pond carved into the lava rock on the Hualalai Resort is filled with water from the adjacent beach and stocked with a variety of aquatic life. It's literally like swimming in a giant aquarium.
Swim Note: The Rainbow Reef at Disney's Aulani Hawaii Resort was modeled after the King's Pond.
3. Piscine Molitor - Paris, France
The Piscine Molitor is noted for the introduction of the bikini in 1946 by designer Louis Reard. It is also the inspiration for the name of the main character in the book and film 'The Life of Pi."
The pool and hotel were built in 1929 but fell into disrepair and was closed in 1989. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2014.
The Piscine Molitor is also famous for the introduction of the bikini during a fashion show in 1946 by designer Louis Reard
The World's First Bikini, introduced at a fashion show at Paris' Piscine Molitor
The Piscine Molitor at it's low point.
The Piscine Molitor today
4. Waikiki Beach and the The War Memorial Natatorium - Waikiki, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach might be the most famous beach in the world. Once an outpost in the pacific, jet travel opened up the islands to beach lovers from all over the world. With the iconic Diamond Crater in the background, it's been the set of countless movies, TV shows and ad campaign.
Swim Note: Surfing pioneer Duke Kahanamoku once was a beach boy on Waikiki beach.
On the Diamond Head side of the beach is the War Memorial Audtorium. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Natatorium is in disrepair and awaiting redevelopment. The pool was built in 1927 in the Hawaiian Beaux Arts Style in honor of those who perished in World War I.
Swim Note: Olympic Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku took the first swim in this ocean fed pool. Buster Crabbe and Johnny Weissmuller won events at the first swim meet held there.
Swim Note: The Natatorium is the starting point for the famous 2 1/2 mile Waikiki Rough Water Swim. The route was used in the world's first triathlon and the 2 1/2 miles became the standard distance for Ironman triathlons.
5 The Spas of Budapest
The City of Budapest sits on numerous thermal hot springs. Some of the baths go back to the days of the Ottoman Empire. Two of the most popular are the 100 Gellert Spa with it's incredible indoor pool and an outdoor wave pool
The Szechenyi Baths is one of the largest and has numerous indoor and outdoor pools. It also host a part on Saturday night that lasts till 4am.
Other baths include the Rudas Baths, Lukacs Bath, Kiraly Baths and the Casaszar Baths.
The incredible 100 year old indoor pool of the Gellert Spa
The Szechenyi Baths. Take the Yellow Line, one of the oldest subways in the world to the city park.
Beaches -
The Americas
Hidden Beach at Marieta Island. 22 Miles off the Coast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
My high school friend Lori Roman wrote me about this amazing place; " Great boat ride to get there and then you jump into the water and swim to the island, but to get to the beach you actually have to swim through a large tunnel to get inside. It is absolutely AMAZING!!"
After doing more research, there is some speculation that this beach may have been created back in the day when this remote island was used by the military for bombing practice. Regardless of how this crater was formed, this now National Park is a spectacular site.
Waikiki Beach and the The War Memorial Natatorium - Waikiki, Hawaii
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Natatorium is in disrepair and awaiting redevelopment. The pool was built in 1927 in the Hawaiian Beaux Arts Style in honor of those who perished in World War I.
Olympic Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku took the first swim in this ocean fed pool. Buster Crabbe and Johnny Weissmuller won events at the first swim meet held there.
As for the Waikiki Beach, it's the most famous beach in the world where Duke Kahanamoku once was a beach boy.
Beaches - Asia and The Pacific
Coron Palawan - Philippines
Sone say this may be the most beautiful place on earth. This island in the Philippines with a number of beaches and lakes is truly spectacular. Divers can explore Japanese shipwrecks from WWII. Jungle and kayak tours of the lakes, cliffs and beaches makes this paradise for the adventurous.
Pools
Piscine Molitor - Paris, France
The Piscine Molitor is noted for the introduction of the bikini in 1946 by designer Louis Reard. It is also the inspiration for the name of the main character in the book and film 'The Life of Pi."
The pool and hotel were built in 1929 but fell into disrepair and was closed in 1989. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2014.
The Piscine Molitor is also famous for the introduction of the bikini during a fashion show in 1946 by designer Louis Reard
The World's First Bikini, introduced at a fashion show at Paris' Piscine Molitor
The Piscine Molitor at it's low point.
