Chamonix

Chamonix on Mont Blanc, comprises six incredible resorts and is world renowned for extreme skiing. This bustling global village is packed full of thrill seekers, eager to push themselves to the limit on the endless steeps, deeps, cliffs and glaciers. Surprisingly, Chamonix also has more than enough to keep intermediates busy and get beginners on their feet. And even if you’re not skiing or boarding, the views here are to die for.

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Difficulty

Beginner 13%
Intermediate 35%
Advanced 52%

At a Glance

Terrain Area

762km

Summit

3,842m

Mt. Vertical

2,808m

Season

Dec-Apr

Lifts

69

Food & Bars

100

Accommodation Chamonix

Chamonix has a massive choice of accommodation, ranging from 5-star luxury to budget hotels, self-catered apartments and hostels. And the great thing is it’s all within easy reach of the village’s amazing restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. However, before you book your accommodation it’s important to plan where you’re most likely to be skiing. Chamonix’s six different ski areas are spread out and you will need to take shuttle buses to get to and from the lifts each day – the shuttles can be crowded so you may want to be skiing as close to your accommodation as possible. Because the village and its ski areas are so scattered, Chamonix is not ideal for families unless your children are fantastic, intrepid skiers – at the end of each day you could find yourself lugging your kids as well as your gear back to the hotel!

Skiing & Boarding

Chamonix comprises six ski areas with only two of them (Brévent and La Flégère) linked by cable car – the others necessitate bus transfer. Consider booking a guide who will drive you to and from slopes that best suit your ability and the conditions. If you’re an advanced skiers or boarder, head to Brévent and La Flégère where you’ll find groomed runs, powder bowls and, with a small hike, outstanding off-piste areas. Brévent and La Flégère also offer superb views of Mont Blanc on a fine day. Grands Montets, with its steep, wide, mostly off-piste runs is also favoured by advanced skiers and often the best spot for powder. Here you’ll also find a snow park and boardercross. From the top of Aiguille Du Midi there’s only one way down and because of the crevasses, it requires safety equipment and a guide. In the right conditions, strong intermediates will enjoy this picturesque 20 minute descent. Balme and Les Houches are for beginners and intermediates with more relaxed conditions, picturesque tree runs and gentle slopes.

Activities

When it comes to activities, Chamonix is not for the faint hearted. If you’re into speed, take the chance to experience speed riding (skiing and paragliding combined) or heli-skiing n Italy Something more leisurely? Try paragliding and snow-kiting. Something more extreme? Now’s the time to try ice climbing. Alternative, you can experience ski joering (skiing behind horses), dog sledding, or ski touring. While you’re in Chamonix, don’t miss a gondola ride to the top of Aiguille Du Midi (and back down unless you’re an expert with all the equipment and a guide). It’s also worth taking a journey on the historic Montenvers Mer de Glace rack railway, built in 1908, to see the Glaciorium (France’s longest glacier) and an ice cave. Chamonix has ice skating, pools, spas, gyms, cinemas, a casino, and a massive choice of restaurants, bars and shops.

Getting There & Around

Getting to Chamonix is easy as it’s just an hour’s drive by car from Geneva. If you prefer not to drive, consider flying into Geneva, then take one of many frequent shuttle buses direct to Chamonix. It’s also possible to take a fast train to Chamonix from Paris (Friday to Sunday), or via Annecy (Monday to Thursday). Once you’re in Chamonix, it is easy to get around on foot, and in fact the main street of the village is closed to vehicles. A shuttle bus is available to transport you to and from the various ski areas, around the village and to its outer areas.

How Far

Airport:
Geneva Airport 102km

Transfer:
1.5 hrs Bus or Drive

Our staff love...

