Enter a resort or lodge
    Select dates
    Room 1
    Select Travelers and Chose children ages if needed

    ABOUT CHAMONIX

    Mountains rule in Chamonix, France. Some of the world's best expert skiing can be found on Chamonix’s jagged peaks and glaciers that rise 12,500 feet above the valley floor. Chamonix, or “Cham” as the locals and core skiers call it, has more of an authentic alpine flair than the glitz and glamour you’ll find at some European resorts. Chamonix is renowned as an avid mountaineer destination, so you can expect to see a lot of advanced skiers and boarders schlepping climbing equipment around, many of who have traveled to experience the revered terrain from all over the world.

    Tucked beneath the shadow of the 15,767-foot Mont Blanc—France’s treasure—the power and beauty of this area are unmatched. This “bucket list” destination is the oldest ski area in the French Alps and is popular as a destination and spot for a weekend getaway. Chamonix’s village is brimming with tons of shopping too, from jewelry stores and designer boutiques to high-performance outdoor gear shops. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy an extensive Nordic trail network, ski touring and winter paragliding. As far as your evenings go, be sure to check out the casino and the variety of other hot spots for nightlife. The Mont Blanc ski pass also includes access to Evasion Mont Blanc Megève, Courmayeur, Italy and Crans Montana, Switzerland. Please note that access to these areas is only available with an Unlimited Mont Blanc Pass for 2 or more days. With a pass for 6 or more days, you'll also have access to Verbier, Switzerland.

    Stay

    ...in the lively mountain town of Chamonix at the Alpina Eclectic for a lively, social lobby and great central location.

    Travel

    ...by flying into Geneva International Airport for ultimate convenience.

    Explore

    …the pedestrian streets in the town center to admire the distinct architecture of wooden chalets, peruse the artisanal shops and savor hearty cuisine from cozy restaurants.

    Treat

    …yourself to the ancestral practice of Sylvotherapy, or forest bathing, to reconnect with nature and reap the benefits of breathing in the fresh forest air.

    Ski

    … world-famous off-piste lines and a top elevation of 10,810 feet from November through May.

    Enjoy

    …skiing down the famous Vallée Blanche, a 12+ mile off-piste route with awe-inspiring views of glaciers and peaks.

    Taste

    …the traditional Savoyard dish, a tartiflette, made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions, and served hot and bubbly from the oven.

    Experience

    ...guided skiing to see and ski the best of Mont Blanc.

    Chamonix is a famous skiing destination located in the southeast of France, near the border with Switzerland and Italy. Chamonix is easily accessible from Geneva Airport and can be a great option for those looking to combine skiing with a cultural experience in both France and Switzerland.
    Ultimately, it depends on your budget and what you're looking for. Chamonix is a world-renowned ski destination with top-notch skiing and stunning views, so you can expect to pay a premium for the experience. With the help of Ski.com, we’ll take over the research and planning tasks for you to find something that fits your budget to help make your dream ski trip come true.

    Chamonix offers a diverse range of skiing experiences suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginner to expert.

    Beginners will enjoy the gentle slopes of Les Planards and La Vormaine, both of which offer wide, open runs and ski schools for those who are new to the sport.

    The Brévent-Flégère ski area is a great choice for intermediate skiers, offering long, sweeping runs with stunning views of Mont Blanc.

    The Grands-Montets-Lognan area is the perfect choice for advanced skiers looking for a challenge. It has steep, ungroomed terrain and access to some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. Ski.com highly recommends hiring a guide during your visit to optimize your time there, minimize confusion on the slopes and get to the terrain that suits your level as easily as possible.

    Skiing in Chamonix is a unique and unforgettable experience with world-class skiing, stunning views of the Alps and Mont Blanc, and a charming town with a vibrant après-ski scene. The extensive lift system provides easy access to a vast array of runs and off-piste areas, including the legendary Vallée Blanche, which offers a thrilling and unforgettable descent through glaciers and breathtaking scenery. The scenery in Chamonix is simply stunning, with the snow-covered peaks of the surrounding alps towering above you, and the majestic Mont Blanc dominating the skyline.