The Piscine Molitor today
The Venetian Pool - Coral Gables, Fla
From the City of Coral Gables Website -The Venetian Pool is an aquatic facility unlike any other in the country. It has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people from all over theworld,and is still one of the main tourist attractions for those visiting the City of Coral Gables.
The pool was created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry, where much of the original coral rock was used to border and further accentuate the pool. It also features two large historic lookout towers, with a view to the City Beautiful.
The 820,000 gallon pool is fed with spring water from an underground aquifer. In the spring and summer seasons, the pool is filled and drained daily!
Hot Springs
The Spas of Budapest (6)
The City of Budapest sits on numerous thermal hot springs. Some of the baths go back to the days of the Ottoman Empire. Two of the most popular are the 100 Gellert Spa with it's incredible indoor pool and an outdoor wave pool
The Szechenyi Baths is one of the largest and has numerous indoor and outdoor pools. It also host a part on Saturday night that lasts till 4am.
Other baths include the Rudas Baths, Lukacs Bath, Kiraly Baths and the Casaszar Baths.
The incredible 100 year old indoor pool of the Gellert Spa
The Szechenyi Baths. Take the Yellow Line, one of the oldest subways in the world to the city park.
Berkely Springs - WestVirginia Coming Soon
San Antonio Hot Springs - New Mexico Coming Soon
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs - Idaho Coming Soon
Travertine Hot Springs - California Coming Soon
Tolovana Srpings - Alaska Coming Soon
Banff Upper Hot Springs - Alberta, Canada Coming Soon
Harrison Hot Springs - British Columbia, Canada Coming Soon
Must See It To Believe it
The Antique Pool of Pamukkale, Turkey - aka The Cleopatra Pool
I was lucky enough to visit this pool as a child when my dad was stationed in Turkey at a US Air Force Base. I have never forgotten the white cliffs of Pamukkale (Turkish for 'Cotton Castle') or the Antique Pool
According to legend, this pool was made as a gift by Mark Anthony to Cleopatra. An earthquake in the 7th century toppled the marble columns into the pool, and today you are allowed to swim among the ruins.
The King's Pond - Hualalai Resort, Kona Hawaii
This man made pond carved into the lava rock on the Hualalai Resort is filled with water from the adjacent beach and stocked with a variety of aquatic life. It's literally like swimming in a giant aquarium.
Side Note: The Rainbow Reef at Disney's Aulani Hawaii Resort was modeled after the King's Pond.
NLand SurfPark - Austin, Tx
The Size of 11 football fields, this man made wave runs thru the middle of the lagoon and has three different skill levels. Multiple people can ride the wave at one time.
The best part is that after the wave passes, you can literally walk back to the line up and wait for the next wave, eliminating the exhausting swim back.
If you are learning to surf, this artificial wave will allow you to catch more waves in an hour than you would catch in three days. You'll be amazed how quickly your form will improve
There aren't many cities in the US that have reclaimed their rivers for swimming. Portland is one of the few. In 2010, a $1.4 Billion public works project diverted sewage from spilling into the river. Since then the Human Access Project has worked to clean up the shoreline and promote urban swimming. The HAP even has a swim team, the River Huggers, that swims across the river 5 days a week
Kuang Si Falls - Laos
Most travelers stick to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia when exploring Southeast Asia. But many have ventured into Laos to discover some the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Perhaps the most famous and best for swimming in Kuang Is Falls. Make sure you discover all the different levels.
Swimming Holes
Nature made this inland swimming holes and often man improved upon it. Regardless, pack you suit and towel and don't miss this great swimming holes
The Swimming Holes of Central Texas (5)
The San Antonio - Austin corridor host some of the most unique urban pools in the USA.
San Antonio's San Pedro Park is one of the oldest parks on the continent, appointed as public land by King Phillip V of Spain in 1729. The park hosts the recently rebuilt San Pedro Springs pool. The cypress trees that surround the rebuilt pool originally surrounded the original spring fed pool.
Old Postcard featuring San Antonio's San Pedro Springs
Landa Park in New Braunfels and Barton Springs in Austin offer to unique urban spring fed oasis' in the middle of modern communities.
Austin also features 2 other spring fed pools with traditional structures, the Deep Eddy Pool and the Big Stacy Pool, the later that is fed with warm Artesian Well Water and is open year round.
