Skiing holiday Chamonix

The ski race in Chamonix

Chamonix may be smaller than other French ski areas, but with 150 km of slopes, it’s an area that has a little bit of everything. The red and black runs will keep you going all week – don’t miss the excellent snow and steep slopes on the glacier. If you’re looking for even greater challenges, there are excellent off-piste options. Of course, there are also long blue runs for slightly experienced skiers and children’s areas for beginners.

Chamonix is a diverse, unconnected ski resort that has a total of six green runs, 30 blue runs, 31 red runs, 10 black runs and two snowparks, spread across the five intermediate to high ski areas, which you can read more about below.

The important areas in Chamonix

• Chamonix Town: Two beginner areas with magic carpets, drag lifts, green and blue slopes make them the perfect place to start.
• Brévent and Flégère: Sunny south-facing sides of the valley and the closest to the city center.
• Les Grand Montets: The valley’s freeride area and home to the largest groomed area.
• Le Tour: Quiet blue slopes and large off-piste area. There are also good beginner slopes.
• Les Houches: 6 km drive down the valley, full of tree-lined slopes with great views of Mont Blanc. Ideal for beginners and the whole family.

Beginners in Chamonix

Chamonix has several areas for beginners and there are blue and green slopes in the Brévent – Flégère area that are friendly to first-time skiers and overlook the iconic Mont Blanc mountain.

Easily experienced skiers in Chamonix

Grands Montets glacier – Offering wide open blue and red slopes with wild views of Mont Blanc, skiing the Brévent and Flégère slopes is like a dream. At the other end of the valley in Les Houches there are beautiful tree-lined slopes perfect for cruising.

Chamonix: The skiing mecca for experts

Experienced skiers will love Chamonix’s challenging slopes and wide range of red and black runs. This snowy gem in the Alps is known for its outstanding off-piste scenery and incredible experiences waiting on the Mont Blanc massif. Keep in mind, however, that having a guide is essential to get the right experience in the area as a first-time visitor.

Snowboarding in Chamonix

Confident snowboarders will love Chamonix’s steep, tree-lined and glacier runs and freestyle parks. At Grands Montets you’ll find Summit Park, which offers challenges for everyone and hosts major competitions throughout the season, including the Freeride World Tour. For some serious jumps, try the Brévent airbag jump – you’ll be filmed doing it and you can check out the footage online for free.

Glacier skiing in Chamonix

From Chamonix you can reach two glaciers, Glacier d’Argentiere, located at an altitude of 3,275 meters on the Grands Montets, and Glacier du Geant on the Aiguille du Midi, at an amazing 3,842 meters. Glacier d’Argentiere is known for backcountry skiing and excellent snow. Glacier du Geant is famous for the 20km Vallée Blanche off-piste track – it’s not too steep, but due to the crevasses, hiring a guide is highly recommended.

Off-piste in Chamonix

Chamonix’s pristine beauty, combined with the longest off-piste runs in Europe, makes it the ultimate destination for off-piste skiing. It is perhaps the most famous ski resort in the Alps for off-piste opportunities, as there is something for all skill levels—from the most experienced mountaineers to those who just want to try a little off-piste skiing. The Vallée Blanche is the most famous backcountry area, with 20 km of trails that start at the Aiguille du Midi and end—if the snow conditions are good—all the way back in downtown Chamonix. Le Tour is a bit closer to the lifts, and from there you can enjoy some skiing through the trees.

Chamonix: Things to do

Located in the heart of the French Alps, Chamonix is a paradise for those seeking both adventure and beauty. Whether you’re a hiker, skier, paraglider or just an enthusiastic tourist, Chamonix offers a range of fascinating activities to make your vacation unforgettable whether it’s summer or winter.

Winter paradise: Ski touring and snowshoe hikes

Chamonix offers ideal conditions for both skiing and snowshoeing. With its picturesque landscape and incomparable snow-capped mountains, it is a true winter paradise. Here you can enjoy views of the Mer de Glace from the picturesque Montenvers cog railway, take Europe’s highest gondola to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, or try the Tramway du Mont-Blanc, France’s highest cog railway.

