Chamonix (Mont Blanc)
High altitude resort

Resort description

Chamonix is set at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain at 16,000 feet, and has been a major alpine centre since the 19th century. Chamonix is a fascinating traditional ski resort with a bustling atmosphere. Chamonix is car free in the centre of the resort and has cobbled streets, beautiful buildings and a fast running river. The picturesque village offers a good range of attractions, shops, bars and restaurants as well as a large sports complex offering a variety of activities, a swimming pool, and an ice rink.

Chamonix

 

On Saturday there is a lively market in the resort centre

 

Chamonix is less than 15 km away from Switzerland and only 20 minutes away from Italy via the Mont Blanc tunnel.

 

You can discover the Mer de Glace on the picturesque cog railway of Montenvers

 

You can also fly over the Mont Blanc range with Chamonix Mont Blanc helicopters

 

Chamonix has breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the French Alps.

 

Skiing in Chamonix

 

Experience the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car ride up to 3842m the highest  cable car ride in Europe, it a ride of 2 stages, the first taking you to the steep powder run of Pre des Rochers. The second stage takes you to the point of the glacier with a run down the Vallée Blanche.

 

Chamonix mountainous terrain is an enticement to adventurous skiers and boarders who are attracted by runs, which are steep and long and provide the ultimate rush

 

Les Grands Montets is the largest piste skiing area in the Chamonix valley. At an altitude of 3300m and north facing garantees quality snow, even late into the season. The shear size of the area, its vertical possibilities and high mountain atmosphere, place it in the Premier League of great ski resorts

 

The Grand Montets area is the best for off piste due to its vast area

 

For beginners Le Tour and Les Houches ski areas are most accommodating

 

Snowboarding in Chamonix

 

Chamonix has long been known as the extreme free-riding capital of Europe. Vast areas of accessible off-piste, man made and natural half pipes, gullies galore, and plenty of varied terrain to suit any rider

 

If you're into tricks, there are the natural kickers at Le Brevent and La Flégère that can be tried

 

There's a half pipe built at the Grands Montets and a natural one at Le Tour

 

Chamonix is not the best place for beginners

 

Cross-country skiing

 

There are 42km/26 miles of trails. The majority of these lie along the valley between Chamonix and Argentière

 

There is a good selection of green, blue, red and black trails

 

Ski Schools

     

Chamonix has many ski schools including ESF

 

The ESF has many English speaking instructors

 

The ESF offer a wide variety of lessons from alpine skiing, snowboarding to off piste skiing

 

For more information about pre-booking Ski School in Chamonix, please select here

 

Lift Passes

 

Lift passes give access to the whole of the Chamonix ski area

 

For more information about Chamonix lift passes, please click here
The Skiing
The skiing is divided into 5 main areas some at a short bus ride away. The domain has excellent range of testing and high altitude glacier runs. Chamonix boasts unbeatable snow and remains the undisputed off-piste capital of Europe. With the Vallee Blanche' decent which is skied with a guide provides 24km of unforgettable skiing in stunning scenery. La Tour is an excellent all round intermediate area with spectacular views down the valley, good for a day's family skiing. Though Chamonix is highly recommended to expert's skiers, beginners will also enjoy the gentle nursery slopes of Les Planards.
Ski Pass Mont Blanc opens up to 700 km of pistes covering a dozen local resorts including Megève. Please note driving with your own car is required for interconnecting resorts.
Après Ski
Chamonix has a very lively après ski with a wide selection of typical cafes, bars, 80 restaurants, and 7 discotheques. There is a wide selection of restaurants in Chamonix such as the Michelin rated Le Hameau Albert 1er Hotel, La Caléche offering fine cuisine and Sarpé mountain restaurant. Live music can be found in Arbat bar and Bar Terrasse.
Amenities
The world class casino in the centre of town will tempt the gambler in you with black jack, roulette and slot machines of the purest tradition. The Vox cinema delights moviegoers with all the latest films. Chamonix also has banks, an Alpine museum, a good range of shops including grocery shops and free car parks close to the ski lifts.
Activities
There is a large sports complex offering a sports hall, indoor and outdoor ice rink, speed skating rink, 19 tennis courts (including 4 indoor), squash courts, swimming pool complex with water-slide and a fitness centre (saunas, Turkish baths and solarium). You could also try snowshoeing, paragliding or enjoy a sleigh ride.
Getting there
Driving distance: From Calais: 557 miles, approximately 8 hrs.
Airport access: Geneva: 49 miles, approximately 1hr. Chambery: 88 miles, approximately 1hr 30. Lyon: 137 miles, approximately 2hrs 30.

Ski Facts
Village height:
1035m (3,396 ft)
Slope range:
1035m (3,396 ft) - 3842m (12,605 ft)
Ski area:
Evasion Mont Blanc
Piste coverage
445
Ski lifts
230
Ski runs
 354
Green
 65
Blue
 110
Red
 127
Black
 52
Snow cannons
 300
Beginners
 **
Intermediates
 ***
Experts
 ****
Boarders
 ****
Local Ski Area
Chamonix has 152km of slopes, 49 ski lifts, 12 green runs, 29 blue runs, 25 red runs and 14 black runs.

Tourist Office
+ 33 (0)4 50 53 00 24
Click to Chamonix (Mont Blanc) website
 
Accommodation
Les Balcons du SavoyOur rating: ***
Studio Sleeps 3
(c 24-35m2) Living area with double pull-out sofa bed, bath or shower room & WC. Additional single bed on request.

1 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 5
(c 45m2) Living area with double pull-out sofa bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, bath or shower room & WC. Additional single bed on request.

2 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 6
(c 60m2) Living area with sofa bed, 2 bedrooms each with double or single beds, bath or shower room & WC.

3 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 8
(c 87m2) Living area with double pull-out sofa bed, 3 bedrooms each with either a double or 2 single beds, bath or shower room & WC.
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