Chamonix sits at the foot of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc and is a long established traditional ski resort. Just an hour’s transfer from Geneva brings you to one of the best ski areas in the world. Because of this we can offer short breaks so that you can just head out for the weekend or a few days if you prefer. Ski chalets, apartments and hotels are all available to book for those perfect Chamonix ski holidays.
Take a full week off work and let the guides in resort show you the magnificent Chamonix area. If you want to brush up your off piste skills or even try it for the first time there are some fantastic courses available. Just give us a call for details.The town centre is cosmopolitan and bustling with shops, hotels and restaurants. With visitors all year round it really does have a fantastic atmosphere and is one of our favourite resorts. The cobbled streets, pavement cafes and squares prove that you truly are in France and not in a purpose built ski resort.
The resort of Chamonix is spread along the valley and is linked up with a regular bus service that is covered in your pass. At the top of the valley is Le Tour and Argentiere which is at the foot of the Grand Montets. The other side of the valley has Les Houches which is not covered in the standard Chamonix area pass. The best place to stay is in Chamonix town itself or if you are wanting to spend a lot of time on the Grand Montets then Argentiere would be best.
Chamonix Apres Ski
There are plenty of apres ski bars such as Chambre 9, The Vagabond and La Terrasse for a little dancing and drinking before dinner. Try the Micro Brasserie de Chamonix for real ale and live bands. There is also a variety of nightclubs for all tastes from Le Choucas to the Garage. Le Cantina has seen some of the best DJ’s in the world playing or maybe try the Alpes Angels for cabaret and nightclub where you might see the likes of Kylie Minogue partying!
Off the slopes there is still plenty to do as this is a town that is open all year round. There is a sports centre, ice skating and swimming pool. Day trips to Courmayeur, Annecy and Turin are also possible. There is also an interesting Alpine museum. With plenty of shops, bars and restaurants you will certainly not be bored in Chamonix!
Chamonix is a mecca for skiers and boarders around the world. Beginners will enjoy the nursery slopes on either side of Chamonix itself but the best bet is Le Tour for some easy long runs to progress to. Intermediates should try all the areas in the Chamonix valley as they are so varied.
Le Tour is great for cruising and try half way up the Grand Montets for a steeper red followed by some smooth blues. For more confident intermediates it is worth hiring a guide and doing the Vallee Blanche as the views are just spectacular and the skiing amazing. Advanced skiers will just love the rugged terrain that Chamonix has to offer.
We really recommend taking a guide for the best experience as they will take you to the best parts of Chamonix and show you the hidden gems that you might not find on your own. Up on the Grand Montets there are some fantastic black runs that swoop alongside the glacier. There is also some great off piste on this section that you really need a guide for because of the crevasses in the glacier.
Brevent also has some steep runs to get the legs burning and we shouldn’t forget La Flegere. Chamonix is also host to the start of the famous Haute Route to Zermatt. If this is of interest to you then please call for information as we can book trips on this famous route for you. Cross country skiers will find 27 miles of terrain between Chamonix and Argentiere.
There is one terrain park called the Snow Bowl park on the Grand Montets that has jumps, rails and a wall ride. However the area of Chamonix is jam packed full of natural hits for boarders to take advantage of.
Season Start / End: 2/12 – 3/4
Opening Times: 08:50 – 16:30
Total Slope Length: 150km
Easy Runs: 39 (51)
Intermediate Runs: 25 (190)
Difficult Runs: 10 (21)
MOUNTAIN STATION ALTITUDE: 3842m
VALLEY STATION ALTITUDE: 1030m
TOTAL SKI LIFTS: 72
CABLE CARS: 8
GONDOLAS: 8
CHAIR LIFTS: 24
DRAG LIFTS: 29
MAGIC CARPETS: 3