Chamonix - France
The resort of Chamonix (Sha-mon-ee) has been a magnet for snowsports enthusiasts ever since it hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Today, Chamonix is more popular than ever and at just an hour from Geneva it is a great destination for short breaks. Snow reliability is not an issue here with skiing up to a breathtaking (literally!) 3840m and a northerly aspect, and Chamonix has a reliable season from December well in to May. The skiing normally stops through lack of custom rather than lack of snow.
A fully-functional town, Chamonix has more history and soul than many purpose-built resorts, and in turn it has better off-slope facilities than most resorts. The Mer de Glace rack railway is a spectacular trip, and the town centre boasts every type of shop you could wish for as well as a casino and endless après ski options. The British community is strong here with more than enough bars selling Guinness and showing the football!
At a glance
| Resort altitude | 1035m - 1035m |
|---|---|
| Highest lift | 3840m |
| Lowest lift | 1035m |
| kms of piste | 147km² |
| Black pistes | 18% |
| Red pistes | 32% |
| Blue pistes | 36% |
| Green pistes | 16% |
| Snow parks | 1 |
| Glacier | Yes |
| Snowmaking | Yes |
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Five to try
- Visit the Alpine Museum in the old Chamonix Palace
- Parapenting heaven surely exists in Chamonix, and definitely worth a go
- Hit the Richard Bozon Sports Centre for ice-skating, swimming, tennis and loads more
- Take a gamble at the local casino if you are feeling lucky
- For a rather more luxurious spa experience visit the Thermal Spa at Pre Saint-Didier
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Planning your trip
Chamonix's proximity to Geneva is both a strength and weakness. On one hand, the town is perfect for ski weekends and short breaks. Within fifty minutes' drive from the airport you could be on the slopes for lunchtime after an early morning flight. On the downside, the easy access can mean that in high season more...
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Where to stay
Chamonix is a beautiful Alpine town, witness to over 250 years of climbing, and more recently, skiing history. The architecture is very different to the usual purpose-built resorts, and the town is full of fin de siecle hotels and villas. As a result, don't expect much doorstep skiing - a bus or car journey is par for the more...
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Food and drink
Chamonix is a well-stocked larder of a town. Michelin stars to McDonalds, take-aways to teriyaki, Asian, Indian, Chinese and good traditional Savoyard cheese and ham combos. Places come and go but it's the special hideaways and secret finds that add to your enjoyment. Discovering your own special place and more...
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Things to do
There is almost too much to do in Chamonix. If you want a day off the slopes or just want some variation from the ups and downs of mountain pastimes, then your days will be just as full as those of your skiing or more...
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On the piste
There are 153km of piste served by 47 lifts, but these are spread between no fewer than five different ski areas. Beginners should head straight to Le Tour as this is by far the best place in the valley to learn. Unfortunately, intermediates looking to stay on piste and build up mileage will probably get frustrated as more...
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MadDogView
The local cuisine is definitely to be savoured and where else to make the most of it than in one of the superb resort restaurants or in a warm mountain hut up on the slopes. Examples of traditional fare include crozets; tiny squares of pasta served with cheese, ham and cream, and raclette - a grill with a large lump of cheese brought to your table. As it melts, you can scrape the cheese onto cold meats, potatoes and salad. Other ones to look out for include the local Reblochon cheese, and have a go at adding some Chartreuse (a spirit) to your hot chocolate, or simply ask for green chaud.
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Map
- Download piste map
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Our favourites
Bar D'Up
You'll find this little nook tucked away on the pedestrianised Rue Des Moulins, providing a home-from-home for Brit seasonnaires and holidaymakers in the shadow of the burnt-out shell of Dick's Tea Bar and Cybar. Set on one floor with low ceilings, lower lights and even lower values, Bar D'Up has a youngish crowd who like to get noisy in the evening. There are a few big screen TVs, a table football game, a pool table and toilets that you wouldn't dare send your grandmother to! -
Useful stuff
