Chamonix

Chamonix is in a league of its own. You ski between 950 and 3,275 metres, with 16 black runs that are not there for decoration, and the valley has breathed mountaineering since it hosted the first Winter Games in 1924. You come for Mont Blanc, for the Aiguille du Midi and for descents you will still be talking about years later. That said, there are greens and blues aplenty for beginners. And the town itself, cafés and all, is worth it without touching the snow.