internationally known mountain resort in the French Alps, Haute-Savoie département, Rhône-Alpes région, west of Annecy. It is situated at an elevation of 3,402 feet (1,037 metres) 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 Brévent and Rouges rise to the northwest above the right bank, while the snow-clad chain that includes Mont Blanc (15,771 feet 【4,807 metres】), 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 【3,842 metres】); the cable car begins its ascent at 3,399 feet (1,036 metres) and rises to 12,434 feet (3,790 metres). Several other cable cars connect the town to Alpine heights. In 1924 Chamonix hosted the first Olympic Winter Games (Olympic Games). Pop. (1999) 9,829; (2007 est.) 9,086.