2025 EARLYBIRD SPECIAL - FREE SKI RENTAL *BOOK & PAY BY 31 MAY 2024* PROMO CODE: FREESKI

Chamonix Mont-Blanc Ski Resort

Many ski resorts describe themselves as iconic, but Chamonix is the real deal. Skiers and mountaineers have been visiting the towering peaks of Chamonix since the 19th century, making it the oldest French ski area.

Chamonix is pretty unique as it sits on the French side of the Italian-French-Swiss border. Therefore, staying there allows you to visit the other countries to see what they offer.

The valley is awe-inspiring, thanks to its imposing peaks and stunning glaciers. And you can get up-close and personal with Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain.

Chamonix Valley consists of 5 ski resorts that offer unique experiences. Chamonix isn’t well known for being beginner-friendly, but there are some nursery slopes to get you started. But, if you’re an intermediate or advanced skier or snowboarder, you have a lot of terrain to explore, on and off-piste.

Most of the skiable terrain in Chamonix is off-piste, and you can have a lot of fun. But, you’ll get the most out of it if you book a guide who will probably take you to the classic Vallée Blanche route, which is a must-do during your visit.

As Chamonix is more of a town than a typical ski resort, you have all the associated amenities. If you want to be close to the bars and abundance of shops, you will benefit from staying in Chamonix itself. But, if you want a more tranquil experience, choose accommodation in Argentière or the family-friendly Les Houches. All of these villages have superb 4 and 5-star chalets and hotels.

Chamonix is a bustling town, brimming with bars and restaurants. You can have a taste of the alps in one of the many traditional restaurants or enjoy high-end cuisine from around the world. But before dinner, Chamonix offers plenty of après ski bars featuring live music, craft beers, and much more.

Chamonix ski season ENDS in…

 
 

Chamonix Accommodation Map

The Best Chamonix Accommodation

We have a great range of self-catered apartments and hotels, from affordable to luxury.

Le Cristal de Jade © MGM Studio Bergoend

Le Cristal de Jade
|Chamonix

1 to 4 Bedroom apartments. Le Cristal de Jade. Located next to the Aiguille du Midi cable car, near the ski resort center and all the facilities. The residence is composed of three chalets, one is dedicated to your welcome and your relaxation with a private swimming pool and wellness center. “Le Cristal de Jade” offers 51 apartments combining space and comfort.

20
Mar
Pierre & Vacances Premium Residence La Ginabelle Chamonix Mont Blanc 4

Pierre & Vacances Premium Residence La Ginabelle
|Chamonix

1 to 3 Bedroom apartments. Nestled in the centre of Chamonix, the Pierre & Vacances Premium residence La Ginabelle brings together all the best qualities of this flagship Haute-Savoie resort. Settle into a cosy, traditional-style apartment. Wood and soft colours add an intimate touch to your retreat.

23
Oct
Chalets Éléna Les Houches1

Chalets Éléna
|Chamonix

1 to 3 Bedroom apartments. Chalets Éléna. Located in the family resort of Les Houches and awarded the Family Plus label, Chalets Éléna 4-star residence allows you to experience all the magic of Mont Blanc. Near the centre of the village, the residence invites travellers to take full advantage of the many activities organised by the resort in both summer and winter.

10
Mar
Heliopic Hotel & Spa Chamonix

Heliopic Hotel & Spa
|Chamonix

Set at the foot of Aiguille du Midi lift in Chamonix, the 4 star Heliopic Hotel & Spa opened its doors in December 2013. It boasts an elegant design: 102 cosy and modern rooms, 4 stars, a big lobby and bar area (with different welcoming zones dedicated to children, games, mountain corner, etc…), a gourmet restaurant, a ski rental shop, 225 m² of meeting rooms and a 500 m² Spa by Nuxe.

01
Sep
Chalet Hotel Le Prieure Chamonix Mont Blanc

Chalet Hôtel Le Prieuré & Spa
|Chamonix

Chalet Hôtel Le Prieuré is just 150 m from the bus stop that leads to the Brevent Cable Car. From there guests can access the Flégères, Les Grands Montets and les Houches. In 2015, the hotel was completely renovated, while still preserving its history and authenticity.

