Chamonix
Based at the foot of Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a charming French town that attracts swathes of tourists every year who visit the site for a blend of outdoor endeavors and cultural highlights.
Here’s everything you need to know about this vibrant ski town and what to expect when you visit.
Highlights
Activity
At 1037 meters, Chamonix is prime for its skiing and snowboarding. With numerous ski areas and resorts in the broader Chamonix Valley, you can also explore different slopes and elevations by car - ideal for longer stays.
Après 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.
History
Chamonix Mont Blanc
Chamonix wasn’t always the thriving ski town we now know it to be. It was discovered in 1741 by two Englishmen who discovered a rural population of mountain farmers and a monastery. The population lived off the land with a modest lifestyle.
The two explorers, Windham and Pococke, explored the valley and published stories about their travels in literary journals, encouraging more travellers to visit the area.
By the late 18th century, high society began visiting Chamonix for holidays, and by the time the 20th century rolled around, numerous hotels and tourist attractions had been built.
The construction of roads to Chamonix and a railway line in the late 19th century – early 20th century also helped to raise the town’s profile. Since then, it’s hosted Winter Olympics and become one of the most sought-after ski destinations in the Alps.
Things to do
Activities
With an elevation of 1037 metres, the obvious activity to try in Chamonix is skiing. Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding make up a significant number of the activities available in this town in the French Alps. In fact, the first-ever Winter Olympic Games were held there.
There are also multiple ski areas and resorts in the wider Chamonix Valley, with towns surrounding Chamonix being home to their own resorts and winter sports opportunities.These include Le Tour, Vallorcine, Les Houches, Vallée Blanche, Verbier, Courmayeur, Grands Montets, Brévent, and Flégère.
If you plan a longer stay, you could travel between these ski areas by car to experience different slopes and elevations. Ski resorts in Chamonix itself include Mont-Blanc Natural Resort, SeeChamonix, and Le Cornu.
During the summer, when the weather is warmer, Chamonix attracts outdoorsy types taking part in mountain biking, hiking, and walking.
Getting around
Transport
The best airport to fly into to get to Chamonix is Geneva. From there, you can hire a car, get a private transfer, catch a bus, or even take a train to arrive at the popular ski town.
There are other airports to can fly into to reach Chamonix, including Lyon, Chambery, and Grenoble, although these airports don’t offer as many connections as Geneva.
If you don’t want to fly, there’s the option of getting the train to Chamonix, which, from the UK, will require changing at Paris. If you want to bring your own car, you can catch the ferry to France, with the Dover to Calais crossing providing the quickest and easiest route.
How do I get Lift Passes?
Ski Pass
If you’re visiting Chamonix during the ski season, there are two main types of ski pass to choose from.
The Chamonix Le Pass pass is cheaper and more localised, offering access to the three main Chamonix Valley ski areas. This pass is suitable for beginners.
The Mont Blanc Unlimited pass offers unlimited access to the Chamonix Valley and beyond and might be better for more experienced skiers seeking a range of thrills.
You can see prices and buy passes here.