    SKI CHAMONIX FRANCE

    Chamonix France offers five main ski areas, accessed via the area’s mini base villages with a total of 51 lifts transporting skiers of all abilities to the resort's famed slopes. Le Brevent cable car begins just above the town and climbs to more than 8,000 feet. Les Houches, Le Tour and sunny La Flegere are areas ideal for beginners, families and intermediates looking for trails at their level. Grands-Montets-Lognan is the most popular area for intermediate and more advanced skiers. Strong intermediate and above skiers will want to challenge themselves in the area off the Aiguille du Midi, reached by a two-stage cable car. This descent of over 8,000 feet on and along the glacier of Vallee Blanche features spectacular mountain scenery dominated by Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain.

    NoForecast

    CUSTOMER REVIEWS (13)

    OVERALL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE*

    4.5Excellent
    *based on the average of all overall experience ratings given in traveler reviews.

    What the experts are saying

    Ray Polglaze
    Ray Polglaze
    Mountain Travel Expert
    800-908-5000 X 3366
    NR

    Chamonix trip - March 2016

    Cham has great skiing, lousy weather.

    Traveling to and from Cham was no problem. Flights and van rides went off without a hitch. The skiing was fantastic. Lots of challenging terrain with good variety, from what I could see. I had nothing but flat light for five of my six days there. Sometimes total white room when you can't tell sky from ground. Thank goodness for my guide, Phillipe. He was excellent. He led us through the bad light and still found good snow. Kept everyone safe and having fun. I would definitely ski with him again. Meeting up with the guide on the first day is difficult. Finding your way around town is not easy, particularly if you don't speak french.

    awesome

    So many different skiing opportunities within easy access. Bus system in town is great - though crowded at times - but buses can get you to any ski area you want. No need for a car. Diverse selection of restaurants. My daughter is gluten free and we had no problem finding menu's to accommodate her needs

    Excellent Terrain & Town

    Visited with our family and really enjoyed our time. The town is great - plenty of good restaurants, stores and just great to walk around. The terrain is varied and excellent with plenty of opportunities to enjoy off-piste skiing. If you have not been, a few things to note: (1) the resort is VERY spread out. Depending on where you are staying (we were in Chamonix Sud), the buses to the mountains may take upwards of 30 minutes in a very crowded often standing room only bus.; (2) Hire a guide - if you want an off-piste adventure, get a guide especially if you desire to ski Aiguille du Midi Vallee Blanc.

    Stunning surroubdings

    Gorgeous views and fun skiing. While there was not much powder skiing I loved the e patience.

    First european ski trip

    Lot of fun. Great place to ski at. Definitley would recommend getting a guide if you plan to go off-piste at all.

    Aiguille du Midi & Grand Montet

    Awesome, quaint little town surrounded by the beautiful French alps. We really enjoyed our trip to the Vallee Blanch, the 21 km glacier run from the Aiguille du Midi on our snowboards was a heart throbbing, adrenalin filled off piste adventure that all skiers and snowboarders should attempt at some point in their lives. Its not for the faint of heart and you should have a good fitness level and a minimum of intermediate skills. Also remember the dangers are real and you can die. We snowboarded all the resorts but our favorite was Grand Montet. The 2nd day we received 20cm and spent two days cutting tracks in fresh powder. The resort is huge and you have to hit the piste Point of vue it the highest lift at Grand Montet with an amazing view of the Glacier Argentiere.

    very enjoyable

    Excellent service and amenities, except low cloud cover made visibility difficult.

    We Are Chamonix!

    We had a great week in Chamonix. Our hotel was a great location to town, and to the bus station - which was most important to getting to all the ski areas. Its important to have a guide as soon as you arrive to ski the Vallee Blanche and some other cool parts of Chamonix. While it isn't a beginner mountain, any intermediate and above can enjoy all aspects of Chamonix! The food is delicious, and no need to order special bottles, the house wine is always delish! Stop into Payard for some smoked saussicons! The only negative is it takes effort in Chamonix to get on the mountain, we didn't really have any ski on ski off options. Its a city, and you walk or bus to the mountains.

