There are very few times where people are speechless, consumed by wonder and amazement at the sight in front of them. Looking down from the summit of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, is one of those moments. While it borders Italy, Switzerland and France, one charming town in particular has gained a reputation among ski enthusiasts. The bustling village of Chamonix, France embodies European ski culture, with old fashioned ski chalets and stylish restaurants lining the snow-dusted streets. Yet one building stands out from the crowd. With white paint as crisp as snow, and window shutters powder blue like the sky, the ski Hotel Mont Blanc radiates charm and personality.

By mixing the tradition of European ski lodges with quirky design choices, it has become one of the most beloved ski resorts in Europe.

This French ski hotel was recently renovated with the help of French architect Sybille de Margerie, following the traditional architectural style of the Chamonix valley, but opting for a more modern design inside. Upon entering Hotel Mont Blanc, checkerboard marble flooring leads towards a grand, iron-rod staircase.

A four-story chandelier hangs down over the stairs, providing a modern accent to this one-hundred-year estate. With pops of color in rich jewel tones in the curtains and armchairs, the thrilling adventure of skiing in the French Alps is brought to life in this luxury ski hotel.

Chamonix, France was the home to the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924 and has certainly earned a reputation as one of the best ski destinations in the world. Since the first days of Hotel Mont Blanc in 1849, the resort has hosted elite travelers looking to explore the French Alps. Although this charming village was once full of palaces, the ski Hotel Mont Blanc still radiates royalty. With molded ceilings and grand chandeliers, this five-star hotel still stays true to its roots.

For guests looking for the best views of the mountains, the penthouse suite is the room to request. On the fifth floor of the resort, accessible only by a private staircase, large windows let in the light of this serene landscape. With a large soaking tub next to the bay window, guests can watch the snow sprinkle down after a long day of skiing in Chamonix, France. Vaulted ceilings and Juliet style balconies show off the original design of the estate, mixing the Chamonix tradition with contemporary furniture.

Each room is decorated with earth tones, and a wooden accent wall makes the perfect headboard for a king-sized bed. Frosted glass separates the bedroom from the bathroom, keeping the design light and airy like the views of the mountain. But the true luxury comes in the fine details. With heated towel racks and a Nespresso machine in each suite, this French ski resort assures guests are warm and cozy after a day on the slopes.

The first floor is Hotel Mont Blanc’s very own Michelin star restaurant. Le Matafan features seasonal dishes, inspired by the French Alps through the Mediterranean Basin. Always creating unique dishes, chef Mickey Bourdillat puts pride in his modern twist to traditional meals. Featuring a starter of candied tomatoes, mackerel filet, and burrata ice cream, Bourdillat transforms a classic Italian dish into a mouth-watering explosion of flavors. With protein such as roasted veal and Iberian pork as the star of the main courses, Le Matafan helps guests feel nourished after a day of skiing in Chamonix, France.

A wall made entirely out of cut logs brings the alpine charm into this formal dining room. With red velvet chairs and red place settings, Le Matafan brings romance and comfort into fine dining. At the bar, guests can enjoy gourmet cocktails such as the Apricot Winter, featuring apricot juice and Hennessy Cognac, incorporating a fresh flavor into a wintery drink. As the best place to begin your après ski experience, the bar offers traditional cocktails along with house-made drinks suited for everyone’s taste.

After a long day of skiing, this five-star hotel offers a luxury spa experience. The Spa by Clarins provides the perfect anecdote for sore muscles with a treatment unique to each guests’ wants and needs. As the ideal remedy for ski enthusiasts, the Special Mountain Skiing Treatment relaxes the body and eliminates muscle tension with a rejuvenating massage. Exclusively using Clarins products, the spa only practices the finest treatments that stimulate or relax the body, depending on each visitor’s preference.

When guests are looking for a longer break from the slopes, they find themselves at the Noon at the Spa treatment. Offering spa access to the steam rooms and sauna, a Clarins treatment, along with a starter, main dish, and dessert, this luxury package includes exactly what is needed for a morning or afternoon of pampering.

Providing a gourmet meal at the spa may seem strange to some but it helps nourish the body as well as the mind for guests in the need of rejuvenation. The Spa by Clarins provides this package for a comprehensive approach to well-being, perfect for all the avid skiers who need a physical and mental break.

As the ski Hotel Mont Blanc is located in the heart of Chamonix, there are plenty of opportunities for exploring the city after hitting the slopes. Many high-end shops, such as Chanel and Ralph Lauren, line the streets where guests can enjoy some retail therapy or stock up on any cold weather essentials that they forgot at Patagonia and North Face. During the warmer months, many travelers enjoy hiking through the mountains. By taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the Plan d’Aiugille station, guests can take in the serene landscape of the mountains as they enjoy a nice walk back down to Chamonix.

Known internationally as one of the top ski destinations in the world, Chamonix, France provides the best access to the highest mountain in Europe. With warm and inviting suites overlooking the mountains and a luxury spa experience, there is no better place to stay than the ski  Hotel Mont Blanc during your next European ski adventure. Offering an intimate experience in this town booming with character, the service and amenities at Hotel Mont Blanc are simply unmatched.