Voices from the Margins

Throughout Chamonix's history, certain voices have been marginalized or silenced. Women, despite maintaining households and businesses during men's absences, were excluded from professional guiding until the 1980s. Workers from Italy, Portugal, and North Africa, who built much of modern Chamonix, rarely appear in official histories.

"I arrived from Algeria in 1962 to work construction," shares Ahmed Benali, now 82. "The mountains didn't care about my papers or accent. But the valley society—that took longer to accept us. My grandchildren are Chamoniards now, but I still sometimes feel like a guest."

Contemporary Chamonix increasingly acknowledges these diverse contributions. The election of Farah Bensalem, daughter of Tunisian immigrants, to the municipal council represents changing demographics and attitudes. Young Chamoniards of varied backgrounds climb, guide, and shape the valley's future.