Barton Springs - Austin
Balmorhea State Park, Texas. World's Largest Spring Fed Pool
The amazing thing about the oasis in the middle of West Texas, is that it's deep enough to scuba dive. If you live in El Paso, this is the nearest place to get certified. If you're not aware of the pool's existence, it's kind of surprising to see Scuba shops along the dusty highways of West Texas.
The pool also has it's own species of pupfish that can only be found at the springs of the state park.
The Spring Fed Pool, (72 Degrees year round)
Hamilton Pool - Dripping Springs, Texas
One of the most unique swimming holes in Texas is Hamilton Pool near Dripping Springs. Because of the popularity of this spring filled natural pool complete with waterfall, reservations are required for this public park
Hamilton Pool near Austin, Tx
Rooftop Quarry - Monroe County, Indiana
Made famous in the Oscar Nominated film Breaking Away, the quarry is actually on private property and still owned by the Indiana Limestone Company. Swimming in the quarry has become a rite of passage for undergrads at Indiana University along with Bloomington townsfolk, albeit, an illegal rite of passage and you are trespassing on private property
Homestead Crater - Utah
This beehive dome east of Park City, Utah, hides a one of a kind geothermal spring,
consistently heated at 96 degrees.
Deep enough for scuba divers, you might find yourself floating next to someone from nearby Salt Lake City getting certified. A tunnel (and a seemingly out of place door) through the rock provides access to the therapeutic waters. You might also recognize the crater from the movie '127 Hours'
Umauma Falls - Big Island, Hawaii
More known for it's ziplines that pass over 22 falls, you can also spend the day down below enjoying a variety of pools at the bottom of one of many waterfalls. Note: the water can often be cold, as much of it originates from melted snow atop the 14,000 ft Mauna Kea
The Waterfall Used in the Movie 'South Pacific' - Kauai, Hawaii. On Private Land
For many years, this spot was not only open to the public, it was on tourist maps. Used in the filming of the movie South Pacific, this spot is known for it's flume / waterfall.
The spot is on private land but a few years ago is was on the market for a mere 7 Million Dollars.
Ahalanui Warm Pond and the Pokoiki Hot Pond - Big Island, Hawaii (2)
The Ahalanui Warm Pond is safely separated from the ocean with by a retaining wall. The pool features a mixture of salt water and spring water that is heated from underground lava (actually Magma). How often is your swimming experience enhanced by newly formed molten hot rock from an active volcano (water temp, a comfortable 90 degrees).
Nearby in the Isaaac Hale State Park is a collapsed Lave tube that offers a much smaller but similar experience. The Pohoiki Hot Pond provides a refreshing dip abut 100 feet from the shore.
The Ahalanui Warm Pond
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - Week Wachee, Florida
The spring fed pool with its white sands and limestone walls is so popular that the park often fills up on summer days. The source of the spring is so deep that it's never been found and is so strong that it can knock off a scuba divers mask. A number of thrilling water slides have been built that empty into Weeki Wachie Springs.
Perhaps this park is better known for they Mermaid Show. Once one of America's favorite roadside attractions, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Mermaid Show in the Submerged Theatre has been convincing motorists to pull off the highway since 1947
The Swimming Holes of the Mad River Valley, Vermont
Lareau Swim Hole - Waitsfield, Vermont
Located in the Mad River Valley, this watering hole off the Mad River is a longtime summer gathering place. However, it wasn't until 2002, that the city developed this the local watering hole into a city park after a State salt shed nearby flooded. The state gave the land to the city, who made Labeau Swim Hole more accessible.
Warren Falls - Warren, Vermont
Located just off scenic Route 100 in the Mad River Valley, Warren Falls is known for its crystal clear waters and a variety of jumping spots. The falls is just one of many swimming spots along the Mad River, but it is perhaps the most popular do to its depth and the granite cliffs the surround the swimming hole. There is a small parking lot at the trail head, but the spot can get crowded on a warm day
Slide Rock State Park - Sedona, Arizona - Coming Soon
A Cure For The Blues
Blue Lagoon - Iceland Coming Soon
Blue Hole - Santa Rosa, NM Coming Soon
The Great Blue Hole - Belize Coming Soon
Writer Bonnie Tsui - Author of Why We Swim -
Her 5 Places to Swim Before Your Die.
We recently had Bonnie Tsui on our Travel Podcast and asked her to come up with her top 5 places to swim before you die.
