CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC

internationally known mountain resort in the French Alps, Haute-Savoie dpartement, Rhne-Alpes region, west of Annecy. It is situated at an elevation of 3,402 feet (1,037 m) on both sides of the Arve River, which rises in the Sea of Ice, largest of Mont Blanc's glaciers. The peaks of the rugged mountain chain of Brvent and Rouges rise to the northwest above the right bank, while the snow-clad chain that includes Mont Blanc (15,771 feet ), the highest mountain in western Europe, towers on the southeast above the left bank. Chamonix is the starting point for the ascent of Mont Blanc. The resort is connected by the highest cable-car system in the world, almost to the summit of Mount Midi (12,605 feet ); the cable car begins its ascent at 3,399 feet (1,036 m) and rises to 12,434 feet (3,790 m). Several other cable cars connect the town to Alpine heights. Pop. (1982) 7,406.