Regional map

Key: Chamonix:

Local featured map

Chamonix is surrounded by a wide range of interests from local accommodation (five) to various museums and churches.

Where is it?

Chamonix is situated on the eastern border of France/Italy surrounded by three major cities; Lyon, Geneva and Grenoble, all of which being west of Chamonix. This extreme environment is present 203km north-east of the city Grenoble, taking approximately two hours to reach Chamonix via the A41. Its present in the north-westerly part of the Alps, just 15 km from the Swiss border via the Col des Montets and 15 km from Italy via the Mont-Blanc tunnel. The Swedish city Lausanne, only 115km north of Chamonix, is located 3 hour 34 minutes from Chamonix, with a more accessible, shorter route than the journey between a city within its own country (Grenoble).

Winter and summer attractions

Attractions: Human Physical

Chamonix is easily accessible via road (French A40),railway and close to airports, enabling tourists from all over the world to visit. Summer Overall there are more activities available in the summer than the winter. Firstly Chamonix appeals to sport loversExtreme adventure sports. Climbing, mountaineering and walking around a town 1035 metres above sea level fully combines adventure with sightseeing. Furthermore, Mount Blanc (4807m high) being the highest mountain peak in Europe is good for climbing, skiing and hiking. There are several bolder spots, south facing walls ranging from 4a to 6b and even an indoor climbing wall for tourists to climb if bad weather occurs. The Aiguille Rouge nature reserve is not to be missed and is a great way to view the beautiful alpine scenery as well as paragliding. The terrain offers opportunities for tourists to cycle cross country, downhill, and even road tracks. This attraction has been proven to appeal to many. Moreover, due to the snow melting off the hills, rafting becomes a very popular activity in the summer months as the rivers current speeds up. Consisting of eighteen holes, Chamonixs golf course is open for May until the next snow fall, open to adults and children for tuition. The leisure park provides for children of all ages, with activities such as the tree top adventure taking place. Popular rides around Chamonix include journeys to Mer de Glace travelling by the red train, as well as taking cable cars that travel up to 2 miles high taking around 20 minutes to reach Frances largest Glacier. Winter Winter activities in Chamonix range from skiing/touring and snowboarding to dog sledding. In total there are five ski resorts, one of which having a 20km ski run. The Valee Blanche glacier and the Grande Motte glacier run from Mount Blanc to the valley below, showing off the spectacular views. Also when the weather is colder, the Alpine Museum is open, providing additional amusement.

Other Attractions (human)

1. Accommodation: Chamonix offers levels of luxury from 1 to 5 stars (chalets, hotels, guest houses, hostels and apartments) From the map you can identify numerous hotels, making it clear that Chamonix is a popular tourist destination. 2. Chamonix night life and bars: The resort contains: bars, cafs, lounges and night clubs: chamber 9 and MOO bar are examples of popular bars where extreme skiers tend to be found. The microbreweries have the very best beer, AprsSki snacks and most delicious dinners in town, appealing to tourists.
These attractions are the modernised part of Chamonix. They are the rejuvenated areas within the resort.

Social impacts

Key: Negative Positive

There is a lot of part-time ownership of properties by tourists. This changes the culture/atmosphere of the villages in a manner that deprives locals of their independence, allowing leakage into more economically developed countries to occur. Local and traditional jobs are lost to lower skilled seasonal jobs for tourists. Consequently, this creates rivalry between the two groups. Many tourists in the area drive up property prices for the locals creating conflict.

Noise pollution is caused by bars and nightclubs as people (tourists) enjoy the Aprs Ski Scene inconveniencing and annoying locals.

Environmental impacts
1. Air pollution from traffic has increased since tourist visitations have increased. This is due to tourists travelling by aeroplanes and cars due to the long distances. 2. Mass tourism activities can create unwelcome noise and damage to the environment, which can detract from the enjoyment of those seeking more peaceful activities such as walking or bird watching with local people. Farm animals can be harmed by thoughtless actions of tourists, such as leaving gates open or dropping litter. 3. Global warming is forcing ski resorts to higher altitudes, which are more ecologically sensitive (relating to or concerned with the relation of living organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings). 4. A huge amount of energy is used to run facilities for tourists e.g. The hotels, lifts, cable cars and snow cannons. This releases CO2 into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming. 5. Now cannons are used to artificially create snow from local fresh water supplies. 6. Mountain footpaths have become eroded due to the sheer volume of visitors, both walking and using mountain bikes.

Economic impacts
Tourists create employment for local people in hotels and restaurants, in sports facilities and as guides and instructors, economically benefiting the people of Chamonix. The shops, cafes and restaurants are tourist-orientated and expensive. Local people often have to pay more for everyday items.

Construction and maintenance jobs for local people are generated as development takes place within the alpine town (indoor climbing walls, restaurants and accommodation). Moreover, there are big improvements in the infrastructure of the resorts and nearby towns and transport routes.
The extra income supports local services such as shops and amenities. Skiing creates a lot of seasonal employment on the slopes and in the apres-ski activities.

How can these impacts be managed?

Free public transport on low emission buses is provided (by local council) for tourists to reduce emissions. A car sharing scheme exists to link people together. Some hotels have reduced their energy use by installing solar panels, low energy light bulbs and lights on timers. Espace Mont-Blanc region has been divided into intensive zones, with housing, hotels, restaurants and ski lifts etc. And extensive zones without significant infrastructure to protect the fragile mountain habitats. First aid trained mountain guides are available for walkers and climbers. Current projects include: Renovating and preserving historic buildings and monuments. Burying service networks such as electricity lines underground. Preserving natural wetlands and peat bogs. Minimising the impact of skiing on the landscape by planting trees and using local building materials that blend in with the natural environment. Maintaining and way-marking footpaths and cleaning rivers - this provides seasonal employment for local people Supporting local traditional employment sectors, particularly farming.(+ social)

Key: Environmental Economic Social

Revision links
http://onlinegeography.wikispaces.com/Glacial+Tourism
http://www.geographical.co.uk/Magazine/Chamonix_-_Oct_09.html

http://geographyfieldwork.com/Tests/LoginGlaciation.htm