The highest cable car in the world travels from Chamonix to Plan de L'Aiguille (foreground) and then up to the summit of Aiguille du Midi (top right) at 3800m.

Many of the early climbers were British from the upper classes.  ‘Barons of Industry’ who - thanks to the industrial revolution, had lots of time to spare, included climbing in Chamonix in their Grand Tours.  Gentlemen took on this macho activity to impress the ladies who watched through telescopes from the hotel balconies.  However, It wasn’t long before these plucky young ladies joined in! 

 

There’s some debate as to who first brought skis into the valley in 1896, but it is well documented that by 1902- tired of getting stuck trying to wade through deep snow, Dr. Michel Payot decided he would adopt skis, was liberated and soon created the club des sports. 

 

Skiing was born in Chamonix over a hundred years ago.  Dr Payot and the Guide Joseph Ravanel Le Rouge completed a trek between Chamonix and Zermatt in 1903.  Within 5 years, Chamonix hosted the second international ski competition and the town recognised that it could expand its already well established summer season to be one of the best winter resorts.

 

Chamonix - a history of Mountaineering and Skiing

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And Now for some History…

 

Chamonix Mont Blanc - The world capital of mountaineering and the historic capital of skiing

The first summits were climbed at the end of the 18th century and with the first ascent of Mont-Blanc achieved at 6.23pm on 8th August 1786 by Dr Paccard and his mountain guide Jacques Balmat, was born the beginning of mountaineering.

Long before Grenoble (1968) and Albertville (1992), Chamonix hosted the first ever Winter Olympic Games in 1924. The exploits of great French champions such as James Couttet and Guy Périllat, have marked the history of skiing.

 

Find out more by visiting the Alpine Museum.

La Résidence
avenue Michel Croz
74400 Chamonix
Tel + 33( 0)4 50 53 25 93

Open 15.00—19.00

Daily from 20th December to 1st June

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