The French ski resort of Chamonix is a resort that has been around for more than two centuries. In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games were held here. Chamonix is located in the picturesque valley of the same name, right at the foot of Mont Blanc.
The resort is divided into five areas for skiing: “Grand – Monte”, “Le Brevan”, “Valle Blanche” – “White Valley”, “Le Tour”, “Le Fleger”. There are tracks for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Location and history of the resort.
It is probably the most famous resort in the French part of the Alps. Perhaps due to the fact that the good location of the city allows you to get to Italy in a quick and unusual way. The tunnel dug through Mont Blanc is 11 km long, and on the other side is another ski resort, Courmayeur .
The Alps and the valley of the Arv River, a tributary of the Rhone, impress with the snow-white beauty of winter landscapes. The city is located in the department of Haute-Savoie, and there are many good resorts in this part of the mountains. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is considered the best of them.
The population of Chamonix is quite small, less than ten thousand residents live here, and three times more tourists visit the resort area every year. The currency of France, like other countries of the European Union, is the euro.
The history of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is connected with the names of young British aristocrats, V. Windham and R. Pocock, who visited these places in 1741. So we can say that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc was founded precisely in these years. At that time, there was only a small village, founded long ago, among the glaciers and ridges.
But guests from all over Europe wanted to see the wonderful “Sea of Ice” of the White Mountain of Mont Blanc. And already by 1770, the first real inn was opened here. The valley became more and more popular, in 1908 a railway was laid here, in 1924 the world’s first Winter Olympics were held. Since then, this resort is considered almost a sacred place for fans of winter sports.
The valley with the same name stretched along the Swiss border. The main cities are Le Ouche , Le Bossons, Chamonix, Le Prae, Argentier , Mont Roc, Le Tour and Vallorcin.
Weather in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The Alpine climate has become the benchmark for cold, cloudless weather with white snow and shining glaciers. Extremely clean air of the region, sharp blizzards, which are replaced by long sunny days – this is what awaits you in this area.
Find out the weather forecast in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in advance, and you will always be prepared for any surprises. The season here opens with the arrival of calendar winter, but the mountain tops are skied all year round. So, the weather in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for a week and 14 days ahead will allow you to prepare the right equipment and provide yourself with a good mood.
The air here is humid, and the higher you go, the greater the risk of sunburn at any time of the year! So take care of protecting your skin in advance. Mountains are unpredictable, and you should not forget that!
The nearest airport to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The three nearest airports serving Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are in Geneva, Chambéry and Turin. Geneva is located approximately 100 km from the resort, and it is this airport that is chosen most often. The official name is Genève Aéroport, it is located just 4 km from the city center to the northwest.
The airport is located between the commune of Meiran (France) and the commune of Grand-Sacon (Switzerland), along the Swiss-French border in the northern part. Therefore, it is divided into Swiss and French sectors. The airport can be accessed from the territories of both countries. The IATA code of the Swiss sector is GVA, the French sector is GGV.
From here it is a little over an hour by car or bus to the resort. And if you don’t want to get lost, you can use the scheme of the airport, from which you can get to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc the fastest.
How to get to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
If you are traveling to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc on your own , then information about the road from the airport will be very useful to you.
Arriving is half the battle, but how to get to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc should be told separately. Most likely, you will be traveling from Geneva airport. But it is important to know that Chamonix can be reached by train not only from Switzerland, but also from London, Paris, Milan and Turin. There are also regular bus connections from these cities.
Of course, Geneva is the closest, so we will rely on this point. Unfortunately, there is currently no direct connection from Geneva to Chamonix. Experts recommend a car or bus transfer.
At the same time, you can use the French train. This trip will take from three to three and a half hours. The route passes through the town of Annemasse, or via Roche-sur-Foron and Saint-Gervais.
Chamonix-Mont Blanc ski slopes
The luxurious Chamonix snow park is known all over the world. About 170 km of pistes only within Mont Blanc. The most developed are 68 tracks. Among them, 21 of the most difficult (black) are waiting for their professionals. There are 34 red pistes for amateurs and 13 blue pistes for beginners.
- 1035-3843 meters of skating area;
- 42 km of cross-country skiing;
- 760 ha of total skiing area.
The snow cover of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc impresses with its density and stability even at the beginning of December. On the lower slopes of the mountain, it can reach half a meter, while closer to the glacier – three and four meters!
