Has anyone ever gone from Chamonix to Italy? Do you have to go through the tunnel or is there a mountain pass you can drive? Is it worth it? Any recommendations on what to do once in Italy... we're thinking of going for a day trip in September, and are hoping for lunch/village reccies. Thanks!

I'm sure there must be something as the Mont Blanc tunnel was closed for something like two years after the tragic fireball collision there.<BR><BR>I've driven TO Chamonix, approaching it from Switzerland (I think we were coming from Gstaad), and you climb up a breathtaking near-sheer meountain wall, one hair pin turn at a time, with extraordinary views of the valley below at various points.<BR><BR>I'll be interested to hear what replies you get about crossing over into Italy. I suspect that it is a very long drive if you do not use the Mont Blanc tunnel.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Karen,<BR>What's a "reccies"? <BR>Chamonix is worth a trip and with the tunnel open, you can visit Courmayeur on the Italian side - you can take a series of cable cars and do the same thing but it may not be your cup of tea. The closest drivable mountain pass (that I'm aware of) is San Bernardo but that's a good bit out of the way from Chamonix. <BR><BR>Both towns offer absolutely spectacular views, hiking and great food but in a lot of ways they're kinda the same (my $0.02). <BR><BR>Pently of web info. is available at:<BR>http://www.courmayeur.net/<BR>http://www.chamonix.net/english/home.htm<BR>http://www.chamonix.com/ official site - french only.<BR>hth,

The tunnel was closed when we went there in 2000. We took the mountain pass road which also had a fee. It was beautiful, and no worse than driving Independance Pass here in Colorado. I think there were guardrails in Europe, and there aren't many here.

Hi GB - thanks. I grew up in Colorado so am not afraid of passes. How long did it take you? Is it about the same time as Leadville to Aspen? Where did you go in the Val d'Aosta?

Karen: We drove through the Mont Blanc tunnel in June. The view of Chamonix from the parking lot near the tunnel is terrific. There is also a nice hiking trail up toward the glacier from the parking lot.<BR>It costs money to go through the tunnel, but I've forgotten how much. We drove straight on to Sirmione at Lake Garda from Chamonix.<BR>Pam B.<BR>

I don't remember how long, but it was pretty long. It seems like it was well over an hour from Martigny to Chamonix with it being all climb and descent. Seems like the price of $ 13 or 18 sticks in my head. The tunnel costs more. I also recall a couple of false summits to the top. There's an interesting stop near the border with stuffed Saint Bernards.From Aosta, the time might be a little different. The three countries converge there. SInce I didn't take the tunnel, I have no comment about it. But, the pass road was gorgeous and enjoyable. I'd choose view over a tunnel any day.<BR>We just drove through Aosta without a stop, choosing to visit Martigny instead.

up, and over.<BR>