Neptune Pool - Hearst Castle - California
Perhaps the world's most opulent pool experience. Built by William Randolph Hearst, it will cost you about $1000 to swim in this pool, which is only open a few times a year and only as a fundraiser for the upkeep of the castle. The pool recently was renovated and restored to it's former glory.
Swim Note: When the weather wasn't perfect, Hearst could choose to swim in his indoor Roman Pool which was even more opulent
Ala Moana Beach - Oahu, Hawaii
Perhaps the most popular beach on Oahu, not only does it offer perfect sands and warm ocean waters, it's located in the heart of Honolulu across from the famed Ala Moana Shopping Center
Roof Top Pool - Intercontinental Hotel - Hong Kong
Only available to hotel guest, this amazing pool with its infinitely edge makes it seem possible to swim out into Victoria Harbor. Bonnie Tsui said it was like swimming among the Hong Kong's skyscrapers
Tunnels Beach - Kauai, Hawaii
This crescent shaped moon on Hawaii's Garden Isle is an ideal spot for surfing, snorkeling, windsurfing for just hanging on the beach.
Cyclades - Greece
Situated in the Aegean Sea, these islands draw millions of visitors a year. The names refers to the fact that the islands form a circle (in English it literally means "circular islands." Not only do the islands offer incredible beaches, they also offer stunning architecture and a rich example of Greek life.
And the 1000 Place to Swim - The Final Listing
1000 - The Devils Pool at Victoria Falls in Africa
On Livingstone Island in Zambia, high atop the world's highest falls, Victoria Falls, is an amazing swimming spot, the Devil's Pool. At the very edge of this natural infinity pool is the Devil's Armchair, a ledge that keeps you from going over the edge and falling over 300 feet. A guide must take you to the exact spot and there is only a few months a year you can access the Devil's Pool.
Watch the video and I think you'll agree why this is our final place to swim before you die.
Listen to our Travel With Hawkeye Podcast where we discuss our favorite places to swim
And please leave a comment of places to add to the list
We recently got back from a bucket list experience, a ski trip to Chamonix, France. Two quick observations:
1: It was as charming an experience as we had hoped and imagined. It's a small village of about 10,000 people that is nestled in the French Alps with many skiing options.
2: It was actually less expensive to travel and ski for a week in Chamonix, France than it would have been for us to ski in Colorado. This is mainly do to the cost of lift tickets in the US; $200+ a day for the US vs $60 dollars a day for Chamonix. More on this later.
There was so much information on line about Chamonix that I found a bit confusing, that I thought I could share a few tips that might make your planning and visit easier.
Getting There
The easiest way to get to Chamonix is to fly into Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva is about an hour drive to Chamonix.
From Geneva to Chamonix there are a variety of shuttles that will take you directly from the airport to Chamonix. We used a company called Mountain Drop Offs, which we booked online before our visit. Mountain Drops Offs has an easy to find booth in the airport, to connect with your driver, which helps you by pass the number of drivers that are holding up signs looking passengers.
Because they are all part of the European Union, getting from Switzerland to France is as easy as crossing from one US state into another. Once we got out of the airport, we didn't need our passports at all.
I might recommend staying a day or two in Geneva on your way back to the US. Geneva is a stunning city situated on a beautiful lake and we enjoyed our final day of the trip discover this Swiss gem. Ask you hotel concierge about Geneva's Old Town.
Lodging - Where to stay
Chamonix has a wide variety of hotels and Airbnb's for rental at all different price points. I might suggest staying closer to the actually town of Chamonix rather than one of the many small towns in the valley. The town is very walkable and has an excellent free bus system to all the different ski area.
The small towns in the valley are quite charming, but they are also limiting with entertainment, shopping and dining options. Also, staying in a smaller city has limited transportation options. If you are staying in Chamonix, you do not need to rent a car because of the town's walkability and the number of free transportation options to various ski areas.
We stayed at an airbnb that was actual more affordable than ones we've rented before in Utah and Colorado. I encourage you to check out those options as well
Buses in Chamonix - Chamonix has an excellent public transportation system and renting a car often isn't worth the time. Parking can also be a challenge. The buses to the 4 Chamonix ski areas are free (more below) and are both convenient and frequent. Almost everyone rides the bus and it's a great way to meet other skiers and get info about the area from other tourists. You might hear about needing a freeGuest Card to ride the bus. We had one but never saw a bus driver ask for it.
The are three main bus stops that every tourists should know.