For those who prefer to explore on their own, Chamonix Mont-Blanc Helicopters offers spectacular flights over the Mont-Blanc chain, or you can enjoy the 17 km of hiking trails that take you deep into the wintry landscape.

Day trips to nearby cities

Chamonix Bus Company offers day trips to beautiful nearby cities such as Annecy, Geneva (Switzerland) and Aosta (Italy). These cities, each with their own unique charm and beauty, are ideal places to visit for a change of scenery and culture. It’s mostly for those who visit the area in summer

Nordic skiing and paragliding

Chamonix has an extensive network of cross-country trails that allow you to experience the valley at a slower pace while getting exercise. But possibly the best way to see the valley is from a paraglider’s perspective. A tandem paragliding session gives you truly uninterrupted views of the landscape and glaciers below you – if you don’t mind heights, this is one of the most beautiful places to paraglide.

Gastronomy and entertainment

The local gastronomy is one of the inevitable pleasures when visiting Chamonix. The town has a wide selection of traditional cafés and delicious patisseries, 14 bars, 80 restaurants, 100 shops and 7 nightclubs. The world-class casino in the city center will tempt you with blackjack, roulette and slot machines of the purest tradition. Vox Cinema is a movie lover’s paradise with all the latest films – often in the original version.

Free ski buses

Chamonix has a FREE bus system that runs up and down the valley, serving the various ski resorts included in your Mont-Blanc Unlimited pass. All lines pass by the Chamonix Sud Bus Stop, making a route in Chamonix and connecting the town with other 4 communes: Les Houches, Servoz, Argentiere, Vallorcine.

If you want to explore the Swiss side of the border, the unlimited lift pass gives you a 50% discount for a 1-day 4 Vallées ticket. This ski area includes the resorts of Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon, La Tzoumaz and Bruson.

The Unlimited pass is best suited to intermediate and expert skiers who want access to all kinds of different ski areas in three different countries, as it covers over 1000 km of slopes. The Unlimited pass is also suitable for people staying in Chamonix for more than a few days who have plenty of time to explore the terrain of the entire Mont Blanc lift pass.

Aprés-ski in Chamonix

Chamonix is known for its wild nightlife and is rich in places where you can relax with a drink or two after a long day of skiing or snowboarding.

Barberousse

Gather your team for a night of fun at Chamonix’s favorite rum bar, Barberousse. The bar offers a daily happy hour and a wide range of bar games to keep the party going all night long.

The Pub

Located on Chamonix main street, The Pub is a British-oriented spot serving cheap Pimms jugs, delicious pies and of course football on screens. They are known for their fancy dress parties and encourage dancing on the bar.

Bar’d Up

With DJs, live music, happy hours and theme nights like Tequila Tuesday, you’re guaranteed a great night at Bar’d Up. The walls are decorated with surfboards, reflecting the Australian vibe.

Jekyll & Hyde

Jekyll & Hyde is a cozy Irish pub located in one of the city’s oldest buildings. From live music and happy hours to free WiFi and comedy nights, there’s plenty on offer.

Monkey Bar

Monkey Bar is a popular meeting place for seasonal workers to dance to live music and enjoy the many happy hour offers.

LA CHAVANNE RESTAURANT & BAR

With live DJs and an outdoor hot tub, La Chavanne is one of the liveliest après-ski spots on the slopes. Here you’ll find a great atmosphere, great music and breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and Mer de Glace.

ELEVATION 1904

Elevation 1904 is a place for skiers, mountaineers and vacationers in Chamonix. The positive vibe that the place exudes is almost infectious. There’s also live music, but there’s still room to catch up with old friends and make new ones

ROOM 9

Just a few steps from Elevation 1904 you’ll find CHAMBRE 9, the city’s loudest après-ski bar. It’s no surprise that you’ll find the most adventurous skiers and a lot of Scandinavians here. People dance on the tables and the party doesn’t stop until the sun comes up.

