The ultimate alpine playground! Ski epic slopes, admire Mont Blanc, and enjoy the lively town with bars, shops, and more. Perfect for quick, thrilling getaways!
Get to know Chamonix
Chamonix isn't just a gnarly alpine playground for mountain geeks to hone their skills. Along with world-class skiing, and some of the most stunning views in the world (hello Mont Blanc), the vibrant town of Chamonix has appeal even if you like to keep your feet on solid ground. There are museums and a wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops to keep you entertained.
With such a large international community, Chamonix has a unique feel which you don't find in many other resorts. It's such a short ride from the airport; it's ideal for short breaks and weekend trips, especially if you're keen and want to ski multiple times in the season.
Why you might love it
Off-Piste
Stunning Backdrops
Ski Weekends
At a glance
Ski area
Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Resort altitude
1035m
Piste range
1035–3842m
Lifts
65
Green runs
15
Blue runs
29
Red runs
29
Black runs
10
More about Chamonix
Why we love Chamonix
Chamonix is world-renowned among mountain enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies, providing action and adventure twelve months of the year. Neighbouring Italy and Switzerland, while also being home to the highest peak in Europe (Mt Blanc), Cham's scenery is some of the most spectacular in the world.
Summer or winter, this vibrant town is bustling with an international community. From museums to shops, bars to restaurants, Chamonix boasts a unique personality that you don't find in many other French resorts. An efficient bus service connects all the smaller villages and opens up the ski area if you're not interested in skiing the same piste twice.
Après Ski in Chamonix
Chamonix is a bustling cosmopolitan city essentially. It has your ski resort essentials, of course, but the town itself has a huge choice from Scandinavian après bars (Chambre Neuf) to sophisticated wine bars on the river (we love Bar des Moulins).
World Class Off-Piste
Chamonix is one of the best resorts in the world for off piste skiing. From the infamous Vallée Blanche to a whole host of lesser known epic routes.
You can hit the Vallée Blanche for around €90 per person with a guide or get a full days off piste guiding in for your group of 6 for €500-ish including minibus transport and technical gear (think transceivers and harnesses).
Numerous ski areas, one incredible resort
Chamonix is amazing for intermediates with 42% of the pistes being blue. You have largely gentle runs above Le Tour which links with open and woodland bowls around Vallorcine, a picturesque village in a beautiful valley just before the Swiss border.
There are the sunny slopes of Flégère linked to Brevent and accessible from town. Les Grand Montets is the most well known area 9km up the valley just above Argentière offering the toughest skiing and normally the best snow.
On the eastern end of the valley you have the often overlooked Les Houches, great for beginners, tree skiing and oddly fresh powder after snowfall as most head up to the higher reaches and pass over the area.
Getting around Chamonix
Chamonix’s ski areas are seamlessly linked via the bus system. You can also drive and park at the ski areas but the bus is the easiest way as it’s included on your lift pass and stops outside most hotels and residences.
It runs regularly, especially during peak times (mornings and afternoons) and it’s easy enough to follow the timetable - just download it on your phone. Take a peek here - https://www.chamonix.net/english/transport/bus
Hidden gems
Best bite
Looking to step away from the cheese? Munchie could hold the answer. A feast for the eyes and then your mouth with Asian inspired tapas concoctions. Not what you might expect from a ski resort.
Apres ski
Elevation 1904 up by the train station and opposite Chambre Neuf is a favourite spot for early evening drinks spilling out into the street whilst the suns still out. There’s a real buzz here straight off the slopes.
Best Pistes
Whilst Vallée Blanche is a must for many and there are much more challenging slopes out there, we love Les Houches rolling tree lined slopes with fantastic views up the valley. Stop off at the Kitsch-in for some live music.