The length of the largest ski track reaches 22 km. All ski slopes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are equipped with lifts.
The biggest height differences in the world are on the tracks of this resort. The main ski slopes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc:
- Gran Monte 1235-3300 m;
- Brevan and Fleger 1030-2525 m;
- Balm and Vallorsin 1453-2270 m;
- Le Uche 950-1900 m.
The downhill skiing in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc opens up huge opportunities for skiing, and thrill seekers will appreciate the mighty glacier with its challenging tracks.
Some skiing areas are connected by lifts, and here you can see a panorama of the entire mountain. All ski slopes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are represented by tracks for different tastes and levels of preparation. And do not forget that the air here is very clean. It is worth having a sunscreen with you, otherwise there is a risk of getting sunburned on a fine January day.
There is a skiing area inside the reserve itself, the huge valley of Chamonix. They get here through the villages of Le Tour and Vallorcin. In the area of these villages, the tracks are gentler and calmer.
If you want to combine forest and mountains, the pistes at the foot of Mont Blanc within the valley lead you to Les Ouches. The height difference here is not so great, and freestylers can enjoy the modern snow park. Many opportunities are open to both skiers and snowboarders.
The Le Tour area is a good place for beginners and those who are improving, and snowboarders will like it. And for those who are looking for thrills, it is better to go to Gran Monte – this is where the world-famous area is located, which is very popular among freeriders. Perhaps, only Bila Dolina – a famous glacier zone with a 20-kilometer freeride route – can boast of a greater attraction for experienced skiers. For the sake of unreal, enchanting impressions from a trip through the Vallee Blanche, it is worth coming to Chamonix at least once .
White Valley (Vallee Blanche)
After climbing the Aiguille de Midi and admiring the beautiful views, experienced skiers descend the White Valley. This is a 22-kilometer descent on the glacier, without limiters and markings.
You can go down the main route in the White Valley yourself in good weather, and if you follow the tracks, the risk is quite small. But it is worth keeping in mind that this is a glacier, many cracks are filled with snow, and every year several fatalities occur on the off-piste routes in the White Valley. To pass along the ridge from the upper station of the cable car to the beginning of the descent, you will need cats, it is better to strap your skis to your backpack. But to see the most beautiful places of the White Valley, it is highly recommended to hire a guide.
Lognan / Les Grands Montets
One of the most famous ski areas in France is located west of the city at altitudes between 1,230 and 3,233 meters. This area primarily attracts fans of freeride and off-piste skiing: there are not so many areas in Europe that combine such space, excellent snow quality with a variety of terrain and a height difference of 2100 meters. You can get to Grand Monte from Chamonix by bus (they are often crowded in the morning), car or taxi.
Le Tour / Vallorcine (1480-2230 m) is an almost ideal place for family holidays and beginners – many blue and green slopes. From Vallorsin there is a very picturesque and moderately long blue track laid in a pine forest. There are few steep and really difficult tracks in this area.
Chamonix-Mont Blanc ski pass
If you don’t want to pay for the lift every time, it’s much easier to buy a ski pass. Arriving in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc , you can buy a ski pass with the possibility of skiing in three countries! That is, it covers all the slopes of the mountain, so the Italian resort of Courmayeur and the Swiss Verbier will also be open to you. Such a ski pass is called Mont Blanc Unlimited.
A subscription for a longer period is always cheaper. There are many discounts for pensioners, children and teenagers. In Chamonix, there is also a family tariff. The cost of a ski pass for one person (16-64 years) is 60 EUR. Discounts allow you to reduce the price of a ski pass to 50 EUR, and the cost of a one-day pass for pensioners is only 30 EUR. A family of two adults and one child will pay around 170 EUR.
A full subscription for two weeks will cost 500 EUR for one person, 1500 EUR for a family, 150-250 EUR for children and pensioners.
There are slightly cheaper ski passes for skiing within the valley. The price for one adult is EUR 50, a child is EUR 40, and a pensioner is EUR 25. Family tariff – 130 EUR. Such a ski pass is called Chamonix Pass. It does not include only the top of the Grands Montets, but includes all slopes from 1000 to 2500 m.
Chamonix-Mont Blanc ski lifts
Any ski resort cannot do without lifts. There are 56 ski lifts in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. There are the following lifts: 21 rope lifts, eighteen chairlifts, five small cabins, eight large cabins, six funiculars, 4 gondolas.