Chamonix is the perfect ski village located at the base of Europe’s highest mountain – Mont Blanc. There’s endless choices for dining with over 100 restaurants, a pedestrian only precinct with shops offering everything from T -shirts to Chanel, historic churches, and pumping night life. For those who want a challenge, the Vallee Blanche is Europe’s longest ski run at over 22kms. The Mont Blanc pass allows you to ski all the mountains in the valley and also allows you to ski for a day on the Italian side of Mont Blanc in the resort of Courmayeur.

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Hotels in Chamonix

Alpina Hotel

4 star hotel located in the center of Chamonix, with a panoramic restaurant offering 180 view on The Mont-Blanc, Chamonix Center and The Brevent. Onsite rental shop, masseuse, parking, bar, restaurant, day spa with Jacuzzi, sauna & hammam.

Grand Hotel des Alpes

Built in 1840, The Grand Hotel des Alpes has always been a symbol of hospitality in Savoy. It is part of the history of Chamonix. Located in the center of Chamonix, a short walk from the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace, it offers the possibility to its guests, summer and winter, to enjoy the typical atmosphere of the city center and reach all of the enchanting places that surround it. Onsite free Wi-Fi, Lounge area, Spa and Wellness which includes a whirlpool, sauna & steam room. There is also a free shuttle to the Chamonix ski slopes (on request and on scheduled transfers).

Hotel Croix Blanche

Hotel Croix Blanche, founded in 1793, is an institution in the heart of Chamonix. Opened on the pedestrian street and a large garden, the charm and feel of this place will appeal to fans authenticity. More than a hotel or pub, you will discover an unforgettable atmosphere, quality service and discreet entertainment, especially after skiing, coaching a tasty traditional Savoyard cuisine. Free WiFi, parking, and restaurant on site.

Hotel Le Morgane

In the heart of Chamonix and at the foot step of the Aiguille du Midi cable car, Le Morgane has 56 modern, comfortable, and elegantly decorated rooms, all with a balcony or terrace, Amenities include: Indoor pool, spa, sauna, full service laundry, restaurant, bar, room service,

Hotel Prieure

3 star hotel recently renovated, located in the center of Chamonix. All our rooms are with Mont Blanc view. The bus stop to go to the lifts is 150m down the road or 6-minute walk from the Aiguille du Midi ski lift. Le Prieure also provides a bar with a piano and a fireplace. Onsite: Bar, restaurant, ski hire.

Hotel Richemond

Friendly hotel, run by the same family for three generations, offering all the charm of an era along with modern comforts. Located in the heart of the resort, close to the shuttle buses and halfway between the cable cars Aiguille du Midi and Brevent, it still has a large private parking area, a large sunny terrace facing Mont Blanc and a shaded garden. Onsite parking and recreational room.

Le Refuge Des Aiglons

Le Refuge des Aiglons completed a renovation in 2017. It is a cozy, modern, lively mountain lodge right in the middle of Chamonix with onsite concierge and ski shop. Onsite bar, restaurant, Deep Nature Spa, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, kids area, concierge, onsite ski shop.

Mercure Chamonix Centre

The Mercure Chamonix Centre hotel welcomes you to a contemporary Savoy setting. 4 stars hotel situated in the center of Chamonix, at immediate proximity of the train of the Montenvers, the gondola for the Aiguille du Midi and the center of Chamonix. After a day of skiing or hiking, relax with a drink at the Le 4810 bar, which offers an extensive cocktails and spirits menu, and enjoy a typical regional meal on the terrace of the La Corde restaurant overlooking Mont Blanc. Onsite parking, bar and restaurant, Wi-Fi, rental shop.

Residence Quartz Mont Blanc

Elegant apartments in the centre of Chamonix, with panoramic views to Mont Blanc. Equipped with the latest technology with wide screen TVs and free wireless internet. All apartments have balconies with mountain views, some with wood fire stoves and full kitchens. Located within easy walking distance from cable cars, boutiques and restaurants. Larger apartments with washer and dryer. Onsite concierge service, ski storage, private parking, lift.

Amazing holidays at amazing prices

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