Chamonix belongs to the nobility of the Alps. In the heart of the Alps, in the rugged landscape of France, just off the Italian border, Chamonix is one of the most classic ski resorts in the Alps. The location right at the foot of Mont Blanc guarantees stunning views all year round.
CHAMONIX AS A TRAVEL DESTINATION
Downhill skiing and snowboarding
The Chamonix area has a long skiing tradition. The Winter Olympics were held here as early as 1924. Winters are snow-sure and the slopes abound not only in Chamonix, but also in other surrounding ski resorts. The Aosta Valley on the Italian side is just a stone’s throw away.
In addition to skiers, Chamonix is equally popular with snowboarders and off-scoring opportunities are also great.
There are 170 slope kilometers in Chamonix and a total of 49 lifts. Most of the slopes are red and blue, but there are also 11 black slopes for more demanding tastes.
A friend of French delicacies will find a wide range of restaurants in Chamonix. The area’s bars are known for their lively nightlife.
Winter months are the best time
The best time to travel to Chamonix is, of course, the snowy winter months.
There is also enough to do in the summer for outdoor enthusiasts. The magnificent location at the foot of Mont Blanc makes Chamonix worth seeing, for example, as a stage for a car journey. The glacier is white all year round.
Chamonix has about 13,000 permanent residents, so even in the quieter summer months, the place is not quite as deserted as many other Alpine destinations.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN CHAMONIX
By plane to Geneva
Geneva Airport is just over an hour’s flight from Chamonix. Round-trip fares range from around € 200 to € 400 depending on the time of day. Prices can go up to around 500 euros during the busiest ski season, so you should invest your savings in the beginning or end of the season.
Finnair flies directly from Helsinki to Geneva. Alternative connections are available through several other airlines.
Accommodation and getting around easy
Chamonix has a good tourist infrastructure and a wide range of accommodation. Hotels and apartments are available in all price ranges from budget locations to luxury.
The most atmospheric form of accommodation in the Alps is, of course, a chalet , ie your own cottage or villa. Especially when traveling with a larger group, renting a cottage is significantly cheaper than a hotel.
The center of Chamonix is easily accessible and all services are within walking distance. A free ski bus takes you from the center to the slopes.
The general price level is slightly higher than, for example, in many Austrian ski resorts, but on the other hand lower than in the Swiss Alps.
CHAMONIX ATTRACTIONS
The landscape is the biggest attraction in Chamonix
The rugged Alps surround Chamonix. The ascent to the Aiguille du Midi mountains from an eagle perspective is worth a look. The lift reaches a height of 3,842 meters, higher than anywhere else in Europe.
The train du Montenvers, or the historic scenic train in Chamonix, takes you along the track to a height of almost two kilometers. From its terminus, you can explore the Mer de Glace glacier. The winter Alpine atmosphere in Chamonix is therefore easily accessible without skis.
World famous offari
The slopes of Chamonix offer a wide range of skiing opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The offshore opportunities in Chamonix in particular are world class. A classic in this field is the 20-kilometer off-road Vallèe Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi. A demanding route is only recommended for experienced skiers.
Concave skiers will also find plenty of challenging things to do on the marked slopes: the “royal mountain” from the upper station of Les Grands Montets, the elevation difference in the valley is more than two kilometers and most of its slopes are black and red.
Le Brévent, on the other hand, is a little easier to count just a short walk from the center. The sun shines on its slopes due to its southern location from morning until afternoon.
Pop in Italy
From Chamonix it is easy to go on day trips to other nearby ski resorts. Familiar names nearby include Megève and Albertville.
The Aosta Valley on the Italian side is just a stone’s throw from Chamonix. A tourist can easily make an excursion to the neighboring Italian side with or without skis. It is also possible to spot a third country on the same day: the Swiss border is also only twenty kilometers away.
