Chamonix is located in the French Alps, at the foot of Mont Blanc in the Haute-Savoie department, bordering Switzerland and Italy. It sits between the Aiguilles Rouges and Mont Blanc massifs.
The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ski area ranges from about 1,035 m (3,396 ft) in town to 3,842 m (12,605 ft) at the Aiguille du Midi.
The ski season in Chamonix usually runs from early December to early May. Exact opening and closing dates can vary depending on snow conditions and the specific ski areas.
Yes, Chamonix is snow-sure thanks to its high-altitude ski areas like Les Grands Montets and Le Tour. Snow can be patchy in the valley, especially early or late in the season, but snowmaking helps improve coverage on lower slopes.
The easiest way is by shared, private shuttles or rental cars, with Geneva being the quickest option. You can also use public buses from Lyon or Grenoble, or take trains, though they usually require transfers and are less direct.
Yes, AlpNav offers both shared and private transfers to Chamonix. You can choose a cost-effective shared transfer with multiple drop-off points or a private, with standard or premium vehicles.
Transfer times to Chamonix from Geneva (GVA), it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes; from Lyon (LYS), around 2 hours 30 minutes; and from Grenoble about 2 hours
Chamonix has slopes for all levels, from gentle runs at Les Houches and Le Tour to steep, challenging terrain at Grands Montets. It’s famous for off-piste skiing, including the 22 km Vallee Blanche, while Brevent-Flegere offers sunny, south-facing slopes for various abilities.
Yes, beginners can enjoy nursery slopes like Les Planards and Le Tour, intermediates have plenty of blue and red runs at La Flegere, Le Brevent, and Les Houches, and experts can tackle challenging terrain and off-piste areas like Les Grands Montets. Chamonix is especially famous for its expert and off-piste skiing.
Yes, ski schools like BASS and Evolution 2 offer lessons with native English-speaking instructors, and ESF also has English-speaking staff.
Yes, you can find chalets, apartments, and hotels with ski-in, ski-out access, especially in Les Houches and near beginner slopes. Booking in advance is recommended to secure these convenient properties.
Chamonix offers everything from lively slope-side parties to relaxed town bars. Popular spots include Chambre Neuf for live music, Folie Douce Hotel for DJs and dancing, and Elevation 1904 for cocktails, with options like MBC Micro Brasserie and Janssen Cocktail Club for craft beer and a more elegant vibe.
Yes, Chamonix is famous worldwide for off-piste and freeride skiing, with terrain for all levels. Iconic routes like the Vallee Blanche, glacier skiing, couloirs, and backcountry bowls are accessible from lifts such as the Aiguille du Midi and Grands Montets.
Yes, shops like Cham’Sport, Local CHX, Skiset, Intersport, and Sanglard Sports rent equipment. Online booking in advance allows you to get a deal for better prices. Chamonix offers the Chamonix Le Pass for the main valley areas; Brevent-Flegere, Grands Montets, Balme-Tour-Vallorcine, and beginner zones. The Mont Blanc Unlimited pass gives broader access, including Les Houches, Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers train, and even skiing in nearby resorts like Courmayeur and Evasion Mont-Blanc.
Chamonix has lots to do beyond skiing, from taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car or Montenvers train to see the Mer de Glace, to spas, helicopter tours, husky sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. You can also explore the town, visit the Alpine Museum, or enjoy indoor activities like swimming and ice hockey.
Yes, Chamonix offers plenty of options, from casual cafes and bakeries to gourmet restaurants and lively bars. There’s also a wide variety of shops and plenty of spots for apres-ski.
Yes, Chamonix offers multiple snowparks, freestyle zones, and even natural terrain features like half-pipes, alongside world-class off-piste and big mountain runs. Beginners can enjoy gentle slopes and dedicated zones, while advanced freestylers can explore areas such as Les Houches and the iconic Aiguille du Midi.
No, the Chamonix valley ski areas aren’t fully connected for skiing. Some areas are linked by cable cars, and a local bus connects the valley, while nearby resorts like Courmayeur and Verbier require a Mont Blanc Unlimited pass but aren’t ski-accessible from Chamonix itself.
Always check the avalanche bulletin, carry a transceiver, shovel, and probe, and consider hiring a qualified guide. Ski with experienced partners, use proper equipment like wider skis, and take an avalanche safety course to understand forecasts and avoid high-risk areas.