The season in Chamonix opens at the beginning of December, and the glacier is open for skiing all year round. Some skating areas may be closed depending on weather conditions. The full-fledged official winter season lasts from December 20 to the end of April. During this period, all lifts of the resort work. In summer, only the upper section of skiing is open.
The cost of a ski lift in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc depends on who is climbing. There are discounts for children and pensioners, the price ranges from 25 to 40 EUR per lift. An adult athlete will pay around 50-60 EUR for travel. The price of ski lifts drops if you buy ski passes as season tickets. You can get from the hotel to the lifts by taxi, rented car or bus provided by the hotel.
Ski schools of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Alpine skiing requires considerable skill. No one in their right mind will go skiing on red slopes without knowing at least the basics of skiing. Therefore, if you want to learn in a short time so as not to risk your health in the future, contact the ski instructors.
In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, downhill skiing lessons are taught in two large schools. More than 300 instructors are ready to help you. Considering the fact that there are children’s clubs here, the basics of downhill skiing can also be given to kids, the good thing is that the equipment can be rented here without any problems.
And if you came with a very small child, and you do not plan to put him on skis, then at your service kindergartens for babies from one year old, you will pay 20 EUR for half a day, not including food. Alpine skiing lessons can be obtained at the central school, where more than 200 instructors work.
There are group classes and private lessons. The group can be up to 6 people. If you have children from 3 to 12 years old with you, classes for them will be held on tracks specially prepared for training beginners.
The second school, ESF “French Skiing”, operates in the village of Argentiere, 7 km from Chamonix. More than 100 instructors work here, so you definitely won’t be left without training!
The average price for two hours of training for one person is 120 EUR, half day – 180 EUR, full day – 320 EUR and above.
The price for six classes in a group is from 150 EUR.
The school for children from 3 to 12 years offers training services at 30 EUR for 2 hours, 60 EUR for the whole day, lunch is included. Six days, a full course, will cost about 300 EUR.
Mountain ski and snowboard rental in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
If you do not have your own sets of skis, ski equipment rental offices in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are at your service . In addition, you can always turn to local SKY centers, where they will help you with equipment, keeping it in good condition.
Both in the town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and in the surrounding resort centers, mountain skis and snowboards can be rented. A large rental is open near the glacier itself, at the Grands Montets ski lift.
Alpine skiing and mountaineering equipment can be bought here and here.
Equipment rental of modern brands is offered here and here, it is possible to order children’s sizes. The rental price directly depends on the order category. The average price is 60-120 EUR for an adult, and 40-70 EUR for a child. A complete set of snowboarding equipment will cost you 110-130 EUR.
Hotels in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
It is believed that all hotels in Chamonix are quite good and comfortable. The city itself is small and there are no dangerous areas, so no matter where you book a hotel, you will be welcome everywhere.
Aiguille du Midi 3-star hotel
Hotel Aiguille Du Midi is located in the village of Le Bosson, 3 km from Chamonix. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a spa center and a tennis court. The garden and the terrace offer a view of the Bosson Glacier and the Mont Blanc mountain range.
All rooms at this family-run hotel have free wireless internet access and satellite TV. The rooms also have a private bathroom with a bathtub or shower.
Guests can relax and order drinks at the Aiguille Hotel’s bar and on the garden terrace. In the restaurant of the Auiguille du Midi hotel, you will be offered a wide selection of French cuisine, prepared using vegetables grown in the hotel. In the spa center of the hotel you can visit a sauna and various massage procedures.
Free private parking is available on site, and guests can purchase a ski pass and use a ski storage room. In the summer, you can go hiking or cycling.
Les Bossons is a great choice if you are interested in glacier tours, mountaineering and nature walks.
Heliopic Hotel & Spa 4-star hotel
L’Heliopic Sweet Spa Hotel is located in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc . A spa center with an area of 500 sq.m. is at guests’ disposal. m with Turkish steam bath, ice cave, indoor pool, tepidarium and sauna. In the shop on the territory of the hotel you can buy ski passes and rent ski equipment. The hotel has direct access to the cable car leading to the Aiguille du Midi mountain peak.
All rooms with free Wi-Fi have a balcony with mountain views and a private bathroom with a bathtub, free toiletries and slippers. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is also at guests’ disposal.
In the morning at L’Heliopic Sweet Spa Hotel you can order breakfast in your room. Guests can visit the à la carte restaurant and relax in the bar or on the terrace.
