Top Mountains in France

If you're heading up to Aiguille du Midi, try to go right when it opens at 8:10 AM. The views are breathtaking with fewer crowds, plus you can snap some amazing pics without the lines. Trust me, it's worth the early wake-up!

Plan a ‘rest day’ to explore Chamonix town! I thought I’d just ski non-stop, but really enjoyed seeing the shops and trying the local cuisine on my day off. It gave me a fresh energy boost for the next slopes!

If you're planning to ski, buy your lift pass online a day in advance... I learned the hard way and wasted an hour waiting in line... Check websites for deals, too; they often have promo prices that save a good amount of cash

I highly recommend checking out the local bakeries before hitting the slopes. Grab a few pastries and a coffee for breakfast—it’s not only delicious but way cheaper than buying food on the mountain. I found a great little spot called Pâtisserie Richard

Pack some snacks and water for hikes! I brought some trail mix and saved a ton on overpriced snacks at the view points. Plus, it kept the energy up while exploring!

If you’re into hiking, check out some trails before you go. Hiking paths are well marked, but I got lost for an hour. GPS works pretty well, though!

For the best sunset views, try to stick around until about 7 PM. The colors are stunning, but the wind can pick up, so a light jacket comes in handy!

I recommend taking the cable car up in the morning around 9 AM to avoid the crowds and catch the best views before it gets too hot and busy. Just check the weather forecast – it gets cloudy.

Snacks and water are essential! I spent way more on food at the top than I thought I would. Just grab a sandwich and drinks at the base to save some cash.

I suggest taking the first cable car up at around 8:10 AM. It's less crowded, and you'll have the observation deck nearly to yourself for those perfect sunrise photos!

I recommend buying your tickets online in advance. The lines can get super long, and trust me, waiting an hour in the cold isn't fun!

Check the weather before you go. I had a foggy day and couldn't see a thing! Clear skies in the morning are the best so plan accordingly.

I think it's a good idea to wear sturdy shoes. I wore my old sneakers and regretted it halfway up when they started to slip. Good grip is key!

I suggest bringing your own snacks and water. There are few places to buy food up there, and I spent too much on a sandwich at a small café. Pack well and save some cash!

My advice is to check the weather a day before and don’t trust it 100%. I got caught in a sudden rain shower! But it was still pretty fun, just not ideal.