    Memories that will last a lifetime

    I have been skiing since I was a teeanger but had always dreamed of skiing the alps. Finally got it together and hooked up with a friend of mine that was living in Zurich. Flew into Geneva from JFK and took a 2 hour bus into Chamonix. The town is lovely but what really struck me were how truly awe inspiring were the mountains. Jagged peaks of sheer rock, massive walls of snow that surrounded the village on both sides. I have skied alot in the Rockies and thought I would be prepared for how majestic these mountains were, but I was wrong. You can see why these mountains inspired generations of romantic writers and poets. There are 4 ski areas there for all levels. I am an advanced but not expert skier. Therefore, I skied several days at Les Grand Montets. Unlike US skiing, there are huge wide open areas, similar to bowls in places like Vail, with no trees. Some is groomed, some is ungroomed and you can ski the ungroomed and when you're tired get back on the groomed. Many of the runs were massive and the lines were never bad. We got lucky with the weather because we got dumped on. Huge amounts of powder. I did not ski La Vallee Blanche but you can see many glaciers from the expert runs. On the last day, just for a change of pace, we took the tunnel into Italy and skiied Courceval. Besides lots of great terrainm, the food there on the slopes was even better than France. You have not eaten pasta until you've had a warm bowl of carbonara after skiing hard all morning. As you would expect, the area is very international with people from all over the world. IF the snow is good, I guarantee it will be a ski vacation you will never forget.

    Greatest Experience

    I have never skiied Europe, but have been to Europe several times. The Hotel Mont Blanc is the best place to stay. Close to the Ski School, the tour office and the bus stop. It has some of the best food I have ever had in Europe and the staff is the best. The terrain is challenging and beautiful.\nThe Ski Instructors are very friendly and personable\nI will return again soon.

    EXPERT REVIEWS (3)

    3.9Good
    • 4.0Family Vacation
    • 5.0Access
    • 4.0Luxury Vacation
    • 4.0Dining
    • 5.0Activities
    • 4.0Accommodations
    • 5.0Expert Skiing
    • 2.0Terrain Park
    • 3.0Beginner Skiing
    • 5.0Shopping
    • 3.0Intermediate Skiing
    • 2.0Ski-in Ski-out
    • 4.0Budget Vacation
    • 4.0Nightlife
    • 4.0Spa
    Expert reviews are written by our seasoned mountain vacation specialists based on their first-hand experiences.

    Key

    • 1=Poor
    • 2=Fair
    • 3=Average
    • 4=Good
    • 5=Excellent

    Reviews

    Anthony Luczkow
    Anthony Luczkow
    Mountain Vacation Specialist
    800-908-5000
    X 3191

    Chamonix is Everything You've Heard and So Much More!

    3.9
    Good
    • 4.0
    • 5.0
    • 5.0
    • 4.0
    • 4.0
    • 4.0
    • 3.0
    • 3.0
    • 4.0
    • 4.0
    • 2.0
    • 5.0
    • 4.0
    • 5.0
    • 2.0

    I've had what I thought was a pretty clear image of Chamonix in my head for many years.  It consisted of a small mountain village in the Alps surrounded by massive and harrowing peaks comprised of almost entirely advanced/expert terrain that would intimate just about any skier. When we turned the corner into town I could immediately tell that there was much more to this area than just steep technical terrain (though there is plenty of it if that is what you are looking for).

    First, the town is far larger than I expected.  It spans a large valley and features a number of base areas along with a large downtown and pedestrian village area.  This is one of the world's quintessential ski towns and features all types of cuisine, tons of shopping and just about every nightlife distinction as well.  In addition to downtown, each individual base area provides its own dining options that are generally more traditional and generally will have one or two lodging options as well.  This is all extremely rare, especially in Europe as there generally is not enough space in the tight valleys for a town of this size.

    Another detail worth noting is that the area does share a border with the Italian resort, Courmayeur and does feature direct ski and lift access to the area.  The Italian influence is apparent in town as well with quite a few traditional Italian dining options.

    Now on to the skiing.  If you've read about the area at all you probably already now about the huge amount of advanced terrain and technical skiing and climbing that can be found in the area.  What you probably haven't heard about is the amount of beginner and intermediate skiing the area offers, nearly all of which extends from the top of each lift so beginners can go to any peak without having to worry about getting stuck.