Restaurants in Chamonix

Chamonix is known for its outstanding beauty and spectacular ski resorts. But another important factor that makes the town unique is its culinary scene. The area boasts more than 160 restaurants ranging from traditional to international cuisine, making it one of the largest in the world. From Savoyard specialties to exotic international cuisine, there’s always something new to try in Chamonix.

Albert Premier

This is one of the best ski restaurants in the world, proud holder of a Michelin star. With an extensive menu that includes delicacies such as caviar, Quercy lamb and Chartreuse soufflé, a visit to Albert Premier will be an unforgettable experience. Try their 9-course tasting menu for a truly memorable evening.

Munchies

Here you can enjoy a wide range of French, Scandinavian and Asian dishes. Munchies are a favorite among locals and tourists. Try the duck teriyaki, the blue crab soup or the chocolate terrine for an authentic Munchies experience.

Micro Brasserie de Chamonix (MBC)

This is a Canadian-run microbrewery known for their juicy burgers, such as the Crazy Canuck burger with double everything, as well as steaks, ribs and poutine, all paired with the perfect beer. MBC gives you a relaxed and cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy an evening with friends and family.

Casa Valerio

Casa Valerio is known for its wide variety of pizzas and other pasta and meat dishes. Open until 2am, it’s the perfect place to satisfy late night food cravings after a good après-ski. Try an unusual dessert like balsamic panna cotta or banana carpaccio.

The Caphorn

Le Caphorn is a classy chalet with a nautical theme. The menu blends French and Asian flavors, and they offer fantastic seafood and spectacular desserts. For those who appreciate fine wine, there is also a wine cellar on the ground floor.

At Constant

Located at the top of l’Aiguille du Midi, this is one of the highest restaurants in Europe. With wild views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley, it’s the best place in town to experience local flavors. Lunch menus start from €32 and the restaurant only seats thirty people, so booking in advance is recommended.

Le 3842

Located in a renovated farmhouse, this Italian eatery prides itself on serving original recipes made with organic ingredients. Pasta, bread and pastries are all homemade – in the traditional Italian way – and their vegetarian menu is one of the best in the area. If that wasn’t enough, many of their dishes are also gluten-free and/or dairy-free.

Chamonix hotels and apartments

Chamonix, located at the foot of Mont Blanc with 9000 inhabitants, is a tourist magnet in the heart of the Alps. Whether you’re planning a winter ski trip or a summer hike, Chamonix is the perfect starting point. Here are four fantastic hotels and apartments that offer exceptional accommodation and facilities.

Residence Le Cristal de Jade

Located in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Résidence Le Cristal de Jade is known for luxury apartments. The hotel has a 1000 m² wellness center, which includes a swimming pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room. Free WiFi is available throughout and there is free private parking on site.

Résidence Le Cristal de Jade is just a minute’s walk from the Aiguille du Midi gondola and 1 km from the Brevent-Flégère ski area. A free ski bus is available 100 meters from the hotel.

Heliopic Hotel & Spa

Located at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi lift, Heliopic Hotel & Spa is an excellent place to stay. It’s a beautiful four-star hotel with cozy rooms, a lobby and bar area, a gourmet restaurant, ski rental shop, meeting rooms and a spa. But the lobby and bar area also has a number of children’s areas, making it ideal for families.

La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix

La Folie Douce Hotel Chamonix is located just opposite the Savoy lift in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, only a 2-minute walk from the center of Chamonix. All rooms have views of Mont-Blanc, Le Brévent or Les Aguilles. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, a wellness center with a sauna, a hammam, massage and beauty treatments and a yoga and fitness room.

Le Hameau Albert 1er

Le Hameau Albert 1er is a stunning five-star hotel with stylish rooms and stunning views of Mont Blanc. This hotel is unique as it consists of luxury chalets and the main building. This gives Le Hameau Albert 1er the aesthetic of a small mountain village. The renovated rooms are designed to give you a choice between modern or traditional alpine decor.

Read more about: Hotels in Chamonix

France has many great ski resorts including – Alpe d’Huez, Auron, Chamrousse, Isola 2000, La Clusaz and many others.