10
Feb
Grand Hotel Des Alpes - Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Grand Hotel des Alpes
|Chamonix

The Grand Hotel des Alpes is located in the heart of Chamonix only a short distance from the lifts, L’Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace. Guests can therefore enjoy the atmosphere of the town centre as well as being able to reach in no time the enchanting surrounding sites. Renovated in 2019, the Grand Hotel des Alpes features 30 double or twin rooms, including 3 suites, refined and cosy with light and bright wood paneling.

10
Jul
Hotel Le Refuge Des Aiglons Chamonix (21)

Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons
|Chamonix

Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons. Le Refuge des Aiglons is a contemporary hotel with 107 guest rooms just a few steps from the Aiguille du Midi cable cars and boasts one of Chamonix’s most beautiful views of Mont Blanc from the lobby or the sunny terrace. Resolutely modern, the 4 star Le Refuge des Aiglons boasts a daring layout and design, breaking away from traditional mountain-style hotel architecture.

01
Mar
Hotel Le Morgane - Chamonix

Hotel Le Morgane
|Chamonix

Hotel Le Morgane. The Morgane is a boutique hotel with 56 guest rooms, ideally located right in Chamonix. The hotel features magnificent views over Brévent and Mont-Blanc from its sunny terraces.

07
Feb
Hotel Les Grands Montets - Chamonix

Hotel Les Grands Montets
|Chamonix

200m from slopes and Grand Montets cable car, Argentière - Chamonix Mont-Blanc. As you cross the doorstep, you are immediately immersed in an authentic chalet atmosphere. The smell of woodfire and spa blends together to reek each corner of the lobby. The wood on the walls, the terracotta tiles, the old posters and paintings, the antique skis and furniture invite you to take a seat in a comfortable sofa

18
Feb
Alpina Eclectic Hotel - Chamonix Mont -Blanc

Alpina Eclectic Hotel
|Chamonix

With its highly contemporary architecture, the Alpina Eclectic Hotel has a great look in the very centre of Chamonix, a mythical resort if there ever was one. The hotel welcomes you to the very cradle of mountaineering, a meeting place for all mountain enthusiasts and lovers of wide open spaces. An unparalleled location for the ultimate mountain experience.

10
Mar
Chalet Alaska 5 Bedrooms Chamonix Mont Blanc1

Chalet Alaska
|Chamonix

5 Bedroom Chalet - sleeps 13. With a surface of 243 m² distributed over three floors, the Alaska chalet is designed to accommodate up to fifteen guests. Its layout creates a contrasting interplay between the raw materials of wood and stone and its stylish and modern furniture.

06
Jul
Chalet Azurite 6 Bedrooms Chamonix Mont Blanc16

Chalet Azurite
|Chamonix

6 Bedroom Chalet - sleeps 16. With a surface of 300 m² distributed over four floors, the Alaska chalet is designed to accommodate up to sixteen guests. The bright rooms of this chalet combined with its sophisticated details offer a luxurious and refined holiday.

06
Jul
Chalet Saphir 5 Bedrooms Chamonix Mont Blanc23

Chalet Saphir
|Chamonix

5 Bedroom Chalet - sleeps 12. With a surface of 272 m² distributed over four floors, Chalet Saphir is designed to accommodate up to twelve guests. The filigree marble used throughout this chalet brings a contemporary style to its appearance.

28
Mar
Le Hameau Albert 1er - Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Le Hameau Albert 1er
|Chamonix

Since 1903, the history of 5-star hotel, Le Hameau Albert 1er and the affirmation of its mountain identity have been the foundations for its serene and stylish hotel rooms, where you can peacefully contemplate the Mont Blanc panorama. The chic hotel rooms in the main Albert 1er building and La Ferme, the Martine and Blaitière suites and the Soli and Grépon chalets propose six intimate areas…

27
Nov

Chamonix Info & Stats

Season

Dec 16, 2023 – April 28, 2024

Ski area 

Chamonix consists of five resorts spread out over 150 kilometres: Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flégère and Le Brévent.  

The latter two are linked by lifts, while free shuttle buses connect the others. There are 65 lifts, with 16 green runs, 27 blue, 25 red and 12 black, plus two terrain parks.  

The Mont-Blanc Unlimited Lift Pass is valid for all five resorts, Courmayeur in Italy, the 4 Vallées in Switzerland, and one visit to Evasion Mont-Blanc (St Gervais or Megève). 

Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass (France & Italy):

  • Brevent-Flégère area
  • Grands Montets area
  • Balme Tour Vallorcine area
  • Aiguille du Midi
  • Montenvers Mer de Glace train
  • Tramway du Mont-Blanc
  • Les Houches area
  • Courmayeur area
  • Evasion Mont-Blanc – St Gervais or Megève

Plus 50% Off 1 Day Pass at Verbier 4 Vallées area (Switzerland)

Accommodation 

Stay in the historic town of Chamonix to be close to shops, bars and restaurants, or choose the quieter village of Argentière, family-friendly les Houches, authentic Servoz or the more remote Vallorcine, near the Swiss border. 

Non-ski activities and experiences 

The Mont-Blanc Unlimited lift pass also offers access to the Chamonix pool, cinema, ice skating rink and museums.  

Other activities include snowshoeing, ice climbing, paragliding, mountaineering, dog sledding and tobogganing.  

Après-ski 

As well as traditional restaurants offering fondues and raclettes, you will find Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Mexican options.  

For après, head to Chambre Neuf for live music, the terrace at Elevation 1904 or La Terrasse, or try some local ales at Micro Brasserie de Chamonix. 

Location

Location & Ski Maps

Transfer time to Chamonix Mont-Blanc:

  • Geneva airport: 1hr 15min*
  • Chamonix has its own train station

Resort altitude: 1,035m

*Transfer time is approximate, by private transfer vehicle and subject to traffic, weather and road conditions. 

Shared shuttle/bus transfers have set departure times, take much longer to travel and don’t offer door to door service which is why we recommend private transfers only.

Mont-Blanc Unlimited ski map

Mont Blanc Unlimited Ski Area Map
Mont Blanc Unlimited Ski Area Map

Chamonix Valley ski map

Chamonix Valley Map
Chamonix Valley Map

Brévent-Flégère ski map

Brevent-Flegere trail map
Brévent-Flégère trail map

Aiguille du Midi ski map

Aiguille du Midi map - Chamonix
Aiguille du Midi trail map

Les Houches ski map

Les Houches trail map - chamonix
Les Houches trail map

Grands Montets ski map

Grands Montets Trail Map Chamonix
Grands Montets trail map

Balme Vallorcine ski map

Balme - Vallorcine trail map
Balme - Vallorcine trail map

Evasion Mont-Blanc ski map

Evasion Mont Blanc Trail Map
Evasion Mont-Blanc trail map

Watch the Video

Chamonix Ski Resort Video

Welcome to the legendary mountaineering town of Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Majestic peaks, incredible views, endless off-piste skiing and a unique vibrant experience awaits you.
Watch this video to find out more…

Watch Video now

Photo Gallery

FAQ

Chamonix is home to the highest summit in Europe, the Mont Blanc at 4,810m.

The Chamonix ski resort has many different ski areas to choose from, all under the one lift pass: The Mont-Blanc Unlimited.

All of the ski areas offer awe-inspiring views not only of the Mont Blanc, but also of the different surrounding peaks – Aiguilles Rouges, Aiguille du Midi, Aiguille du Dru and Aiguille Verte.

Chamonix also boasts the longest off-piste ski run in the world, “La Vallée Blanche”, which ends with a visit to the ice cave Montenvers Mer de Glace (sea of ice) followed by catching the iconic Montenvers red cog wheel train down to the town centre of Chamonix.

The town itself has an adrenaline-filled atmosphere with lively restaurants and bars and plenty of pretty shops offering everything from souvenirs, ski gear and clothing to locally produced cheeses and saucissons.

Chamonix is the pinnacle destination for free-riders and advanced skiers alike looking for challenging on and off piste terrains with stunning views.

Skiers and snowboarders of all levels wanting to experience a different area every day of their ski holiday will be spoilt for choice and variety.

Be mindful that Chamonix is a valley town and not a ski village. So to get to the different ski fields, you will need to catch the local buses (FREE) which can take anywhere from 10 to 25min and run every 30min.

This makes it not so ideal for families travelling with young children. However, if you are bringing the young ones, you are better off staying near a ski area that caters best for families such as Les Houches with perfect easy groomers for beginners and intermediate skiers.

From a calming yoga session on the mountain top to racing through the night to get to an Italian mountain restaurant on the back of a skidoo, there’s something to suit every taste and budget, both here in Chamonix and in neighbouring Italy and Switzerland. 

  • Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit (3,842m) – This is the number #1 tourist attraction in Chamonix with stunning views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley.
  • Montenvers train & Mer de Glace – (sea of ice) Experience the best views of France’s longest glacier at the Montenvers – Mer de Glace site. Take the iconic rack and pinion train to the top at 1913m and then descend by cable car and around 500 steps to visit the ice cave within the glacier.
  • Paragliding – See the Chamonix valley from a totally different perspective, 1000 metres above the ground on a tandem paragliding flight
  • Husky rides – Every Wednesday, subject to snow conditions, you can learn to drive your own sled from 8 years of age, or enjoy the ride as a passenger from any age.
  • Paret sledge – Parets are traditional wooden sledges with one runner. Take the last lift up to experience the slopes of Grands Montets on a paret, once the skiers have gone home. Open to kids from 12 years of age.
  • Sledging – Babies and toddlers can get a taste for some downhill action on the small slopes in Chamonix town centre. You can also take sledges on dedicated slopes at Les Planards or at the top of Prarion in Les Houches.
  • Deluxe Igloo & Fondue Adventure. Head off into the Swiss forests (not too far from Chamonix!) to ride the 3km sledging track as many times as you want. You’ll then strap on your snowshoes for a beautiful hike to the real snow igloo, where after working up that appetite you’ll enjoy a traditional cheese fondue.
  • Luge Alpine Coaster (toboggan on rails)- ride along the 1300m track at the bottom of the Les Planards beginner ski area, in Chamonix town centre. Children can ride from 3 years old, and unaccompanied from 7
  • Outdoor ice-skating rink with unbeatable views of Mont Blanc. Or witness a local game of ice hockey.
  • Swimming pool – there is also a fun zone with slide, rapids and massaging jets and a sauna and hammam.
  • Museums – At the Alpine Museum, explore the history of the Chamonix valley, including the beginnings of mountaineering, the first ascent of Mont Blanc, winter and summer sports and the birth of tourism.
  • French language lessons – since Chamonix is a town centre and suitable for longer term stays, some people like to combine their France snow holidays with an immersion in French language and culture.
  • Other activities – these include wilderness evenings, Ice climbing, snow yoga, Fat biking, Massage, Spas & Wellbeing, art galleries, markets, Wine tasting / Cocktail tasting / Whisky tasting, shopping and much more…

Chamonix is a 1-hour 15min drive by private transfer from either Lyon or Geneva Airport.

Chamonix has its own train station in the town centre but depending on where you’re coming from, a private transfer is usually the best option, especially if arriving/departing from either Lyon or Geneva airports. There are many train stops and changes and it takes twice as long by road.

Top Snow Travel can also arrange helicopter or scenic flight transfers from all airports or other ski resort altiports in the region.

Next winter Chamonix is scheduled to open from December 16th 2023 to April 28th 2024

The Mont-Blanc Unlimited lift pass provides unlimited access to Brévent- Flégère area (Chamonix), Balme area (Tour – Vallorcine), Grands Montets area (Argentière), Les Planards, Le Savoy, Les Chosalets, La Vormaine (Family ski areas), Megève & St Gervais (Evasion Mt Blanc ski area), Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers Mer de Glace, Tramway du Mont-Blanc, Courmayeur (Italy).

January 6th to Feb 10th 2024 is the cheapest and best time to go (low season), followed by 9th March until mid-April 2024 (the shoulder season).

For Australians travelling to France to ski during our January summer holidays, we benefit from the cheaper rates on offer in the French ski resorts’ low season.  This happens to be when the French and Europeans go back to work and school after the 2 week Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Europeans and the Brits flock to the resorts through February into March (DO NOT TRAVEL from 10th Feb to 9th Mar 2024 as this is the French school holidays). The slopes are extremely busy, the queues at the lifts are long and the price for accommodation is very expensive during that time.  Even all the restaurants are booked out!

Typically, in January, the snow is dry with the largest build up. It is also the coldest time, so you will need to make sure that you dress warmly. It is still wise to choose a high-altitude resort in case mother nature has not been kind earlier in the season. Bear in mind though, that snow-making is used to supplement natural snowfall in high traffic areas.

So, not only is January the cheapest time to go skiing in the French Alps, it is also the best time to go thanks to the weather conditions, the lack of queues, more availability and choice of accommodation and you get to breathe fresh air with your loved ones, rather than with thousands of other people!