    Finally, the views offered both in town and on the peaks are really unparalleled, which is saying a lot if you have ever visited the Alps.  The mountains feature huge vertical rise (l'Auguille du Midi cable car holds the record for largest vertical ascent), putting you above most of the largest peaks in the area.  On a clear day you can see seemingly forever and get a view of the most prominent peaks in the Alps (the Matterhorn, the Monta Rosa, and the Grand Combin).

    If you're going to take away anything from this view I hope that it is that this area is not meant for the exclusive use of expert skiers.  It is an enormous resort provide skiing and entertainment for everyone, along with some fantastic accommodations and even better views from all of its many peaks.

    Ray Polglaze
    Ray Polglaze
    Mountain Vacation Specialist
    800-908-5000
    X 3366

    Chamonix trip - March 2016

    NR
    NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR

    Chamonix is a beautiful village, located in a spectacular valley at the foot of Mont Blanc. There is a lot of history in the area. It was first settled almost 1,000 years ago and a Benedictine priory was established there in the early 1200’s. The mountain history and recreation in the area is what draws most visitors today. Mont Blanc was first climbed in 1786 by two local alpinists Balmat and Paccard – a feat that is still considered one of the greatest in the annals of mountaineering. You can find their statues in the pedestrian area. Balmat was a notoriously arrogant character while Paccard was much more down to earth, which probably explains why they have separate statues.

    Chamonix was the site of the very first Winter Olympics in 1924 and is now the base area for several excellent ski areas that are close by: Le Brevent/Flegere, Argentiere-Les Grands Montets and Les Houches. It is also the site of the Aiguille du Midi cable car – with the longest vertical gain of any lift in the world at 9,210 feet – which takes you up to the spectacular starting point of the Vallee Blanche.

    The village itself is quite compact and relatively flat, so it is easy to get around. The pedestrian area (Rue Docteur Paccard – Rue Joseph Vallot) is a very entertaining stroll full of excellent restaurants, outdoor cafes and mountain sports equipment retailers. It also contains Chamonix’s biggest grocery store and pharmacy. Most areas of the village offer excellent views of Mont Blanc.

    Getting there:

    The easiest way to get there is to fly to Geneva (GVA) and then take a private shuttle. Chamonix is 55 miles (approx. one hour travel time) from GVA. Travel by train is a little more complicated as two of the main train stations in Geneva are being completely renovated and will not reopen until 2018. Under normal circumstances, the train trip from GVA to Chamonix takes about 3 hours.

    Ski areas:

    Le Brevent/Flegere: This is a large ski area on the sunny side of the valley, with exceptional views of the Mont Blanc massif. The easiest way to get there is to take the Plan Praz gondola from Chamonix. Most hotels are within a short walk of the gondola but the free shuttle bus will take you right there, if you don’t feel like walking. On a powder day, Le Brevent/Flegere doesn’t tracked out nearly as quickly as Argentiere/Les Grands Montets.

    Argentiere/Les Grands Montets: The largest and most popular ski area in the Chamonix Valley, with 6,700 vertical feet of skiing. Take the free shuttle bus from Chamonix. There is not much terrain for beginners but you will find the gentlest slopes in the Marmottons area. We recommend that you hire a guide if skiing on the glaciers that are accessed from the Grands Montets cable car.

    Les Houches: A smaller ski area, better suited for beginners and intermediate skiers. You can access the area via the free shuttle service. A heads-up for snowboarders - Les Houches has quite a few drag lifts.

    Aiguille du Midi: The Vallee Blanche is a must-do for intermediate and advanced skiers. The run is more than 12 miles long and drops nearly 9,000 vertical feet. The main feature, however, is the incredible scenery. Only recommended with a mountain guide and on a clear day, it is an unforgettable alpine experience. The cable car leaves from Chamonix.

    Hotels:

    Hotel Mont-Blanc (5 stars): Just a block from the main pedestrian section, this hotel has undergone a full renovation within the last few years and is a really nice blend of elegance and contemporary innovation. The property has a beautiful spa, outdoor pool and private shuttle service. You won't be disappointed if you stay here. Highly recommended.