Chamonix Sud Terminal (Chamonix South) - This is the main bus terminal in town, and just about every bus passes through here. You can also catch buses to other resorts and towns outside of Chamonix.
Chamonix Central - This large stop is the on the north side of downtown. This is a very convenient stop for trips to Brevent ski area, so you don't have to walk up the hill.
Place Mont Blanc - This large plaza in the middle of town is also a convenient bus stop to head out to La Flegere, Grand Montets and La Tour ski areas.
But I Don't Speak French
Chamonix is a town that caters to tourist. Though a majority of the tourist are French, I encountered only a handful of town's people who didn't speak English. I have a small knowledge of French and every time I attempted to use it, I was kindly interrupted with, "That's okay, I speak english"
We actually met a Irish driver on our way back to Geneva who worked in Chamonix for three years and never learned any French. So of he can get by, you can too.
Skiing in Chamonix
Passes -There are different passes that you can get to ski in Chamonix and the surrounding areas. Both are very affordable as compared to US resorts. My 5 day Chamonix LePass was over $700 cheaper than a 5 day pass in Colorado.
Chamonix LePass - There are four different ski areas that your Chamonix LePass pass will allow you to visit, plus the beginners slopes in town.
The four resorts of Chamonix are Brevent, La Flegere, Grand Montets and Le Tour. For most skiers, this pass will suffice and allow you to experience Chamonix.
Brevent - Brevent is located right above the city of Chamonix. You can see the easily cable car that goes to the top of the mountain. You can walk to the lift, but it is all uphill and few people choose this. Most hop on the free bus that takes to gondola.
BUS TO BREVENT: Catch the Brevent Bus (Number 14) at either the Chamonix Sud station or the Chamonix Central Stop. You are supposed to show a guest card to get on the bus, which your hotel can give to you, but honestly I never saw anyone ever show it. Everyone just crowds on the the bus.
Brevent is probably the most popular resort. It connects to La Flegere by cable car, so you can easily visit both in one day. Most people refer to this as Brevent - Flegere, as if it one large resort. At the top of the mountain there is an additional cable car that will take you to the very top for spectacular views. The runs on the top of this cable car are the most challenging, so most just travel for the view and ride back down.
There is also a beginners area at the base of the main Gondola if you have never skied before.
La Flegere - Connected to Brevent by cable car, Le Flegere offers a variety of terrain just outside the city center. Like Brevent, you need to take a cable car to the top of the mountain, where the resort is located.
Getting to La Flegere - There are two ways to get to La Flegere, the first is the free bus. You can catch the #2 La Tour Bus from either the Chamonix Sud station, the Chamonix Central stop or at the Place Mont Blanc, the large open plaza in the middle of town. The bus comes frequently so you won't have to wait long. It will most likely be packed with skiers as this bus stops at both Grand Montets and La Tour.
You can also get to La Flegere by simply skiing to the resort from Brevent. There is a cable car you ski to that connects the resort. The cable car between the resorts is free with your lift ticket
TIP - If you intended to ski both Brevent and La Flegere on the same day, which most people do, it might be easier to start in La Flegere depending on where your hotel / apartments located.
Grand Montets - Grand Montets is the largest and most challenging of the 4 Chamonix resorts. It was wide open bowls that attract hearty skiers after a fresh snowfall. It is located about ten minutes away from Chamonix in the town of Argentière.
Getting to Grand Montets - You can catch the #2 La Tour Bus from either the Chamonix Sud station, the Chamonix Central stop or at the Place Mont Blanc, the large open plaza in the middle of town. The bus comes frequently so you won't have to wait long. The buses are modern and have a video display on what the next stop is. It's pretty obvious though when you are pulling up to the resorts.
La Tour - La Tour is the last stop on the #2 Bus and the final of the four Chamonix resorts to visit. It is the most friendly to intermediate skiers. It features gentle wide open bowls that are fun for both the intermediate and the advanced skier. La Tour has two entry points, and if you choose you can ski or take the cable car down to the small town of Vallorcine.
Ski into Switzerland! - The last chair of the resorts (on the very left of the trail map) follows the border of Switzerland. If you care to, you can take the off piste open bowl run off the the left of the chair, you will be in Switzerland. I caution you to plan your way back to the main run before you hit the tree line.