Cosmetic procedures are organized for an additional fee. Facilities include a relaxation area with a fireplace and a bicycle rental point. Chamonix Train Station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and the ski slopes are accessible by a free public bus. The nearest ski lifts are 1 km from the hotel, in the ski area of Le Brevan.
Boutique Hotel Le Morgane 4-star hotel
The elegant 4-star hotel Le Morgane is located in the sports resort of Chamonix . It offers rooms with a private bathroom and a stunning view of Mont Blanc, Le Brevan or Aiguille.
The 56 rooms and suites of the Le Morgane boutique hotel have a balcony or terrace, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a work desk, ironing facilities and a minibar. There is a bus stop next to the boutique hotel, and the Aiguille du Midi cable car is 100 meters away.
Le Morgane Boutique Hotel has a spa with a sauna, a heated indoor swimming pool (4 x 4 m) and a Turkish bath. Cosmetic procedures and massage are performed.
The cozy bar of the boutique hotel serves a variety of drinks.
The hotel’s restaurant, Le Comptoir Nordique, offers Scandinavian cuisine and fish and vegetable specialties.
Hotel Le Morgane is located in the city center. Amenities include a 24-hour front desk and ski/luggage storage. Charging stations for electric vehicles are installed on the territory.
Auberge du Manoir 3-star hotel
Auberge Du Manoir is located in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 700 meters from Chamonix Ski School. It offers a garden, non-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi and a bar. A terrace and a ski storage room are at guests’ disposal. The hotel is close to attractions such as the Chamonix-Planpras Ski Lift, Grepon and the Crystal Museum of Chamonix. The hotel is 10 km from the Aiguille du Midi mountain peak and less than 1 km from the Richard Bozon sports complex.
Room amenities include a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
Auberge Du Manoir offers a continental or buffet breakfast.
You can play table tennis at the hotel, and the area is popular for skiing.
Le Prat – La Fleugere Ski Lift is 2.9 km from Auberge Du Manoir, while Step into the Void is 9 km from the property. The distance to Meitet Airport is 98 km
How much does it cost to stay in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?
To understand how much it costs to stay in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc , determine the quality of rest you expect. This highland town is considered an expensive resort.
Prices for accommodation in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc depend on the hotel, time of year, number of people. Hotels located near the lifts themselves, closer to the ski slopes, are more expensive. 3 stars will cost you 150-200 EUR per season, 4 stars – 200-250 EUR and above.
If you are focused on 5-star hotels, the price for a room for two will range from 400 to 500 EUR per day, regardless of the season. If you don’t expect to live in luxury apartments, hotels below 3 stars can cost you 80 EUR per night. So staying in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc inexpensively is also quite possible.
Among such low-cost hotels, for example, Maeva Residence La Riviere, the price of double rooms of which fluctuates around 70-80 EUR. If you book rooms in advance, the cost of accommodation in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can be reduced.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc restaurants
The best restaurants in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc specialize in different cuisines. Savoy menu for lovers of hot soups and appetizing fondues – simple and hearty dishes of the inhabitants of the Alps.
European dishes, Italian menu – you can find everything your heart desires. Guest reviews mention high-altitude restaurants in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. For example, Buvet Snack Bar Le Motta is located at an altitude of 1638 m not far from the town. You can call there and reserve your seats in advance.
Prices in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc restaurants on average range from 15-20 EUR to 25-60 EUR for a full menu per person. Among the inexpensive restaurants of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Rendezvous restaurant can be singled out, a morning lunch here will cost you 15 EUR, and a full lunch – 20-25 EUR.
Good cuisine and quality drinks at an average price in the Jekyll Bar-Restaurant. The menu of Savoy traditional cuisine at La Coleche ranges from 18 to 26 EUR.
The popular Atmosfera restaurant with traditional Savoy and Italian cuisine, a good selection of wines.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for the best cafes, teahouses, lounge bars in the district. You can drink coffee in Le Vagabon cafe. Prices in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc cafes are lower than in restaurants. In any case, a cup of coffee will cost you 1-3 EUR.
The inhabitants of the Alps appreciate hot tea, herbal infusions, fragrant coffee, and, of course, mulled wine. You can find the latter in almost every cafe high in the mountains. And guests of the resort recommend that you definitely try it.