    Heliopic (4 stars): Situated right next door to the Aiguille du Midi cable car station, the Heliopic is a 5 minute walk from the pedestrian area and the ski shuttle stop. Decorated in a contemporary Scandinavian style, the property was nice enough but seemed to lack warmth and atmosphere. I also found the bathrooms to be fairly small for such a new property. There are 90 rooms (34 standard, 38 superior and 18 family).

    Grand Hotel des Alpes (4 stars): Located right in the center of the pedestrian area, this is a very nice 4 star property. The property backs onto the river – it might be worth requesting a room on the river side of the hotel if you are mostly there for skiing and not the nightlife. All rooms have split king beds and balconies are assigned by request. The hotel is a short walk from the shuttle bus stop. Bed and breakfast only is offered. Given that there are 50 restaurants within a 5 minute walk of the property, you won’t mind that there is no half-board option.

    Morgane (4 stars): The Morgane has 56 rooms and is generally offered with bed only, or bed and breakfast (15 Euros extra per person per day). Half-board is offered during high season. One block from the pedestrian area, it is a short walk from the hotel to the ski shuttle stop. They also offer a private shuttle to Le Brevent for guests. Standard rooms have queen beds but all others have a split king. Balconies are a good size and the Junior Suites have a split king plus a queen sleeper-sofa. Like most nicer properties, it has a spa area with pool, sauna and hammam.

    Hotel Les Aiglons (4 stars): This is a huge hotel with 107 rooms, probably best suited for groups. All rooms have balconies and split king beds. The superior rooms have the split king as well as a twin sleeper-sofa and views of Mont Blanc. The ski shuttle stops right outside. They have a huge restaurant that is going to be remodeled after this winter season. The hotel has a huge outdoor pool as well as steam room and sauna. I found the property to be a little dirty and somewhat overrated at 4 stars.

    Les Balcons du Savoy (4 stars): Perfect for those who prefer to stay in a condo style of lodging. The property has 33 one and two bedroom apartments. Very family oriented, it has a huge game room, pool, sauna and hammam. It is located right beside the Savoy Samaran beginners area and just a short walk from the Plan Praz gondola that accesses Le Brevent. There are two buildings at the property and each has a laundry room. The apartments have kitchenettes rather than full kitchens but they are nice and traditionally decorated.

    Hotel Le Prieure (3 stars): A hidden gem. This property just went through a major renovation and now features a contemporary style of décor. It is waaaaay nicer than other 3 stars and even many 4 star properties. It has a total of 97 rooms and offers bed and breakfast or half-board options. All rooms have split king beds and balconies and there are connection options throughout. One interesting possibility is connecting a family room with a standard room – this would give 2 split kings plus a queen sleeper-sofa and would include two full bathrooms. Walking distance to the ski shuttle, the property also has a ski shop, hammam, sauna and hot tub. Their half board package also includes dinner at the other local hotels within their ownership group – Mercure, Alpina and Croix Blanche.

    Hotel de l’Arve (3 stars): The hotel has 37 rooms and 6 apartments. They offer bed and breakfast or half-board. Some rooms have balconies. This is an older, traditional-style property and has not been renovated in a long time, so expect small bathrooms and not much storage space in the rooms. It is only a short walk from the ski shuttle and pedestrian area and is a good option for people with a low budget and low expectations.

    Dana Flach
    Dana Flach
    Mountain Vacation Specialist
    800-908-5000
    X 3421

    Chamonix France

    NR
    NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    • NR
    Chamonix lives up to its reputation as one of the top European Resorts.  During a recent trip to the French Alps, Mont Blanc was always seen from a distance.  Until Chamonix!  To see Mont Blanc so close is an indescribable stunning vision.  The town of Chamonix has lodging options for all needs and budgets.  My personal favorites are the Hotel Mont Blanc and The Grand Hotel des Alpes.  The pedestrian area is centrally located with some of the best shopping in the French Alps!  Though half board is normally recommended in Europe, Chamonix has such a wide variety of restaurants to choose from that you'll be happy to take breakfast in your hotel and have a different dinner choice each evening.   the Vallee Blanche is a bucket list item for intermediate and above skiers (you must go with a guide).  Weather dictated that we could not ski the Vallee Blanche this time, so that's just one more reason a repeat visit to Chamonix is in my future!