Getting to La Tour - La Tour is the final stop on the #2 La Tour Free Bus. You can catch the #2 La Tour Bus from either the Chamonix Sud station, the Chamonix Central stop or at the Place Mont Blanc, the large open plaza in the middle of town. The bus comes frequently so you won't have to wait long. The buses are modern and have a video display on what the next stop is. It's pretty obvious though when you are pulling up to the resorts.
Getting to La Tour by Train - There is also a wonderful train that takes you to the town of Vallorcine that is also free with your Guest Card or 5 Euros without. You can buy a ticket from the conductor. Vallorcine is a very small town with a gondola lift to the ski area. Coming home by train - the train leaves at :10 after the hour. If you miss the train, you must wait another hour for it to return or ski back through the resort to La Tour. The bus does not stop in Vallorcine.
Waiting for the train in Vallorcine
Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass - This pass is slightly more and will allow you to visit a number of areas outside of the Chamonix area. It also allows you to take advantage of some really great attractions such as the recreation center and the indoor pool.
Additional Ski Areas -
Les Houches - The Mount Black Unlimited Pass allows you to ski at all the resorts and beginners areas in Chamonix. It also also you to ski at Les Houches, which is a great family area. Bus #1 from the Chamonix Sud station or Chamonix Center station will take you there
TIP - Les Houches is pronounced; "Lai Zouche", with a silent 'H' and the 'S' from Les forming a 'Z' sound. I pass this along because I was mispronouncing this for several days trying to find information about the resort and no one knew what I was talking about.
Courmayeur - Courmayeur is an extensive ski area just across the border in Italy. Your Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass allows you to ski here also. The trip by bus takes about an hour and travels through a tunnel under Mont Blanc. The bus is not free, but can be booked online and caught at the Chamonix Sud station.
Other attractions: Aiguille Du Midi - This lookout high atop the alps within shouting distance of Mont Blanc is an attraction in itself. At over 12,000 feet, the view is spectacular. There is a cluster of lookouts, shops and restaurants at the top and in the summer you can take a gondola into Italy across the glacier. Your Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass allows you to take the 2 cable cars that reach the top.
Atop the Aiguille Du Midi
Montenvers Mer De Glass - This small rail line (starting in its own train station across from the main train station) takes you up the mountain to see the famed Mer De Glass glacier, (translation: Sea of Ice) The glacier has melted significantly in the past 40 years and one must now take a gondola down to the ice cave that is built into the glacier. It's a fun daytime excursion.
The Ice Cave built into the glacier
Skiing the Vallee Blanche -
One of the true adventure and lures of Chamonix is a trip down the Vallee Blanch, a 20K trip from the Aiguille Du Midi to the Montenvers station. This off piste trip is one of the reasons many go to Chamonix. It's not the most difficult off piste runs, mostly feeling like a long blue run, but there were a few parts that had moguls and your speed needed to be checked. Skiers attempting the Vallee Blanch will need the following.
A Guide: A guide can be reserved for yourself or your group before you leave for Chamonix. A guide is a necessity because of the number of ice crevices, lack of signage and multiple paths down the mountain. The Guide company has been a fixture in Chamonix for over 100 years and are wonderful part of the local flavor. Your guide will call you the day before your trip to co-ordiante at meeting place.
Time - Plan for your trip to take most of the day. We left at 9am and spent about an hour getting to the top, checking out the view from Aiguille Du Midi and preparing ourselves for the trip down. The beginning of the trek includes a short, hair raising hike with crampons along a narrow ridge to a plateau where you can strap on your skies. You will be roped to your guide for this portion of the trip. From the plateau, we spent about two to three hours making it down, not rushing but enjoying the experience.
Passes - Having the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass comes in handy because it allows you to ride the cable cars up to Aiguille Du Midi and at the end the Montenvers railroad back into town. The cable car to the top is located a few blocks south of the Chamonix Sud bus station.
Equipment - The only special equipment I need was a small backpack that had multiple straps to attach my skis and poles while traveling to the top. Water and snacks are also welcomed. Other than that, your regular kit for skiing is appropriate. Your guide will supply you with crampons for the hike and avalanche safety gear.
It took me a few days to figure out how to get around the Chamonix valley and how to take advangtage of everything the town offers. I hope this answers a few questions you may have about a trip to Chamonix. It's one of many ski trips I have taken to Europe and it was one of the most enjoyable and most accessible. If you have further questions, you can e mail me from my website, TravelWithHawkeye.com.