Spa resorts of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
If there is time for a ride, it means that you need to find time to relax and improve your health.
It is difficult to imagine a modern resort without spa services, and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is no exception.
The best spa centers of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are located both in the city itself and in the surrounding area. Among those that can be recommended is the Pré-Saint-Didier Spa.
And guests will surely appreciate the Spa Le Bachal, located in the Albert 1er Chamonix hotel. Saunas, Turkish baths, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, therapeutic massages are the perfect addition to walks in the snowy Alps.
Most hotels have fitness centers. And you also have every chance to communicate in your native language or, as a last resort, in English. Large hotels have their own translators. And the spa hotel Les Aiglons is located near the center of Chamonix. From here you can see a wonderful view of Mont Blanc.
Events and entertainment in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has been known for its winter skiing competitions for many years. Starting with the historical fact, the first Winter Olympics held here, and ending with annual congresses, the resort becomes a regular place of pilgrimage.
Not only in winter, but also in summer, numerous entertainments in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc attract guests from all over the world.
For example, the Chamonix mountain festival for climbing enthusiasts is held at the beginning of summer. And in July, the Baroque festival begins. Bastille Day, a national holiday, is celebrated here with true French flair and panache.
Climbing in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
If you are interested in painting, exhibitions of modern artists are for you. Musicians from all over the world give concerts here, hold festivals, including rock music.
Sports competitions in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc take place all the time. It is not for nothing that this resort is considered the sports capital of France. In summer and winter, hockey matches, skiing and snowboarding competitions are held here.
Sports in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The Sport Climbing World Cup is held at the beginning of summer. And the Chamonix Adventure festival will allow travelers and explorers to share their adventures – movies and photos from around the world. Professionals of extreme cinema give master classes, talk about their shooting experience.
Sights of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
To make your vacation in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc unique, we suggest visiting all kinds of memorable places.
If you have already decided to come to the Alps not only for the thrill of skiing, you will definitely need a map with the attractions of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and its surroundings. The most popular of them are the Montenver train and the Mer de Glace cave. The largest glacier in France, 200 m deep and 7 km long, is not only beautiful. It is also an object of attention of skiers. In winter they follow down the glacier to Montenver station.
Train to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Turning to the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc sight-seeing scheme, we clarify that the Montenver train departs from the very center of the city. The famous White Valley will provide an opportunity to take many beautiful photos, this is one of those sights of the valley near Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, which will not leave anyone indifferent.
If you want to hear all about the attractions of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in your native language, find a guide. Many of the resort’s hotels have art exhibitions. Be sure to visit the Alpine Museum. The description of the sights of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc includes a heritage museum, where you can learn about the long history of this famous valley.
Museum in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Be sure to take a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car, the view from a height of 3,842 m is simply incredible. In the vicinity of the valley there are wonderful natural parks and nature reserves, where you can go on an excursion in the summer. This is a wonderful contrast, where in the morning you can skate on a glacier, and in the evening you can bask in the sun somewhere in the forests at the foot of the mountains.
One of the main attractions of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc with the name Mer-de-Glace or “ice cave” is the opportunity to walk under the glacier and see an amazing gallery of crystals. The speed of movement of the glacier is impressive, every year it moves by about 70 m.
Therefore, the grotto is updated annually so that tourists can safely enjoy the beauty of the ice massif. The Glaciorum museum, dedicated to glaciers, their history and formation, was opened here.
Transport in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Public transport
If you live near the lifts, the issue of access should not be a problem. In addition, most hotels offer transfers on their own buses or cars. But if you don’t want to depend on them, car rental and taxi are at your disposal.
The famous Le Mouli, a free bus that runs around the city center, also operates here. It follows the car parks at the southern entrance to Chamonix, and departs every ten minutes during peak season. There are 19 seats for you, there are places for people with disabilities.
In addition, buses that visit ski resorts and tourist spots ply throughout the valley. All lines start from the South Chamonix stop, bypassing the city.
You can travel for free if you have a Carte d’Hote, Gens Du Pays or Ski Pass. Ask your hotel supplier for a Carte d’Hote.
Fare
If you do not have such a card, the fare is EUR 1.50, except for the Pelerins line, which costs only EUR 0.70 per fare.
There is also a night bus for the summer and winter seasons, it does not run between seasons. The trip costs 2 EUR.
In the height of the season, the waiting time is no more than 20 minutes, but it is better to look at the schedule.